Virtual MBSR Courses Mindfulness Southwestern Ontario

This program was life changing for me. I went in thinking it would help me with my chronic pain, but it turns out it helped me in every aspect of my life. I am so grateful for this program! Dr. MacDonald is an incredible facilitator. She is kind, compassionate, intelligent, and has an ease about her that helps to negate any anxiety or fears about being involved in a program like this. Do yourself the kindness and take this program!

[This course was] quite beneficial to my overall health. The course itself was quite educational, a major addition to my pain reduction toolbox. It was quite helpful in achieving actual stress reduction consistently, which in turn had many additional benefits, both mentally and physically… I would highly recommend this course to anyone, especially those suffering from chronic pain and/or needing a method to reduce stress in their lives.

I would be happy to participate. At the beginning, I found and still do find it hard to find my voice and express my thoughts. I am a very shy person and the stress I feel comes from a very personal and private place, so to be open about that is something I personally cannot do in a setting like this. However, it has not stopped me from learning things about my mind and body that I need to listen to, and [this course gave] me the tools to do that and I thank you. I also find that being in your own home and space is so comforting and helps me relax far more than a formal setting.

There are so many people who suffer from pain and stress, and for the majority of the time, they feel alone. This type of forum allows you to know you are not alone, and there are ways to understand not only your pain but coping methods which do not include drugs.

[This course provides] you with a construct you can start implementing into your daily life. You’ll need to commit but well worth it. Grateful to have found the program.

MBSR meditation gave me the tools to better understand and cope with pain. MBSR has trained me to look at my health in a totally different way. I feel better in body and mind. I think everyone would benefit from this practice.

Dr. MacDonald equipped me with invaluable tools to calm my nervous system through the MBSR Program. No matter the circumstance, whether it be enjoyable or I’m struggling with a chronic pain flare, I [can implement] what I learned to be mindful, present and/or bring calm to my body or experience. I would recommend MBSR to anyone, and I’m grateful for Dr. MacDonald’s compassionate guidance.

As someone newly diagnosed with [a chronic pain condition], it was a positive experience for me to be in a program with other people who also struggle with chronic pain… Dr. MacDonald created a compassionate and supportive environment, and the practices I have learned will continue to help me in my day-to-day life.

A wonderful program which teaches you to learn how to take time for yourself even with the everyday stresses that life throws your way.  The daily, life-altering mindfulness activities that occurred throughout the program allow you to relax, listen to your body, and put into perspective that life has its stresses and that one can learn to cope and manage by taking the time for yourself. Using the mindfulness activities will help you cope with the stresses that come your way.

The program I took was for people who had chronic pain, however, this course would [allow anyone] to reduce stress, fatigue, anxiety and become more present… The mindful practices also built on each other each week and were part of homework. These really help incorporate the practice into everyday life… I believe I have received far more skills from this course than I first anticipated going in. I would recommend this class to anyone…

I found the program immensely helpful and would recommend it to anyone looking to be more present and mindful in their lives. Dr. MacDonald is so kind and patient, and I felt very welcome and supported during the sessions. Overall, it was a very positive experience.

I found the MBSR program to be a game changer for me in that I feel a calmness in my life. Lots of struggles, lots of stress, lots of pain, but hope, now, with practising mindfulness and trying to be non-judgemental.

Taking the MBSR program taught me so much about me, how the way I handle even little everyday stresses can trigger emotions, pain, mental health issues and lead to a downward spiral that’s so hard to recover from. Learning to breathe or take time for awareness of simple things has helped me stay in the here and now. Not always carrying yesterday’s pain, or worry of the future things coming up, clears my mind to be able to investigate my pain, body and look forward to healing some of the scars and trauma life has thrown my way. During the program, I was also talking to a therapist to help unpack anything that might show up during meditation, awareness exercises or sitting in silent exploration. I’m grateful for this program. Dr MacDonald is a soothing voice and excellent guide on this mindful journey. I can’t recommend this program enough. It literally changed my life; I’m a better husband, father and person. By the end of the program, I could break out of negativity and stress most times without any prompting, it was just a natural transition to being mindful and aware of what’s happening.