Teaching Mindfulness

EMI is passionate about training others in the most skillful ways to teach mindfulness, and we want to share our knowledge with you. This ever-changing page will offer many articles that delve into the different facets of teaching mindfulness .

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Are We Still Practicing Engaged Mindfulness—or Just Talking About It?

Are we teaching mindfulness, or are we just life-hacking? As the practice goes mainstream, there is a growing fear that we are losing the depth of ancient traditions in favor of stress-management techniques. But according to Fleet Maull, the secret to deep practice isn't in the technique you choose—it's in the person teaching it.

Graduate Spotlight: I.V. on Finding Confidence, Community, and Her Own Flavor as a Mindfulness Teacher

I.V. came to the Engaged Mindfulness Institute teacher training not as a beginner, but as someone already doing the work — teaching mindfulness in Charlotte's school system and serving as both a teacher and operations manager at the Charlotte Center for Mindfulness. But even with that experience, she knew something was missing.

Neon sign reading "Doubt" on a dark brick wall, with red and white glowing letters, creating a moody and thought-provoking atmosphere.

The Quiet Hindrance That Never Announces Itself

Doubt is the quietest hindrance, often masquerading as wisdom or responsibility. Learn how to identify hindering doubt and return to the direct practice of mindfulness.

When Something in the Room Feels Hard to Be With

Aversion shows up like this all the time in mindfulness teaching. A student who talks too long. A group that feels disengaged. A tone in the room that’s heavy, angry, or flat. Sometimes the aversion is obvious in students. Sometimes it’s quietly living in us. Either way, when it’s unacknowledged, it starts running the show.

A monk in saffron robes meditates, surrounded by a dog, a monkey, a bird, a crocodile, and a snake on a pastel background. Tranquil mood.

Guarding the Mind: Ancient Wisdom for Modern Times

Explore the ancient Buddhist metaphor of the six animals to understand how our senses pull us in different directions and how mindfulness can bring us peace

Man sitting in mindful meditation next to a man running to represent formal and informal mindfulness practice.

The Two Sides of Mindfulness: Formal Practice vs. Real-Life Living

Learn the difference between formal mindfulness practice (meditation) and informal mindfulness, and how to integrate both into your daily life for less stress and more peace.

Lotus flower floating on pond with mountains in the background

A Guide to the Near and Far Enemies of Loving-Kindness

Discover the true meaning of loving-kindness by understanding the subtle enemies of attachment and hatred. Learn how genuine metta transforms relationships, reduces stress, and fosters clear, compassionate living grounded in Buddhist wisdom.