liveWELL partners with Brad Baldwin of Aperture to offer the 8-week Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) to University of Iowa faculty and staff in a 50% or greater, regular position who are referred by either a Health Coach or EAP.
"Mindfulness is the awareness that arises from paying attention, on purpose, in the present moment, non-judgmentally."
Some common benefits of a regular mindfulness practice include reduced stress, better sleep, improved focus, responding more skillfully to emotions, improved communication, and many more.
Fall 2025 Program Details
The Fall 2025 MBSR program includes eight weekly classes and a Saturday retreat. Some classes will involve getting on the floor so comfortable clothing as well as a yoga mat are encouraged. The weekly sessions will be in person at sangha located in Brewery Square on 123 North Linn Street, Suite 2F, Iowa City, IA 52245.
Program Dates
- Orientation: September 17 from 5:30-6:30 p.m. on Zoom
- Class 1: September 24 from 5:30-8:00 p.m.
- Class 2: October 1 from 5:30-8:00 p.m.
- Class 3: October 8 from 5:30-8:00 p.m.
- Class 4: October 15 from 5:30-8:00 p.m.
- Class 5: October 22 from 5:30-8:00 p.m.
- Class 6: October 29 from 5:30-8:00 p.m.
- Saturday Retreat: November 1 from 9:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. at Universalist Unitarian Society
- Class 7: November 5 from 5:30-8:00 p.m.
- Class 8: November 12 from 5:30-8:00 p.m.
Fee: This program is free to eligible employees who complete seven out of the nine classes.
Eligibility:
- Must agree to attend a minimum of 7 of 9 sessions (and complete an agreement regarding this)
- Open to University of Iowa faculty and staff in a 50% or greater, regular position
- Must meet with a Health Coach or EAP counselor and obtain a referral to MBSR by September 17, 2025.
MBSR Teacher Profile
Brad Baldwin, CEO of Aperture and Mindfulness Teacher, offers MBSR at the University of Iowa. He is a husband, father, volunteer, and Iowa Hawkeye. He completed his training at the Mindfulness Center at Brown University.
Get started now
Are you ready to get started with a daily mindfulness practice now? Check out videos, resources, and apps to help you learn more about mindfulness and start practicing as a part of your daily well-being routine.
Frequently asked questions about MBSR
How many people will participate in each MBSR class?
The MBSR program will be limited to a maximum of 25 participants.
Are non-UI employee's eligible for the MBSR class?
Participants needs to be in a 50% or greater, regular position, and completed their Personal Health Assessment to be eligible for the MBSR program.
What if I have already done the MBSR program, can I participate again?
If you participated in MBSR when it was offered via UI Health Care (2021 and earlier) you are able to participate again. Participants who took the class in and since 2022, when liveWELL began to offer the program, are not able to obtain a free referral more than once. If you would like to participate again and are willing to pay for the service, please contact livewell@uiowa.edu.
Who is the instructor of the Mindfulness classes?
The instructor is Brad Baldwin of Aperture.
What is time commitment outside of class?
MBSR class experience is enhanced through commitment to daily practice during the 8-week duration of class. General guidance suggests 45-minutes of daily practice.
What is the referral process happen after one is referred to 8-Week MBSR by their Health Coach or EAP Counselor?
After you have signed referral agreement, the MBSR instructor will connect via email and offer high level guidance on class expectations. As the start of class approaches, there will be a one-on-one zoom intake with the instructor as well as a group orientation via zoom. You are required to do both a one-on-one and the group orientation.