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Vassilis Xypolias
MBSR Teacher (CFM/UMass) & Mindfulness Coach
My Journey to Mindfulness
My academic background is in marketing and I hold an MBA from the University of Bridgeport in the United States. Until 2013, I worked for twenty-five years in the field of marketing communications, including running my own company abroad. During that time, I gained deep insight into how the human mind operates, and how beliefs, thoughts, and emotions shape the way we perceive, act, and experience life.
In 2009, during a time in my life that invited deep personal reflection, I began to explore mindfulness as a meaningful path for healing and change. A turning point came when I had the unique opportunity to meet and work with Jon Kabat-Zinn during one of his workshops. Having experienced the transformative potential of mindfulness, I decided to fully commit to the path.
After completing formal studies, international workshops, and professional training programs, including a semester in Buddhist Psychology at Kathmandu University (Rangjung Yeshe Institute), in 2015 I received authorization to teach the Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program developed by Jon Kabat-Zinn at the Center for Mindfulness at the University of Massachusetts Medical School.
Today, my effort and focus is dedicated to support people in integrating mindfulness into their lives as a path to healing, transformation, and inner growth. I guide individuals in relating to their inner and outer experiences with equanimity and openness, cultivating balance and clarity. My intention is to offer a clear and practical “roadmap” for accessing inner resources of wisdom and compassion, qualities that can support us in meeting life’s inevitable challenges but also fully enjoy our beautiful moments. And above all, not to forget the original meaning of the ancient Pali word “sati”, often translated as “mindfulness”: to remember. To remember that life, happens only in the present moment. The only moment that we truly have to live, to learn, and to love.
With Jon Kabat-Zinn
"...life is a unique and exciting journey and the only moment which we really have to live, to learn and to love,
is now!"
Credentials
Professional Training
MBSR - Teacher Development Intensive (TDI)
F. Meleo-Mayer MS/MA,
L. Fjorback, J. Piet
15 - 23/9/2015, UMASS/CFM
Denmark (certificate)
MBSR - Practicum
F. Meleo-Mayer, R. Smith
9 - 12/9/2015, UMASS/CFM
Spain (certificate)
MBSR - Mind & Body Medicine
S. Santorelli, F. Meleo Mayer,
J. Brewer
5 - 12/6/2015,UMASS/CFM
USA (certificate)
MBSR - Mindfulness Tools
F. Meleo-Mayer, R. D. Smith
3 - 8/9/2015, Nirakara Mindfulness Institute
Spain (certificate)
Workshops
“Coming To Our Senses”
Jon Kabat-Zinn
22 - 25/5/2015, Omega Institute
USA (certificate)
“Touching the Present - Exploring the Nature of Self”
Pema Chödrön, Tim Olmsted
29 - 31/5/2015, Omega Institute
USA
“An Evening with Deepak Chopra”
Deepak Chopra
13/05/2014, Sofia
Bulgaria
"Buddhist Teachings & Guided Meditations"
Ven. Robina Courtin
2 - 5/4/2015, Tao’s Center
Greece
“Inner Engineering”
Sadhguru
25 - 28/1/2024
Sofia, Bulgaria
Retreats
Academic
5-Nights with Adyashanti
07 - 12/08/2016, Zeist
Netherlands
10-Days Vipassana Retreat
Nepal Vipassana Center
15 - 26/8/2014, Kathmandu
Nepal (certificate)
15-Days Meditation Retreat
Asura Cave Retreat Centre
27/7 - 13/8/2014, Pharping
Nepal
8-Days Guided Silent
Meditation Retreat
Bill Karelis
30/4 - 6/5/2014, Brasov
Romania
Introduction to Buddhist Psychology
Kathmandu University
8/6 - 8/8 2014, Kathmandu
Nepal (certificate)
Mindful Communication
Mindful Schools
3/2019 (certificate)
The MBSR Online Course
CFM, UMAS, Sounds True
4/2020 (certificate)
Testimonials
Orestis
...the program improved the quality of my life. I discovered compassion for myself and so I can be more calm, even when I have negative thoughts. Bringing mindfulness to my interactions, I feel more connected to others (family and friends). Bringing mindfulness to daily activities such as eating, I enjoy them more.
MBSR & Insight Coaching programs
Evi
...the program was a gift to myself, perhaps one of the most valuable and lasting ones . My sleep has improved, the way I deal with everyday situations that used to make me angry, now seem to have no effect on me and above all the program has offered me a way to get closer to myself, to "listen" how I feel and to accept the situations (inside me and around me) as they are now..
MBSR program
Alexia
For me it was the beginning of a huge change in the way I see myself, in life and in relation to others. The most basic "gift" I received is a new confidence, and knowing that in the difficulties of life I have a tool that will help me live and overcome them. My stress has decreased significantly and I feel more present in the beautiful moments of my life, but also in the difficult ones, with the ease of seeing them for what they are.
MBSR program
Charitomeni
To become the best version of myself is very important for me and the program significantly contributed toward that goal. Besides, the most important and beneficial skill that I got from the program is that I feel more present in the beautiful moments, which usually I was missing in my everyday life.
MBSR program
Let’s get in touch!
I’ ll be more than happy to get in touch and arrange a free online introductory meeting or, you can fill out this contact form and I will get back to you.