The changing of the seasons is upon us once again and fall is a time of transition. Nature seems to turn inward and sleep; building up new energy and resources for a season of rebirth. When was the last time you turned inward and reflected on your resources and energies and considered how you will survive those bleak winter months when they arrive?

So as the days become darker, the nights longer, and the natural world around us enters a hushed solitude, we can embrace the rejuvenating stillness and wait with patience for the birds to resume to their song and the sun’s warmth to fill our hearts.

I want to take this opportunity to let you know about the next Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program that I will be co-facilitating with psychiatrist, Dr. Neil Levitsky. Visit his website for some very useful resources on cognitive therapy  www.cognitivetoronto.com

Mindfulness is a non-judgmental way of paying attention in the present moment. This helps us to relate differently to life problems, and conditions such as Depression and Anxiety, opening us to the possibility for change, reducing our reactivity.

The main way we formally practice mindfulness in this program is through various forms of meditation and gentle yoga.  These are practiced at home; you can expect about an hour a day of homework.

Our next course is starting on Wednesday January 30th, 2013 from 7:00-9:30pm and will be held at the Yonge Lawrence Centre for Counselling and Consulting. We are now accepting enrolment for the upcoming MBSR course in the winter.

More information: MBSR Flyer Winter 2013

For all current and past participants we will be holding our retreat on March 17th, 2013. RSVP required.

Here is an interesting article entitled Mindfulness Meditation Training Changes Brain Structure in Eight Weeks