Greetings
The season of giving often finds us feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, stressed out and anything but mindful. Let's be honest, each year we say "this year will be different" and yet we find ourselves picking up the same frenzied pace come December 1. Why not give yourself a present by trying one mindful activity a day amidst the busyness of this month: perhaps mixing dough for one type of favorite cookie (not three kinds, just one), sitting down with a cup of tea and a book that has gone unread for too long, or indulging in simply "being" instead of "doing" for a full 5 minutes (set a timer and focus on your breath). Through your small acts of self-compassion, you will be giving yourself the most powerful gift of all, a present of presence.
Wishing you a season of hope and wonder,
Pam
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ARE YOU ON FACEBOOK?
Stress Resources has an active Facebook Page with frequent links to articles, research and events related to resiliency, mindfulness and stress management.
"LIKE US" today!
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Meditation Maintenance
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 Meditation Maintenance Sessions are a great way to give yourself a monthly self-care "tune-up" by joining with fellow meditators to discuss insights and challenges of your practice. You are welcome to attend each month or simply on an occasional basis. You will find a supportive and welcoming respite in the midst of your busyness.
Fall/Winter Schedule
Evening sessions meet from 7-9 PM
Wed, Dec 14
Wed, Jan 11
Wed, Feb 8
Wed, Mar 7
Daytime sessions meet 12:30-2:30
Fri, Dec 9 (NOTE 12:30-2:00 for 12/9 session only)
Fri, Jan 13
Fri, Feb 10
Fri, Mar 9
Both evening and daytime sessions are held at Stress Resources' office (97 Lowell Rd, Concord, MA). Please pre-register for sessions as space is limited.
Meditation Maintenance sessions are $15 per session. Register by e-mail or by phone (978-369-5243).
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Pam Ressler
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I invite you to read AND comment on my blog. I write reflections and post links to articles of interest on the intersecting topic areas of resiliency, healthcare, stress management, mindfulness, and life!
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Stress Resources and Pam Ressler are on TWITTER
Follow @pamressler
and @stressresources
for updated resources and links to relevant healthcare articles and research
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Are You Looking for a Unique, Stress Free Holiday Gift Idea?
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If you are not into fighting crowds at the mall and are looking for a more meaningful gift than can be purchased in a big box store...Stress Resources can help!
Have you  considered a beautiful, handcrafted lap labyrinth for a special person on your list? These labyrinths are designed and made exclusively for Stress Resources. They are great for home, office, or school and are easily portable and surprisingly durable. Some individuals tuck a labyrinth in a tote bag to use in waiting rooms or during long medical appointments.  Our popular meditation CD, Opening the Door to Meditation, is a great stocking stuffer for students as well as adults. The CD can be downloaded to an mp3 player for portability.
And this year for the first time we are offering gift certificates for either individual or group Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR).
or email Pam.
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The Horse Boy: Mindfulness in Action
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| In a previous newsletter, I highlighted psychologist Kristin Neff's  work on self-compassion. At that time I didn't know the rest of Kristin Neff's story. She is also the mother of Rowan, who was diagnosed with autism when he was two years old. With her husband, writer and social activist, Rupert Isaacson, they share their personal journey in the documentary , The Horse Boy. My gratitude to W.S. for sharing this fascinating, poignant, and breathtaking movie. Filmed both in Texas and Mongolia, it chronicles a family's struggle with a complex diagnosis and their quest to find wholeness through non-traditional therapies and cross-cultural adventures. The Horse Boy was selected for the 2009 Sundance Film Festival. Media critic, Gary Goldstein of the Los Angeles Times writes of The Horse Boy, "An extraordinary journey of the heart and spirit, and a stirring testament to parenthood". The film exemplifies the resilience of the human spirit, finding joy and hope in challenging moments. To find out more about the film and the book, The Horse Boy, click here. |
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Winter 2012 Group MBSR Program Begins in January
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 The Winter 2012 Session of Stress Resources' Group MBSR will be starting in January! Both Thursday evening and Friday morning classes are available. Classes begin on January 12/13 and end on March 8/9 (classes are not held during February public school vacation week February 23/24)
Registration is now open! Class size is limited to 15 students. Continuing education credit is available for nurses and other health professionals.
For more information or to register for the Winter 2012 Group MBSR Program, click here.
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10 Tips for Stress-Less Holidays |
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Back by popular demand....10 Tips for Stress-Less Holidays. Let me know your favorites from my list or add some of your own. Send me an email with your tips for Stress-Less Holidays and I will publish the most creative ones in the January newsletter.
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Flexible MBSR...Works with even the most unpredictable schedule
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- Do you have an unpredictable schedule that doesn't allow for a commitment to an every week group class?
- Have you heard about the new research on the health benefits of mindfulness and are curious to find out how you can benefit?
- Are you interested in exploring how to add mindfulness practices into your busy life?
- Could you use some gentle guidance and coaching in establishing,renewing or maintaining a mindfulness practice?
- Do you live too far from Concord, MA to attend on-site classes?
Stress Resources will help you craft a mindfulness practice that makes sense for you. We can arrange in-office or real-time interactive web instruction anywhere in the world through Skype webcam connection!
Flexible MBSR/Private and Semi-Private Mindfulness Training: This unique option offered by Stress Resources allows the individual to set the pace for training but maintains the essential framework of Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction in private or semi-private sessions. The individual mindfulness training option allows your MBSR training to take place over 8-12 weeks at your own pace and schedule. Four individual sessions (1-hour each) are scheduled at the participant's convenience with morning, afternoon and evening sessions available. Additional training sessions may be added as needed for an additional fee and a Blue Cross/Blue Shield discount is available. Train with a friend for added savings.
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Stress Resources is on YouTube
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 Check out the new Stress Resources Channel on YouTube.com You will find a collection of clips, dialogs, and lectures from some of the world's foremost teachers of mindfulness, compassionate communication, stress reduction and relaxation methods...and some videos that I just plain like! This will be an evolving and expanding collection, so be sure to check in often by clicking this link and subscribing to the Stress Resources Channel (it's free!)
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