Lisa Feldman Barrett - Your Emotions Aren't What You Think

Lisa Feldman Barrett - Your Emotions Aren't What You Think

Author: Mind & Life Institute January 15, 2021 Duration: 1:15:06
We launch our second season featuring a conversation with psychologist, neuroscientist, and emotion researcher Lisa Feldman Barrett. She and Wendy discuss a broad range of topics about the mind, including: her unexpected path into studying emotions; how our brains construct and predict our reality; the brain's essential role in regulating the body; emotions as interpretations of our bodily state; how our past shapes and filters our present experience; the difference between affective feelings (mood) and emotions; our capacity to influence our own emotions; deconstructing our experience through mindfulness; how to improve our emotional lives; connections with Buddhist theories of mind; implications for our understanding of the self; how we regulate not only our own, but others' nervous systems; and how stress and modernity might lead to clinging to entrenched views. 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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