IEECE Embarks on a Journey of Mindfulness

By Dr. Janell Carroll

Embracing the new year with a new perspective, IEECE staff commenced the eight-week Mindfulness and Mindfulness-Based Stressed Reduction training under the guidance of local expert Dr. Gus Castellanos. The MBSR program provides tools to build moment-by-moment awareness of one’s thoughts, feelings and surrounding environment. The program addresses behavioral responses to stressors in daily life and how to relate differently to stress, providing different coping strategies to achieve greater energy, improvement of health, and enthusiasm for life.

“The MBSR training is an extension of staff’s work with UC Berkeley’s Science of Happiness and Happiness at Work, and is complementary to the Institute’s initiative in Health and Wellness for staff and students,” said Darcy Russo, assistant director at the IEECE. She added, “The practice of mindfulness has been shown to exert a powerful influence on one’s health, mental balance and happiness. It is our hope that through mindfulness, the IEECE will create a more equitable environment where we can care for ourselves, each other and the community we serve.”

Some of the mindfulness techniques learned include meditation, body scans and gentle yoga/stretching movements. The initial MBSR training was held from January 15 – March 5. The training was facilitated by Dr. Castellanos every Friday for 2 ½ hours and included a two-day retreat. Due to the value and impact of learning about mindfulness to support current and future objectives, trainings have been extended from March 19 – May 29.

To learn more about Mindfulness and Mindfulness-Based Stressed Reduction, please contact Dr. Gus Castellanos at 561-222-1928 or gus@18mind.com.