217: The Power of Mindfulness, Dr. Amy Baltzell, Former Olympian, Speaker, Clinical Associate Professor at Boston University

Amy Baltzell is a Clinical Associate Professor and Director of the Sport Psychology Specialization (of Counseling) at Boston University. She is a Certified Mental Performance Consultant with the Association for Applied Sport Psychology (CMPC).  She is a former US National (1989, 1990) and Olympic (1992) Rowing Team member, member of the All women’s America’s cup Sailing Team (1995), and Head Varsity lightweight rowing coach (1998-1999) at Harvard University. Amy is the author of 3 books: The Power of Mindfulness, Mindfulness and Performance, and Living in the Sweet Spot: Preparing for Performance in Sport and Life. Her research focus is on mindfulness and self-compassion in sport. Specifically, she is studying the impact of Mindfulness Meditation Training in Sport, an intervention designed to help athletes improve concentration, adapt while competing and increase their tolerance of distracting thoughts and emotions. Amy received her bachelors from Wesleyan University and earned a masters and doctorate from Boston University. She taught the first course in Sport Psychology at Harvard University. In this interview, Amy and Cindra talk about: Her experience as an Olympic and elite athlete The definition of mindfulness The benefits of practicing mindfulness Why self-compassion is important Her research on mindfulness and her mindfulness protocol How we can practice mindfulness You can find a full description of the Podcast at cindrakamphoff.com/dramy