Learning mindfulness on your own is great.  It can be a very rewarding skill to learn.  However, for some people learning independently can be difficult.  You might ask yourself, “What’s another option?”

Well classes are certainly a great options for those who aren’t such independent learners.  But you still might have some questions.  How do I find a class near me?  What if I can’t find a class? What should I expect from these classes?

I’m going to do my best to lay out what options you have when it comes to taking classes and explain the benefits of each option.

Well, first off I have good news!  I’ve found the most convenient way to take a mindfulness class:  Online mindfulness based stress reduction (MBSR) classes!

The course is officially called: the Palouse Mindfulness Online MBSR Course.  These classes are structured by a certified instructor, and the classes are modeled off the teachings of Jon Kabat-Zinn, aka: the father of MBSR.  The best part?  They’re COMPLETELY FREE!  Yes, I promise that’s not a typo.  If you’re a student like me, or maybe you’re just tight on cash, you know that can be a huge deal when it comes to a class like this.

The entire class is laid out for you on the website.  First it gives a thorough introduction to mindfulness, with some videos to watch just to help you get your feet wet.  There is also a manual that you can print out which will have all the reference materials as well as the practice logs.  These practice logs are required for certification, so I’d suggest you fill them out.  These practice logs can really be a motivator for people who have a hard time sticking to practicing mindfulness daily.

Once you get through the introduction, the course is divided into eight weeks.  Each week features a new meditation to practice.  This structure reminds me a lot of the Koru mindfulness class I took in college, so the structure seems pretty standard.  The class features a variety of meditations.  Some of the weeks even feature yoga exercises.  It seems like they something in it for everyone.

At the end of the class you can request a certificate of completion.  All you have to do is send in your contact information, a description of what you learned in the class, and copies of all your practice logs from the course.  See I told you they’re important.

Now this is all fine and good, but what if you’re the type of person like me who only takes online classes when they feel that it’s absolutely necessary?  In other words you really don’t like online classes that much and want to know if there’s another option.

Fortunately for you there is.  There are plenty of in-person classes to take all across the country!  If you’re a college student like me I would highly suggest looking into any classes offered at our university.  I know that Koru is a common one and that’s the first class I ever took.  These classes usually work around most schedules and are only once a week, so it’s not a huge class time commitment.  I would recommend going to your college’s website and looking under their health center or counseling center’s page and see if there are any class offerings.  If there aren’t any then try to write to your university requesting one.  You never know they might just consider you request.

Another option if you’re not a college student or your school doesn’t offer any classes, is to go look for local classes offered in the community.  The best way to do this is to put in a google search of “MBSR courses near me.”  I’ve also found it’s helpful to go to the University of Massachusetts Center for mindfulness, so that you can see if there is a certified instructor near you.  If there is it will usually direct you to their homepage where you can get more details on the class.  For example, I found a course in Pittsburgh offered at UPMC.

There are plenty of different options available if you are considering taking a mindfulness class.  Each one has it’s unique qualities to fit your lifestyle.  Be sure to consider all your options and pick the best one for you.

Have you ever taken a mindfulness class? Would you ever consider trying one of the options listed above? Let me know in the comments!

Remember: Everyone starts out as a beginner, if they can do it then so can you!

Mindful Musings

A mental health journey through mindfulness