Mindfulness Programming
One definition of mindfulness is: “The awareness that arises from paying attention, on purpose, in the present moment and non-judgmentally.” There are other attitudes we can bring to mindfulness that are helpful--like compassion, friendliness, beginner's mind, and kindness. These attitudes are an important foundation for cultivating the practice of mindfulness.
How might you define mindfulness for yourself? What practices do you engage in that help you cultivate peace and wellbeing in your life?
The Institute is committed to supporting opportunities for mindfulness on campus and in the community. Mental health statistics continue to show high levels of stress in the population. Mindfulness is one approach that individuals can cultivate to reduce stress and bring health and wellbeing to their life.
Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction Program - 2026
What is MBSR? Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) is an effective, scientifically researched method for reducing physical and psychological suffering while building resilience, balance, and peace of mind. The 8-week course consists of practicing mindfulness movement, meditation, and bringing mindfulness into everyday life. Since 1979 more than 25,000 people have completed this evidence-based training. MBSR if offered as a complement to traditional medical and psychological treatments, not as a replacement, MBSR has proven to be effective in helping to treat a wide variety of medical conditions.
About the MBSR class and course structure
Instructor & Workshop Facilitator Mirna Sawyer
Instructor & Workshop Facilitator Ian Davis
Upcoming Course: Winter 2026 – Online MBSR Class
Format: Zoom
Instructor: Ian Davis, CMT-P
Course Dates:
- Mondays, March 16 - May 4, 2026
- Time: 4:30-7pm
Orientation(s): TBD
All Day Silent Retreat:
- TBD
Upcoming Course: Spring 2026 - In Person MBSR Class
Format: Live @ CSUN Library in FacDev Commons
Instructor: Mirna Sawyer, PhD, MPH
Course Dates:
- Fridays, April 17 - June 5, 2026
- Time: 4:30-7pm
Orientations:
All Day Silent Retreat:
- Sunday May 17, 2026
- Location: TBD
8-week Course Outline
- Intro and program overview
- Meet instructor and participants
- Guidelines
- Q and A
Theme: Wholeness and capability, mindfulness definitions
- Welcome and overview
- Mindful eating
- Body scan
Theme: Perception and creative responding
- Body scan
- Mindful movement/yoga
- Preparation for sitting meditation
- Pleasant events calendar
Theme: The power of being present
- Lying down mindful movement/yoga
- Review pleasant events calendar
- Unpleasant events calendar
Theme: Working with the unwanted/unpleasant
- Sitting meditation with options to meet the unwanted
- Standing mindful movement/yoga
- Review unpleasant events calendar
- Stress reactivity
Theme: Awareness of automatic, habitual, conditioned patterns, and
how mindfulness can act as a mediator
- Sitting meditation with anchoring in body, breath, sound, mental events, and choiceless awareness
- The stress response
9AM to 5PM (Saturday or Sunday)
- Morning sessions
- Mountain meditation
- Meal Break
- Afternoon sessions
- Lovingkindness meditation
- Walking meditation
Theme: Communication and interpersonal relating
- Continuing learning from classes 4 and 5
- Standing mindful movement/yoga
- Sitting meditation with anchoring in body, breath, sound, mental events, and choiceless awareness
- Discuss all-day class
Theme: Cultivating practice in all of life’s moments
- Silent meditation, choice
- Movement practice
Theme: Cultivating practice in all of life’s moments
- Closing circle
- Course end
Sangha at CSUN
The Institute recognizes the need for stress reduction efforts in our busy lives. Sangha at CSUN is one place where you can cultivate peace, kindness, and compassion for yourself and others! Join us!
Explore how Sangha at CSUN got started
Join the Sangha at CSUN for weekly group mindfulness practice sessions led by trained facilitators. The aim of this group is to provide a communal space for CSUN students, faculty, staff, administration, and external community members to engage in meditation and mindfulness practices together.
Sangha at CSUN in Spring 2026 - info coming soon