Mark Epstein

Join Joseph Goldstein, co-founder of the Insight Meditation Society, and Dr. Mark Epstein, a psychiatrist and author, as they delve into the profound intersections of Buddhism and therapy. They discuss reframing suffering as a pathway to growth and happiness through mindfulness and meditation. The duo shares personal stories, emphasizing community's role in healing. They explore the transformative power of silence and kindness in personal development, capped off with a loving-kindness meditation that opens hearts to compassion.

Mark Epstein, author of 'Going to Pieces Without Falling Apart', joins the hosts to discuss his book's impact on mental well-being and peak performance. They explore topics like creating space between thoughts and reactions, letting go of the self, embracing uncertainty and anxiety, and learning to be with discomfort.

In this captivating discussion, Dr. Mark Epstein, a psychiatrist and author from NYC, delves into the intersection of Buddhism and psychotherapy. He shares insights on transforming our neuroses from overwhelming monsters into manageable 'little shmoos.' The conversation highlights the significance of staying present, embracing emptiness, and the profound impact of maternal love on emotional well-being. Through the lens of mindfulness, Epstein encourages listeners to turn down their egos and focus on connection, offering a fresh perspective on personal growth and healing.

Buddhist psychiatrist and author Dr. Mark Epstein has for years written about the overlap between Western psychotherapy and Eastern Buddhist philosophies. Epstein sat down with Dan Harris to talk about the impact meditation can have on the mind, both positive and negative, for those looking for an escape from suffering. He also went deep into the Buddhist concept of the "no-self," whether Enlightenment can be reached ... and what it might look or feel like. He has written numerous books on these topics, his most recent being, "The Trauma of Everyday Life." Epstein first discovered meditation in college and one of the "breakthroughs" he said that made the practice click for him happened while he was learning to juggle. "Once I got the three oranges in the air, my mind had to relax in order to keep it going and I understood, 'Oh yeah, this is what they're trying to teach me in mediation.'" Before he found meditation, Epstein said he was a very anxious person who worried all the time. Now after practicing meditation for more than 40 years, Epstein said he wouldn't know what he would be without it.

Dr. Mark Epstein, a renowned expert at the intersection of Buddhism and psychotherapy, shares his insights on embracing discomfort for personal growth. He highlights how encountering unpleasant emotions can lead to deeper peace and resilience. Epstein clarifies that Buddhism isn't about detachment but engaging with life’s challenges. He discusses the transformative power of meditation, the impact of the bodhisattva ideal, and the role of embracing uncertainty in our self-discovery journey. His fresh perspective on pain and pleasure offers valuable lessons for modern living.