Vassilis T. Xypolias

Mindfulness & MBSR Teacher, CFM/UMASS

My main academic background is in marketing, holding an MBA from the University of Bridgeport, USA. Until 2011 and for twenty-five years, I worked in the marketing communications field and the last thirteen, running my own company abroad. During this period I have gained extensive experience and understanding of how the human mind works and the critical influence of beliefs, thoughts and feelings exert in the way we perceive, act and experience life.

 

In 2009 and from personal quest and interest, I began to gradually deepen my knowledge on the possibilities and methods of cultivation and development of mindfulness. After systematic study, international workshops and professional training courses, including a summer intensive course in Buddhist Psychology at the University of Kathmandu, in 2015, I received authorization from the Centre For Mindfulness (CFM) at the Medical School of the University of Massachusetts, USA to teach the “Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction” (MBSR) program.

 

Today, my purpose and commitment is to teach and promote, through lectures, workshops and retreats, the cultivation and application of mindfulness in individual but also in social level. To actively contribute to our shift from “surviving on the autopilot" to a more authentic, meaningful and fulfilling life. To find out how we can experience equanimity and clarity with unpleasant thoughts, sensations and feelings while utilizing the many options given to us in the present moment.

 

In other words, to remind ourselves that life is an adventure and instead of “fighting the waves”, to learn to surf on them!

Credentials

MBSR Professional Workshops

General Workshops

Retreats

Academic 

MBSR - Teacher Development Intensive

F. Meleo-Mayer, L. Fjorback, J. Piet 
15-23/9/2015, UMASS/CFM

Denmark

 

MBSR - Practicum

F. Meleo-Mayer, R. Smith

3 - 12/9/2015, UMASS/CFM

Spain

 

MBSR - Mind & Body Medicine

S. Santorelli, F. Meleo-Mayer, J. Brewer

5 - 12/6/2015, UMASS/CFM

USA

 

MBSR - Mindfulness Tools

L. Koerbel, B. Mulligan, A. Twohig

1 - 6/10/2014, CFM Ireland

Ireland

 

“Coming To Our Senses”

Jon Kabat-Zinn

22 - 25/5/2015, Omega Institute

USA

 

“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 and Guided meditations"

Ven. Robina Courtin

2 - 5/4/2015, Tao’s Center

Greece

5 Nights with Adyashanti

07 - 12/08/2016, Zeist

Netherlands

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10 Days Vipassana

Nepal Vipassana Center

15 - 26/8/2014, Kathmandu

Nepal

 

10 Days Silent Meditation

Asura Cave Retreat Centre

27/7 - 7/8/2014, Pharping

Nepal

 

8 Days Guided Silent
Mediation

Bill Karelis

30/4 - 6/5/2014, Brasov

Romania

Introduction to Buddhist Psychology

Kathmandu University

8/6 - 8/8 2014, Kathmandu

Nepal

With Jon Kabat-Zinn at the end of the 3 Days workshop "Coming To Our Senses" in OMEGA Institute, USA (25/5/2015)