Willem Kuyken, Ph.D., has been at the forefront of merging Eastern mindfulness practices with Western psychological standards. Dr. Kuyken’s academic work significantly contributed to the World Health Organization’s Quality of Life measure which set the standard for evaluating an individual’s perception of their position in life across cultural and national boundaries. Drawing on his years of experience, Dr. Kuyken discusses how important mindfulness practices are in clinical settings and how to move those practices into a patient’s daily life and form them into independent habits.

This episode of Menninger Clinic’s Mind Dive Podcast features Dr. Kuyken, accomplished psychologist author joining hosts Dr. Kerry Horrell  and Dr. Bob Boland for a conversation on mindfulness practices, their importance in clinical settings and how to turn mindfulness practices from task-related labors to an ongoing enriching experience. 

Dr. Kuyken is a scientist and author, and serves as a professor of Mindfulness and Psychological Science at the University of Oxford, and director of the University of Oxford Mindfulness Centre. Dr. Kuyken’s latest book, “Mindfulness for Life” releases on October 25th  and is available for pre-order here.

“There can be negative thoughts that your mind can place between you and happiness,” said Dr. Kuyken. “I liken these thoughts to wrecking balls and while they are powerful, if you simply step out of their way, they’ll pass you by.” 

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