Building a Global Community of Mindfulness
IMMA was set up to meet a practical gap.
Many professional associations recognise only one discipline: a meditation body, or a mindfulness body, or a forest bathing body. Teachers working across these areas had to join separate organisations. Training schools had to seek approval from multiple bodies.
IMMA covers all three. Our members include meditation teachers, mindfulness trainers, and forest bathing and nature connection guides, in more than 30 countries.
We are run by practitioners. We do not conduct teacher training ourselves. We are independent of any religion or spiritual path. Our accreditation standards are based on training, experience, and professional conduct.
We ask our members to practise what they teach, and follow our Code of Ethics below. We accept that everyone is human and fallible. As an organisation, we aim to embody the values of compassion, acceptance, and honesty.
Review and approve courses in mindfulness, meditation, and nature connection, and recognise the qualifications of individual teachers
Support practising teachers and coaches with professional recognition, community, and resources
Promote the value of qualified, ethical teaching in these fields
Build a community of practitioners across disciplines and borders
What we were set up to do:
What we are not:
We are not a training provider. We do not run courses.
We are not affiliated with any religion, spiritual tradition, or political organisation.
We do not favour one tradition of practice over another. Our standards are based on knowledge, experience, and ethical conduct.
Whether you're a seasoned teacher, a newly certified facilitator, or an organisation seeking recognition, we welcome you into a global alliance rooted in shared values and mutual respect.
If you have questions about membership or course approval, write to us at enquiries@internationalmindfulness.org
The IMMA Members Code of Ethics
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01 Respect
All members are required to treat all clients with equal respect regardless of age, sexual orientation, nationality, race, ethnicity, religion or disability. That includes respecting the values of each person and the differences between us.
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02 Confidentiality
To protect clients privacy members are required to not share their client's personal details with anyone without their written consent. To treat all information about, or shared with you by students, as confidential. This includes not using their photo or testimonial or showing them in a video without their express written permission.
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03 Integrity
Members are required to act with integrity in all areas of their lives. This applies to their businesses where they are expected to maintain the correct records, pay taxes and abide by the laws of the land. Acting with integrity also applies to relationships with students where teachers are required to not take advantage of a student in any way for personal gain. Teachers need to be honest when assessing a student who is not yet competent.
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04 Standards and boundaries
Maintain professional standards and boundaries. Communicate those standards and boundaries clearly to your students. Work only within your area of expertise. Refer students to other professionals when their needs fall outside your scope.
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05 Compassion
Members are encouraged to exercise compassion and empathy in their business dealings whether that be with students or people they have business dealings with. We are all role models for what we teach.
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06 Communication
An important aspect of communicating effectively is that people feel heard. All communication needs to be based on honesty, compassion and respect. Protect student privacy in all communications, including the choice of setting for conversations. Ensure all feedback is constructive.
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07 Grievances
Students have a right to make complaints and teachers are advised to have a grievance policy in place which outlines what steps will be taken to resolve the grievance. Members can obtain a copy of a grievance policy from us.
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08 Walk your talk
Members are required to embody the values they teach as well as utilising mindfulness and meditation practises in their daily life.
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09 Acceptance
Acceptance is central to mindfulness. Demonstrate this in your dealings with the public, with clients, and with other schools and teachers. IMMA is an inclusive organisation. Public criticism of competitors or other schools is inconsistent with our values.
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10 Respect for copyright
Know and observe copyright law. Acknowledge the work of others. Do not reproduce anyone else's material without permission and attribution.
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11 Remain up-to-date
Members are required to remain up-to-date in their training and skills and to commit to ongoing professional development.