MindOwl

Meditation Training

Author : Filipe Bastos

MindOwl Founder - My own struggles in life have led me to this path of understanding the human condition. I graduated with a bachelor’s degree in philosophy before completing a master’s degree in psychology at Regent’s University London.  I then completed a postgraduate diploma in philosophical counselling before being trained in ACT (Acceptance and commitment therapy). I've spent the last eight years studying the encounter of meditative practices with modern psychology.

Meditation vs Mindfulness: How to Understand the Difference

Meditation vs Mindfulness. So – what is the difference between meditation and mindfulness? That is a question that we get from our students here frequently. With the increased popularity of mindfulness around the world, these two words get used almost interchangeably, when in fact they do not mean the same thing. People may say they […]

The definition of mindfulness according to psychology

Mindfulness practice has become increasingly mainstream in recent years, straying from its roots in Asia and growing in popularity in the West. Many people have embraced it as a part of their daily life, a practice that can significantly boost mental, physical, and emotional health. This development is partly due to changing beliefs about mindfulness […]

Respond, don’t React: Taming Stress through Mindful Presence

When you have felt under attack or unsafe, have you ever noticed that your reaction only worsened the situation? Then you might need to read on. In this article we’re going to be discussing the huge difference between reacting and responding to stressful situations, and how we can bring our minds to a point of […]

Can you listen to music while meditating?

The power of music is undeniable. Both listening to music and playing it yourself can bring intense joy, reduce stress, help us focus on the present moment, and relieve anxiety or insomnia. You may notice that these are also some of the key benefits of meditation. The powerful surges of energy and feeling that happen […]

The Obstacle is the Path: a Zen approach to overcoming any challenge

Deriving from a Zen proverb, the phrase ‘the obstacle is the path’ refers to the idea that no obstacle can be navigated just by avoidance; you must tackle it head-on. This school of thought insists that obstacles actually present opportunities for improvement. Overcoming challenging situations can make us stronger, more resolute, and more robust. Choosing […]

Beginner’s Mind: The Art of Not Knowing

What is Beginner’s Mind? Originating from Japanese Zen Buddhism, the term ‘Beginner’s Mind‘ (or ‘shoshin’) refers to a paradox: the more you know about a topic, the more likely you are to close your mind to further learning. In the book, ‘Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind’, Shunryu Suzuki summarises this principle with the line ‘In the […]

Toxic positivity: How pseudo-positivity can hurt our health

In recent years social media and lifestyle blogs have been flooded with encouragements to find the silver lining with mantras like, “good vibes only”, or “think positive”. On the surface, these well-intentioned messages may seem like the perfect attitude to adopt when dealing with feelings of sadness, loneliness or anxiety, or when trying to support […]

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