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
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)