ABSTRACT
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), developed by Kabat-Zinn and colleagues at the University of Massachusetts Medical Center, spans eight weeks and consists of weekly 2.5-hour-long classes and a retreat day of practice in silence after the sixth class. Participants are taught various types of meditation practices that they apply in class and to routine activities during daily life. The Mindful Medical Practice (MMP) program is closely modeled after MBSR. It differs in how it adds weight to self-care and communication practices. An important aspect of being a participant in a MBSR or MMP course is called “common humanity”. Yoga practice is a form of self-care that enables those who care for others’ bodies to notice and take care of their own. It is woven into the course and included as home practice. Loving Kindness Meditation helps participants become self-compassionate. It is introduced towards the middle of the program.
