LincolnHealth’s Coulombe Center for Health Improvement will once again offer a nine-week Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction class at Schooner Cove on the Miles campus. The program begins with an orientation on Wednesday, Sept. 18 from 5 to 6:30 p.m. and classes run Wednesdays from Oct. 2 through Nov. 20 from 5 to 7 p.m. There is also a Saturday class on Nov. 9 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

So what is mindfulness? It’s developing a moment-to-moment awareness of our thoughts, feelings and bodily sensations – without judging. In short, mindfulness is about being fully present in our lives rather than living in the past or the future. Research shows that the practice of mindfulness meditation can reduces stress, boost the immune system, strengthen areas in the brain that improve focus and attention skills, and help reduce anxiety and depression. This nine-week course was developed by Jon Kabat-Zinn and has helped tens of thousands of people worldwide.

The class will be taught by Mary Bitterauf, a certified MBSR teacher who received her training and certification in MBSR through the University of Massachusetts’s Center for Mindfulness in Medicine, Healthcare and Society. Bitterauf has taught this world-renowned program for more than seven years. MBSR instruction involves mindful meditation practices, discussion, gentle stretching and yoga and is appropriate for all fitness levels.

The Coulombe Center offers this course at $125, which is significantly less than its normal cost. Scholarships are also available. To register or for more information, please call 207-563-4269 or email brooke.alley@lchcare.org