Mindfulness: Committed to your well-being

The program has grown from its initial offering of the eight-week Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction (MBSR) course to a multi-faceted program with a wide range of offerings that complement MBSR.

Other program offerings now include Mindful Self-Compassion (MSC), Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction for BIPOC, Mindfulness-based Childbirth and Parenting (MBCP) for expectant families and mindfulness training for middle and high school students, among others.

At the core of these and all our programs is mindfulness, because of its ability to strengthen:

• Attention

• Resilience

• Effectiveness

• Well-being

• Compassion for ourselves and others

• Fuller participation and engagement in life

Mindful awareness is essential to overall health and well-being.

Our mission is to foster healing and wholeness through our:

• Instructors: Offering highly qualified and caring teachers

• Programs: Learning, teaching, practicing mindful awareness and compassion

• Partnerships: Engaging in meaningful collaboration and research partnerships

Through our classes, retreats and free practice sessions, our highly trained and caring instructors have impacted the lives of thousands of people seeking support for a specific health condition, grief or loss, personal or professional challenges, family transitions or a greater sense of ease in life.

What to expect

At UW Health Mindfulness, we welcome all people to learn how to be more present with their lives. Mindfulness is paying attention in a particular way, with kindness and curiosity to whatever arises.

Our classes are experiential and provide real-time practice of mindfulness meditation, as well as time for reflection and dialogue in a supportive and relaxed environment.

Participants are encouraged to experiment with the practices at their own comfort level. Modifications to meet the needs of mind and body are always available. Most critical to a positive experience is a willingness and commitment to take time for yourself each day through a home practice of meditation and its application in daily life.

Those who actively participate in our classes often report experiencing a range of benefits, including:

• A greater appreciation for life and an increased ability to cope effectively with challenges

• A greater ability to manage pain levels

• Improvement in energy and enthusiasm for life

• Increased confidence and ability to cope more effectively with stressful conditions

• Decrease in both physical and psychological symptoms

Online and in-person offerings

Mindfulness programs and classes are offered both in-person in Madison, Wis., and online via Zoom.

Online programs facilitate participation throughout Wisconsin and around the country. In-person classes are usually held at UW Health Science Dr Medical Center or UW Health East Madison Hospital.

Our skilled mindfulness instructors are trained in mindfulness-based practices, including meditation, guided imagery and mindful movement techniques. They help participants employ these methods to manage chronic pain, cope with chronic illness, reduce stress and develop greater balance, ease and fuller participation in their lives.