Table 1 Session outlines for Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) group treatment protocol

1

Recognising the present moment. Beginner’s Mind, Introduction to Programme, Foundations of Mindfulness, More right with you than wrong, Introduction to Body Scan meditation, Intake.

2

Engaging with the breath. Patience, Basic Training, Working with perceptions, The Wandering Mind, Mindful Yoga.

3

Practice, practice, practice. Non-Striving, Mindfulness of Breathing Meditation, Lying Yoga, Attention vs. Disattention, Pleasant Events.

4

Stress and the flow of emotions. Stressful Events, Responding vs. Reacting, Seeing Our Patterns, Sitting Meditation, Standing Yoga, Research on Stress & Stress Hardiness.

5

Stress and thoughts: finding another place to stand. Working with Thoughts & Emotions, Group Reflections on Halfway Point, Small & Large Groups, Sitting Meditation, and Qigong.

6

Interpersonal mindfulness/mindful communication. Mindfulness & Communication, Avoiding Difficulty vs. Entering and Blending, Loving kindness Meditation, Walking Meditation. Daylong Session^a: Putting it All Together.

7

Applying mindfulness. Sitting Meditation, Qigong, Trust & Self-Reliance, Mindful Consumption, Making the Practice Your Own, Mindfulness in Everyday Life.

8

Making mindfulness a part of your life. Sitting Meditation, Walking, The Class Never Ends: Practice for the rest of Your Life, Course Evaluations, Group Reflection & Checking Out.