Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR)

Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) was founded at UMass Memorial Medical Center by Dr. Jon Kabat-Zinn, PhD. The MBSR course offered by Community Education is an evidence-based approach grounded in Kabat Zinn’s decades of dedication to the discipline. It is designed to introduce fundamental mindfulness and meditation training for reducing stress, and bringing greater resilience, life balance, and well-being into everyday life. 

The program consists of eight weekly sessions with an additional silent retreat day. It is a practical yet also intensive approach that trains attention, allowing people to develop more awareness and choices in their daily lives.  

The program includes:  

• Guided mindfulness meditations 

• Body awareness through gentle stretching, yoga and movement 

• Group discussions and inquiry 

• Exploration of the patterns of thoughts, behaviors, feelings, and actions 

• Investigating brain research and stress responses 

• Daily home practice 

• Links to guided audio recordings 

• Resources for further development of mindful practices 

 Potential benefits: 

• Being more fully present to everyday experiences 

• Increased concentration and mental clarity 

• Enhanced ability to respond to stressful life experiences 

• Cultivation of overall well-being, including stress management, better sleep, and perhaps pain relief 

Program Structure and Commitments: 

• Weekly class attendance 

• One day retreat 

• Home practice 30-45 minutes each day 

Meet Your Instructor!

Kim Young is a qualified MBSR teacher and certified yoga instructor. Her training includes intensive practice with Solterreno Academy in Spain, Mindful Schools (USA), Mindfulness Thailand, Discovering Mindfulness, David Treleaven Trauma-Sensitive Mindfulness, and Mindfulness in Schools Project (UK). Kim has also completed Mindful Self-Compassion courses and integrates this into her work. 

Kim has lived in Bend since 1998, and has spent the last 8 years teaching internationally in Thailand. She has been a public and private school educator for over 25 years, serving diverse populations. She most recently served as the Director of Mindfulness at United World College Thailand, facilitating classes for pre K-grade 12 students, as well as designing workshops and trainings for parents and staff. Prior to her education career, Kim was a wilderness guide across North America for people of all abilities. Some of her interests include exploring outdoors, swimming, gardening, traveling, and spending quality time with family and friends.