91: The Power of Presence: Navigating Modern Stress with Mindfulness

Our latest LiveWell podcast episode features an inspiring and deeply insightful conversation with Diana Winston, the Director of Mindfulness Education at UCLA’s Mindful Awareness Research Center (MARC). Diana shares her personal journey from being a young seeker traveling through Asia to spending a year as a Buddhist nun, a period that fundamentally shaped her understanding of the human mind. Drawing from her decades of teaching and her work at MARC, Diana explores how mindfulness is a practical, evidence-based tool that anyone can use to lower stress and enhance well-being. She highlights the growing crisis of "continuous partial attention" in our digital age and offers practical, hopeful pathways forward through the art of "natural awareness."In this episode, we discuss:● The difference between concentrated meditation and natural awareness● How mindfulness can physically rewire the brain for better focus● Techniques for "micro-moments" of peace during a hectic workday● The role of mindfulness in promoting equity and social justice● Overcoming common myths about meditation● How students can use presence to combat academic burnoutWhether you’re a student, educator, policymaker, or anyone searching for a sense of calm in a chaotic world, this episode offers actionable tools, uplifting stories, and a powerful vision for a more mindful society.Resources:Book: The Little Book of BeingWebsite:https://www.dianawinston.com/Listen now and subscribe for more stories that challenge conventional thinking and inspire holistic well-being.Today’s podcast was brought to you by UCLA’s Semel Healthy Campus Initiatives Center. It really means a lot to our team when you rate and review LiveWell on your preferred listening platform. Thank you so much for supporting our storytelling. We also have links in the show notes on our website: https://healthy.ucla.edu/ If you have any questions or want to suggest a guest to be interviewed, please reach out at: [email protected]  To stay up to date with our latest podcasts, make sure to follow us on Instagram @healthyucla