A Day of Gathering of Greek Mindfulness Professionals

A Day of Gathering of Greek Mindfulness Professionals

Facilitated by Prof Rebecca Crane (Bangor University, UK).

with the support of Sophia Messari (Centre “Psyche te kai somati”)

& Vasilis Xypolias (Mindfulness 360)

Saturday 9th September 2023, Vaela Hotel, Elatohori, Greece.

This one day in-person event is a unique opportunity for us, mindfulness professionals from all parts of Greece and abroad, to come together for the first time to open dialogue, and develop a common vision and possibly a road map for supporting mindfulness in our country.

We have the opportunity to get useful insights and guidance from Prof Rebecca Crane, who has vast experience in teaching mindfulness-based approaches, in the academic context for this work, and in building communities and networks. She has played a pivotal role in the development of the mindfulness field internationally.

The gathering will take place after the end of the 5-day retreat (4-8 September 2023) “Discovering Ease Within” that will be facilitated by Rebecca Crane and is a separate event. Participant professionals from the retreat are strongly encouraged to stay on for this day long gathering, and other Greek mindfulness professionals are invited to join for this day as a stand-alone event.

Do consider joining the 5-day retreat! It is a wonderful opportunity to deepen practice in a beautiful location! For information please read here                                                                                                                                                    

Below are some of the themes we will be reflecting on during the day long gathering, and we also encourage participants to bring themes that are important to them:

-        What are your aspirations and vision for the potential of Mindfulness in Greece?

-        How can we work individually and collectively towards the realization of these aspirations?

-        How can both organizational/community initiatives and the personal/professional development of each of us be part of a bigger whole that contributes to our shared vision for Greece?

-        Is there an interest in developing a Mindfulness Teachers’ Association in Greece?

 If so, what would be the aims and the process of moving towards its development?

The day will include:

-        Time for formal mindfulness practice together

-        A talk by Rebecca Crane about the process of development of professional mindfulness networks and the British Association of Mindfulness-Based Approaches (BAMBA) in United Kingdom

-        Small group discussions

-        Full group discussions

-        Informal time for social interaction and getting to know each other during a longer lunch break.

Language

The official language of the gathering will be English. We will though speak in Greek in the small group discussions and Sophia Messari and Vasilis Xypolias will be available to support with language clarifications, as needed.

The venue:

Hotel Vaela, up in the mountains of Elatohori Pierias, approximately 1.5 hours distance from Thessaloniki. https://www.vaelahotel.com/

Timings:

Saturday 9^th September 2023/ 10:00 – 16:00.

Cost:

The cost is 20 euros and includes lunch and drinks for the day. Rebecca has generously offered to facilitate with no charge.

Booking process:

For more information and to book a place for this event, please contact Sophia Messari (sophiamessari@gmail.com, 6957085624). Booking is confirmed with an electronic payment of the cost.

The Facilitator

The gathering will be facilitated by Prof Rebecca Crane with support from Sophia Messari & Vasilis Xypolias.

Prof Rebecca Crane (PhD) was, until recently, the long-term Director of the Centre for Mindfulness Research and Practice at Bangor University. She is an internationally renowned academic, speaker, workshop and retreat lead. Her research focuses on how mindfulness-based programs can be implemented with integrity into mainstream practice settings, and how they can support inner change that contributes to collective and systemic societal shifts towards a more equitable and sustainable world. She completed the Bodhi College dharma teacher training in 2022. She has written Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy Distinctive Features 2017, co-authored Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy with People at Risk of Suicide, 2017, co-edited Essential Resources for Mindfulness Teachers, 2021, and is a Principal Fellow with the Higher Education Academy.