Can reading non-fiction books reduce partisan hostility? We tested 25 books using simulations and the winners are: “Lovingkindness: The Revolutionary Art of Happiness” + “Facing the Fracture: How to Navigate the Challenges of Living in a Divided Nation”. www.powerofusnewsletter.com/p/can-ai-hel...

Can AI Help Us Find the Books That Bridge Political Divides?

We used language models to screen 26 nonfiction books. They agreed on the broad winners, disagreed on the details, and helped us choose two finalists for a human trial.

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“Be brave and bold, and take courage from our own experiences of expanding consciousness.” In the final Mind & Life systems change episode, cathy-mae karelse and guests explore mapping a movement for inner-led transformation. 🎧 podcast.mindandlife.org/jamie-bristo...

What happens when we realize we're not working alone? Rufus Pollock joins Gretchen Steidle, cathy-mae karelse, and Jamie Bristow to explore how mapping can strengthen movements for systems change and shared learning. podcast.mindandlife.org/jamie-bristo...

“His interest in science began very early out of curiosity,” shares Thupten Jinpa on His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Revisit this conversation with Suzanne Bond reflecting on the Dalai Lama’s lifelong curiosity and love of science. www.mindandlife.org/event/the-da...

What does it take for a movement to recognize itself? On the newest Mind & Life podcast, Gretchen Steidle explores how mapping can connect practitioners, spark collaboration, and help an emerging field see itself. 🎧 podcast.mindandlife.org/jamie-bristo... #SystemsChange #InnerDevelopment

How do we study consciousness while honoring both science and lived experience? Join ISCR's online conference on Oct. 9 exploring consciousness across contemplative research. Abstracts due July 31: iscrsociety.org/2026-confere... #Consciousness #Research #Mindfulness

"The more stressed we are, the more noise there is in the system." Rachel Lilley shares why slowing down helps us learn and navigate complexity more wisely on the newest Mind & Life Podcast. 🎧 podcast.mindandlife.org/podcast/podc... #MindAndLife #SystemsChange #Podcast

Today we celebrate the 91st birthday of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama. 🎉 For nearly four decades, his conversations with Mind & Life have inspired compassion, curiosity, and contemplative science. Explore these moments in the Digital Library: www.mindandlife.org/digital-libr... #DalaiLama

His Holiness the Dalai Lama turns 91 next week. To celebrate, revisit a moment from the 2005 Mind & Life Dialogue Investigating the Mind: “One of the unique things about buddhadharma is the investigation, the experiment.” Explore this dialogue and more: www.mindandlife.org/dialogue/the...

What makes meaningful collaboration possible? Thomas Legrand shares how connecting with ourselves, one another, and nature can transform collaboration and help us navigate complexity more wisely. 🎧 Listen: podcast.mindandlife.org/podcast/podc... #MindAndLife #SystemsChange #Leadership

“This theme of liminality persistently arose across sessions... there is always an in-between space to explore,” shares Solei Sarmiento. Read her reflection on nepantla, compassion, and connection: www.mindandlife.org/media/cultiv... #MindAndLife

What if the systems we want to change aren't separate from us? On the newest Mind & Life podcast, Wakanyi Macharia-Hoffman explores how inner development, relationships, and awareness shape the systems we create. 🎧 Listen: podcast.mindandlife.org/podcast/podc... #MindAndLife #SystemsChange #Ubuntu

What helps us repair and reconnect in a divided world? This month’s Mindstream explores repair, renewal, and collective healing. Read more: www.mindandlife.org/mindstream/ #MindAndLife #CollectiveHealing #Mindfulness

“At a personal level, he radiates joy. It’s the first thing you feel when you’re with him.” Thupten Jinpa reflects on the Dalai Lama’s unique presence—a deep sense of joy that shines through, even in conversations about life’s greatest challenges. #DalaiLama90 #MindAndLife #Compassion #Joy

What helps people heal when life moves too fast for grief, reflection, or rest? On the latest Mind & Life podcast, Paula Ramírez Díazgranados explores mindfulness, trauma, resilience, and collective healing. 🎧 podcast.mindandlife.org/jamie-bristo...

