MBSR (Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction)
5-week Online Course (zoom)
Monday evenings: 6-8:00pm
March 7–April 4
Rev. Drs. Kathleen Bishop and James Jones
Understanding the acute stress all Priests and Deacons have been enduring since the pandemic began, Jim and I are offering a shorter version of the Mindfulness Meditation course for those who wish to either refresh an existing meditation practice or begin one. Research on mindfulness has shown that, with practice, the brain can be trained to respond, rather than react, to stressful events. In other words, stress is inevitable, but suffering can be reduced! Sitting meditation, body awareness and mindful movement will be taught. This is a gentle practice that requires no previous experience. “Mindfulness” is simply paying attention to present moment experience with open curiosity and a willingness to be with what is.
Although there is no charge, there is a significant time commitment: two-hour classes once a week, and an optional half-day retreat between weeks 4–5. I know that clergy time is precious and scarce. With great respect and kindness, I invite you to consider making your own mental and spiritual health a priority during these stressful times.
The Rev. Dr. Kathleen Bishop is a priest in the Diocese of New Jersey, presently the vicar of Holy Trinity Church, Spring Lake. She received her training in Teaching Mindfulness at the Jefferson–Myrna Brind Integrative Medicine Center (associated with Jefferson Hospital) in Philadelphia. Since completing the teacher training in 2014, she has taught the course many times. This includes an intensive time with Hackensack Meridian Hospital’s Integrative Medicine department from 2016-2018 where she also assisted in developing their online version.
The Rev. Dr. James Jones is the priest associate at St. George’s in Rumson, a NY & NJ Licensed Psychologist, and an Emeritus Professor of Religion at Rutgers University where he taught courses in Contemplative Studies. He has a long-time meditation practice and has written several books and papers on the psychology of religious experience. The most recent (2019 Oxford University Press) is Living Religion: Embodiment, Theology, and the Possibility of a Spiritual Sense.
