Description

Richard Davidson is the William James and Vilas Professor of Psychology and Psychiatry and Founder and Director of the Center for Healthy Minds at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, where he has been a faculty member since 1984. Dr. Davidson is also the Founder of Healthy Minds Innovations, which translates science into tools to cultivate and measure well-being. Dr. Davidson's research is broadly focused on the neural bases of emotion and emotional style as well as methods to promote human flourishing, including meditation and related contemplative practices. His studies have centered on people across the lifespan, from birth through old age. In addition, he’s conducted studies with individuals with emotional disorders such as mood and anxiety disorders and autism, as well as expert meditation practitioners with tens of thousands of hours of experience. His research uses a wide range of methods including different varieties of MRI, positron emission tomography, electroencephalography and modern genetic and epigenetic methods. Time Magazine named Dr. Davidson one of “The 100 Most Influential People in the World” in 2006. He has published hundreds of scientific papers and is the author, with Sharon Begley, of The New York Times bestseller "The Emotional Life of Your Brain" published by Penguin in 2012. His book "Altered Traits" was published September 2017 with close friend and colleague Daniel Goleman. Dr. Davidson has been featured widely in popular media, including the Today Show, ABC’s Nightline, National Public Radio, National Geographic Magazine, Time Magazine, Newsweek, O: the Oprah Magazine, PBS’s The Charlie Rose Show, Harvard Business Review, and additional national and international news outlets.

Abstract:

This talk will consider scientific evidence that suggests that we can change our brains by transforming our minds and cultivate habits of mind that will improve well-being.  These include happiness, resilience, compassion and emotional balance.  Each of these characteristics is instantiated in brain circuits that exhibit plasticity and thus can be shaped and modified by experience and training. Mental training to cultivate well-being has profound implications for the workplace including its impact on leadership, creativity, employee health, productivity and collaboration.

This lecture will take place at 3:30 pm in Psychology 1312 on the UCSB campus and is free and open to the public. This lecture will also be followed with refreshments and a post-lecture discussion.