Christopher Willard

Christopher Willard, PsyD, is a psychologist and educational consultant based in Boston, specializing in mindfulness for adolescents and young adults. He has been practicing meditation for over fifteen years. He currently serves on the board of directors at the Institute for Meditation and Psychotherapy and the Mindfulness in Education Network. Dr. Willard has published five books on contemplative practice and is the coauthor of The Breathing Book with Olivia Weisser. He teaches at Harvard Medical School.

8 Tips and Scripts for Trauma-Informed Mindfulness Teaching
Follow these guidelines to help you and your students feel empowered and safe when you teach mindfulness. Read more
  • Jan 25,2023
  • Christopher Willard
The Breath is Your Superpower: 3 Ways to Help Kids Reset
Breathing practice doesn't have to be boring. With our kids we can find fun ways to reset and give ourselves and our days a fresh start. Read more
  • Dec 28,2022
  • Christopher Willard
Try the HALT Practice to Tune In to What Your Body Needs
Sometimes we need to drop into our body to discern what we need in this moment. The four questions in this practice allow us to self-regulate by attending to what our difficult emotions or physical sensations may be telling us. Read more
  • Dec 15,2022
  • Christopher Willard
6 Ways to Practice Mindful Eating
Here are a few simple guidelines to keep in mind to discern between mindless and (more) mindful eating. Read more
  • Dec 9,2022
  • Christopher Willard
World Mental Health Day: 5 Guided Meditations to Help You When The World Feels Heavy
Many different mindfulness techniques can be helpful depending what emotions are present for you. Explore these practices to foster insight, curiosity, and self-compassion with your emotions, instead of fighting them. Read more
  • Feb 15,2023
  • Christopher Willard
Use the H.A.L.T. Practice to Tune In to What Your Body Needs
Sometimes we need to drop into our body to discern what we need in this moment. The four questions in this practice allow us to self-regulate by attending to what our difficult emotions or physical sensations may be telling us. Read more
  • Jan 5,2023
  • Christopher Willard
A Guided Practice to Notice What’s Present—and What Isn’t
In the spaces between objects, people, sounds, and time, we can find definition, potential, and meaning. Authors Chris Willard and Olivia Weisser offer a mindfulness practice to explore what we often don’t focus on. Read more
  • Jan 26,2022
  • Christopher Willard
6 Ways to Engage Kids and Teens in Mindful Walking
Mindfulness teacher and author Chris Willard offers some out-of-the-box ways to introduce mindfulness to youth. Read more
  • Nov 23,2021
  • Christopher Willard
A Guided Practice for Managing Holiday Expectations
Chris Willard leads us in this guided meditation for self-compassion to help us handle the ups and downs of the holiday season. Read more
  • Nov 16,2021
  • Christopher Willard
6 Ways to Enjoy Mindful Walking
Research shows that walking in nature offers stress-busting and mood-boosting advantages, plus a welcome chance to stretch our legs. Chris Willard, PhD shares six ways to customize your next mindful stroll. Read more
  • Jan 6,2023
  • Christopher Willard