For episode 228 of the Metta Hour, we are continuing our Mental Health Series. In this series, Sharon sits down with different teachers, experts, and health advocates to explore and destigmatize mental health by applying the tools of Buddhist wisdom and spiritual practice.

For this sixth episode of the series, Sharon speaks with Dr. Richie J. Davidson, PhD. Richie is the William James and Vilas Professor of Psychology and Psychiatry at the University of Wisconsin–Madison and the Founder and Director of the Center for Healthy Minds. He is best known for his groundbreaking work studying emotion and the brain. A friend and confidante of the Dalai Lama, he is a highly sought after expert and speaker, leading conversations on well-being on international stages such as the World Economic Forum, where he serves on the Global Council on Mental Health.

In this episode, Sharon and Richie discuss:

• How Richie came to this path
• Meeting Daniel Goleman and Ram Dass
• How Danny Goleman brought Sharon to her first retreat
• The term “Mental Health”
• Innate Goodness
• Believing in Growth Mindset
• A vision of possibility for ourselves
• The role of systemic oppression in mental well-being
• Intergenerational Resilience
• Richie’s four pillars of well-being
• Personal mental hygiene
• “The road to Lhasa goes up and down” – Mingyur Rinpoche
• The value of community and teachers in mental health 
• Richie driving Mingyur Rinpoche
• Contemplative Neuroscience
• The Science of Flourishing Course
• Richie’s new book project

The conversation closes with a guided meditation led by Richie. To learn more about Riche’s work or his different books, you can visit his website and check out the Center for Healthy Minds.

Join Richie’s upcoming course The Science of Flourishing: Well-Being Skills for Daily Life. Save 20% off the course using coupon code METTA20.

Mental Health Resources

• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline call 988 or (800) 273-8255
• Psychology Today Find a Mindfulness-Trained Therapist
• Active Peace Yoga with Reggie Hubbard
• The Psychology Podcast with Scott Barry Kaufman
• Mark Epstein Psychiatrist & Author with a Buddhist Lens
• Nalanda Institute Contemplative Psychotherapy Program
• Express Yourself Black Man Healing Community for Black Men
• Black Boys Om Black Boys & Men Healing & Wellness Education
• Cloud Sangha Community For Meditation & Wellness
• The Trevor Project Support for LGBTQ Mental Health
• Therapy for Black Girls Mental Wellness for Black Women and Girls
• The Friendship Bench Creating Safe Spaces & Community
• Hope for Bereaved Grief Support Groups
• Option B Grief, Trauma and Loss Support

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