Mission
The McGill Mindfulness Research Lab (MMRL) works to advance the theory, research, and applications of mindfulness and compassion. Grounded in the belief that mindfulness must be paired with compassion, our work emphasizes that cultivating kindness toward oneself and others is essential to realizing the full benefits of mindfulness.
Through the development of the Embodied and Embedded Mindfulness and Compassion Framework (EEMCF), we aim to promote more mindful and compassionate ways of relating to oneself, other people, animals, and the natural world.
Values
Compassion for oneself, other humans, animals, and the natural world is a core value that guides our research. The lab also strongly values collaboration and fosters a highly supportive and collective work environment. Finally, the lab upholds values of equality, diversity, respect, and dignity for all sentient beings.
MMRL Team
The MMRL team is comprised of professors, students, and professionals from a variety of backgrounds. Through teamwork and collaboration, we hope to combine our diverse research backgrounds and personal experiences to understand the multitude of ways in which mindfulness and compassion can impact our lives.
The MMRL is directed by Dr. Bassam Khoury, an Associate Professor at McGill University. Dr. Khoury has published over 100 papers on mindfulness and compassion in leading clinical journals. His work has gained international acclaim and has been recognized by the University of Cambridge as among the most impactful research in psychology worldwide.
Embodied and Embedded Mindfulness and Compassion Framework (EEMCF)
The MMRL is focused on developing and validating a new framework on mindfulness and compassion: The Embodied and Embedded Mindfulness and Compassion Framework (EEMCF).
Unlike traditional approaches, EEMCF integrates:
Embodied (intrapersonal) mindfulness
Interpersonal mindfulness
Self-compassion
Compassion for other humans
Compassion for animals
Connection with nature
Core Research Areas
In addition to the development of the EEMCF, the lab also focuses on:
Psychometric scale development: to measure different facets of mindfulness and compassion
Reviews: Meta-analyses, systematic reviews, and other reviews of existing mindfulness and compassion-based research
Mindfulness and Compassion Research (outside the EEMCF): Intervention studies, experimental non-clinical studies, cross-sectional studies, and other studies
New to the Website: Guided Meditation & Yoga Practices
As part of our efforts to translate our research into widespread impact, we’re excited to share a growing collection of guided meditation and yoga practices.
The collection includes 10-minute meditations and a 17-minute restorative yoga practice, and is designed for anyone seeking more mindfulness and compassion in their daily lives.
Sign up for the MMRL Newsletter
Join the MMRL community and receive once-per-semester updates about our research activities and opportunities to get involved.