at The Al and Malka Green Artists’ Health Centre
Toronto Western Hospital
399 Bathurst Street (at Dundas) in Toronto

This program runs on a regular basis 2-3 times a year. If you are interested please sign up for AHCF e-bulletin to receive notices about upcoming MBSR Program dates.

Space for this program is limited, and there is no wait list. Participants will be selected in the order they contact the clinic after they receive notification of upcoming dates through the AHCF e-bulletin. An interview will be required along with the viewing of a 45 min video featuring Jon Kabat-Zinn, founder of MBSR in North America.

Artists and Stress

In addition to the stressors of every day life, you as an artist may face some very unique pressures. The external demands of promoting one's work, facing critique, auditioning, as well as financial pressures are sources of stress and worry. Ageing, injury and illness may decrease or limit an artist's ability to work. You may begin to doubt your worth or the value of your creative work. Anxiety, depression, and addictive behaviour can be end products of chronic stress, or may add to the difficulties the artist is facing.

Potential sources of stress for the Artist:

• coping with injury
• coping with ageing
• financial stress
• anxiety
• depression
• low self esteem

Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Program (MBSR)

We offer an approach that can be highly effective in helping artists approach and reduce stress. The program uses a method we call "mindfulness" - a type of mind/body training that allows us to be present in the moment without judgment. It helps us recognize the unhelpful ways we react to stress. Having this awareness frees us up to choose healthier ways of coping in difficult situations. It also opens us up to more fully enjoying life and nourishes creativity.

This is not a relaxation program, but rather a program about learning to make you more resilient and skilful in dealing with sources of stress in your life. This in turn, reduces stress and increases the potential for relaxation.

Benefits of MBSR:

• increased acceptance of the body
• increased creativity
• increased confidence
• increased coping for depression, anxiety, addiction
• increased concentration
• increased coping for physical discomfort/injuries
• decreased performance stress

Program Format

This is an 8-week meditation group (maximum of 12 patients). You will participate in weekly two-hour workshops that provide training in skills for developing and using mindfulness to cope effectively with stress and illness. The program will consist of training in body scan, sitting and walking meditation, as well as in mindful yoga.

In addition to the weekly sessions, you will need to make a commitment to practice the skills at home 6 days a week for 30-45 minutes. Experiences with meditation are discussed in the group to facilitate the learning of mindfulness. You are free to disclose as much or as little about yourself as you feel comfortable doing.
 
The group will be lead by Dr. Tatiana Melnyk, a psychiatrist, and JoAnne Hunter, Primary Care Nurse Practitioner at the Artists' Health Centre.

Who should participate:

We suggest that you register for the program when you feel you can commit to the time requirements for practice and homework. If you are experiencing an   acute crisis, you may not have the energy or focus to attend the program. Mindfulness is about self-exploration, and it is best to do this sort of work   when you feel ready. If you have any doubts about the program and its suitability for you, do not hesitate to contact either of us.
 
Fee: $35, paid in cash at the time of interview.