Media Coverage
Why You Should Stop Being So Hard on Yourself
May 22, 2018
Self-criticism can take a toll on our minds and bodies. It’s time to ease up.
Everyone is Meditating. Is it Changing the World?
Apr 22, 2018
Center founder Richard Davidson and meditation skeptic Theodore Zeldin discuss whether meditation truly makes the world a better place.
Mindfulness in Education with Chad McGehee
Apr 11, 2018
Well-being expert Chad McGehee shares the impact of mindfulness in education on The Kindness Podcast
Why Self-Love is Important and How to Cultivate it
Mar 23, 2018
For many people, the concept of self-love might conjure images of tree-hugging hippies or cheesy self-help books. But, as many psychology studies attest, self-love and -compassion are key for mental health and well-being, keeping depression and anxiety at bay.
How to Master and Control Your Emotions Based From Thirty-Plus Years of Brain Research
Mar 13, 2018
Dr. Davidson identified six emotional styles which refer to your consistent way of responding to what happens to you.
Mindfulness Is Going Mainstream Because of Science
Mar 03, 2018
Richard Davidson discusses pioneering mindfulness research and pushing mindfulness-based practices into the mainstream
How to Train Your Brain to Stay Focused on Important Things that Give Results
Mar 01, 2018
The brain is a powerful organ that is capable of processing loads of information. It controls your behavior depending on how you shape it.
Can Meditation Change Your Genes?
Feb 27, 2018
Mindful Magazine draws from a study from the Center for Healthy Minds suggesting that meditation may reduce the expression of genes involved inflammation
Running Away or Righting The Way: Is Psilocybin a Viable Psychiatric Treatment?
Feb 15, 2018
Center faculty member Charles Raison discusses the history and future of psychedelics as a treatment for mental health
How Photography Can Help Cultivate Mindfulness and Gratitude
Feb 13, 2018
The Greater Good Science Magazine discusses the Center for Healthy Mind's five-week mindful photography curriculum for elementary students.
Arianna Huffington: Through My Lens
Feb 06, 2018
Arianna Huffington reflects on Center Founder Richard Davidson's research on well-being
Four Tips To Help You Feel Less Anxious About The Future
Jan 29, 2018
Research from the Center for Healthy Minds shows why humans experience anxiety about the future and how humans can experience less anxiety.
How Do You Teach Kindness To Your Children?
Jan 26, 2018
The Kindness Curriculum from the Center for Healthy Minds provides a framework for teaching compassion and kindness skills in children.
Nurturing Kindness in Young Children
Jan 25, 2018
Center founder Richard Davidson talks with Edutopia about fostering altruism, kindness, and compassion in children.
Pre-schoolers Learn Kindness, Mindfulness
Jan 17, 2018
Pre-kindergarten students at Jackson Heights, Queens are being taught kindness. They are one of the first public schools in New York City to introduce the Center Healthy Minds's Kindness Curriculum, a mindfulness-based curriculum for pre-K students.
Healthy Habits of Mind Bring Happiness and Can Be Learned – Even by the Busy
Jan 09, 2018
Richard J. Davidson says research into how mental training like meditation affects our health throws light on what constitutes a healthy mind.
Go On, Get Happy: A Path to Well-Being in 2018
Jan 03, 2018
Neuroscientist Richard Davidson, who works with specialized electronic instruments, says that self-reported happiness correlates closely to objective data collected through brain scans and heart and breathing measurements.
Exploring Misconceptions of Mind-Training Methods
Dec 27, 2017
The scientific research behind what meditation can really do for us.
The Science of Meditation
Dec 27, 2017
In this episode of the Waking Up podcast, Sam Harris speaks with Daniel Goleman and Richard J. Davidson about the current scientific understanding of meditation practice.
There’s a Method to Mind Over Matter. A New Book Shows the Way.
Dec 24, 2017
Instead of focusing on the pop applications of meditation, scientists Goleman and Davidson focus on its capacity to free the mind of negative emotions.
Want a More Altruistic Brain? Try Daily Gratitude Journaling.
Dec 18, 2017
Gratitude journaling cultivates "pure altruism" in the brain, fMRI study suggests.
