Tawni Tidwell – Between Life and Death

In this episode, Wendy speaks with biocultural anthropologist and Tibetan medical doctor Tawni Tidwell. Tawni's research focuses on living—and dying—with greater awareness and well-being, and integrates multiple biological and cultural perspectives on mind-body systems. This conversation covers many topics, including: merging interests in biology, culture, ecology, nature, and medicine; how our minds shape our bodies; the holistic approach of Tibetan medicine; understanding constitutions and individual proclivities; the subtle body and consciousness; studying monastics who are able to extend the death process (Tukdam project); implications for life, death, and the nature of consciousness; individual differences and determining which practices might be best for someone; studying Tibetan medicine's approach to treating COVID; and coming back to our bodies, our communities, and our environments. Full show notes and resources