Topic Archives:
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 …
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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 Mantra Meditation with Geshema Yenchin
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 …
Why Dialogue Is More Important Than Ever
At a time of unprecedented complexity, deepening polarization, and rapid technological transformation, fostering genuine dialogue has never been more critical. One need only consider the ethical implications today of humanity’s vigorous pursuit of artificial intelligence with its vast potential contributions—and risks. Over 37 years, the Mind & Life Institute has created a model for dialogue …
Lessons from the Milpa: Exploring Indigenous Contemplative Practices for a More Sustainable and Connected Future
For millennia, Indigenous cultures in Mesoamerica have relied on an agricultural system known as the milpa. Milpa involves the growing of corn, beans, and squash, often with other crops and trees. Together, they enter into a harmonious, symbiotic relationship. Strong corn stems support climbing beans. Bean plants transform nitrogen from the atmosphere into soil nutrients. …
Indigenizing Mindfulness: A Path Toward Well-being for Native American Youth
For thousands of years, Indigenous cultures in America have engaged in sacred ceremonies and practices—singing, dancing, beadwork, prayer, basketmaking, drumming, running, and more—that nurture present moment awareness and a felt sense of interconnection. How can such practices be integrated into efforts to support the mental health and well-being of Native American youth today? With support …
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