Can Kindness be Taught?
Dec 14, 2017
The Kindness Curriculum is part of a growing global movement to teach emotional intelligence in schools.
Medical Minds
Nov 30, 2017
Knowing that your doctor is under stress may not be comforting, but it might put you more at ease to know that mindfulness — the practice of training your brain to cultivate well-being — is now being taught in medical school.
How a Consistent and Stable Meditation Practice Leads to Altered Traits
Nov 03, 2017
The true contemplative goal has always been altered traits, the beneficial changes in qualities of being during daily life that result from sustained practice
Meditators Under the Microscope
Nov 03, 2017
The benefits of meditation have been hard to show in concrete terms. Today, however, as the scientific world delves into the study of mindfulness, the capacity of the brain to transform under its influence inspires nothing short of wonder.
Good News in Time for Giving Season: Volunteer Hours are Great for your Health, too
Nov 02, 2017
Volunteer efforts offer some personal perks. In fact, there are a number of ways that you can feel a healthy boomerang effect from your good deeds, The New York Times reports.
Here’s what Mindfulness is (and isn’t) Good For
Nov 01, 2017
By better understanding when mindfulness is the right approach, HR and training programs can better enhance both leader performance and employee well-being
How Does Meditation Work?
Oct 28, 2017
While meditation is popularly presented as a panacea for the world’s ailments, Goleman and Davidson have written a highly approachable work based on solid clinical evidence
Why Doing Good is Good for the Do-Gooder
Oct 26, 2017
Volunteer efforts offer some personal perks. In fact, there are a number of ways that you can feel a healthy boomerang effect from your good deeds, The New York Times reports.
How Meditation can Make Hong Kong Healthier and Happier, from Two of the World’s Happiest People
Oct 24, 2017
The city already has an affinity for the ancient practice, but fresh developments at America’s Centre for Healthy Minds at the University of Wisconsin-Madison could amp things up even further
Actually, We Don’t Need More Empathy
Oct 21, 2017
Leading psychologist Daniel Goleman explains why empathy alone rarely leads to action–and proposes a simple meditation exercise to change that
'Healthy Minds' professor Richard Davidson elected to National Academy of Medicine
Oct 16, 2017
New members are elected by the current active members, based on their accomplishments and contributions to the advancement of the medical sciences, health care and public health.
This ‘Kindness Curriculum’ is Free and Should be Used in Every Classroom
Oct 16, 2017
The Center for Healthy Minds created a mindfulness-based curriculum for preschoolers that will bring kindness into the classroom.
How to Change Your Brain With Mindfulness, With Daniel Goleman
Oct 09, 2017
Daniel Goldman and Richard Davidson reveal the latest results from Davidson’s own lab: data that point to what the future of mind-training methods should be
Meditation May Help the Heart, but not at the Expense of Other Healthy Habits
Sep 29, 2017
Aside from the heart, there is a rich accumulation of evidence on how meditation benefits us, not only psychologically and neurologically, but also physically
Here’s What Mindfulness is (and isn’t) Good For
Sep 28, 2017
By better understanding when mindfulness is the right approach, HR and training programs can better enhance both leader performance and employee well-being
Can Meditation Lead to Lasting Change?
Sep 25, 2017
A new book reveals how long-term meditation can lead to profound improvements in our mind, brain, and body
How To Make Mindfulness A Working Advantage (And Not Just Cuddly Nonsense)
Sep 25, 2017
Step one, according to researchers Daniel Goleman and Richard J. Davidson, is ditching the “neuromythology”
Being Empathetic is Good, but it can Hurt your Health
Sep 25, 2017
Is there a healthier way to empathize?
