Whether you feel always occupied and busy, constantly pressured and on the run, whether the mountain of to-dos seem insurmountable, or whether you have a sense of isolation and loneliness, stress and anxiety are probably your daily copilots as you navigate through life. Anxiety, fear and depression are the epidemic of the 21st century, and many people are searching for ways to heal themselves, and create a greater of calmness and centeredness. In this regard, Buddhism and its meditative practices have become increasingly popular. A series of studies have confirmed that meditation and, in particular, mindfulness meditation, which has its origins in Buddhism, are effective methods to alleviate stress, anxiety and depression. However, according to my special guest on this upcoming episode of Empowerment Radio, Dr. Pilar Jennings, who is a psychoanalyst and practicing Buddhist, there are potential psychological pitfalls that come with solely focusing on this practice. Dr. Pilar Jennings is a psychoanalyst in private practice with a focus on the clinical applications of Buddhist meditation. She has been working with patients and their families through the Harlem Family Institute since 2004. A visiting lecturer at Union Theological Seminary, and a guest lecturer at Columbia University, she is also the author of Mixing Minds: The Power of Relationship in Psychoanalysis and Buddhism and To Heal a Wounded Heart. Visit her website at: http://drpilarjennings.com/
