Dr. Richard Davidson is the William James and Vilas Professor of Psychology and Psychiatry at the University of Wisconsin–Madison and Founder & Director of the Center for Healthy Minds.  In this episode, he discusses the current state of research on mindfulness and meditation as mental health interventions.

00:00 Introduction
02:15 Focus areas in current research
04:37 Well-being as a universal intervention
06:21 Beyond mindfulness: other forms of meditation
07:24 Four pillars of well-being: awareness, connection, insight, and purpose
13:04 Healthy Minds Program and the impact of short daily meditation practices
17:05 Comparison of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) and the Healthy Minds Program, focusing on accessibility and time commitment
20:55 The potential for structural changes in the brain with meditation
26:24 Integrating mindfulness and meditation into clinical practice
28:06 Micro-supports for everyday well-being
33:27 Mindfulness and social connection
35:06 Future research directions, including the concept of a flourishing city

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Executive Producer: Jon Earle