Q. What makes you unique?

Our program is one of the first LIVE ONLINE MBSR programs in the world and it is the first one being taught by CERTIFIED Online MBSR instructors. (Our MBSR Certification is granted by Brown University, in collaboration with the University of Massachusetts Medical Center where MBSR originated with Jon Kabat-Zinn.) Each of our classes is taught by certified and qualified instructors and our classes max out around 16 students. This allows for more individual attention while at the same time our students report that they rather quickly develop a strong sense of community with their fellow Imaginers, who are from all over the world.

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Q. How long do the sessions take? 

The Orientation Meeting (the first time we all meet) takes about 90 minutes. Sessions 1 through 7 generally run for 2.5 hours (150 minutes), while we often linger a little longer during our last session, Session 8. About halfway through there will be an official short break. 

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Q. What is your mission?

Our mission is to empower everyone everywhere to flourish. Driven by the spirit of generosity and inclusivity, our live online mindfulness programs cultivate curiosity and self-compassion, nurturing self-awareness that supports balancing the body, the mind, and the human spirit.

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Q. What is your TIN / EIN?

Imagine is an international NGO / a US 501.c.3 nonprofit. Our Taxpayer Identification Number / Employee Identification Number is 35-2766947.

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Q: How does your Contribution-Based program work?

The founders of Imagine Mindfulness are passionate about being able to offer the benefits of our LIVE Online MBSR Program to a wide audience. We ask our students for a $90 registration fee, to hold your place and to help us offset administrative costs. After this initial fee, we invite you to explore how you can give back to what you will receive. We posted a video on our Donations page that explains our Generosity philosophy. Wix, our website provide, hosts our payment and donation system. You can either pay directly with credit/debit card or log into your personal PayPay account. It is possible to pay in other currency also. You can select $90 (dollars) and it will still be taken from your account in Euros or Rand (or any other currency). Please feel free to reach out to us to discuss financial assistance. 

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Q. Why contribution based tuition - generosity?

At Imagine, we believe that all should have access to benefits of MBSR. We are passionate about bringing those benefits to the world. As a world-wide program, we recognize the disparity in income and want to make sure that everyone has access to this program. In that spirit, we make our tuition contribution or “donation - dāna - based”. AFTER week Seven of Imagine's MBSR you may contribute what you wish based on the benefit you received and on your income level. Other live online courses range between $250 - $725. If you can afford a higher contribution level, please consider contributing more. It is a way for you to provide access for those with limited resources. Visit our GIFT GIVING page for more information.

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Q: What are the exact times and dates of our program?

A: Please visit our Schedule / Sign Up page.

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Q. What is Imagine's definition of Mindfulness?

A: "Intentional, nonjudgmental awareness through attention, right here, right now, with curiosity and compassion." 

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Q: Is Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) a form of therapy?

A: MBSR is health education, not therapy. The course offers an opportunity for you to participate in improving your health by developing tools to better manage stress. MBSR works in support of treatments for physiological and psychological conditions. Please contact your doctor or therapist immediately if you develop any health concerns and let us know so that we can be as supportive as possible of the decisions you make!

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Q: What is Mindful Self Compassion (MSC)?

A: MSC is a research-proven program designed to cultivate the skill of self-compassion. MSC teaches practices that enable participants to respond to difficult moments in their lives with kindness, care, and understanding. MSC originated at the Center for Mindful Self-Compassion, whose goal it is to alleviate human suffering and to improve the collective well-being of our world through the practice of self-compassion. MSC is not psychotherapy insofar as the emphasis is on building emotional resources rather than addressing old wounds. 

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Q: Are there any age restrictions?

A: At this point, Imagine offers classes for ages 18 and up. Among our alumni we count quite a number of parents with younger children and we supply these parents informal support. We are looking at expanding our courses to include different age groups.

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Q: What happens in the program sessions?

A: Each session consists of a time of formal practice (meditation or mindful movement), a small group time where practice experiences are shared, and a discussion time in a larger group designed to help participants develop the tools to increase awareness and improve stress response. 

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Q: Why is meditation used in the program?

A: Meditation is directing attention to just one thing. By doing this we can learn to quiet the mind from the continuous stream of thoughts and be more present and aware in our own lives. This awareness helps us manage stress.

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Q: Is there anything else I should know about this program?

A: Yes. In addition to the Intake Form, we ask everyone to participate in online Program Questionnaires. This allows Imagine Mindfulness to improve the online experience. We do not share information with any third party. See our Privacy Policy.

 

Q: Do alumni receive any particular benefits?

A: Yes. Alumni are part of our Imagineers community and can, of course, retake any course by just paying the registration fee. They are welcome to attend any Retreat Day (3 times/year). We also offer monthly 90 minute online meetings on the first Saturday of each month - we called these Imagine Connect gatherings. Furthermore, alumni always continue to have access to our instructors. We are also interested in expanding our classes and are in the process of designing special workshops. 

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Q: Do you have any research resources posted on the website?

A: Yes, please find them on this page!

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Q: Where can I read previous Imagine ... Newsletters?

A: Please click on this link!

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Q: What online platform do you use?

A: We use the Zoom platform. Zoom is easy to install and very consumer friendly.