Abstract figures, new episode of positive psychology podcast about mythology, forgiveness, and connection with John Crowley and Wendy Sanford

Mythology of Otherness: Building Resilience, Forgiveness, and Connection

Original Air Date Wednesday, May 11, 2022

When we take a moment to go through the thought experiment of putting ourselves in the shoes of another, the perceived lines of differences begin to fade and we gain a better understanding of the other person and ourselves. Being mindful of our feelings and emotions allows us to decenter and observe the mind’s automatic responses so we can preserve our well-being and make better choices.

To discover the daily practices that help us open our minds to healing, Harvesting Happiness Podcast Host, Lisa Cypers Kamen, speaks with two guests who study the brain’s socio-evolutionary abilities and limitations.

John Crowley promotes mindful meditation to reduce stress and overcome automaticity. Wendy Sanford shares the personal journey that inspired her to write, These Walls Between Us: A Memoir of Friendship Across Race and Class, about stepping out of her white privileged upbringing.

Tune in:

Lisa Cypers Kamen · Mythology Of Otherness Building Resilience, Forgiveness, And Connection

Meet Our Guests:

Mythology of Otherness: Building Resilience, Forgiveness, and Connection with John Crowley Ph.D. & Wendy Sanford MFA

John Crowley Ph.D. is an Associate Professor in the Department of Communication at the University of Delaware. His research, teaching, and service focus on understanding how to help individuals, especially those within marginalized or historically underrepresented communities build resilience to cope with the stress associated with difficult and discriminatory life experiences. John’s research has focused on disclosure, forgiveness, and emotional support.

His current research is funded by both the Villanova University’s Waterhouse Family Institute for the Study of Communication and Society (WFI) and the National Institute on Aging from the National Institute of Health (NIH).

John Crowley Ph.D. — Resilience & Forgiveness:

John describes his research on mindfulness meditation and how it allows our bodies to combat stress and disease. {3:08}
Socio-evolutionary work studies the useful, and insidious aspects of the brain’s categorizing functions. {8:13}
Decentering is a way to observe thoughts and feelings. {10:42}
Expressive writing and other daily practices that regulate stress and cortisol for well-being. {18:33}
How to bring closure to issues to heal trauma and release ourselves from the burden of stress. {22:06}

Follow John Crowley Ph.D:

After growing up in privilege in Princeton, NJ, living through the turbulent 70’s when she became a feminist, lesbian and a Quaker, Wendy Sanford attended seminary at Harvard Divinity School. She began to read works of women of color as a way to remedy her exposure to mostly white male authors.

Book: These Walls Between Us: A Memoir of Friendship Across Race and Class

Wendy Sanford MFA — Building Connection:

Wendy describes her experience of growing up with white privilege. {31:28}
As a contributor to the book, Our Bodies Ourselves, Wendy was able to give a voice to women exploring their sexuality. {36:29}
Wendy was married to a man for 10-years before becoming involved in a 40-year relationship with a woman. {43:26}
At 12, Wendy met a life-long friend who was outside of her normal, limited white circle and helped her learn about the existence of racial injustice. {47:05}
Wendy offers advice for white people who want to move outside of the white bubble. {51:48}

Follow Wendy Sanford:

Shareables:

“The idea of decentering is slowing down the Automaticity to watch thoughts and feelings as an objective observer.” @jpcrowls on @HHTalkRadio Share on X “Mindfulness science, boiled down, allows us to observe the contents of our mind and our feelings.” @jpcrowls on @HHTalkRadio Share on X “Early second-wave feminism was quite dominated by white women.” — Wendy Sanford on @HHTalkRadio Share on X “Talking about sexual violence is a very important aspect of coming to stand in our full sexuality.” Wendy Sanford on @HHTalkRadio Share on X

Grab More Joy Below:

Are We Happy Yet? Eight Keys to Unlocking a Joyful Life — A boot camp manual for greater emotional fitness. Happiness waits for no one and sometimes we all need support. What is getting in the way of your happiness right now?

H–Factor: Where is Your Heart? — Lisa’s documentary film explores the journey of human happiness. Emotions are contagious and happiness is a universally desired state. We tend to forget we all have the freedom to be happy or the liberty to be miserable each day.