Quiet time key to stress-reduction system

Kelly Griffith of the Orlando Sentinel writes about the work of Claudia Schippert and others with meditation for inmates at Lowell Correctional Institution:

"I was struck by the statistical evidence we have about the positive effect that developing a spiritual or mindfulness-based practice has on inmates: The recidivism rates drop drastically," said Schippert, 37.

"When inmates -- or anybody else for that matter -- learn and practice simple skills of mindfulness and learn the tools to maintain a practice . . . they begin to see and realize that they have real choices and tend to be in a much better place to make decisions toward a successful life."

The Mind Body Stress Reduction program is operated through the Gateless Gate Zen Center in Gainsville. Teacher Elizabeth Cohen recently led a group in mindfullness, the core of the training.

"Let's just sit," she tells the three women in the room, quieting the chatter. "Not to sit in any particular way, but just to observe how it feels to sit. Feel your feet on the floor."

All comply. Cohen continues her soft-spoken instructions to observe the nuances of simply sitting silently. She believes the practice can reduce stress and help manage pain.

MBSR is a copyrighted name of a secular program developed by University of Massachusetts psychologist Jon Kabat-Zinn that aims to use techniques of "mindful" living to help with many of life's ills. Research at the university has shown positive results not only in pain management, but also in coping with depression.

The techniques are similar to Buddhist zen meditation, but the program is strictly secular. Sitting meditation is a large part of the program. Schippert came to the program well-studied as a longtime Zen meditation practitioner and teacher, who also leads a local zen meditation group.

"In the busy-ness of our lives, we don't have time to be with ourselves," Cohen said. MBSR "is the welcoming of all that comes."

She teaches the eight-week session of classes at various locations in the Orlando area. Students learn how to use the meditation techniques in daily life as well as a few easy yoga postures to help with relaxation. A one-day retreat is also part of the program.