Over look of mountains on a cloudy day.
Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) is an 8-week program that is available 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 practice of paying attention intentionally to what is occurring in the present moment, acknowledging what is here with curiosity and open heartedness, even when things are challenging. Some common benefits of a regular mindfulness practice included better sleep, improved focus, responding more skillfully to emotions (anxiety, anger, or low mood), improved communication, and many more.  
Program Details: 8 Weekly Classes: March 21-May 9, 2023 and 1 Saturday retreat on April 29.

Weekly Meeting Dates:

  • Tuesday, March 21
  • Tuesday, March 28
  • Wednesday, April 5
  • Tuesday, April 12
  • Tuesday, April 19
  • Tuesday, April 26
  • Wednesday, May 3
  • Tuesday, May 9

Time: 5:30-8:00 p.m.

Weekly Classes: 

Sessions will be in person at 2520D UCC. Some classes will involve getting on the floor so comfortable clothing as well as a yoga mat are encouraged.  

Extended Saturday Retreat: 

An important part of the MBSR program is the retreat which will be held on Saturday, April 29 at The Park Lodge at Terry Trueblood Recreation Area.

Registration Deadline: March 7

Fee: 

This program is free to eligible employees who complete seven out of the nine classes. If a participant fails to meet the required number of classes, they will be billed $450. 

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.

Request an appointment      Mindfulness Resources

side view of man sitting crossed legged on dark ground

Common Questions About MBSR

Participants needs to be in a 50% or greater, regular position, and completed their Personal Health Assessment to be eligible for the MBSR program.  

Participants who have previously completed the MBSR program are eligible to participate again.  

The instructor is Brad Baldwin of Aperture. 

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.

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 on Tuesday March 14 at 5:30 p.m. You are required to do both a one-on-one and the group orientation.

The MBSR program will be limited to a maximum of 25 participants.