Engaged Mindfulness Institute

05/14/2026

Graduate Spotlight: Mike Croley, founder of Tranquil Path and graduate of EMI's Mindfulness Teacher Training.
Mike's path to mindfulness teaching started inside federal service — as a NOAA employee involved in the agency's contemplative practice resource group. After completing EMI's training, he founded Tranquil Path, a nonprofit weaving together land conservation and contemplative practice inspired by Shinrin-yoku (forest bathing).
What he names as most transformative wasn't a single technique. It was EMI's emphasis on accessibility, inclusive language, trauma-aware instruction, and community — a foundation he says continues long after graduation.
"EMI doesn't just teach techniques. It builds a foundation of lived practice, ethical grounding, and community support."
Practice deeply. Teach skillfully.
Read Mike's full story: https://www.engagedmindfulness.org/post/graduate-spotlight-mike-croley

05/11/2026

Meet Mike Croley. Navy veteran. Federal public servant. Nonprofit founder. And graduate of the Engaged Mindfulness Institute's Mindfulness Teacher Training.
In this clip, Mike shares how EMI reshaped the way he teaches — the shift from instruction to invitation, the practices he never expected to love (hello, body scans), and the community that helped him step fully into his role as a teacher and leader.
"Do it. It's demanding, but it's completely worth it."

Mike went on to found Tranquil Path, a conservation-and-mindfulness nonprofit, and continues to bring contemplative practice into public life. His path started here.
The April cohort opens April 1 — and spots are limited. If you've been thinking about deepening your practice and learning to share it with others, this is your moment.

Apply now: https://www.engagedmindfulness.org/apply

05/11/2026

Meet Mike Croley. Navy veteran. Federal public servant. Nonprofit founder. And graduate of the Engaged Mindfulness Institute's Mindfulness Teacher Training.
In this clip, Mike shares how EMI reshaped the way he teaches — the shift from instruction to invitation, the practices he never expected to love (hello, body scans), and the community that helped him step fully into his role as a teacher and leader.
"Do it. It's demanding, but it's completely worth it."

Mike went on to found Tranquil Path, a conservation-and-mindfulness nonprofit, and continues to bring contemplative practice into public life. His path started here.

Apply now: https://www.engagedmindfulness.org/apply

05/07/2026

Most of us have felt it: a flash of grief about what's happening to the natural world — and then, almost immediately, the reflex to close. To look away. To reach for something easier.

That closing isn't weakness. It's biology. But it costs us something.

In our newest blog post, we explore what mindfulness practice actually offers in the face of climate grief — not a way to feel better, but a way to feel fully, so we can respond with real depth and sustained presence.

Because you can't act meaningfully from numbness. And the love underneath the grief? That's what actually moves people.

Read it here → https://www.engagedmindfulness.org/post/can-mindfulness-help-us-stay-awake-to-climate-collapse-without-numbing-out

05/06/2026

What does ethics actually mean for mindfulness teachers?

Not rules. Not commandments. Character.

In this conversation, scholar and Buddhist practitioner John Peacock, Ph.D., joins EMI Executive Director Vita Pires, Ph.D., to explore what's often missing from mindfulness teacher training: a genuine ethical framework — one rooted in inquiry, not prescription.

They dive into Socratic dialogue as a tool for navigating polarized conversations, why "I don't know" is one of the most ethical things a teacher can say, and how mindfulness differs from mere attention (hint: it cares about its object).
If you teach mindfulness — or want to — this one's worth your time.

🎧 Listen and read the full transcript on the EMI blog. https://www.engagedmindfulness.org/post/ethics-inquiry-in-mindfulness-teaching

Practice deeply. Teach skillfully.

05/01/2026

Is mindfulness just a tool for individual stress relief, or is it a catalyst for systemic change? 🧘🌿

In our latest Friday Resource, we’re diving into a compelling piece from MDPI that explores the bridge between clinical mindfulness and "Engaged Buddhism."

The article argues that when we add lovingkindness and compassion-based practices to our mindfulness, we shift from just "fixing" the individual to supporting the wellness of all beings. This holistic approach is at the very heart of what we teach at EMI—moving from personal practice to social action.

