Resilience and Resistance through Contemplative Practice

Academics face burnout, imposter syndrome, and structural inequality, but ancient wisdom traditions, indigenous cultures, and contemplative practices offer practical advice. Contemplative practice is not a substitute for social change but a tool for building resilience and resistance to forces undermining well-being. Jungian psychology and dream practices can aid academic writing, the concept of dharma can help discern vocation and whether activism is right, and meditation can help rediscover innate self-worth beyond narrow productivity metrics. These tools can create positive change in both inner and outer worlds.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Burnout, imposter syndrome, changes in higher education, issues of free speech, structural inequality—the challenges facing academics today are daunting and overwhelming. How do we balance all of our responsibilities and goals without becoming exhausted? How do scholars decide if activism is right for them, and if so, what form should it take? There is, fortunately, great wisdom, solace, and practical advice for the modern academic in ancient wisdom traditions, indigenous cultures, and contemplative practices like meditation from around the world. InResilience and Resitance through Contemplative Practice: Zen and the Anxious Academic, the author argues that contemplative practice is not a substitute for social change or a band-aid for the difficulties academics face, but rather a powerful tool in building resilience and resistance to forces that undermine our well-being. Learn, for example, how Jungian psychology and ancient dream practices can help with academic writing, how the concept of dharma can lead us to discern our vocation and if activism is the right path for us, and how meditation can help us rediscover our innate self-worth in a culture where value is judged by narrow definitions of productivity and achievement. With these tools and insights, we can create positive change in both our inner and outer worlds.