Introduction

In this episode, Wendy speaks with meditation teacher and Buddhist scholar Willa Blythe Baker about her work, and how the body is relevant in meditation. They cover many topics, including:

• the roots of her interest in Buddhism and early experiences of Buddhism in action;
• a research study about meditation and real-world compassionate behavior in which she was involved and various interpretations of the results;
• how qualities like curiosity and compassion that we develop toward our own mental states in meditation might transfer to others;
• the most relevant outcomes for contemplative scientists to be measuring;
• role of the body in contemplative practice;
• three natural metaphors for what she calls "somatic mindfulness" practice;
• the role of letting go, and the importance of trust and how to foster it;
• and implications of these ideas for how we view ourselves, and our interconnection with others and the world around us.

Full show notes and resources