Mindfulness and Resilience: Cognitive and Emotional Well-Being

Resilience enables us to succeed in the face of adversity. Humans respond to internal and external challenges in a variety of ways. Some people are resilient – defined as the ability to bounce back in positive ways despite stressful situations and internal experiences that could lead to negative outcomes. Resilient individuals believe that setbacks or potentially threatening circumstances are inevitable and that their own actions can have a positive impact on the outcome.

Resilience is not a trait that people are born with. It consists of emotional and cognitive skills that can be learned and developed by anyone. Developing resilience through mindfulness can ease the emotional pain and sadness that are common reactions to adversity or trauma, and improve our ability to respond to difficult emotions.

In this retreat, you will learn basic skills from Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), which combines mindfulness training with elements of cognitive behavioral therapy. MBCT uses mindfulness skills to become aware of negative thoughts and feelings, and to develop a different relationship to those thoughts and feelings, thereby interrupting negative thought patterns that would otherwise lead to greater suffering. Through guided meditation, mindful movement, experiential exercises, and group dialogue, you will learn how the skills and practices of MBCT can help you to become more resilient by managing difficult thoughts, feelings and impulses in a healthier way.

The retreat is open to anyone with a basic understanding of mindfulness and experience with practice. It offers dedicated time and a supportive environment to deepen your practice and learn new practices and applications for becoming more resilient.