The Art of Being: Embracing Mindfulness and Compassion During Challenging Times with Cortland Dahl
The Art of Being: Embracing Mindfulness and Compassion During Challenging Times with Cortland Dahl
In this enlightening episode, we delve into the transformative journey and work of Dr Cortland Dahl, a meditation expert, scientist, translator and researcher at the Center for Healthy Minds. Cort’s true passion is using ancient wisdom and modern science to help people flourish.
Cort shares his personal experiences from battling anxiety as a young adult to finding solace and purpose through extensive work with meditation and compassion practices during eight years living in Tibetan refugee settlements in India and Nepal. He discusses the critical role of contemplative traditions in navigating the modern world's overwhelming pace and information overload.
The conversation covers the importance of shifting from a state of doing to being, the mental health epidemic, and practical techniques for cultivating inner calm and compassion. Cort offers profound insights into how we can harness our innate capacities for wisdom and compassion.
The episode concludes with a beautiful guided practice led by Cort, providing listeners with a practical experience of simply being that we can take into our daily life.
Cort’s work can be found here:
https://cortlanddahl.com/
https://centerhealthyminds.org
00:00 Introduction to Contemplative Traditions
00:33 Struggles with Anxiety and Early Discoveries
03:21 The Impact of Modern Life on Mental Health
04:39 The Mismatch Between Evolution and Modern Society
07:10 Simple Practices for Mental Well-being
13:12 The Power of Perspective and Micro Practices
22:31 The Role of Compassion and Service
25:49 Understanding Devotion and Social Learning
28:41 The Power of Respect and Inspiration
29:32 Personal Reflections on Prince and Devotion
32:15 A Meditator's Guide to Buddhism
32:56 The Four Noble Truths and the Path to Awakening
34:37 Writing the Book: Motivation and Process
36:33 Exploring Buddhist Philosophy and Practice
39:29 Advice for Those in Pain
40:23 The Importance of Being Over Doing
50:26 A Short Guided Meditation Practice
57:59 Final Thoughts and Appreciation
