The future of well-being involves shifting from fear to love, as discussed by Surgeon General Vivek Murthy and neuroscientist Richard Davidson.
Plasticity in the brain can be harnessed through intentional practices to cultivate compassion and resilience for enhanced well-being.
Deep dives
Exploring the Notion of Well-Being and Public Health
The podcast delves into the concepts of well-being and public health, emphasizing the importance of understanding these aspects in the context of personal and societal health. Discussing the significance of small, daily actions that can foster well-being, the conversation between the neuroscientist and the surgeon general highlights the evolution of the definition of well-being and its impact on individual health and societal resilience.
The Power of Plasticity and Intertwined Well-Being
Plasticity, as a core aspect of our brain's ability to adapt and change, is underscored as a powerful tool for enhancing well-being. The discussion touches on how conscious actions and intentional practices can harness plasticity to cultivate qualities like compassion, kindness, and resilience. By acknowledging the interplay between physical and emotional well-being, individuals can initiate positive changes that lead to long-term benefits.
Reflecting on Connection and Mindfulness in Daily Life
The podcast explores the importance of connection and mindfulness in enhancing well-being, emphasizing the qualities essential for healthy social relationships. Through simple exercises like appreciation and intention setting, individuals can foster deeper connections and compassion. The podcast highlights the impact of maintaining awareness of one's thoughts and actions, offering insights on how meta-awareness can significantly contribute to overall happiness and fulfillment.
Embracing Love and Kindness in Education and Personal Growth
Love and kindness are positioned as fundamental aspects of well-being, with a focus on integrating these qualities into daily life and educational settings. By promoting actions rooted in love and compassion, individuals can create a more harmonious and supportive environment. The podcast underscores the transformative power of small, intentional practices that nurture qualities like gratitude, kindness, and connection, ultimately contributing to personal growth and societal well-being.
What if the future of well-being is about “tipping the scales in the world away from fear and toward love”? And what if it’s a surgeon general of the United States, Dr. Vivek Murthy, who talks this way? Krista draws him out with his friend, the groundbreaking neuroscientist Richard Davidson. Together they carry deep intelligence and vision from the realms of science and public health, expansively understood. They explore all we are learning to help move us forward as a species. This conversation was held as a live Zoom event, sponsored by the Center for Healthy Minds.
Richard Davidson is the William James and Vilas Research Professor of Psychology and Psychiatry at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He founded and directs the Center for Healthy Minds there, and was the Founding Director of the Waisman Brain Imaging Lab. He is also the Founder and Chief Visionary for Healthy Minds Innovations, a non-profit that translates laboratory science into real world tools. He is author of The Emotional Life of Your Brain.
Dr. Vivek Murthy is the 21st United States Surgeon General, commanding a service of more than 6600 public health officers. He also served in this role from 2014 to 2017.
