The Difficulty of Self-Compassion

In this episode, Wendy speaks with biological anthropologist and contemplative researcher Jenny Mascaro. Jenny's work weaves together meditation, compassion, psychology, and healthcare, and moves us toward a deeper understanding of interconnectedness. This conversation covers many topics, including:

• her interest in social cognition in animals - and humans;
• what compassion is, and how it's different from empathy;
• biological basis of compassion, and the role of oxytocin;
• how social factors and context shape compassion;
• training compassion and the skills underlying it;
• understanding self-compassion;
• the under-appreciated role of hospital chaplains;
• compassion training for chaplains;
• preparing for interpersonal interactions;
• how compassion shows up in language;
• how compassionate care can help anxiety and depression;
• responding to healthcare provider stress;
• how meditation has changed her;
• and building awareness of interdependence.

Full show notes and resources