Jamie Bristow – Policy, Practice, and Planet

Jamie Bristow – Policy, Practice, and Planet

Author: Mind & Life Institute December 16, 2022 Duration: 1:09:45
In this episode, Wendy speaks with mindful policy advocate and contemplative teacher Jamie Bristow. Jamie co-directs the Mindfulness Initiative in the UK, an organization that bridges contemplative practice and public policy, championing the inner dimension of social change. This conversation covers many topics, including: why he first started meditating and the surprise that came with it; his commitment to climate work; integrating advertising talent into policy work; mindfulness in the UK government; development of the Mindfulness Initiative; the nuts and bolts of mindful policy work; policy advances in health, criminal justice, and education; mindfulness as a foundational capacity (not just a skill); how the mind relates to the climate crisis; consequences of our failure to see the interconnectedness in the world; how mindfulness and compassion can help with reconnection; two modes of operating (holistic intuitive vs. verbal conceptual); and where to go from here. 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: 90

Mind & Life
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