logo
episode-header-image
Oct 2023
23m 50s

The 4 Pillars of Well-Being, with Dr. Ri...

Sean Fargo
About this episode

Well-being can be an abstract term. We’ve all heard that things like eating well, exercising and meditating are good for us, but we might be unsure why, or if they even work. 

For mindfulness and meditation researcher Dr. Richie Davidson, well-being is a measurable skill. And like any skill, it can be cultivated with practice. Well-being, he says, improves when we train in four specific areas: awareness, connection, insight and purpose.

In this episode, Davidson introduces us to these pillars of well-being that, when nurtured, result in a life of greater comfort, health and happiness. To learn more about the science behind this transformation, listen to his previous episode, #051: The Modern Science of Mindfulness.

Dr. Richard J. Davidson is a research professor of psychology and psychiatry and the Founder and Director of the Center for Healthy Minds at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. His non-profit, Healthy Minds Innovations, uses the discoveries and insights gleaned from research to create tools to help people around the world build skills of well-being. 

This talk is a brief excerpt from Dr. Richie Davidson’s guest teacher presentation to those enrolled in the Mindfulness Exercises Mindfulness Meditation Teacher Training Program. This unique, online, self-paced certification program balances pre-recorded webinars with live mentorship. Students in the program learn directly from Sean Fargo, his team, and some of the world’s most respected mindfulness and meditation experts. 

Train to share mindfulness with confidence, compassion and skill within a supportive online community. Learn more at mindfulnessexercises.com/certify or, schedule a 15-minute call with Sean to see if this program is right for you at https://calendly.com/sean-108/application


Related Episodes:

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Up next
Aug 15
How to Let Go of Unhelpful Thought Patterns (Guided Meditation)
In this mindfulness talk and guided meditation, Sean Fargo invites us to examine and shift the “mental models” that shape how we see ourself and the world. We all carry inner narratives—beliefs, assumptions, and self-talk—that can either support our well-being or keep us stuck in ... Show More
40m 20s
Aug 8
Inna Segal on Healing Through The Secret Language of Your Body
In this episode of the Mindfulness Exercises Podcast, Sean Fargo speaks with Inna Segal—internationally bestselling author of The Secret Language of Your Body and pioneer in the field of intuitive healing. Inna shares her personal journey from chronic pain and illness to full rec ... Show More
1h 18m
Jul 29
Ariel Garten on How Technology Can Deepen Mindfulness
In this episode of the Mindfulness Exercises Podcast, Sean Fargo speaks with Ariel Garten—neuroscientist, innovator, and co-founder of Muse, the brain-sensing meditation device. Blending neuroscience, mindfulness, and entrepreneurship, Ariel offers a unique perspective on how we ... Show More
41m 38s
Recommended Episodes
Feb 2025
The Mind-Bending Science of Advanced Meditation | Matthew Sacchet
What it is, how beginners can get a taste, the dangers of striving, and whether tech can make it easier.   Dr. Matthew D. Sacchet, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor and the Director of the Meditation Research Program at Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital (Ma ... Show More
1h 22m
Jun 2024
88. The Healing Power of Meditation: 5 Ways Meditation Supports Your Recovery from Porn Addiction
In this episode of 'Unhooked', host Jeremy Lipkowitz explores the critical role of meditation in recovering from porn addiction. He outlines five key benefits that meditation provides: developing mindfulness, strengthening self-control, cultivating emotional resilience, ... Show More
16m 58s
Jul 2024
A Buddhist Antidote To Fear And Anxiety | Devin Berry
New episodes come out every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday for free, with 1-week early access for Wondery+ subscribers --- The two practices that helped turn this self described scowling, sarcastic skeptic into an expert meditator Since 1999, Devin Berry has been a dedicated medit ... Show More
1h 7m
Nov 2024
The Science Of Walking: The Benefits Of Walking In Nature, Walking Meetings, And Walking Meditation | Dacher Keltner
New episodes come out every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday for free, with 1-week early access for Wondery+ subscribers. --- This scientist says that walking is one of the best things you can do for yourself. Here are some ways you can incorporate it into your life. Today we're goi ... Show More
33m 53s
Jul 14
Your Brain Is Suggestible. Here’s How To Turn That to Your Advantage. | Dr. Amir Raz
Harness the power of suggestion for well-being, pain management, and mental health. Dr. Amir Raz is a world-renowned expert on the science of suggestion with recent positions as Canada Research Chair, Professor of Psychiatry, Neurology and Neurosurgery, and Psychology at McGill U ... Show More
1h 12m
Oct 2024
1078: Building Resilience Through Consistent Mindfulness: Key Insights from Jon Kabat-Zinn's Wisdom
In today's episode, Gina shares the wisdom of Jon Kabat-Zinn regarding the value of building a mindfulness practice, especially emphasizing the importance of regularity of practice. Many people struggle with beginning a regular mindfulness practice, often fearing that they are no ... Show More
26m 27s
Feb 2025
How To Make a Marriage Work | Chodo Robert Campbell and Koshin Paley Ellison (Co-Interviewed by Dr. Bianca Harris)
A candid, useful, and hilarious conversation.   Chodo Robert Campbell Sensei is a Zen teacher, bereavement specialist, grief counselor and a recognized leader for those suffering with the complexities of death & dying, aging, and sobriety. The educational non-profit he co-founded ... Show More
1h 18m
Mar 2025
Synergistic Strength, Day 6" "Transformation: An Inner RenAIssance"
Today's powerful meditation combines four potent tools to help you navigate and adapt to the rapidly evolving AI-driven world. You'll be layering an affirmation, a specific breathing technique, a symbolic mudra, and a focus on a key chakra, creating a synergistic practice to cult ... Show More
12m 3s
Jul 2024
259: The Sovereignty Mindset: A Path to Happiness with Dr. Emma Seppälä
Explore the path to happiness and fulfillment through personal sovereignty. This episode is all about reclaiming your power, overcoming fears, and cultivating resilience for inner peace and personal strength. Discover the transformative power of mindfulness and breathing techniqu ... Show More
56m 54s