About
MIR | Mindfulness i Regija is a not-for-profit regional association bringing together practitioners, teachers, researchers, and learners committed to the ethical and grounded development of mindfulness and compassion-based approaches in our shared linguistic and cultural space.
MIR grew from a shared need to make mindfulness and compassion more accessible to everyone, in a language people in the region understand, through varied gatherings, conversations, and regional programs.
The first steps of this initiative reach back to 2020, when mindfulness experts began shaping the idea of a shared platform through regional online gatherings, a space of presence without pressure or hierarchy, grounded in goodwill, respect, practice, and mutual support. It was then that the name MIR, Mindfulness Initiative of the Region, first appeared.
From that spirit grew shared programs, MBSR trainings, and regional gatherings such as the Mindfulness Summit Adria and the Mindfulness Balkan Skup, which brought together teachers and practitioners from the region and beyond to exchange knowledge, experience, and practice.
Today MIR is a formal association, officially registered in Pleternica, Croatia. Its formal founding was initiated by co-founders from Croatia, Montenegro, and Serbia, carrying forward the regional spirit from which the initiative was born.
MIR continues its path as a regional home for the ethical practice of mindfulness and compassion, a space where all people, languages, experiences, and professional paths meet in a shared intention: to nurture more authentic presence, humanity, and collective responsibility in the region.
“Membership in the Association is open to adult individuals who hold a certificate to teach mindfulness and compassion recognised by international organisations that promote ethical and scientifically grounded standards for teaching mindfulness and compassion. Members are encouraged to take part in projects initiated and carried out by the Association, and are obliged to uphold its ethical standards.”
Mission
Our mission is to support ethical, scientifically grounded and culturally sensitive mindfulness and compassion practice across the region. We connect people who practise, teach and research in different contexts - with care for the language, culture and people we serve.
Vision
Our vision is a region in which mindfulness and compassion are practised, taught and developed with integrity, professionalism and respect for the people and communities they serve.
We believe mindfulness and compassion can bring support, clarity and connection, but only when shared responsibly, within the limits of our own competence and with respect for ethical standards.
We relate to people, members, students and partners, with care, warmth and respect, honouring their context.
We choose an approach that leaves room for listening, reflection and gradual development, instead of quick conclusions and premature solutions.
We honour the plurality of experiences, languages, approaches and contexts. MIR exists as a space in which different voices can take part in the same conversation.
We direct our work toward what brings real value to communities, not toward visibility for its own sake.
We build collaboration with local, regional and international communities that cultivate ethical and professionally grounded mindfulness and compassion practice.
Our contract with you
Our ethical principles describe how we choose to work: with care, responsibility, and within the limits of our own competence.
Aligned with the EAMBA Code of Ethics.
Before the start of the course, I will inform all participants about the content, form, duration and costs of the course as well as about its limitations.
I will ground my teaching on one of the evidence-based programs that I have been trained in. I pay respect to the integrity of the curricula of MBSR, MBCT and other mindfulness-based programs (MBPs). When using those names, I will stick to the curricula without mixing them up with foreign elements not present in the body of research of the particular program.
I commit to keeping up to date with best practices and the latest developments in the mindfulness field, to taking care of my own ongoing learning, and maintaining good practice. As best as I can, I will embody the practice and understanding of mindfulness, informed by both current scientific and clinical understanding as well as its historical antecedents from relevant spiritual and philosophical traditions. As a teacher, I will take care of my own physical and emotional health and remain aware of my states of body, emotions and mind. It is my intention that all my interventions come from a soft and caring heart with the purpose to benefit the participant.
I am aware that an MBSR or MBCT course or other MBP cannot substitute a necessary medical treatment or psychotherapy. In case a course is not sufficiently helpful for participants, I will point out any limitations of my competencies or of the course offered.
I am aware that the relationship between teacher and participants is asymmetrical. As a teacher, I may have more competence and experience in mindfulness. I make use of my competence and experience in order to facilitate the development of the participant's own mindfulness.
I understand that mindfulness includes my behaviour towards other teachers of MBSR, MBCT and other MBPs. This includes an appreciative attitude as well as the attempt to address existing or potential conflicts directly in a constructive manner. I also value the efforts and achievements of other people and will not credit them to myself.
Teaching MBSR or MBCT and other MBPs, I refrain from political, ideological or religious indoctrination. I may of course talk about the background of MBSR or about my own practice if asked.