Read the full article here: https://www.mdpi.com/2077-1444/13/8/746

This article investigates mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) in a clinical setting and considers the benefits of socially engaged mindfulness practices. The main aim is to consider the relationship between MBIs, especially as a clinical practice (including disengagement from negative ruminations...

04/28/2026

Feedback like this from our Mindfulness Teacher Training (MTT) participants highlights something essential: mindfulness is not just a skill—it’s a way of being that shapes how we lead, relate, and respond in our personal and professional lives.

When practice becomes integrated into daily life, it fosters clarity, resilience, and openness—qualities that are deeply needed in today’s world.

At Engaged Mindfulness Institute, we support practitioners in cultivating these capacities within a supportive, practice-centered community.

Learn more about our MTT program: https://www.engagedmindfulness.org/

04/22/2026

Most people think mindfulness means sitting quietly with their eyes closed. That's part of it — but only half the picture.
There are two sides to a real mindfulness practice: formal (dedicated time for meditation) and informal (bringing awareness into the middle of your actual day). Swipe through to see what each one offers — and why you need both.
Read the full article: https://www.engagedmindfulness.org/post/the-two-sides-of-mindfulness-formal-practice-vs-real-life-living

04/19/2026

A Sunday Read: Are you distracted, or is your mind just wandering? 🧠

We often use the terms "distraction" and "wandering mind" interchangeably, but in the world of practice, the distinction is vital.

One feels like a failure of willpower; the other is simply the natural, creative state of a human brain. Understanding the difference can completely shift how you relate to your "off-task" moments—moving from self-criticism to a state of curious observation.

As we look at "readiness" in high-stakes environments, learning to navigate these mental states isn't just a relaxation technique—it's a core professional skill.

Revisiting this favorite from the EMI archives for your Sunday morning reflection.

Read the full article here: https://www.engagedmindfulness.org/post/understanding-mindfulness-language-the-nuanced-difference-between-distraction-and-wandering-mind

In the world of mindfulness practice, the language we use to describe our mental experiences carries significant weight. Two terms frequently employed by mindfulness instructors—"distraction" and "wandering mind"—often appear interchangeable, yet they capture distinctly different aspects of our ...

04/17/2026

Is your mind a "spotlight" or a "lantern"? 🔦🏮

In a fascinating new conversation on The Ezra Klein Show, author Michael Pollan dives into the deep mystery of consciousness—the only thing we truly know firsthand, yet the thing science understands the least [00:08].

Pollan explores a beautiful concept from developmental psychologist Alison Gopnik: Lantern Consciousness. While adults often have "spotlight" focus—narrow, goal-oriented, and filtered—children (and sometimes meditators!) experience a 360-degree "lantern" awareness, taking in the richness of the world without judgment [29:48].

Key takeaways for our practice:

The Body as the Source: Consciousness isn't just "3 lbs of tofu" in our heads; it’s an embodied experience. Our feelings are often the body talking to the brain before a thought even forms [36:11].

The Power of "Don’t Know" Mind: Not knowing doesn't have to be frustrating. It can be a state of opening and wonder [01:27:53].

Mindfulness as Sovereignty: In an age of digital distraction, meditation is a way to "put a fence around your consciousness" and reclaim your internal life [01:14:44].

How do you move from "spotlight" to "lantern" in your daily life? Share your thoughts below! 👇
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hYrgLn7pWp8

Consciousness is this amazing, mind-bending riddle. It’s the only thing any of us truly knows. We experience everything else in life through it. And yet we b...

04/17/2026

Today, the journey begins. 🌿

We are so excited to officially welcome our newest cohort to the Engaged Mindfulness Institute today! As these students settle in for their first sessions, they aren't just starting a training program—they are entering a community dedicated to "transforming from the inside out."

Why do we focus on the "inside out"? Because we believe that to lead others, we must first embody the practice ourselves. Our latest blog post explores this exact journey:
✨ 95% of our students find that our small, intimate peer groups are the heartbeat of their growth.
✨ 100% of our graduates describe this experience as the most meaningful professional development they’ve ever done.

To our new cohort: We are honored to walk this path with you. To the rest of our community: check out our latest blog to see the incredible impact our graduates are making in schools, healthcare, and beyond.

📖 Read more here: https://www.engagedmindfulness.org/post/to-review-transforming-from-the-inside-out-how-engaged-mindfulness-institute-nurtures-mindful-teac