Articles

Here is a study, very recently published in JAMA Psychiatry (a top of the line, high impact scientific journal) showing quite definitively that MBSR was as effective as the top of the line drug treatment for anxiety disorders (see paper attached). We think it will inspire you in your work to know that a rigorously designed study supports what we have known for decades.

Anxiety is a complex, deeply rooted emotion that exerts a stronger force in our lives than we ever imagined.  Anxiety drives anxiety, and is often masked by addictions and bad habits that we cannot break. The brain gets stuck in anxiety habit loops: we continue to procrastinate, we eat the extra cookie, we binge watch Netflix. And it goes without saying that in the year of COVID our anxieties have played a starring role.

Did the Buddha teach us to get rid of our emotions?

We may think—or even hope—that Buddhist practice will help us switch off unpleasant emotions so that we don’t have to experience them. Sorry, but emotions are part of being human! However, they don’t have to cause so much suffering.

The Near and Far Enemies of Fierce Compassion

by Dr. Chris Germer

CMSC Co-Founder

September 3, 2020

Social justice work is not for the fainthearted. Now more than ever, we are obliged to acknowledge our own complicity in systems of oppression as well as to assert our individual agency to bring about a better world. Committed action by many people will eventually become a powerful force for systemic change. And yet many of us grapple with some basic questions: “What can I do?” “What should I do?”

I’ve been a student of meditative techniques and contemplative traditions for a while. I
have a decades-long personal practice and academic degrees in both religious studies and
psychology. And I have mixed feelings about the kind of attention mindfulness is currently
receiving and the ways it’s often conceptualized today in the West. On one hand, the
fact meditative practices and contemplative experiences are getting increased study I feel
is deeply beneficial and long overdue. On another, with only slight exaggeration, I’m

Meditation-related challenges

Reading the Academic Report: Progress or Pathology? from Lindahl et al 2020

This post offers a reflection on a recent academic paper and may be of particular interest to those who engage in mindfulness teaching, training and practice.

Making Mindfulness Safe and Effective for People Who’ve Experienced Trauma

The Trauma-Sensitive Mindfulness Podcast:

A monthly podcast hosted by David Treleaven featuring a variety of guests speaking about the intersection of mindfulness, meditation, and trauma.

https://davidtreleaven.com/podcast-2/

Strengthening teaching integrity through practice, inquiry and community.

Mindful Academy Solterreno Teachers Sit with Inquiry:
A review of a COVID-19 support for MBSR Teachers.

Open Groups for Mindfulness Teachers

Background

Two short Videos:

Tuire Schoonen talks about taking MBSR Training to Russia and the plans to take it to Ukraine.

Bodhin talks about the Ukraine project

How many times do you beat yourself up for repeating the same limiting or self-sabotage patterns even though you “know better”? You might find yourself reaching for the next self-help book or seminar which often reiterates all the ways you “know better.” Back to square one!