Welcome to the
Institute for Mindfulness
South Africa
IMISA, the Institute for Mindfulness South Africa, is a non-profit organisation dedicated to promoting contemporary mindfulness practices in southern Africa.
Our work is centred on training and supporting mindfulness practitioners and communities in southern Africa. Our offerings weave together trauma-informed practices, indigenous wisdom, and embodied mindfulness to meet the needs of a diverse and evolving global mindfulness field.
Resources
Access our rich collection of resources to support your mindfulness journey.
Grounded in evidence-based practice
IMISA is guided and informed by the integrative, mindfulness-based programmes that are based on the pioneering work of Jon Kabat-Zinn, Emeritus Professor of Medicine, the Founder and first Executive Director of the Center for Mindfulness at the University of Massachusetts Medical Center. We are aligned with the work of the International Mindfulness Integrity network.
This approach represents a convergence of wisdom teachings and traditions with contemporary applications and modern scientific methods of research (from brain imaging to clinical effectiveness) in a variety of contexts.
We offer a range of mindfulness programmes—from introductory courses to advanced training pathways for those who wish to teach 8-week mindfulness-based interventions. We also provide specialised offerings, such as CPD-accredited ethics training for healthcare professionals and tailored workshops for diverse community contexts.
At the heart of all our programmes is a deeply human approach. Our trainings are led by experienced mindfulness professionals who are not only skilled facilitators but compassionate mentors. They bring presence, care, and attunement to each learning journey, fostering a relational and interactive environment where growth is supported every step of the way.
Rooted in trauma-informed practice, indigenous wisdom, and embodied mindfulness, our programmes are designed to meet the evolving needs of today’s global mindfulness field, while always honouring the depth of human connection.
IMISA offers a uniquely contextually grounded training programme. It consists of 4 tiers starting from the mindfulness basics and inviting you deeper into mindfulness practice. The modules are Introduction to Mindfulness, Sharing Mindfulness in Context, Deepening Personal Practice and Facilitating an 8-Week Program.
Introduction to Mindfulness
Deepening Personal Practice
Facilitating an 8-Week Program
IMISA offers a range of stand-alone offerings to support growing your understanding and practice of mindfulness. These include certain CPD-accredited courses.
Mindfulness and Psychotherapy
End-of-Life Mindfulness
Locally rooted. Globally connected.
Our work is grounded in the South African context, while drawing inspiration and support from a diverse network of mindfulness organisations around the world. Through these global connections we share practices, deepen learning and contribute to a collective movement towards greater presence, compassion and wellbeing.
Make mindfulness more accessible in South Africa