Residents can attend a free introductory course to an eight-week Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction class scheduled to begin later in January.

The intro course is scheduled for Thursday, Jan. 8, from 5-7 pm., at the North Tahoe Event Center in Kings Beach.

The course is taught by Jackie Griffin, RN, BSN, and is open to all ability levels.

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Attendees will have an opportunity to experience mindfulness practices, ask questions, meet the instructor and register for the eight-week MBSR class, which begins Thursday, Jan. 22, from 5-7 p.m.

MBSR is for people who are living with stress, pain and illness, Griffin said. It’s proven to help people live healthier and happier lives.

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The course will meet for two hours every week, and it includes a day-long retreat. Cost is $275 (includes workbook, CD and the retreat). Nurses earn 22 contact education hours for attending.

MBSR was pioneered by Jon Kabat-Zinn in 1979 at the University of Massachusetts Medical School. It is an accessible and practical training in decreasing stress and nurturing health and wellbeing, Griffin said.

Class participants will engage in many aspects of mindfulness practices such as sitting, yoga, walking, Qi gong, eating and listening. Classes also include discussions on the patho-physiology of the stress reaction and how to cultivate greater resilience.

Visit mbsrtahoe.com or call Jackie at 530-386-7603 for more information.