Mindfulness refers to a state of being fully present in the present moment, accepting each moment as it arises. It is a practice and a way of approaching life that encompasses certain attitudes such as acceptance, patience, non-judgement, and compassion for others and for ourselves. Mindfulness is ubiquitous – a natural part of being human – that has been cultivated and practiced for over 2600 years in various traditions around the world. It is nondenominational and can be developed in accordance with one’s own culture, religion, and spiritual beliefs.

Cultivating mindfulness through formal and informal mindfulness exercises can be a powerful means of reducing the detrimental emotional, neurocognitive, and physiological effects of stress, thereby enhancing emotional and physical health as well as the potential richness of our daily lives.

Over the past 10 years a substantial body of research has emerged on the neurobiology of mindfulness, as well as on its applications to specific medical and non-medical conditions, to the field of education, and to other professions.

The Mindfulness Institute.ca is a resource for all those with interest and curiosity in the practice and potential benefits of mindfulness:

• Individuals wishing to learn and benefit from mindfulness practice in order to reduce stress, more effectively deal with symptoms, increase sense of health and wellbeing, or learn tools through which to live fuller, richer lives;

• Beginners in need of basic instruction, training, and direction;

• Advanced practitioners wishing to deepen their practice and to access resources on recent research findings; 

• Educators wishing to gain practice, knowledge, skills, and resources to implement mindfulness into classroom settings and curriculums; 

• Healthcare professionals looking for mindfulness training programs, resources, networking opportunities, and individual or group supervision to implement mindfulness into patient care;

• Industries and corporations looking to facilitate positive, effective workplace environments through mindfulness training and implementation; and 

• Physicians wishing to refer patients to mindfulness-based treatment programs, such as MBSR, or to gain tools to enhance their clinical and teaching skills as well as their own personal and professional well-being.