At One Preschool, the ABC’s and K, for Kindness
Sep 23, 2017
The preschool is teaching the youngsters using the UW-Madison’s Kindness Curriculum, made free to preschools a month ago
'Kindness Curriculum' Shown to Improve Grades and Relationship Skills
Sep 20, 2017
Scientists want to make kindness as integral to the curriculum as reading or math
Richard Davidson and Daniel Goleman Live at LinkedIn headquarters
Sep 19, 2017
Scott Shute, LinkedIn's VP Global Customer Operations, sits down with two New York Times–bestselling authors, Daniel Goleman and Richard Davidson, to discuss new research showing what meditation can really do for the brain
UW-Madison 'Kindness Curriculum' Nurtures Emotional Awareness in Preschoolers
Sep 18, 2017
Thousands of teachers have requested the curriculum, including Sesame Workshop
Richard Davidson and Daniel Goleman Live at Facebook Headquarters
Sep 18, 2017
At Facebook HQ, Richard Davidson and Daniel Goleman answer some of the most common questions about personal or professional growth and talk about their new book, Altered Traits.
UW-Madison Teaching Kindness, From Preschools To 'Sesame Street'
Sep 18, 2017
In preschools, kindness is encouraged. But can it be taught?
UW’s Davidson Teams with Famed Science Writer to Dive Deep into the Science of Meditation
Sep 12, 2017
Renowned scientist Richard Davidson and science writer Daniel Goleman collaborated on a new book that explores a simple, yet transformational, idea: Good mental hygiene
"Kindness Curriculum" Available For Teachers
Sep 08, 2017
How teachers can start out kids early in life to set them on a positive developmental trajectory
Dr. Richard Davidson, Daniel Goleman, 'Altered Traits'
Sep 07, 2017
Davidson, a prominent neuroscientist and founder of the Center for Healthy Minds, and Goleman, a renowned psychologist and science journalist,talk about their cutting-edge research in this new book, comparing brain activity of "Olympic level" meditators
What Science Says About How Meditation Changes You Over Time
Sep 06, 2017
At the world-class level, truly remarkable effects emerge
Does Mindfulness Really Work? What the Science Tells Us
Sep 06, 2017
Richard Davidson and Daniel Goleman answer questions on the science of Mindfulness
How Meditation Can Make Us More Civil to Each Other
Sep 05, 2017
Meditation isn’t primarily about improving oneself — its actually for the benefit of others
When Kindness Is In The Curriculum
Sep 01, 2017
Emotional intelligence, or EQ, can be a strong predictor of one’s success academically and professionally
Mindfulness-based 'Kindness Curriculum' Showing Promising Results
Aug 30, 2017
If your preschooler struggles with sharing toys or sitting still, a new curriculum could offer a surprising solution
Bells and Belly Buddies: Kindness Curriculum
Aug 29, 2017
New preschool curriculum developed at UW touts the benefits of teaching mindfulness and empathy in the classroom
Meditation Expert Tells us what the Science Really Says — and why Multitasking is a ‘Myth’
Aug 28, 2017
Some studies are less rigorous than they should be, but science has proven that meditation can induce healthy and important physical improvements, such as lowering your blood pressure, decreasing relapses into depression and managing chronic pain
Our Favorite Personal Development Books, September 2017
Aug 25, 2017
6 books to read this month to boost your performance, including Altered Traits
Silicon Valley is Obsessed with Meditation, and there’s New Evidence It Changes the Brain for the Better
Aug 24, 2017
A growing body of evidence suggests regular meditation is linked with benefits including lower stress and better focus
How Emotional Intelligence can Drive Success
Aug 21, 2017
Being emotionally intelligent allows for more effective communication and a greater capacity to connect in a positive and emotionally healthy way
Human Potential and Happiness: An Interview with Richard Davidson
Jul 12, 2017
Richard Davidson answers questions about resilience, meditation, positivity, and controlling our attention
Demystifying Meditation: Five Practical Benefits & How You Can Get Started
Jun 27, 2017
Here are five very practical benefits from meditation practices
Mindfulness-Based Childbirth Classes May Ease Pain, Depression
Jun 20, 2017
When birthing classes include mindfulness-based education instead of focusing only on the biology of having a baby, women may have an easier time coping with labor pain and a lower risk of postpartum depression
Mindfulness Could Improve School Performance
Jun 14, 2017
Breathing could be the key to unlocking better performances for kids in school. It's part of mindfulness- a practice Milwaukee Public Schools and many others have started using
Mindful Policing: The Future of Force
Jun 14, 2017
With police violence—and public scrutiny— on the rise, cities turn to mindfulness to help officers deal with the stress of the job
Oscar the Optimist?
