Jon Kabat-Zinn, Ph.D. developed MBSR in the 1980s as a way to introduce the mindfulness concept—practices designed to cultivate mindfulness—and applications of mindfulness in reducing suffering. In his 1994 book, *Wherever You Go There You Are*, he gave a simple definition: “Mindfulness means paying attention in a particular way: on purpose, in the present moment, and nonjudgmentally.”

Since then, the teaching of MBSR has spread world-wide, and hundreds if not thousands of research reports have revealed the power of these practices in relieving the suffering of those of us with all kinds of stress, including in particular chronic pain, anxiety, depression, autoimmune diseases, etc. Does anyone out there not have stress?

After studying with Renee Burgard, MFT and Bob Stahl, Ph.D., I began offering MBSR classes in my office several years ago. Our classes have been small, and the participants have been enthusiastic in describing the benefits.