Mindfulness for Managing Pain: an Introduction

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Physical pain is not only felt in the body; our thoughts, feelings, and emotional reactions influence our experience of chronic pain.  These normal stress-pain reactions can contribute to making the pain worse.  Mindfulness practices can bring awareness to these automatic reactions and empower us to skillfully choose how we respond.

4-Week Course, Live Online

This 4-week course iintroduces you to mindfulness and helps you develop tools to cope with acute and chronic pain, decrease stress, and participate more fully in your own self-care.  

It incorporates evidence-based approaches developed right here at UMass Memorial Medical Center, with the goal of having a wiser, more compassionate relationship with chronic pain, with less suffering. 

Our instructors create a safe and supportive place for you to explore and share your experience as you integrate mindfulness practices into your life in ways that can complement and enhance current treatments and improve quality of life.  

You are not your pain. Take action.  Mobilize your own inner resources and invite yourself to live your life more fully and at ease.

Details:

• Live sessions meet online from April 24 to May 15, or July 10 to July 31
• Wednesday Mornings 10:00 - 11:30 am, ET, or
• Wednesday Evenings, 6:00 - 7:30 pm, ET
• Daily at-home mindfulness meditation practice of 20 to 40 minutes
• Guided meditation recordings and course content available on course website
• Weekly at-home exercises to develop mindfulness skills
• Up to pproximately 35 participants
• Course tuition: $175
• Instructor: Ginny Wholley

View the refund policy.

What is Mindfulness?

One definition might be “The awareness that arises from paying attention, on purpose, in the present moment and non-judgmentally.”  How might you define mindfulness for yourself?

What is the online program like?

Class sessions use video conferencing, and rather than meeting in-person, you will engage with the teacher and interact with other participants through your computer screen and web camera during weekly class sessions.  Students have oneline-access to home assignments and guided meditation audio files. 

Throughout the program you will be consciously and systematically working with the challenges and demands of your everyday life. Our trained and certified instructors will create a safe and supportive environment for this work and learning through:

• Live class sessions using simple online meeting technology that is rich in experience and connection
• Systematic instruction in formal and informal meditation practices, including guided instruction and recordings to practice with at home
• Group dialogue, with discussions offered to enhance awareness in everyday life
• Online resource materials, dedicated technical support, and opportunities for feedback

Class sizes are limited to facilitate group connection and conversation. A computer and high-speed internet connection are required.  Mobile devices such as phones and tablets are not recommended.

View the technology requirements.