In this episode, Wendy speaks with meditation teacher and Buddhist scholar Willa Blythe Baker about her work, and how the body is relevant in meditation. They cover many topics, including:
- the roots of her interest in Buddhism and early experiences of Buddhism in action;
- a research study about meditation and real-world compassionate behavior in which she was involved and various interpretations of the results;
- how qualities like curiosity and compassion that we develop toward our own mental states in meditation might transfer to others;
- the most relevant outcomes for contemplative scientists to be measuring;
- role of the body in contemplative practice;
- three natural metaphors for what she calls "somatic mindfulness" practice;
- the role of letting go, and the importance of trust and how to foster it;
- and implications of these ideas for how we view ourselves, and our interconnection with others and the world around us.
Full show notes and resources