Quotes from folks who participated in Insight Institute mindfulness programs:
“I have been deeply moved by the Mindfulness Practice… there is so much love, non-judgment, healing, kindness, gentleness, self-care, humanity, peace, happiness and compassion. I feel so blessed having the honor and privilege to know [the facilitators]. THANK YOU! 🤗” – D.L
“I came into this course unsure of whether I would connect to the practices of mindfulness. I was pleasantly surprised because it broadened my understanding and helped me gain tools to take better care of myself. I am a firm believer that in order to help others, you must take care of yourself first in a kind way.” – L.A.
“Taking this course during the Covid-19 Pandemic was very beneficial. As we navigate a new normal, the anxiety level has been quite raised for me. The awareness of how to slow down and be present during the experience has helped me manage.” – O.P.
“Mindfulness needs to be incorporated into the classroom for the teacher as well as for the students. It helps to set a peaceful tone. I know that I am going to use some practices with my students. I think it is important to share with colleagues as well. It is important to take time for yourself especially in our profession. As they say you can’t pour from an empty cup.” – S.J.
“A journey inward -an awakening of being.…” – D.B.
“The MBSR class was a great experience. Coming at a time of a pandemic, the MBSR class taught me to be centered and present.” – B.D.
“I became more aware of myself, learned that I have to slow down to take care of myself.” – L.L.
“Scott was an excellent leader and gave us various tools to practice mindfulness in our daily lives. His calm demeanor was very relaxing during the class activities. He enabled us to discuss what we were feeling within small breakout rooms. The one- day, Saturday retreat was very calming and interesting. We became a ” family” during a very stressful time in our lives. Thank you, Scott.” – S.S.
“I am so grateful and appreciative for this training. I have a solid yoga and mindfulness practice, and yet I go deeper and deeper. I learned so much about myself, regrounded myself, and came back to my reason for being. The course was great! Scott is an amazing facilitator and his voice is very soothing. This was my second time taking this training, and I would take it again and again when possible. Mindfulness practice is so beneficial to our communities.” – C.F.
“This class has opened my eyes to being present in the moment, and has given me the awareness to see my actions as they happen and adjust the way I live my life to be more calm and focused.” – R.S.
“Yes. It has been a new experience for me … I have learned many things … the most important thing is that we need time for us … to learn to calm down and develop new tools.” – N.G.
“I appreciated each moment of this 8-weeks program. The sequence and pacing of the practices and the content taught during the classes were very conducive to my learning. The follow-up e-mails after each class were great reminders about what I had learned and about the home practice for the week. As I listened to others’ points of view during the sharing times, I learned so much more about myself. All in all, I feel that this whole program is well planned and structured to provide a wonderful experience of the true meaning of mindfulness that I can carry on throughout my daily relationships with myself and the world around me.” – L.S.
“This practice is BEAUTIFUL” – D.L.
“For anyone skeptical about how impactful the practice of MBSR can be on your life, this is the class for you. Carolyn and Scott, live and breathe these tenets in everything they do and can enlighten you on how to bring them into your life. I couldn’t imagine going back to the way things were before MBSR class.” – Lisa F, Chicago IL
“I just left the live session and I feel like a million bucks!” – Middle School student
“Scott and Carolyn created a safe and loving environment for us to learn, grow, practice and experience this wonderful modality! I am so grateful to them for their commitment, patience and professionalism, and the excellent progress I have made during this class.” – Kallie L, Coral Springs FL
“I really enjoyed the program. I liked the formal curriculum which made it more cohesive. As a result of participating in the MBSR program I have deepened my practice – longer, more regular meditation and added new methods of mindfulness to my toolbox…. I find myself still reactive to stress, but am more aware when it’s occurring and am working to lengthen the pause.” – Jeanne M, Davie FL
“The mindfulness workshop was extremely well planned and organized, and Scott and Carolyn thoroughly prepared and were effective in their presentations. The information was interesting and clear. I will be able to benefit in many ways from what I learned.” – Jim V, Rockville MD
“This Mindfulness for Today’s World was amazing. Carolyn and Scott have a wonderful peaceful aura. The entire group was affected deeply by their peacefulness, acceptance and love. They have a grasp of the science of meditation and have the unusual ability to communicate their understanding. This was life changing.” – Esther S, Marietta GA
“Enjoyed this program so much. It changed my outlook and lifestyle in using mindfulness techniques to better myself.” – Greg H, Weston FL
“The mindfulness course taught by Scott and Carolyn was well done! Carolyn and Scott created a comfortable and relaxed environment in which our group discussed many observations about mindfulness and ourselves. Having dabbled with the subject along my path in life, the course was well-suited for a beginner, but also extended what I knew as a practitioner. The exercises and accompanying reflections, as well as the workbook, provided practical tools to become more centered and mindful. My best to you both!!” – Gregg B, Orlando FL
“This was a powerful, while gentle experience. The class built a community, gave simple but compelling instruction, created wonderful insightful discussions and reflections. And of course, Scott and Carolyn led us in many deep meditative practices.” – Eileen F, Washington DC
“Thank you for a wonderful class. Scott and Carolyn modeled loving kindness in every class and with every word spoken. I am grateful for the experience.” – Elizabeth, Marietta GA
“I’m less angy and more open to how I and others feel. Learning to let go of the anger or accept it to moderate its control over me. I recently endured a high amount of stress but worked through it, forgave myself and others” – Rick T, Pembroke Pines FL
“We are placed with opportunities and it is our choice to accept them or not. I am so thankful to have taken the 8-week course to further my awareness and stress reduction” – Sandy C – Sunrise FL
“It is now much more likely I will handle stress more positively” – Diana D, Cooper City FL
“Carolyn and Scott are such gifted leaders; they are patient and generous and caring all the time. I am more “mindful” in many areas of my life. Their total acceptance of “what is” has been such an inspiration” – Patty M, Coral Springs FL
“As part of my continuing life’s journey, I find that MBSR is a very valuable addition to spiritual journey and training” – Mike M, Coral Springs FL
From Anonymous Surveys:
- The facilitators had a great deal of experience and were able to guide activities and answer questions well. Did so as an equal; never relied on “authority”.
- Leaders were extremely well-prepared. Had a resource pamphlet prepared for that covered class activities and provided an extensive list of mindfulness resources.
- I highly recommend such a well-balanced course.
- I hope it is offered again, because I would definitely take it again. As the instructors said, it’s all about developing capacity.
- I had fairly low expectations, so this workshop knocked my socks off.
- Great leaders
- The combination of meditation practice and discussion. Having every day also allowed us to enter more deeply into meditation, learn more, and come to know the other people in the group–build trust.
- The guided meditations were outstanding!
- I really enjoyed interacting with the other students. I learned something from each of them, so I’m glad there were opportunities to ask questions and share experiences.
- This workshop was very inspiring. I am working hard at integrating mindfulness and meditation into my daily life. Thanks to the leaders–you were great! Your collaboration also was excellent. Having two leaders who were very comfortable working together!