Stress Less, Stress Better
July 22, 2024

Dr Jane Compson Being Mindful of Trauma in Meditation

Dr Jane Compson Being Mindful of Trauma in Meditation

Dr. Jane Compson is an Associate Professor in Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences at the University of Washington, Tacoma. With a rich background in religious studies and ethics, she passionately applies insights from Buddhist traditions to...

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Season 2

Dr. Jane Compson is an Associate Professor in Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences at the University of Washington, Tacoma. With a rich background in religious studies and ethics, she passionately applies insights from Buddhist traditions to contemporary contexts, including higher education, environmental education, and healthcare. Dr. Compson is a trained facilitator of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction and Compassion Cultivation Training, dedicated to enhancing well-being and resilience through her CARE program. Her commitment to community service and ethical engagement shines through her teaching and research, making her a beloved figure in both academic and local communities.

Navigating the Intersection of Meditation, Trauma, and Compassion with Dr Jane Compson
In this insightful episode, we welcome Jane, who delves into her transformative journey from Christian traditions to Buddhism and her extensive work in meditation and trauma. Jane shares personal experiences that spurred her spiritual inquiries. 
 
She discusses the nuances and challenges of meditation, particularly when influenced by trauma, and the importance of recognizing these experiences rather than ignoring them. Jane introduces the Trauma Resiliency Model, emphasizing the need for somatic awareness and gentle approaches to trauma. She also highlights her development of the CARE model of self-care, which integrates compassion, awareness, resilience, and ethics, offering a balanced approach to personal wellbeing. This episode provides valuable perspectives on how to thoughtfully and compassionately approach meditation practices, especially for those who may be struggling with their mental health.
 
00:00 Introduction and Welcome
00:16 Exploring Meditation and Mental Health
01:04 Jane's Journey into Contemplative Traditions
02:23 Personal Tragedy and Spiritual Questions
03:34 Discovering Buddhism
05:11 Academic Pursuits and Career Path
09:20 Meditation and Trauma
21:32 Understanding Trauma Resiliency
30:08 Understanding Trauma Resiliency
31:05 The Importance of Self-Care
32:14 Compassion and Mindfulness Training
34:09 Critiques and Context of Mindfulness
38:06 Introducing the CARE Model
41:58 Online and Community-Based Teaching
48:58 Final Thoughts and Reflections
 

 

Jane's linkedin page: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jane-compson-2b1548162/

Jane's faculty page: https://faculty.washington.edu/jcompson/

Express interest in the CARE program: https://centerforcare.thinkific.com/

The Trauma Resource Institute: https://www.traumaresourceinstitute.com/

A really helpful resource for people how have had adverse meditation experience: https://www.cheetahhouse.org/