Cindy Gittleman, a certified Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) teacher, is offering a free MBSR orientation session from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., December 4, at Roots and Wings, in Natick. Gittleman will introduce the MBSR program, guide attendees in mindfulness methods and approaches, and answer questions.

“The MBSR program is highly experiential and includes guided instruction in mindfulness meditation practices and concepts, gentle stretching, group discussions, home assignments, practice materials and recordings,” says Gittleman. “Thousands of people around the world have taken it to learn how to cope more effectively with such challenges as general life stress, cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, chronic illness and pain, cancer, depression and anxiety, gastrointestinal distress and sleep disturbances.”

Gittleman says there is a wide body of research supporting the benefits of mindfulness practice, including decreased physical and psychological symptoms, increased ability to relax and cope with physical and emotional pain, greater energy, improved self-esteem, and an ability to deal more effectively with stressful situations. “It is my hope that people will discover their inner resources and live more fully, both personally and professionally, through the use of mindfulness practices,” she says.

Cost: Free. Location: Roots and Wings, 317 N. Main St., Natick. To learn more, call 978-657-7730 or visit SunriseMindfulness.com.