It’s clear that Jessie and Richard Benjamin like doing their research. When looking for ways to philanthropically support the causes they care about, the couple makes sure an organization’s mission and vision for the future align with their own. It makes sense, then, that Richard and Jessie were drawn to Mind & Life.
It started with the Mind & Life podcast: “Once I got to the podcast, the more impressed I became,” Jessie shared. “There are some really stellar conversations.”
Our history and journey to engage in anti-racist practices further inspired the new donors to connect with Mind & Life. Jessie shares, “The origin of Mind & Life is extremely powerful: it’s clear that the Dalai Lama’s pure intention has led the organization’s work to blossom in a beautiful way.”
“The origin of Mind & Life is extremely powerful:
it’s clear that the Dalai Lama’s pure intention has led
the organization’s work to blossom in a beautiful way.”
Jessie and Richard’s interest in Mind & Life extends beyond our commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion and the origins of the field of contemplative science. As the past owner of a habitat restoration company, Jessie is a strong advocate for the inclusion of contemplative wisdom in conservation efforts. “How do we get to cherishing one another and the planet? It starts with conversation and creating bridges,” she shares.
Richard adds that he’s drawn to Mind & Life’s work to help make mindfulness practices more mainstream in corporate systems. The couple is passionate about the ways contemplative practices can help promote individual, societal, and planetary flourishing, and so is Mind & Life.
The pursuit of our vision for humanity falls in three focus areas—nurturing personal well-being, building compassionate communities, and strengthening the human-earth connection—and this work wouldn’t be possible without the support of Mind & Life’s growing network of donors. “One of the things that makes Mind & Life unique is its intention to foster connection and creativity in addressing the challenges of today. It’s powerful and refreshing,” says Jessie.
“One of the things that makes Mind & Life unique
is its intention to foster connection and creativity in addressing
the challenges of today. It’s powerful and refreshing.”
Staying grounded and connected through story is important to the Benjamins—they find joy in art; Gracie, their wirehaired dachshund; gardening; and building relationships with others working for a better world.
When it comes to community, the Benjamins value Mind & Life’s leadership and cherish its diverse and growing network of Fellows, event participants, and other stakeholders. For them, an organization’s impact and vision for the future are important factors in deciding to make a planned gift. Including Mind & Life in their will ensures our work to foster a deeper understanding of the mind’s role in promoting flourishing can continue for generations to come.
The Benjamins see cultivating relationships and sharing conversation as key to building a better world, and we’re inspired by their support of Mind & Life’s work to bridge contemplative wisdom and science to promote flourishing for all.
Interested in supporting Mind & Life? Visit our website to learn more about making a donation or a planned gift, or email advancement@mindandlife.org to speak with our team.
