The Science of Compassion and Brain Health with Dr. James Doty

Published: Dec. 4, 2020, 2 a.m.

Dr. James Doty is on a quest for compassion. He's a leading neurosurgeon, founder of the Center for Compassion and Altruism Research and Education at Stanford University, and an all-round wonderful human who has dedicated his studies to unraveling the surprising science of compassion and brain health.On today's Braincare Podcast, Dr. James Doty shares the origin story of his obsession with compassion: a mindfulness technique in a magic shop! We discuss the incredible power of human intuition and the effects of mindfulness practices on neuroplasticity and physiology.We talk about:\n\nYour brain on compassion\n\nWhat's going on in your sympathetic nervous system?\n\nThe neuroscientist's angle on self-affirmation and care\n\nThe Buddhists have it sussed: why mindfulness works\xa0\n\nInternal conversations and the power of positive thinking\n\nWhy human connection is irreplaceable