This much we know: Taking deep breaths relieves stress in your body; compassion relieves stress in your relationships. Both are psychophysiological phenomena. But what we’re learning beyond that may have far more global consequences. Current research led by James Doty, MD, suggests that the intersection of stress, mindfulness, and compassion has major implications not only for individual and relationship health but for the broader health of our communities.
As he shared on The goop Podcast, Doty had a challenging childhood. But a chance encounter in a magic shop with a woman named Ruth changed the entire course of his life. After Ruth taught him techniques for mindfulness, compassion, and manifesation, Doty went on to an extraordinary life. He talked his way into medical school with an undergraduate GPA of 2.5, became a neurosurgeon and a Stanford professor, started a successful business and lived in luxury (albeit miserably), went bankrupt, lost everything, turned into a global philanthropist, and became friends with the Dalai Lama. But perhaps his most lasting contribution is as the founder and director of Stanford’s Center for Compassion and Altruism Research and Education (CCARE).
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