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

Summary

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 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 burnout
Whether 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.

More about Diana Winston

Diana Winston is the Director of Mindfulness Education at UCLA MARC and a world-renowned teacher of mindful awareness. She is the author of several books and has spent over twenty years making meditation accessible to diverse populations.