Breve historia y estado actual de la práctica de mindfulness y compasión en Chile

Abstract

In the last few years, mindfulness and compassion practices have become more broadly known in Chile outside the boundaries of meditation groups affiliated with spiritual traditions. Although still at an early stage, these contemplative practices are beginning to be offered in different secular environments, including schools, universities, hospitals, and clinics, and mindfulness trainings for healthcare professionals and educators are beginning to be offered. The initial impulse of this movement in Chile has emerged from mental health professionals with a previous interest in contemplative practices and yoga, however, an increasing number of people are encountering these practices for the first time through their participation in secular mindfulness-based and compassion-based educational programs or by participating or training in a third-wave psychotherapy. In this article we review some of the key landmarks in the brief history of mindfulness and compassion practices in Chile, assessing the current state of these practices (publications, trainings, institutions) and also reflecting upon current challenges and future opportunities in this development.