Mind & Life Christy Wilson-Mendenhall – Emotions in the World
Jul 17, 2025
Christy Wilson-Mendenhall, a cognitive and affective scientist at the Center for Healthy Minds, dives deep into the intricacies of emotions and their impact on well-being. She shares insights on how emotions are shaped by context and learning, and discusses the power of emotional granularity for self-awareness. The conversation intertwines cognitive science with Buddhist philosophy, addressing eco-anxiety and the importance of community in fostering resilience. Christy emphasizes the need for imaginative thinking and personal changes to inspire larger systemic shifts.
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Emotions Are Context-Dependent
- Emotions are deeply influenced by context, meaning the same emotion like fear can vary widely based on the situation.
- Emotions are not fixed patterns but emerge from brain networks interacting with the environment and learning processes.
Buddhist Philosophy Meets Science
- Buddhist philosophy aligns with cognitive science on emotions, offering ancient wisdom about suffering and well-being.
- Integrating these traditions provides deeper grounding for understanding and transforming emotions toward resilience.
Collaboration Sparks Climate Project
- Collaboration began unexpectedly with a Zoom call between Christy and Dekila, leading to a joint project on climate resilience.
- This partnership emphasized community voices and created the Resilience in the Anthropocene Summit.
