Stressed in the Parish:

Mindfulness-Based Stress Management

for Clergy

“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, or about your body, what you will wear.  Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? … So do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring worries of its own.  Today’s trouble is enough for today" (Matthew 6:25, 34 NRSV).

How far into the future do you normally live?  Or how far in the past?

The Mindfulness-Based Stress Management program is an 8-week educational and experiential program.  With a focus on present-moment awareness, participates will learn a number of techniques for managing the stressors of the parish, including various forms of mindfulness meditation and self-care.

Dr. Jon Kabat-Zinn defines mindfulness as “paying attention on purpose, in the present moment, and non-judgementally to the unfolding of experience moment to moment.”  Mindfulness is about paying attention to what is happening right here and right now, not only around us but more importantly within us, to our thoughts and our attitudes and the ebb and flow of our emotions.  And it's about paying attention nonjudgmentally, with a curious, inquisitive mind.

The Mindfulness-Based Stress Management program meets once a week (2 hours) for eight weeks.  The program combines continuing education teaching on stress, it’s causes and effects, with a practical and experiential approach to its management.  Participants will be asked to commit to homework practice of 30-45 minutes a day for the duration of the eight-week course.  Upon completion of the eight week program, participants should be able to:

1. ✤ Identify the unique stressors in their parish situations
   

2. ✤ Recognize the warning signs of job burnout
   

3. ✤ Experience and practice mindfulness through both formal (meditation and meditative prayer) and informal practices
   

4. ✤ Apply mindfulness-based stress management skills in settings with parishioners
   

5. ✤ Recognize how simple breathing exercises can be used in times of stress
   

6. ✤ Cultivate a stress response based on greater awareness of available choices as opposed to stress reactivity
   

7. ✤ Develop an ongoing stress management and quality of life enhancement program based on their needs and environment
   

This workshop is held on a periodic basis.  For more information or schedule, contact Dr. Jonathan Golden.

Resource Person:  Jonathan Golden, Ph.D.