Contemplative research is a field bridging academic inquiry with contemplative wisdom traditions to explore the nature of the mind, human flourishing, and the potential for personal and societal transformation. Rooted in disciplines across the sciences, social sciences, humanities, and arts, contemplative research investigates the roots and contexts of contemplative traditions, and examines the effects of …
Perspective Type Archives:
Cultivating Resilience: The Power of Mindfulness Training in War-Torn Ukraine
February 24 marks the grim three-year anniversary of the Ukraine War. Since Russia’s full-scale invasion of the country, more than a million people have been killed or wounded on both sides. The conflict has devastated critical infrastructure and shattered livelihoods, precipitating an environmental crisis that will take decades to remediate. Those working to serve their …
Continue reading “Cultivating Resilience: The Power of Mindfulness Training in War-Torn Ukraine”
Michael Potts Joins Mind & Life’s Board of Directors
The Mind & Life Institute is pleased to welcome Michael Potts to our Board of Directors. With decades of leadership experience spanning the technology and nonprofit sectors, Michael brings a thoughtful approach to strategy and a long-standing dedication to the power of contemplative practice. For Michael, joining the Mind & Life Board feels like a …
Continue reading “Michael Potts Joins Mind & Life’s Board of Directors”
Advancing Contemplative Research: A New Mind & Life Grant Named in Honor of Laurisa S. Dill
Since 2004, the Mind & Life Institute has funded transformative research exploring the intersection of contemplative practices and modern science. Our work and grant programs support interdisciplinary research projects that deepen understanding of the human mind while fostering well-being and reducing suffering. We are pleased to announce the creation of the Laurisa S. Dill Legacy …
Exploring What’s Next in Contemplative Research: 15 Questions to Consider
Against a backdrop of mighty oaks in their fall glory, Mind & Life’s “Envisioning the Future of Contemplative Research” event on October 28-31 invited roughly 50 established and emerging scholars and contemplatives to step away from their daily demands to ponder the future of the field. In his opening remarks, education scholar Ed Taylor introduced …
Continue reading “Exploring What’s Next in Contemplative Research: 15 Questions to Consider”
Envisioning the Future of Contemplative Research – Grounded in an Ethics of Compassion
Upon arrival at Mind & Life’s “Envisioning the Future of Contemplative Research” conference on October 28-31, I was filled with a sense of not knowing, part nervous anticipation and part excitement. Not knowing the contour of the phenomenological experiences due to the boundless and ephemeral nature of our encounter. Not knowing the climate of the …
A Social Affair: How Meditation Benefits Ripple Through Romantic Relationships
“We are embedded in networks,” says researcher Christopher May of the University of Groningen in the Netherlands. One important feature of social networks, he emphasizes, is that things diffuse throughout them: viruses, ideas, and even well-being. Relationships and communities can influence our behaviors and emotions, and can spark a ripple effect that reaches beyond the …
Continue reading “A Social Affair: How Meditation Benefits Ripple Through Romantic Relationships”
Healing the Opioid Crisis with Mindfulness-Oriented Recovery Enhancement
As Mind & Life celebrates the 20th anniversary of the Francisco J. Varela Grants, we’re pleased to share the voices and experiences of Varela grantees. Eric Garland, PhD, LCSW is a Mind & Life Varela Grantee and Fellow. He is Endowed Professor in Health Sciences at the Sanford Institute for Empathy and Compassion, Professor of …
Continue reading “Healing the Opioid Crisis with Mindfulness-Oriented Recovery Enhancement”
Bridging Divides: Can Loving-Kindness Meditation Help Ease Political Polarization?
Political polarization is on the rise. In one 2022 study, more than half of respondents in 15 nations felt their countries were more divided than in the past. The feeling was strongest in the Netherlands, where 4 out of 5 people shared this opinion. Theories abound about the roots of escalating polarization, ranging from divisive …
Living into a Story of Care and Compassion at Mind & Life’s 2024 Summer Research Institute
The Mind & Life Summer Research Institute (SRI) is a collective experience in which all members bring their individual experiences together to build a community. This personal reflection, from the 2024 SRI held June 2-8 at the Garrison Institute, is but one perspective of many. Because I am a visual thinker, this piece includes digital …
