Featured Muse Meditation Teacher: Alejandro Chaoul
Dr. Alejandro Chaoul is the founding director of The Jung Center's Mind Body Spirit Institute (MBSI). He holds a doctoral degree in religious studies from Rice University, with his dissertation focusing on applications of “Tibetan mind-body practices in contemporary medical settings.” He is an adjunct faculty at the Integrative Medicine Program at MD Anderson Cancer Center, where, since 1999, he has used mind-body techniques to facilitate healing in cancer patients and their families to reduce stress and promote work-life balance among support staff. He is also an adjunct faculty member at The McGovern Center for Humanities and Ethics, where he teaches medical students in the areas of spirituality, complementary and integrative medicine, and end-of-life care.
Alejandro has studied in the Tibetan tradition since 1989, with great teachers like Yongdzin Tenzin Namdak, Tenzin Wangal Rinpoche, and Namkhai Norbu Rinpoche. And with their blessings, since 1995, he has been teaching Tibetan meditation and Tibetan yogic practices under the auspices of the Ligmincha Institute in various parts of the U.S.A., Latin America, and Europe. His research and publications focus on mind-body practices in integrative care, examining how these practices can reduce chronic stress, anxiety and sleep disorders and improve quality of life. He is the author of Chod Practice in the Bon Tradition (SnowLion, 2009), Tibetan Yoga for Health and Wellbeing (Hay House, 2018), and Tibetan Yoga: Magical Movements of Body, Breath and Mind (Wisdom Publications, 2021) and has also published in the area of religion and medicine, medical anthropology and the interface of spirituality and healing. Alejandro is also an advisor for The Rothko Chapel and has been recognized as a Fellow at the Mind & Life Institute.
Alejandro has studied in the Tibetan tradition since 1989, with great teachers like Yongdzin Tenzin Namdak, Tenzin Wangal Rinpoche, and Namkhai Norbu Rinpoche. And with their blessings, since 1995, he has been teaching Tibetan meditation and Tibetan yogic practices under the auspices of the Ligmincha Institute in various parts of the U.S.A., Latin America, and Europe. His research and publications focus on mind-body practices in integrative care, examining how these practices can reduce chronic stress, anxiety and sleep disorders and improve quality of life. He is the author of Chod Practice in the Bon Tradition (SnowLion, 2009), Tibetan Yoga for Health and Wellbeing (Hay House, 2018), and Tibetan Yoga: Magical Movements of Body, Breath and Mind (Wisdom Publications, 2021) and has also published in the area of religion and medicine, medical anthropology and the interface of spirituality and healing. Alejandro is also an advisor for The Rothko Chapel and has been recognized as a Fellow at the Mind & Life Institute.
Access Alejandro's meditations here (mobile only)
Q&A with Alejandro
How did you first discover meditation? Who or what inspired you to meditate?
In High School through a friend. I had what I called "existential attacks" which were both fear of death and a lack of sense of meaning in life.
What’s a valuable lesson or insight you uncovered during your meditation journey?
That there are thousands of valuable meditation methods, some are just sitting, some include movements, others include sounds, etc. And all help you create a Meditation tool box, that as you practice and know your tools better you can bring them into your daily life situations.
What’s your favorite meditation technique and why?
Hands down I would say Tibetan Yoga. They include focusing on breathing, movement of the body guiding that breath, and allowing your mind to be more calm and open. They are called Magical Movements, and I do find them really magical!
Follow Alejandro on Social or Visit his Website:
Website: alechaoul.com
LinkedIn: Alejandro Chaoul
Instagram: @alechaoul
Twitter: @alechaoul
LinkedIn: Alejandro Chaoul
Instagram: @alechaoul
Twitter: @alechaoul
