By the time the first Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) class starts, I’ve already sat with each participant to hear their story. Some are facing their mortality, others chronic debilitating pain and addiction, still others, family histories that limit their capacity to feel joy. Each story reminds me a bit of my own, making it easy to welcome their vulnerability. Their stories are real, and incredibly human.
There’s something we’re all in together. Joseph Campbell calls it the ‘hero’s journey’, his words for the winding, soul forming journey, that grows wisdom and insight. We all get ‘called’ to the journey; but we don’t all go. The journey is nothing short of mythical. It takes courage, as we’re asked to face our worst demons, to sharpen our swords for battle, to welcome magical allies and to discover hidden treasures.
The ‘call’ comes as something that throws us ‘off center’, a challenge to the status quo. It could be an illness, a loss, a new job, a change of relationship, ongoing chronic pain or some other catalyst for deep self-inquiry. A period of confusion follows, in which we might be asked to peel away layers of illusions; ones of grandiosity and those of limitation. If we’re lucky, we are deeply transformed in the process, as we discover truths about our interdependence, our gifts and our capacity to love and be loved.
That’s the promise of the ‘hero’s journey’. The MBSR course is but a stop along the way for the traveler. It takes incredible courage and humility to be present for the moments of our lives. But those before me are ready. Together, we strap on our rucksacks, gather our maps and compasses and take the first step. Each is a ‘hero’ or ‘heroine’ by the fact that they’ve chosen to be here.
Now that’s and inspiring group of people with whom I’m lucky enough to be spending the next 8 weeks.
Next Courses:
Fall 2016 – Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction program STARTS
Oct 11th, Th PM, 6-8:30am, + Nov 20th full day – Northampton, MA
Course ends Nov, 29th.
Hello Kristin. My sister-in-law (age 58) has had gastroperesis, a non-functioning stomach, for years now. She has debilitating nausea, and just had a “j-tube” put in to have liquid nutrition bypass her stomach. Her one wish is to get rid of this awful nausea. Sometimes cannibus works for her, but then she develops a tolerance. Her GI doctor suggested the source may be in her brain at this point, as a result of all her anxiety and years of mental health struggles (it’s been a very long road with many medications and complications). I’m wondering about MBSR as a possible way for her to gain some relief. When will your next series be in the Northampton/Springfield area, and what’s the best way for her to connect with you? She would not be able to pay much. She is being released from the hospital today. Having some thing to look forward to, some kind of hope, would be a blessing. Thanks – Donna
Hi Donna,
I’m sorry you’re sister has gone through such challenges. An MBSR course can be helpful in all kinds of ways. My next course will be in late winter. If she emails me here: info@somatic-center.com, I can get her on my list and will notify her when I’ve set the dates. Thanks for your interest.
best,
Kristen