The Neurobiology of Presence - with Bonnie Badenoch
Have you ever been struck by someone’s depth of presence? Like when you meet a wise, holy person. The depth of their presence overwhelms us, floods our body with their peace. Have you ever wondered what's going on on a biological level when this happens? Or, wondered why it's so much easier to feel grounded when we meditate with others vs. on our own? Or maybe been curious about how life's traumas impact the contemplative life? Get ready, everyone - this is one of my FAVORITE intersections. 🤩🤩 Neuroscience and the contemplative life. Embodiment and spirituality. The mystical and the muscles, minerals, and membranes. In today’s episode I speak with Dr. Bonnie Badenoch, who specializes in precisely this intersection. Bonnie is an interpersonal neurobiologist *and* a contemplative! She has spent decades researching how that connection, and most importantly, presence, impacts our bodies. You might think of her as the Brene Brown of presence-- combining lots of heart with accessible research. Tune in to learn: 🔹 What happens in your body when you’re deeply present 🔸 How trauma impacts contemplative life 🔹 What neurobiology tells us is the one key to healing trauma 🔸 The myth of self regulation 🔹 The hidden cause of our over-rationalization (why we always seem to be head-dominant instead of heart or gut - and how to change that!) 🔸 What happens in our brains during ego death 🔹 How polyvagal theory revolutionizes our understanding of the nervous system Bonnie Badenoch, PhD, LMFT is a therapist, mentor, and author who delights in integrating the discoveries of relational neuroscience into the art of therapy. For 28 years, her work has focused on supporting trauma survivors and those with significant attachment wounds reshape their neural landscape to support a life of meaning, resilience, and warm relationships. She is the co-founder of Center for Brain-Wise Living, a nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering awareness of the brain, mind, and relationships in the service of creating a more awake and compassionate world. At this stage of life, Bonnie enjoys mentoring those in the helping professions through offering longer-term immersion trainings in the embodiment of interpersonal neurobiology principles. Her books include Being a Brain-Wise Therapist, The Brain-Savvy Therapist’s Workbook, and The Heart of Trauma. People are saying that these books fill the gap between science and practice with clarity, compassion, and heart. _______________________ ✨ WELCOME TO SPIRITUAL WANDERLUST ✨ Contemplation. Embodiment. Mysticism. Mischief. Join former nun and neuroscience aficionado Kelly Deutsch as she interviews contemplative teachers, embodiment experts, psychologists, and mystics about the untamed frontiers of interior life. Each episode is jam packed with life-changing stories, spiritual practices, and powerful insight to support your journey toward wholeness and divine intimacy. ✨ For FREE resources for your own spiritual journey (like the Psycho-Spiritual Maturity Assessment!) - check out spiritualwanderlust.org. 🌱 HAVE SPIRITUAL QUESTIONS? 🍃 Leave us a voicemail at spiritualwanderlust.org/ask for the chance to have your spiritual question answered live!
