“The quality of bringing our attention into the present moment and keeping it and sustaining it in the present moment and not judging anything or trying to force anything or reject anything, that is what mindfulness is about.”  Jon Kabat – Zinn

Doug Bremmer, MD, director of mental health research at the Atlanta Veterans Affairs Medical Center recently completed a study using MBSR for veterans with PTSD. He had favorable results and says, ” we may have the ability to teach our returning soldiers and Marines the skill to control their reaction to painful stimuli and embedded memories, without the use of medication, and before the stress from the memories becomes a chronic condition with patterns of behavior that are not beneficial to relationships or vocation.

Developed in 1979, MBSR is a manualized evidence based learning experience with an emphasis on increased concentration, clarity, insight, flexibility and patience.

The program is free to veterans , families of veterans, and those that work with vets. Registration is $250 for others, although no one will be turned away for a lack of funds.

The next session begins Wednesday from 6-8:30pm and runs for 8 weeks. February 17th through April 14th with no class on March 17th. Registration is required.

The classes are held at the Ada Peirce McCormack Building on the U of A campus. It is located at 1401 E. First Street at the Highland underpass.  The class is in the Library of the Little Chapel of All Nations.

The course instructor is Dr. Terri Davis ND and Executive Director of the Purple Mountain Institute, a non-profit organization established in 1999 to develop and deliver experiential programs to special needs groups.   520-975-8389 or 404-6685.    “terri@welcomehomefreeclinic.org”