Ed Taylor – Leading by Example

Ed Taylor – Leading by Example

Author: Mind & Life Institute April 20, 2023 Duration: 51:54
In this episode, Wendy speaks with University of Washington vice provost and dean of Undergraduate Academic Affairs, Ed Taylor. Ed has made major contributions in the areas of contemplative education and leadership, with a focus on moral and integrative education and social justice. This conversation covers many topics, including: growing up embedded in community and giant sequoias; learning to be still with the mind; teaching meditation amidst anger dysregulation; embodying contemplative skills in the classroom; the gap between our mind's story and our body in the moment; the relevance of contemplation to wise and effective leadership; moving from ego-system to ecosystem awareness (systems thinking); implementing systems change in university settings; normalizing failure and modeling vulnerability; letting students lead in defining the community they want; imagining the world you want to live in when things are not OK (reflections on the days after George Floyd was killed); understanding critical race theory in education; and the central role of community in healing. Full show notes and resources  

At the heart of Mind & Life is a simple, profound question: what is a mind, really? This isn't just a philosophical puzzle but a practical exploration of the mental habits that define our days. The conversations hosted by the Mind & Life Institute gently dismantle the walls between disciplines, weaving together insights from neuroscience and psychology with the lived wisdom of contemplative traditions. You’ll hear dialogues that feel less like interviews and more like shared discoveries, where a philosopher and a meditation teacher might find common ground on how attention works, or where a scientist discusses the social impact of compassion training. Each episode is an invitation to look inward with curiosity, examining how practices like meditation aren't about escape but about engaging with our inner world more skillfully. This podcast operates from the conviction that understanding our own minds is foundational to addressing broader cultural and societal challenges. It’s for anyone who has ever wondered about the mechanics of their own thoughts and emotions and sought a deeper, evidence-informed conversation about transformation. Tune in for a thoughtful blend of rigorous inquiry and personal relevance, where ancient questions meet modern investigation.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 94

Mind & Life
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