10% Happier with Dan Harris How to Thrive Under Stress | Elizabeth Stanley, PhD
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Dec 4, 2019 Elizabeth Stanley, an associate professor and author of 'Widen the Window,' shares her transformative journey through trauma, including a near-death experience and Lyme disease. She discusses the healing power of mindfulness and meditation, particularly for those in high-stress professions like the military. Stanley reveals how early life experiences shape our stress responses and emphasizes the importance of self-care, social connections, and habit change. Her insights into resilience provide practical tools for thriving under stress and overcoming adversity.
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Personal History of Stress and Trauma
- Elizabeth Stanley's family has a long military history, with every generation serving since the Revolutionary War.
- She experienced multiple stressors, including whistleblowing, vision loss, and a near-death experience in Bosnia.
Meditation's Unexpected Effects
- Initially, meditation brought Elizabeth Stanley some relief but also surfaced unresolved trauma, causing panic and flashbacks.
- This led her to develop MFIT, a program blending mindfulness with body-based regulation techniques.
The Problem with Pushing Through Stress
- "Pushing through" stress is a common but harmful cultural norm, often leading to suppression and compartmentalization.
- This approach hinders recovery and creates an adversarial relationship between the thinking brain and the survival brain.
