In my own experience with meditation, I’ve often wondered about the difference between reading a thoughtful analysis or set of instructions, listening to an inspiring teacher, and sitting on the cushion to practice. These varied activities represent different ways of integrating information into our minds and bodies—in short, different ways of learning. Is one mode …
Perspective Type Archives:
The Contemplative Development Mapping Project: A new model for interdisciplinary investigation
This past winter, it was my honor and pleasure to participate in a Mind & Life Research Workshop convened by the Contemplative Development Mapping Project (CDMP). The CDMP is a group of scholars, scientists, and practitioners who are personally and professionally committed to enriching our understanding of contemplative practices and experiences. This interdisciplinary “think tank” …
Mind–Body Interventions Affect Sleep and Oxytocin in Cancer Survivors
Surviving a cancer diagnosis and the treatment that follows requires overcoming significant emotional and physical hurdles. Even after a patient is cancer-free, he or she often continues to struggle with depression and anxiety from fear of cancer recurrence, and many also suffer from sleep disturbances. These ongoing challenges negatively impact well-being and quality of life, …
Continue reading “Mind–Body Interventions Affect Sleep and Oxytocin in Cancer Survivors”
Remembrance of things to come: the predictive nature of the mind and contemplative practices
Two contemplative neuroscientists consider meditation in light of a leading theory about brain function
A Question of Focus
Meditators often feel that their practice aids concentration. But do these subjective reports pan out in daily life?
The Dalai Lama’s Conjecture
A preview of Evan Thompson’s new book, Waking, Dreaming, Being: Self and Consciousness in Neuroscience, Meditation, and Philosophy
Roshi Joan Halifax
A pioneer in compassion-based medicine on death, dying, and our health care system
The Bright Knight of the Soul
How a 13th-century myth illuminates the contemporary mission of Mind & Life
Summit in the Field
Four Scholars Reflect on the State of Contemplative Studies
Nine Meditations from SRI 2013
Summer Research Institute 2013
