Dr Wendy Hasenkamp is the Science Director of the Mind & Life Institute. Her research in contemplative neurosciences focused on the impact of meditation on brain activity and was deeply influenced by her meditation practice and experience.
In this conversation, Dr Hasenkamp shares insights from her journey merging scientific rigour with spiritual practices. She discusses her transition from a fundamentalist Christian upbringing to embracing a broader, more scientifically integrated approach to spirituality, highlighting key moments and influential experiences that shaped her career.
Dr Hasenkamp elaborates on the significance of integrating scientific inquiry with contemplative practices, such as meditation, to deepen our understanding of the human mind and behaviour. She shares anecdotes from her research and collaborative experiences that illustrate the potential of this interdisciplinary approach to unlock profound psychological and neurological insights.
Show Notes:
- 0:00: Introduction to Dr. Wendy Hasenkamp
- 1:56: Reconciling a Christian Background with a Scientific Mindset
- 4:27: The Joy and the Challenge of Communicating Complex Ideas
- 7:16: Neural Circuits and Recurrent Behaviour
- 10:46: How a Contemplative Perspective Can Benefit Scientific Research
- 14:16: What’s the Difference Between Empathy and Compassion?
- 17:46: Healing Disconnection with Others and with the Planet
- 21:16: Closing Thoughts and Future Directions
Science & Wisdom LIVE brings meditation practitioners in conversation with scientists to address the problems of contemporary society and come to new possible solutions.
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