There's one kind of meditation practice that focuses exclusively on the second pillar, which is cultivating compassion. In a study from our own lab, participants were recruited for a study where they would learn a strategy to promote their well-being. And in this study, we found that indeed, the individuals who are randomly assigned to the compassion group behaved in a more altruistic way.
After a life-changing experience in India, Dr. Richie Davidson tried to convince his Harvard professors to let him study the science of meditation. No one took him seriously. Half a century later, Richie has measured the undeniable impact of meditation on our brains. And here’s the good news for people who know the benefits of meditation but struggle to actually do it: you don't need to carve out separate time for a practice. Richie walks Maya through how to integrate meditation into daily activities.
For more on Richie’s work, check out his book “Altered Traits" and learn more at the Center for Healthy Minds and Healthy Minds Innovations.
And if you enjoyed this episode, we recommend this one from the archives: “Maya’s Slight Change in Perspective.”
For a behind-the-scenes look at the show, follow @DrMayaShankar on Instagram.
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