Amishi Jha - Attention, Mind Wandering, and Stress

In this episode, Wendy speaks with cognitive and contemplative neuroscientist Amishi Jha about using mindfulness to train attention, and its usefulness particularly in high-stress situations. They cover many topics, including: her own experience of high stress and how that brought her to contemplative practice; her research on how mindfulness can train attention and working memory; the relationship between attention and stress; bringing mindfulness to military populations; the pros and cons of a wandering mind; mindfulness during COVID; the state of contemplative science, and current issues around gender and racial diversity. Full show notes and resources