Dr. phil. Peter Widmer
Focus: Coaching
Language: German & English
Peter Widmer is a Zen teacher (Sensei), philosopher, author, and founder of Zen-Integral and Mindful Self-Development.
He has practised Zen since 1982 and has taught as a Zen teacher in the Glassman-Lassalle Zen lineage since 2004. From 1998 to 2025 he worked as a Zen teacher and seminar leader at Lassalle-Haus and the Lassalle Institute for Zen, Ethics & Leadership, among other institutions. At the heart of his work is the integration of developmental psychology, contemplative practice, integral thinking, inner-parts work, and embodied mindfulness. He developed the Inner Peace Conference, a distinct approach to integrating inner parts and fostering personal maturation.
He is also the founder of the Intensive Body Awareness Practice (IBAP), a structured practice of embodied mindfulness that combines movement, body awareness (interoception), and meditation. A pilot research project is currently being prepared to study the effects of IBAP on stress regulation, wellbeing, and body awareness.
Peter Widmer has taught and worked at various universities and educational institutions in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. He is certified in SCTi-MAP assessment and coaching and collaborates with Cook-Greuter & Partners. His aim is to support people on their path towards greater awareness, inner freedom, and holistic development, bringing together the wisdom of Zen with contemporary insights from psychology, developmental research, and embodiment.
Corporate mandates of Dr. phil. Peter Widmer (among others)
Biography
Experienced seminar leader, Zen teacher (Sensei), coach, and philosopher specializing in integral development, meditation, leadership coaching, and mindful self-development. Over 20 years of experience supporting individuals and organizations in consciousness development, leadership, ethics, and personal transformation. Professional Experience Managing Director Zen Integral & Mindful Self-Development · Self-employed February 2005 – Present Leadership and development of seminars, retreats, and coaching programs Individual and executive coaching Focus on meditation, integral development, mindfulness, and personal growth Design and facilitation of educational and transformational programs Seminar Leader Lassalle-Haus April 1998 – June 2025 Delivery of educational seminars and meditation courses Leadership of retreats and continuing education programs Teaching Zen practice, mindfulness, and ethical leadership Work with individuals, groups, and executives Seminar Leader & Coach Lassalle Institute – Zen · Ethics · Leadership 2008 – July 2012 Seminars, lectures, and in-house trainings Executive and team coaching Integration of Zen practice, ethics, and leadership development Design of applied personal and organizational development programs Research Assistant MBA University of Potsdam January 2003 – January 2005 Academic research and teaching support Assistance in research and educational projects Work in philosophy, ethics, and leadership-related studies Education University of Basel Doctor of Philosophy (Dr. phil.) Philosophy and Law Core Competencies Educational seminar facilitation Meditation and Zen practice Executive and leadership coaching Mindfulness-based development Personal development and transformation Ethics and leadership studies Coaching of executives and organizations Areas of Focus Zen practice and meditation Integral development frameworks Mindfulness-based leadership Personal and organizational transformation Ethics and consciousness development Seminars, retreats, and lectures
Selected Books
Mindful Self-Development. Perspectives That Change Everything, Tredition, 2023. Unfolding the Heart-Mind. Zen Poems for Meditation and Everyday Life, Patmos, 2025.