What holds us together in an age of fracture? That question guided #MLISRI2026 last week as participants gathered at the Garrison Institute for a week of research, contemplative practice, dialogue, and community. We're still reflecting on all that emerged—we hope everyone traveled home safely!

“You cannot solve problems as an individual… only with collective wisdom.” On the latest Mind & Life podcast, Liane Stephan joins Jon Kabat-Zinn, Paula Ramírez Díazgranados, and Jamie Bristow to explore mindfulness, resilience, and collective wellbeing. podcast.mindandlife.org/jamie-bristo...

There's a lot of stillness at the @garrisoninstitute.bsky.social as we prepare for #MLISRI2026. Tomorrow, researchers, contemplatives, cultural thinkers & policymakers will gather for 5 days to explore what holds us together in an age of fracture—we're looking forward to seeing participants soon!

Can we be healthy in an unhealthy world? Jon Kabat-Zinn joins the Mind & Life podcast to explore how mindfulness can support not only personal well-being, but collective and planetary health. 🎧 Listen: podcast.mindandlife.org/jamie-bristo...

“Inner development and outer systems change are inseparable.” On the latest Mind & Life podcast, Megan Seneque explores Theory U and awareness-based systems change. What if personal and societal transformation are one journey? 🎧 podcast.mindandlife.org/podcast/podc...

“We collectively create results that we individually don’t want.” Katrin Kaufer joins the Mind & Life podcast to explore Theory U, systems change, and compassionate futures with Martin Kalungu-Banda, Megan Seneque, & Jamie Bristow. 🎧 podcast.mindandlife.org/jamie-bristo...

IT’S OFFICIAL! My book, MICROPRACTICE: A Science-Backed Approach to Calm, Clarity, and Joy in 30 Seconds or Less, is now available for pre-order. micropractice.com/book

“The work was no longer just out there. The work was on me as well.” On the newest Mind & Life podcast, Martin Kalungu-Banda explores Theory U, systems change, and inner transformation. 🎧 Listen: podcast.mindandlife.org/jamie-bristo...

Environmental neuroscientist Pooja Sahni explores how contemplative and ecological education can prepare students for a changing world. Read the essay: www.mindandlife.org/insight/cont... Subscribe to Mindstream: www.mindandlife.org/mindstream/

How can contemplative wisdom and modern science work together to better understand the mind? In this 2007 Mind & Life Dialogue clip, the Dalai Lama reflects on mindfulness, compassion, depression, and the value of integrating science with contemplative traditions. Watch now: buff.ly/YceF78y

“When people exercise violence, they’re not exercising power—they’re exercising abuse.” On the newest Mind & Life podcast, Kazu Haga joins Thomas Hübl, Laura Calderón de la Barca, & Jamie Bristow to explore how trauma shapes our systems & relationships. 🎧 podcast.mindandlife.org/jamie-bristo...

“Trauma is how our nervous system responds when we lack the resources to process what’s happening,” says Laura Calderón de la Barca on the Mind & Life podcast. Explore how trauma shapes individuals, relationships, and systems. 🎧 mindand.life/OcTL50YWAL1

“We’ve all been born into a pre-traumatized world,” says Thomas Hübl on the newest Mind & Life podcast. What if today’s challenges are rooted in inherited trauma? Listen as guests explore healing, systems change, and collective responsibility. 🎧 podcast.mindandlife.org/jamie-bristo...

“I know Joanna really loved ‘the Work That Reconnects’…it’s about feeling part of life on Earth,” shares Chris Johnstone. In this episode, he and guests reflect on reconnecting—with ourselves, each other, and the living world—to move from despair to action. 🎧 podcast.mindandlife.org/jamie-bristo...

“The wound is not the end—it’s the entryway.” Inspired by Rumi, Shayontoni Ghosh explores how pain can open us. In this Mind & Life episode, guests discuss Joanna Macy’s Work That Reconnects—turning grief and fear into connection, belonging, and action. 🎧 podcast.mindandlife.org/jamie-bristo...