Jun 06, 2017
Sesame Street, one of the most beloved children’s television shows, is emphasizing kindness in its current season with the help of the UW’s Center for Healthy Minds, which studies the science of well-being and how it can be nurtured
Can Mindfulness Reduce Fear of Labour and Postpartum Depression?
Jun 05, 2017
Anxiety about labour – and what might come afterwards – causes stress for expectant mothers and increases risk in childbirth. But there could be a natural solution
The Benefits of a Mindful Pregnancy
May 31, 2017
Center research suggests Postpartum Depression may be prevented when mindfulness is part of childbirth education
When Did Pop Culture and Nature Part Ways?
May 17, 2017
Ever since the 1950s, our books, movies and songs have contained fewer and fewer references to flowers, birds, trees and the outdoors. What does it all mean? Center researcher Pelin Kesebir is finding out
SPECIAL REPORT: Kindness in the Classroom
May 12, 2017
An ongoing study at the University of Wisconsin-Madison's Center for Healthy Minds is working to incorporate mindfulness techniques into everyday activities for elementary students
Kindness Makes Us More Successful ...
Apr 24, 2017
Richard Davidson, the scientist who breaks the Western success models. If you ask someone around you if you think you have succeeded in life, it is normal to answer based on where you have come to work, the money you earn, the things you have or the recognition of others
The Basis of a Healthy Brain is Goodness, and it Can be Trained
Mar 27, 2017
I investigated the brain mechanisms involved in depression and anxiety .... And it ended up founding the Healthy Mind Research Center
Pitt Study: Abuse in Childhood Can Lead to Misbehavior Later
Feb 28, 2017
Most children develop the ability early on to link good behavior with positive outcomes. Good grades, for example, can lead to parental praise and opportunities later in life. But children physically abused at home have that ability impaired, often leading to patterns of misbehavior. A study written by a newly appointed University of Pittsburgh assistant professor found that physical abuse during childhood can result in the child’s inability to associate good behavior to positive outcomes
Why Mind Wandering Can Be So Miserable, According to Happiness Experts
Feb 24, 2017
We still don’t know why our minds seem so determined to exit the present moment, but researchers have a few ideas
The Doctor is In: The transformative practice of Meditation
Feb 16, 2017
There are many things in life that are beyond our control. Highly stressed people and relief can be hard to find
Meaningful Mindfulness: How it Could Help You
Feb 15, 2017
The Dalai Lama and Lady Gaga encouraged American leaders to create peace, finding inner peace using mindfulness techniques
Meeting with Neuroscientist Richard Davidson
Feb 13, 2017
Richard Davidson , the renowned American scientist specialized in analyzing the emotions recently visited Barcelona and has held a meeting with Nacho Master and Mària Vallès , CEO and Director General of the Fundació FC Barcelona , respectively
Paper Napkin Mental Health Challenge #5: Accurate Thinking
Feb 10, 2017
If your children are anxious, it’s likely they do something I like to call What Iffing. This is the tendency to ponder possible future scenarios and then worry about them excessively in the form of ‘what if’ questions
Mindfulness in the Classroom
Feb 02, 2017
A story about well-being practices in the classroom includes Center for Healthy Minds research findings
Mental Health Starts in Babies' Brains
Feb 01, 2017
Some parents just need tips to promote healthy development. Poverty, abuse complicate it
Morning Briefing: Madison Experts Influence ‘Sesame Street’
Jan 28, 2017
The Capital Times shares how the Center for Healthy Minds shared its research findings with Sesame Street Workshop
UW Center Has Hand in Upcoming 'Sesame Street' Season
Jan 25, 2017
Channel 3000 interviews Center education expert Lisa Thomas Prince on kindness research and a recent collaboration with Sesame Street
Taking Mindfulness to the Streets
Jan 22, 2017
The Chronicle of Higher Education features a research collaboration between Center scientists and the Madison Police Department
Mental health trauma didn't set Reyna's destiny
Jan 20, 2017
Center Founder Richard Davidson shares research findings on emotional well-being for youth
Parent in Prison: How to Protect the Well-Being of the Child
Jan 19, 2017
Seven percent of all children will have a parent who lived with them go to jail or prison, so how will the well-being of these children be protected?
