Description
After a successful pilot course and study in 2021 conduced at Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC) and in cooporation with Leyden Academy, Berit Lewis at Thriving Life is continuing to offer the online Mindfulness Based Vitality and Ageing (MBVA) course. The MBVA course is based on the evidence based Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), however the content is adapted and targeted specifically to people from 50+. Like the MBSR, the MBVA stretches over 8 weeks, however the sessions are 120 min long except for session 7, which is 4-hour special virtual self-compassion retreat. The sessions takes place online via Zoom in a group of 8-12 participants and is a mix of interactive teaching, guided mindfulness practices and reflections. As mindfulness is an experiential practice, home practice between the sessions plays an important role. Just reading or learning about it will not offer the full understanding and benefits. Participants are therefore expected to commit about 20 minutes of practice per day during the 8 weeks. To support the home practice, the participants are given meditations as audio or video files and there is also a scheduled a (non-obligatory) weekly live and recorded guided practice online between the sessions. The guided practices consists of a mixture of lying, sitting, walking and gentle movements, in which we use our bodies as an anchor to the present moment and explore how to approach our physical sensations, emotions and thoughts with curiosity, friendliness and acceptance. It is suitable for most people and we can adapt the practice to the challenges you might face. We will all learn together in a safe, kind, supportive and non-judgemental environment. Read more about mindfulness here
The teacher is Berit Lewis who is an experienced MBSR teacher and who created and researched the MBVA as her Master of Vitality and Ageing Masters degree.
