ERIC LOPÉZ MAYA, PH.D.

Director of the Mexican Institute of Mindfulness

Q1: How did you first become involved in IMTA? 

I had already established a recognized, high-quality teacher training program when I decided to join the International Mindfulness Teachers Association (IMTA). My primary motivation for becoming a member was to give my existing program the benefit of international accreditation. Aligning with IMTA not only provided this global seal of approval but also integrated me into a community deeply committed to upholding high ethical and educational standards in the mindfulness field.

Concurrently, I was honored to be invited to the advisory board. This role provides an incredible opportunity to shape the future of mindfulness teaching by influencing policies, accreditation standards, and ethical guidelines. It’s a responsibility I take seriously, as it allows me to contribute to the broader mindfulness community in a meaningful way.

Q2: You have been a member of IMTA's Advisory Board for a few years now. What does it mean to you to serve the IMTA members in this capacity?

Serving on the Advisory Board of the International Mindfulness Teachers Association (IMTA) has been an honor for me. With years of experience in the mindfulness field, I see my role on the board as an opportunity to channel that expertise into shaping the outlook of training accreditation on a global scale. This isn't just about setting guidelines or approving courses; it's about ensuring that the teachings remain authentic, impactful, and true to the core principles of mindfulness.

It also allows me to contribute to a larger vision—one that respects the diverse applications of mindfulness while maintaining the integrity and quality of its instruction. In this capacity, I get to play a part in elevating the field of mindfulness, ensuring it remains a credible and valuable discipline for generations to come.

Q3: What can IMTA do to help advance Mindfulness Teacher Centers? 

As a member of the IMTA Advisory Board, I believe one of the most impactful ways we can advance Mindfulness Teacher Centers is by incorporating more strict standards for organizations and their teaching programs. This would involve not just a stringent vetting process but also an ongoing evaluation to ensure that centers meet and maintain high-quality educational and ethical standards. The goal is to ensure that teachers graduating from these centers are truly well-versed in the depth and breadth of mindfulness, both in theory and in practice.

Additionally, the field of mindfulness is ever-evolving, and it's crucial for IMTA to be at the forefront of this development. To that end, we should actively explore and incorporate novel modalities of training into the accreditation process.

Q4: How do you feel that IMTA can best serve the mindfulness teachers' community?

I believe that one of the most valuable ways IMTA can serve the mindfulness teachers' community is by offering robust continuing education opportunities. Mindfulness is a dynamic field, constantly influenced by new research, diverse cultural perspectives, and technological advancements. As teachers, it's crucial to stay updated not just in the realm of practice but also in theory and technical domains. 

Mindfulness is for Everyone:  How to Be More Present in Your Life