Beginning Saturday, September 12th, Meditation Teacher Al Rapaport will be leading an eight-week Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) course in Melbourne. The program consists of eight weekly 2.5 - 3 hour classes beginning at 10 a.m. on Saturdays and a one-day silent retreat on Sunday, October 18th.

MBST, originally developed by Dr. Jon Kabat-Zinn at the UMass Medical Center, can enhance participant’s abilities to relax, reduce anger, decrease anxiety, cope with chronic pain, find balance, clarity and stability, and live in the moment.

“You are the world expert on your life, your body, and your mind, or at least you are in the best position to become that expert if you observe carefully. Part of the adventure of meditation is to use yourself as a laboratory to find out who you are and what you are capable of doing,” states Jon Kabat-Zinn, author of Full Catastrophe Living.

The sessions will provide you with guided instruction in non-sectarian mindful meditation practices, gentle stretching, group dialogue and mindful communication exercises. All attendees will receive home practice materials, including CDs and a workbook. MBSR does not conflict with any religious teaching. This is the only program of its type in the Melbourne area, and is currently only being offered once a year.

Location for the series will be Open Mind Zen Center, 878 Sarno Rd, Melbourne. For more information or to register, contact Al Rapaport at 321- 427-3511 or email [email protected].