Acerca de
Vassilis Xypolias
MBSR Teacher, CFM/UMASS & Mindfulness Coach
My journey to mindfulness
My main academic background is in marketing, holding an MBA from the University of Bridgeport, USA. Until 2013 and for twenty-five years, I worked in the marketing communications field running also my own company abroad. During that period, I gained extensive experience and understanding of how human mind works and the influence beliefs, thoughts and feelings exert in the way we perceive, act and experience life.
Around 2009 due to personal life difficulties, I began to learn more and better understand the applications and benefits of mindfulness. The turning point for my decision to fully immerse and commit to mindfulness came when I had the unique chance to met and work with Jon Kabat-Zinn while participating in one of his workshops. After a series of formal studies, international workshops and professional training programs including a semester in Buddhist psychology at the Kathmandu University (Rangjung Yeshe Institute), in 2015 I acquired authorization to teach the Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program of the Centre For Mindfulness and Medical School of the University of Massachusetts.
With Jon Kabat Zinn
Today, my effort and focus is to support the cultivation and integration of mindfulness into our lives as a means of healing, knowledge, change and growth. To teach how we can relate to our experiences with equanimity and an open, more flexible approach for emotional balance and personal growth. To offer a “roadmap” how to access our inner resources for wisdom and compassion to meet skillfully life’s inevitable challenges. Last but not least, "not to forget” (the original meaning of the ancient Pali word “sati” translated as “mindfulness”) that life, is a unique and exciting journey and the only moment we really have to live, to learn and to love, is now!
"...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
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 session or, you can fill out this contact form and I will get back to you.