Being Present in the Moment: Teaching and Researching Mindfulness at Masaryk University

Research and clinical practice clearly demonstrate that our ability to reflect where our minds are and how they work significantly determines our satisfaction with our life. The Academic Centre of the Faculty of Medicine of MU, Mindfulness Research and Practice Network of Masaryk University (MRPN MUNI) was established precisely in order to develop this unique and universal skill for people interested in mindfulness who want to find peace in a busy and demanding world.
The high standard of the courses is also reflected by the fact that the teaching of mindfulness under the guidance of MUDr. Rastislav Šumec, PhD in the Brno centre was graded the highest, sixth quality level (i.e. Advanced), after being assessed by the Oxford Mindfulness Centre this summer.

From the idea to the creation of the centre

The interest in mindfulness practice and research is enormous in the world and this trend is evident in the Czech Republic as well. There is a growing body of information on the effectiveness of mindfulness practice in various contexts, whether in medical practice or primary and secondary prevention. However, any boom also brings risks in the form of incompetent practice by self-appointed mindfulness teachers or in the form of misinterpretation of the results of scientific studies, which can then support unrealistic public expectations and damage the reputation of the mindfulness approach.

"The Academic Centre was established in response to developments in this area. As a university centre that emphasizes the connection of mental health experts with mindfulness teachers and researchers, we want to provide students, MUNI staff, professionals and the general public with realistic information and competent practice of mindfulness, whether in the form of mindfulness courses led by certified lecturers, links to competent experts in this field, information about relevant mindfulness research and networking with research groups around the world, "says Rastislav Šumec, Head of MRPN MUNI.

Offer of courses and applications for smartphones

The centre focuses on the student and academic community of the entire Masaryk University, which can participate in the programmes offered and learn to integrate mindfulness into personal and professional life.
The centre allows enrolment in several programmes. It is possible to regularly register for the 8-week MUNI Healthy Minds programme (currently planned for spring 2022), in which it is possible to get acquainted with mindfulness via a smartphone. During the 8 weeks, participants are sent kind and encouraging notifications during the day, which acquaints them with the principles of mindfulness and encourages them to train their attention directly during daily activities. For those interested in an intensive course, it is possible to register for the university course Mindfulness for Life, which is based on the world-famous programme Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy. In this programme, we focus on mindfulness practice in a small group of about 12-15 members. This group then meets live every week and, accompanied by a mindfulness teacher, learns step by step to integrate mindfulness into their lives and into all the situations it brings, whether they are pleasant or stressful. If COVID-19 does not currently allow full-time teaching, meetings take place via Zoom.

Those interested can learn about activities and news from the world of mindfulness through our website or Facebook. 

Who is behind the establishment of the centre?

The Professional Board of the centre consists of:

• neurologist, neuroscientist and certified mindfulness teacher at Oxford University MUDr. Rastislav Šumec, Ph.D.,
• Head of the Department of Psychology and Psychosomatics, FM MU, clinical psychologist and psychotherapist doc. PhDr. Miroslav Světlák, Ph.D.
• and psychologist and Head of the Czech Positive Psychology Centre, doc. PhDr. Alena Slezáčková, Ph.D.

The key members of the centre are:

• doctor from the Department of Psychiatry of the University Hospital Brno and FM MU MUDr. Zuzana Špačková,
• journalist and doctoral student in the field of neuroscience Ing. Pavla Hubálková,
• certified mindfulness teacher Ing. Alena Lašková MSc, PGSDip
• and doctoral students in the field of neuroscience MUDr. Monika Lekárová, Mgr. Zdeňka Barešová and RNDr. Dana Vigašová, Ph.D.

The establishment of the centre was approved by the Dean of the FM MU, prof. MUDr. Martin Repko, Ph.D. and its establishment was significantly supported by:

• Head of the First Department of Neurology, St. Anne’s University Hospital in Brno and FM MU prof. MUDr. Milan Brázdil, Ph.D.,
• Head of the Department of Psychiatry of the University Hospital Brno and FM MU prof. MUDr. Tomáš Kašpárek, Ph.D.
• and the Head of the Department of Psychology and Psychosomatics, FM MU, doc. PhDr. Miroslav Světlák, Ph.D.

Trademark registration

The MRPN MUNI Centre applied for registration of a figurative mark at the Industrial Property Office, which it obtained at the end of August 2021. The reason for submitting the application was to protect the good name of the university centre, so that it could safely and legally represent professional practice and research of mindfulness that is aligned to international standards.

Invitation to the christening of a book

The MRPN MUNI Academic Centre and the Alferia publishing house cordially invite all interested parties to the launch of a newly translated book on mindfulness in medicine called “Neodvracej pohled”. The author of the book is Professor of Preventive and Behavioural Medicine Saki Santorelli. The christening will take place on 27^th October 2021 in the Gallery of the “Skleněná louka” house (Kounicova 23, Brno). For more information visit the event.