MBSR & MSC Courses
Mindfulness-based secular offerings
Interested in the science and practice of mindfulness meditation?
IMCW is committed to sharing the benefits of mindfulness practice as widely as possible, and many of our teachers are trained in both Buddhist and secular approaches to freedom from suffering.
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) is an 8-week, evidence-based course designed to help people learn to respond more skillfully to stress, anxiety, and pain.
Developed by Jon Kabat-Zinn, MD in the Stress Reduction Clinic at the University of Massachusetts Medical Center in the 1970s, and described in his book Full Catastrophe Living, MBSR teaches intentional, present–moment awareness through mindfulness meditation.
The practice helps us experience whatever is happening in our life as it unfolds with curiosity, non-judging attention, and compassion for ourselves and others—tools for healthy living.
Mindful Self-Compassion (MSC) is an 8-week course teaching the mindful path to self-compassion—combining skills of mindfulness and self-compassion as a powerful means for emotional care and resilience.
MSC was developed by Christopher K. Germer, PhD, a leader in the integration of mindfulness and psychotherapy, and Kristin Neff, PhD, a pioneering researcher in the field of self-compassion.
The course teaches openness and curiosity towards difficult feelings—such as inadequacy, sadness, anger, and confusion—coupled with kindness and understanding for ourselves. Research shows that self-compassion can boost happiness, reduce anxiety and depression, and greatly enhance emotional wellbeing.