UW Brings Kindness to Sesame Street
Jan 09, 2017
WKOW features Center for Healthy Minds collaboration with Sesame Street Workshop
How to Spend More Mindfully in the New Year
Jan 08, 2017
USA Today interviews Center expert Cortland Dahl on the science of meditation
Human Kind
Dec 05, 2016
Brava Magazine explores humans tendency for good with Center Founder Richard Davidson
Winning Games, Losing Life
Dec 02, 2016
The Epoch Times shares neuroscientific research from the Center for Healthy Minds
Small offices taking a fresh position on yoga
Nov 21, 2016
The San Francisco Chronicle cites Center research on inflammation and immune responses
Gratitude and Mindfulness in a Time of Uncertainty
Nov 20, 2016
Psychology Today cites research on well-being from the Center for Healthy Minds
The M List 2016: Richard Davidson
Oct 20, 2016
Center for Healthy Minds Founder Richard Davidson makes Madison Magazine's "M List"
The Mindful Classroom
Oct 03, 2016
Lisa Flook, Center expert and researcher, reflects on larger trends of studying well-being in the classroom
Stress Control
Sep 29, 2016
A pilot study from the Center will explore the impact of mindfulness-based practices on officers’ physical and mental well-being
UW Teams up with Madison Police Department to Improve Officer Well-Being
Sep 12, 2016
Center Assistant Scientist Dan Grupe discusses a pilot study between the Center and the Madison Police Department
Designer Thinks About Death Every Hour: Why Do We Dwell on Dying?
Sep 08, 2016
Center Assistant Scientist Pelin Kesebir discusses why we think about death
Global Well-Being
Aug 28, 2016
Center Founder Richard Davidson discusses well-being as a skill that can be learned
Neuroscientist Richie Davidson Says Dalai Lama Gave Him 'a Total Wake-Up Call' that Changed His Research Forever
Jul 27, 2016
Center Founder Richard Davidson discusses his research and personal meditation practice with Dan Harris on his podcast "10% Happier"
Brain Mapping: Getting It Right
Jul 21, 2016
Center associate scientist Jeanette Mumford contributes to larger conversations taking place in the field of fMRI research
Can a Stint in the ‘Fever Machine’ Treat Depression?
Jul 19, 2016
Center faculty member Charles Raison explores hyperthermia as a possible alternative to traditional antidepressants
How We Can Change Our Minds — Literally — To Make Kinder, More Accepting Societies
Jun 24, 2016
In response to recent tragedies, Center Founder Richard Davidson talks about how we can take action by training our brains to cultivate kindness and acceptance – leading to a more compassionate society for all
Upcoming Events
Well-Being is a Skill; How to Have a Healthy Mind with Richard Davidson
May 23, 7:00PM
to
8:30PM
Center Founder Richard Davidson will give a talk on "Well-Being is a Skill" at St. John's Hospital in Jackson, WY.
Meditation and the Science of Human Flourishing
June 1, 7:00PM
to
9:00PM
Essential teachings on the Joy of Living with Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche and Richard Davidson.
The Madison Reunion: A Party With a Purpose
June 14, 11:00AM
to
June 16, 5:00PM
Center Founder Richard Davidson joins the Madison Reunion
Latest News
Training Your Compassion “Muscle” May Boost Brain’s Resilience in the Face of Suffering
May 22, 2018
Two weeks of compassion meditation training may reduce distress and improve a person’s ability to look at others who are suffering
New Study Examines the Stress of Poverty on Children
May 4, 2018
A new research project will address what experiences affect brain development during the first two years of life for disadvantaged children.
This Class is Helping First-Year Students Start College Off Right
March 20, 2018
A new course, piloted in conjunction with the Center for Healthy Minds at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, University of Virginia and Pennsylvania State University, aims to integrate extracurricular learning experiences with intellectual topics in the classroom
