Palouse Mindfulness offers a completely free eight-week online course that teaches mindfulness meditation to help reduce stress and improve wellbeing. This self-paced program mirrors the traditional Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program developed by Jon Kabat-Zinn at the University of Massachusetts Medical School. Over 8,000 students from 120 countries have completed this course.
Each week includes video teachings from world-renowned teachers like Jon Kabat-Zinn, Thich Nhat Hanh, and Tara Brach, guided meditation recordings, readings, and practice sheets. Students practice meditation 30-45 minutes daily, six days per week. The course covers topics like simple awareness, dealing with thoughts, managing stress, mindful communication, and sustaining long-term practice.
Research shows MBSR helps reduce stress and anxiety, manage chronic pain, improve focus and sleep, boost immune function, and enhance relationships. While self-paced, students can connect through discussion forums, Zoom meetings, and Facebook groups for community support. The course provides everything needed to build a solid mindfulness foundation at no cost.