International Affairs Division Hosts “Mindfulness for Life” Talk
with Professor Willem Kuyken of Oxford
▲ From left: Professor Sungmin Yoon (Department of Social Welfare), Professor Willem Kuyken (University of Oxford), and Professor Minhyo Cho, Vice President of International Affairs
SKKU’s International Affairs Division and the Department of Social Welfare held the “Mindfulness for Life” Talk Concert on March 18 at Space1398 (Dasan Economics Hall, Room 32208), featuring Willem Kuyken, Ritblat Professor of Mindfulness and Psychological Science in the Department of Psychiatry at University of Oxford. He also serves as Director of the Oxford Mindfulness Research Centre. Professor Kuyken is a world-renowned scholar leading research in mindfulness and is widely recognized as an authority in Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT). The event was organized to provide students experiencing psychological challenges related to academics, career paths, and interpersonal relationships with new perspectives and practical support through mindfulness.
▲ Professor Willem Kuyken (University of Oxford)
Professor Kuyken, who has been actively conducting research on the prevention of depression and anxiety as well as the promotion of mental well-being, explained in his lecture how mindfulness helps individuals become aware of and accept their present experiences as they are. He also introduced practical approaches to breaking cycles of repetitive negative thoughts and emotions.
In the session that followed, in-depth discussions were conducted around three cases based on students’ concerns collected through a pre-event survey. In particular, Professor Sungmin Yoon of the Department of Social Welfare participated in this session together with Professor Kuyken, enabling a more extensive discussion. The first case presented a perspective that viewed “rest” not as failure but as part of sustainable growth through the experience of a student who repeatedly set excessive goals and experienced burnout. The second case focused on how to understand one’s identity and values separately amid achievement-centered self-perception and career-related anxiety. Finally, through a case involving loneliness and disappointment in interpersonal relationships, the importance of mindfulness in finding balance in relationships with others and caring for oneself was emphasized.
▲ Professor Willem Kuyken (University of Oxford)
For each case, Professor Kuyken and Professor Sungmin Yoon presented ways for students to view their emotions and thoughts more flexibly from the perspective of mindfulness, and attendees took time to reflect on and empathize with their own experiences.
During the Q&A session that followed, students continued to participate actively, raising questions on a wide range of topics, including mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT), career concerns, and methods of emotional regulation. The speaker drew a strong response by empathizing with each student’s situation and offering practical advice.
The International Affairs Division and the Department of Social Welfare, which co-hosted the event, expressed their hope that the program served as an opportunity for students to view the anxiety and concerns they had felt only vaguely from a new perspective. They also stated that they plan to continue organizing a variety of programs that can support students’ growth in the future.
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