Today we're kicking off a 4-part series on the power of compassion which will feature inspiring conversations between some of the world's most renowned thought leaders, researchers and practitioners. Each episode will showcase a powerful duo who will explore themes related to compassion, courage, and living with a more open, kind, and loving stance toward the world. We hope you enjoy this first installment with Barbara Fredrickson and Sharon Salzberg.

In today's episode we will explore themes from Sharon’s new book Real Life: The Journey from Isolation to Openness and Freedom as well as: 

• How Barb and Sharon began their work together 
• How Sharon’s deep expertise on lovingkindness and contemplative practices have influenced Barb’s conception of love as a co created positive state
• A new definition of love that focuses on micomoments of connection 
• Why love is the state where the most learning, growth, and expansion occur and details on groundbreaking research that Barb and her team are working on
• Some of Barb’s and Sharon’s practical and research informed strategies for opening the heart
• Sharon will offer an overview of Lovingkindness and some of her latest thinking on this ancient contemplative practice
• Why compassion and love are so important now
• And more!

Interested in Sharon's new book? Order it here: sharonsalzberg.com/reallife/

More about Barb:

Dr. Barbara Fredrickson is Kenan Distinguished Professor of Psychology and Award-winning Director of the Positive Emotions and Psychophysiology Lab at the University of North Carolina. Her research reveals how micro-moments of love and other forms of positivity nourish your health, wisdom, and longevity. One of the most highly-cited contributors to psychological science, Barb is best known for her broaden-and-build theory of positive emotions. Barb’s scientific contributions have influenced scholars and practitioners worldwide, in disciplines ranging from business to healthcare and beyond. Her work has been featured in the New York Times, The Economist, CNN, NPR, PBS, U.S. News & World Report, USA Today, Oprah Magazine, and elsewhere. She has twice been invited to brief His Holiness the Dalai Lama on her research.

More about Sharon:

Sharon Salzberg is a meditation pioneer, world-renowned teacher, and New York Times bestselling author. She is one of the first to bring mindfulness and lovingkindness meditation to mainstream American culture over 45 years ago, inspiring generations of meditation teachers and wellness influencers. Sharon is co-founder of The Insight Meditation Society in Barre, MA, and the author of twelve books, including the New York Times bestseller, Real Happiness, now in its second edition, and her seminal work, Lovingkindness. Her forthcoming release, Real Life: The Journey from Isolation to Openness and Freedom, is set for release in April of 2023 from Flatiron Books. Her podcast, The Metta Hour, has amassed six million downloads and features interviews with thought leaders from the mindfulness movement and beyond. For more on Sharon visit www.sharonsalzberg.com

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