The Oxford Mindfulness Podcast

Join us for "Between the Lines", an online series that brings the mindfulness community together to explore the books, papers, and other resources that have shaped the mindfulness field — alongside the authors and thinkers who created them.   In this insightful session, Mark Williams responds to community questions from our book club–style discussion of his title, "Deeper Mindfulness".   Our "Between the Lines" events will take place monthly over 2026. View more of our upcoming mindfulness courses and events ▶️ https://oxfordmindfulness.org/courses-events   Oxford Mindfulness is a not-for-profit organisation helping people achieve greater well-being and improved mental health through research-based mindfulness. Visit our website https://oxfordmindfulness.org/

In this episode of 'Getting Real with Mindfulness', Claire Kelly (Oxford Mindfulness) and mindfulness teacher Victoria Fontana discuss the question: does mindfulness make you a pushover?   Together they unpack the difference between acceptance and passivity, challenging the idea that mindfulness leads to weakness or compliance. Through real-life examples and reflections from their own work, they highlight how mindfulness can actually support courage, clarity, and more skilful action, especially in difficult conversations and high-pressure environments.   If you'd like to get in touch to share your thoughts, reflections or ideas for future episodes, we'd love to hear from you. 📧 Email claire.kelly@oxfordmindfulness.org   👥 About the Hosts Claire Kelly is a mindfulness-based mentor and the Director of Teaching and Training at Oxford Mindfulness. With over 25 years in education, she's also passionate about developing and delivering evidence-based programmes to support mental health and wellbeing in education. Victoria Fontana is a certified mindfulness and compassion teacher, executive coach, and educator who helps people cultivate calm, clarity, and resilience in their lives and work.   Victoria teaches mindfulness and compassion-based programs internationally through IE University, the Mindfulness and Health Institute, and through her own programs at https://www.mindgazing.com/   Oxford Mindfulness is a not-for-profit organisation helping people achieve greater well-being and improved mental health through research-based mindfulness. Visit our website 👉 https://oxfordmindfulness.org/

In this episode of 'Getting Real with Mindfulness', Claire Kelly (Oxford Mindfulness) and mindfulness teacher Victoria Fontana unpack boredom in mindfulness practice – why it can show up, why it feels so uncomfortable, and how it might actually be a doorway into creativity and awareness.    The function and roots of boredom are explored, including its evolutionary role as a motivator and the neuroscience behind it. Claire and Victoria emphasise not judging feelings of boredom, but using it as a signal to practise mindfulness more skilfully.   👥 About the Hosts Claire Kelly is a mindfulness-based mentor and the Director of Teaching and Training at Oxford Mindfulness. With over 25 years in education, she's also passionate about developing and delivering evidence-based programmes to support mental health and wellbeing in education.   Victoria Fontana is a certified mindfulness and compassion teacher, executive coach, and educator who helps people cultivate calm, clarity, and resilience in their lives and work. Victoria teaches mindfulness and compassion-based programs internationally through IE University, the Mindfulness and Health Institute, and through her own programs at https://www.mindgazing.com/   Oxford Mindfulness is a not-for-profit organisation helping people achieve greater well-being and improved mental health through research-based mindfulness. Visit our website 👉 https://oxfordmindfulness.org/   If you'd like to get in touch to share your thoughts, reflections or ideas for future episodes, we'd love to hear from you. 📧 Email claire.kelly@oxfordmindfulness.org   📑 Episode Resources Oxford Mindfulness Resources https://oxfordmindfulness.org/events-and-resources Oxford Mindfulness Podcasts https://oxfordmindfulness.org/podcasts

Is mindfulness not meeting your expectations? The hosts explore how inflated claims shape perceptions of its effectiveness. They discuss the importance of curiosity over 'shoulds' and the patience needed for real benefits. Listeners learn that mindfulness is a lifelong journey rather than a quick fix, with realistic outcomes like stress reduction and better relationships. Practical insights help navigate grief and anxiety, emphasizing that it’s all about understanding and managing expectations.

Is mindfulness just fluffy nonsense? Hosts Claire and Victoria dive deep into this misconception, revealing how mindfulness is both gritty and practical. They highlight mindful colouring as a gentle entry point, while emphasizing its role in building agency and emotional resilience. The discussion contrasts rapid reactions with mindful responses, showcasing the benefits of self-compassion. With insights into workplace wellbeing and the neuroscience behind mindfulness, this engaging conversation challenges stereotypes and encourages a broader perspective.

Join mindfulness and compassion teacher Victoria Fontana, who has a wealth of experience in transformative coaching, as she shares insights with Claire Kelly, Director of Teaching and Training at Oxford Mindfulness. They discuss the unexpected challenges of starting mindfulness, emphasizing its messy nature and the importance of being present rather than perfect. From personal anecdotes about overcoming shame to improving listening skills and workplace dynamics, this candid conversation offers relatable wisdom for both beginners and seasoned practitioners.

Professor Willem Kuyken, Ritblatt Professor of Mindfulness and Psychological Science at the University of Oxford, dives into the essence of a fulfilling life. He emphasizes the transformative role of mindfulness and personal stories that illustrate self-acceptance and compassion. Topics such as kindness in times of struggle, the importance of relationships, and how small mindful actions can ripple out to effect change in the world are highlighted. Kuyken inspires listeners to reflect on self-discovery and the profound impact they can have on their lives and communities.

Discover the profound connection between self-care, relationships, and our world. Explore the concept of well-being as a learnable skill through engaging practices like the tree metaphor for grounded attention. Reflect on daily choices using a battery-meter approach to determine what nourishes or drains your energy. Delve into the importance of mindfulness in relationships with a focus on wise speech. Finally, embrace a broader perspective, caring for the environment with heartfelt intentions.

Join us for Chapter 10 “Cool Head and Warm Heart: the Art of Balance and Equanimity”, of our year-long Guest Speaker Event series: "A Life Well-Lived: Mindfulness for Life in 12 Chapters," in collaboration with Professor Willem Kuyken. In this insightful session, Willem explored the nature of balance and equanimity to cultivate a cool head and warm heart, weaving in wisdom stories such as ‘The Ancient Oak’ and ‘The Flight of Icarus’, alongside guided practices like the breathing space and grounding in the body. Oxford Mindfulness is a not-for-profit organisation helping people achieve greater well-being and improved mental health through research-based mindfulness. Visit our website

Join us for Chapter Eight “Perspective: Changing the View”, of our year-long Guest Speaker Event series: "A Life Well-Lived: Mindfulness for Life in 12 Chapters," in collaboration with Professor Willem Kuyken. In this insightful session, Willem explores the theme of perspective. He introduces five tools to support us in shifting our viewpoint: grounding in the body, zooming in and out, ‘time travelling’ to reflect on the present from the future, seeing through others’ eyes, and allowing experiences to run their course. Oxford Mindfulness is a not-for-profit organisation helping people achieve greater well-being and improved mental health through research-based mindfulness. Visit our website