Mission Statement

The Mindfulness Practice Center (MPC) is founded on the belief that mindfulness, the nonjudgmental and clear awareness of one’s experience of the present moment, can improve one’s ability to cope with the many challenges of life and to make choices that aid in living life to the fullest. The mission of the MPC is to facilitate the practice of mindfulness through service, teaching, and research. The MPC activities are open to all students, faculty and staff.

The Mindfulness Practice Center carries out its mission through activities such as the following:

• SERVING the campus community and the community-at-large through special events, publications, and other activities;
• TEACHING mindfulness through Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction programs, courses, workshops, and practicum experiences; and
• RESEARCHING and encouraging research that furthers the understanding of mindfulness and its benefits.

The MPC emphasizes a non-sectarian approach to mindfulness that draws on contemplative practices from a variety of religious and philosophical traditions. We collaborate with people and groups inside and outside the University.

Director:

Lynn Rossy, Ph.D., Healthy for Life, the T. E. Atkins Wellness Program

Original Steering Committee:

Jan Colbert, School of Journalism

Weldon Durham, Ph.D., Theatre Department

Susan Even, M.D., Director, Student Health Center

Robert Hodge, M.D., School of Medicine

Lynda Kraxberger, School of Journalism

Sandy Matsuda, Ph.D., Occupational Therapy

Richard Reuben, J.D., J.S.M., J.S.D., School of Law

Leonard Riskin, J.D., LL.M, School of Law

Paul Robinson, M.D., Student Health Center and Child Health

Todd Schachtman, Ph.D., Psychological Sciences

Laura Schopp, Ph.D., Health Psychology

Cheryl Shigaki, Ph.D., Health Psychology

Beth Shoyer, Ph.D., Student Health Center

Dennis Stambaugh, Chair, MU Wellness Steering Committee

Terry Wilson, M.Ed., R.N., Student Health Center