In a world where the integration of holistic and self-care practices into public health is increasingly recognized as a crucial component of well-being, my work stands as a vibrant testament to what can be achieved with dedication, collaboration, and innovation. As a professor of preventive medicine at the Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, and as the coordinator of Mente Aberta – the Brazilian Center for Mindfulness and Health Promotion, I have been at the forefront of integrating mindfulness and compassion into Brazilian health care, education, and beyond.
Unprecedented achievements
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Since its inception in 2011, Mente Aberta has catalyzed significant transformations. We have trained over 700 instructors in Mindfulness-Based Health Promotion (MBHP), Attachment-Based Compassion Therapy (ABCT), and Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), this last in partnership with the University of Oxford. These dedicated professionals are now spreading the benefits of mindfulness and compassion across various sectors of society.
Our academic contributions include the publication of more than 10 books on the subject and over 70 scientific articles, evidencing the robust research foundation supporting our practices. These publications serve not only as a testament to our commitment to excellence but also as valuable resources for practitioners and researchers alike.
Transforming public services
Our engagement with the public sector has led to groundbreaking initiatives, including collaborations with Brazil’s Unified Health System (SUS) and public education system. These partnerships underscore our commitment to making mindfulness and compassion accessible to all, regardless of their background or profession.
One of our most notable initiatives has been the training of civil and military police officers, as well as members of the Brazilian Navy, in mindfulness techniques. These programs aim to reduce stress, enhance decision-making under pressure, and foster a culture of empathy and resilience within these critical services.
Fostering academic excellence
The impact of our work extends deeply into the academic realm. We have guided more than 20 individuals through their master’s, doctoral, and postdoctoral studies in mindfulness and compassion, contributing to the next generation of scholars and practitioners. These academic achievements highlight the depth of our commitment to advancing the field through rigorous research and education.
Global collaborations
Our reach and impact are further amplified through international partnerships with esteemed institutions such as the Universities of Zaragoza, Harvard, Oxford, and the University of Technology Sydney. These collaborations enable us to share knowledge, engage in cross-cultural research, and innovate in our approaches to mindfulness and compassion in public health.
Looking ahead
The journey of integrating mindfulness and compassion into public health has been both challenging and deeply rewarding. Our achievements – from training hundreds of instructors to influencing public policies and contributing significantly to academic research – demonstrate the potential of these practices to transform lives and communities.
As we continue to collaborate, research, and innovate, our vision for a world where mindfulness and compassion are integral to public health remains steadfast. Together with our partners, including the Global Compassion Coalition (GCC), we are committed to advancing this vision, inspired by the profound changes we’ve witnessed and driven by the endless possibilities that lie ahead.
In conclusion, the work we do at Mente Aberta and within the broader community of mindfulness and compassion practitioners is more than a series of programs and collaborations; it’s a movement towards a more mindful, compassionate, and healthy society.
Marcelo Demarzo, MD, PhD is a family doctor specializing in mindfulness and health promotion for adults and children. He is an Associate Professor (Senior Lecturer) of the Department of Preventive Medicine in the Escola Paulista de Medicina, UNIFESP.