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
