Valerie Foster, C.MI., MBSR, was a journalist, a field rife with constant pressures and deadlines. She has studied many forms of meditation, and a decade ago focused on insight mindfulness meditation, a practice that enters every facet of her daily life – both personal and professional. She wishes she had found this meditation style years ago, but because of mindfulness, doesn’t look back and is just so thankful she has it now.
Bill Van Ollefen, C.MI., MBSR, was as an international corporate executive until a spinal cord injury caused the worst kind of neurological pain imaginable – the type that often leads to suicide, which he considered often. He turned to insight mindfulness meditation and the effects have been profound. As his practice deepened, his experience with pain evolved. His pain continues to increase, although today it does not rule his life, he doesn’t suffer, and he is happy, thriving and looking forward to a long life.Both studied Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction at the University of Massachusetts Medical School, Center for Mindfulness, vipassana meditation at the University of Holistic Theology, and are certified meditation instructors, mindfulness life coaches, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) practitioners, CBT life coaches/anxiety specialty and mindfulness CBT practitioners.