Online Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) Program
Begin the new year with presence, clarity, and calm.
Join Heather Gunn McQuillan, one of the owners of Nature Space Resort and a certified Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction facilitator in an online 8-week MBSR program.
The MBSR program is designed to help you cultivate greater awareness, reduce stress, and respond to life with more ease and compassion.
This is a fully synchronous, interactive course—not a set of pre-recorded videos. Each week, you’ll gather with Heather and a small group of like-minded participants for guided mindfulness practices, gentle movement, group discussion, and space to ask questions and share reflections.
Together, we’ll explore how mindfulness can transform our relationship with stress, enhance emotional well-being, and deepen our connection to ourselves and others—all from the comfort of your own home.
This 8-week program starts Monday, January 5 and runs until Monday, February 23 (inclusive). The class starts at 7:00pm and ends at 9:30pm (Atlantic time).
- Monday evenings 7-9:30 pm Atlantic Time Zone
- January 5-February 23, 2026
- Small group size with a min. of 8 and max. of 16 participants
- 25% Deposit required to secure your spot
Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction has proven mental health and physical health benefits
🌿 Why Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR)?
Developed by Dr. Jon Kabat-Zinn at the University of Massachusetts Medical Center, MBSR is one of the most well-researched mindfulness programs in the world. Over more than four decades, it has been shown to offer powerful benefits for both mental and physical well-being.
Mental & Emotional Benefits:
Reduces anxiety, overwhelm, and emotional reactivity
Enhances focus, clarity, and decision-making
Improves mood and resilience
Fosters greater self-compassion and emotional regulation
Supports restful sleep and relaxation
Physical Health Benefits:
Lowers blood pressure and heart rate
Reduces symptoms of chronic pain and tension
Strengthens the immune response
Improves energy levels and overall sense of vitality
Through mindfulness meditation, gentle movement, and self-inquiry, participants learn practical ways to bring calm, awareness, and balance into everyday life. The MBSR approach invites you to meet each moment with curiosity and kindness—transforming how you relate to stress and creating space for healing and growth.
What’s Included in the MBSR Program
The 8-week Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) course is a structured, evidence-based program designed to help participants cultivate awareness, reduce stress, and live with greater ease.
Each session builds on the last, weaving together guided practice, reflection, and group dialogue in a supportive, interactive environment. Please make sure you can attend all 8 weeks.
You can expect:
Guided Mindfulness Practices
Including sitting meditation, body scan, and gentle mindful movement to help you connect more deeply with your body and breath.
Weekly Live Sessions
Two-hour, synchronous online sessions each week where Heather guides you through mindfulness practices and group discussions — not pre-recorded, but live and engaging.
Daily Home Practice
Short mindfulness exercises and reflections between sessions to help you integrate mindfulness into your daily routines.
Group Sharing and Reflection
Opportunities to ask questions, share experiences, and learn from others in a safe, non-judgmental space.
Silent Retreat Between week 6 and 7 there is a half-day silent retreat held online on Sunday February 15, from 1-5pm Atlantic Time Zone
Practical Learning Topics
Each week explores a key theme, such as:
Awareness and autopilot
Perception and stress reactivity
Responding vs. reacting
Mindful communication
Working with difficult emotions and pain
Cultivating compassion and self-care
Participants who succesfully complete the program by attending all classes and the silent retreat will receive MBSR certification.
About Your Facilitator
Heather is the co-owner of Nature Space Resort in beautiful St. Peter’s Harbour, PEI. She is also a veteriarian and served as the Hospital Director and Assistant Dean at the Atlantic Veterinary College for nearly a decade. She became passionate about mindfulness and wellbeing work 15 years ago and actively taught mindfulness and the MBSR program to veterinarians and the general public as a means to help them manage stress.
She is a certified RYT 200hr Yoga Alliance Teacher (500h currently in process with certifications in Vinyasa, Yin, Yoga Nidra, and Chair Yoga). Heather has actively practiced yoga since 2009, is trained in Mindfulness Meditation (MBSR graduate), and has practiced meditation since 2013. She is also certified as a meditation and mindfulness instructor and is a graduate from Canada’s only graduate-level University program in Mindfulness (Mindfulness Based Teaching and Learning offered from The University of the Fraser Valley). Heather is also a certified MBSR facilitator from the Centre for Mindfulness Studies.
Cancellation Policy
This program can be cancelled 30 days prior to the program for a full refund of your deposit, or 14-29 days for a full refund minus a $25 cancellation fee. Cancellations made within 14 days of the program are non-refundable and the entire cost of the program is billed at that time to your credit card.
No refunds are issued should you become ill during the course or be unable to attend classes.