Frequently Asked Questions related to MBSR

Individuals suffering from stress, who wish to increase their overall well-being and change habitual reactivity patterns in order to live a life of greater ease.

Experience with meditation is not necessary. Beginners are welcome.

We encourage you to consider whether or not this programme is the right fit for you. This is not a determination of your value or abilities, simply an invitation to consider if the Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction programme is best matched to support your journey at this time. If you are currently struggling with an active and acute trauma state, are trying to manage impulses for self-harm, or are having acute depression or anxiety, this is not the right time to engage in this programme. 

While the MBSR programme is a useful tool to learn how to self-regulate and support yourself in times of stress, it is not a replacement for therapy. If you are still unsure if this programme is a good fit for you right now, we encourage you to discuss your situation with a doctor or therapist before proceeding.

Participants are expected to commit to attending all 8 weekly in-person sessions and the full-day retreat.  Outside the sessions, participants are encouraged to commit at least 45 minutes of daily practice to benefit from this course the most.

We have a 14-day refund policy from the MBSR Orientation session is conducted.

The MBSR (Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction) programme is not religious. It is a secular programme that was developed by Dr. Jon Kabat-Zinn at the University of Massachusetts Medical Centre in the late 1970s. MBSR is based on the practice of mindfulness, which is derived from Buddhist meditation but is presented in a secular and non-religious way. The programme teaches participants how to use mindfulness to reduce stress and improve overall well-being.

This programme is being conducted in hospitals around the world with success among many populations, including people suffering from depression, anxiety, chronic pain, and work stress.

Studies have indicated that mindfulness can be beneficial in reducing stress and anxiety, diminishing negative thoughts, and promoting positive emotions. Additionally, mindfulness may aid in preventing depression relapses, enhancing attention and emotional regulation, and increasing self-awareness. The Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction programme is one of the most extensively researched mindfulness programmes that is currently being taught.

For comprehensive information on mindfulness-based research studies and information we recommend the following website: https://goamra.org/.

Yes, you can practice meditation even if you are unable to sit cross-legged. In fact, there are many different ways to meditate, and you can choose a position that is comfortable for you. You can sit in a chair, lie down, or even stand up. The most important thing is to find a position that allows you to maintain an attentive and relaxed posture, so that you can be aware and present during your meditation practice.

Stick to the medication schedule as prescribed. Do not alter any medication without consulting your doctor. Our programmes are created to help you develop the skills to make healthy choices for yourself. Adjusting or stopping your medication requires a thorough comprehension of your needs, which can only be gained over time. During the programme, you may experience various changes in your relationship to your symptoms. It is advisable to permit these changes to settle and be confirmed with your doctor before making any further changes.

• The primary physical risk is connected to practising mindful yoga movement
• Taking care of oneself is at the core of practising mindfulness
• If you hear guided instruction that you know is not safe for your body or condition, or if you are experiencing pain, please ignore the teacher and either adapt the pose or rest and imagine doing the pose
• Explore your boundaries; approach your own limits carefully but not beyond. Because mindful movement is used to teach mindfulness of the body, being aware of the body in the present moment is more important in the class than in other types of body practices where the shape of the pose is emphasised
• The teacher can help you make modifications when needed

• Feelings of sadness, anger, fear or anxiety, could seem stronger at the beginning because you may be paying attention in a conscious way for the first time
• You may find that you make discoveries about yourself that you may not like
• You may be challenged and find yourself facing the unknown
• A history of trauma, abuse, addiction to substances, or suicidality may heighten these reactions.  Please call or email your instructor right away if this is true for you, and together you can determine whether this is a good time to take the class

Finding time to practice mindfulness can be challenging, especially if you have a busy schedule. However, there are a few strategies that can help you make mindfulness a regular part of your life:

1. Prioritise mindfulness: Make mindfulness a priority in your daily schedule, just like you would with other important tasks
2. You may not be able to set aside a large block of time to practice mindfulness. In the MBSR programme, you will learn how to intelligently adapt your mindfulness practice to your schedule
3. Incorporate mindfulness into your daily routine: You can practice mindfulness while you're waiting in line, taking a shower, or even brushing your teeth.

Finding time to make a new habit of mindfulness practice can be challenging: it’s normal to have the idea that there is not enough time to practise.  We sometimes find, counter-intuitively, that setting aside time for practice increases the sense of spaciousness in the rest of the day.

Please feel free to message Loh Wei at lohwei@mindfulnessmeditation.sg to ask any questions.