Marines Are Learning MBSR

This news report investigates how marines are learning MBSR (Mindfulness Base Stress Reduction).

MBSR is the stress reduction program created by Dr. Jon Kabat-Zinn at the University of Massachusetts Medical Center and now all over the world.

Neither the video or the article specifically mention MBSR. They do say that the program combines meditation and yoga to provide answers for PTSD and combat stress in and eight week program.

These are the earmarks of a MBSR program.

10News Meditation, yoga may offer answers for PTSD, combat stress: Camp Pendleton …10NewsCAMP PENDLETON – The issue of post-traumatic stress disorder and combat stress is front and center these days, and Marine Corps leaders think they may have some answers: meditation and yoga. A new class that attacks stress with relaxation recently … [more]

I am very excited to see this happening in the military. At the retreat I attended in November in the Santa Cruz mountains, I wrote an article titled, Moral Injury which you may like to read again.

Moral injury happens when you are required to do something against your own personal morals. PTSD can result from moral injury as well as seeing the overwhelming suffering of other beings.

My daughter is studying to become a yoga therapist to work with Israeli soldiers who are suffering with PTSD and moral injury. I am extremely proud of her choice to reduce suffering.

What was your first response to this video? Please share your feelings.