When we take a moment to go through the thought experiment of putting ourselves in the shoes of another, the perceived lines of differences begin to fade and we gain a better understanding of the other person and ourselves. Being mindful of our feelings and emotions allows us to decenter and observe the mind’s automatic responses so we can preserve our well-being and make better choices. To discover the daily practices that help us open our minds to healing, Positive Psychology Podcast Host, Lisa Cypers Kamen, speaks with two guests who study the brain’s socio-evolutionary abilities and limitations. John Crowley promotes mindful meditation to reduce stress and overcome automaticity. Wendy Sanford shares the personal journey that inspired her to write, These Walls Between Us: A Memoir of Friendship Across Race and Class, about stepping out of her white privileged upbringing.

About Lisa’s guests: 

John Patrick Crowley Ph.D. is an Associate Professor in the Department of Communication at the University of Delaware. His research, teaching, and service focus on understanding how to help individuals, especially those within marginalized or historically underrepresented communities build resilience to cope with the stress associated with difficult and discriminatory life experiences. John’s research has focused on disclosure, forgiveness, and emotional support. His current research is funded by both the Villanova University's Waterhouse Family Institute for the Study of Communication and Society (WFI) and the National Institute on Aging from the National Institute of Health (NIH).

After growing up in privilege in Princeton, NJ, living through the turbulent 70’s when she became a feminist, lesbian and a Quaker, Wendy Sanford attended seminary at Harvard Divinity School. She began to read works of women of color as a way to remedy her exposure to mostly white male authors.