Born to Flourish: How New Science and Ancient Wisdom Reveal a Simple Path to Thriving

How can we live happy, fulfilling lives in the face of today’s challenges? This accessible program grounded in neuroscience answers the question with simple practices we can easily fold into our daily lives for profound results.

In a world pulling our thoughts and emotions in so many directions, Born to Flourish offers a way to turn stress and anxiety into clarity and calm. Renowned neuroscientists and contemplative teachers Richard J. Davidson and Cortland Dahl bring us a powerful program rooted in decades of research from the Center for Healthy Minds and the non-profit Humin. Focusing on four transformative practices, they bring us key tools to help train our brains to overcome depression, despair, and loneliness.

· Awareness: Learn to be fully present with your emotions so that you can embrace all of life’s ups and downs.
· Connection: Grow meaningful relationships and a sense of belonging by cultivating kindness and appreciation.
· Insight: Learn to know yourself through self-inquiry, so that you can break free from old narratives.
· Purpose: Connect with your core values and guiding motivation to create clarity and make sound decisions.

We are all born with a natural ability to flourish, but that ability needs to be trained for us to live a thriving life. The good news is that only a few minutes of practice each day makes a measurable difference. With actionable steps and inspiring stories, Born to Flourish helps you integrate these practices effortlessly—whether you’re commuting, doing chores, or simply lying in bed.

This is a call to embrace life’s chaos and tap your inner strength. For anyone seeking to enhance their mental health and overall well-being, Born to Flourish will light a way forward.

Richard J. Davidson, PhD, is the William James and Vilas Research Professor of Psychology and Psychiatry and Founder & Director of the Center for Healthy Minds, University of Wisconsin-Madison. Davidson founded the nonprofit, Humin, which translates science into tools to cultivate and measure well-being. He received his PhD from Harvard University in psychology and is best known for his groundbreaking work studying emotion and the brain. He has published over 602 articles, numerous chapters and reviews, and edited seventeen books. Davidson is the author with Sharon Begley of The Emotional Life of Your Brain and coauthor with Daniel Goleman of Altered Traits. He is one of the most highly cited scientists in the world and was named one of the 100 most influential people by Time. He was elected to the National Academy of Medicine and appointed to the Governing Board of UNESCO’s Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Education for Peace and Sustainable Development. A highly sought-after speaker, he leads conversations on well-being on international stages such as the World Economic Forum, where he served on the Global Council on Mental Health. Davidson’s latest book with coauthor Cortland Dahl, PhD, is Born to Flourish. 

Cortland Dahl, PhD, serves as a Contemplative Scientist at UW-Madison’s Center for Healthy Minds and Chief Contemplative Officer at the center’s affiliated nonprofit, Humin. Humin translates science into tools to cultivate and measure well-being. He is also cofounder and Executive Director of Tergar International, a global meditation community rooted in the teaching of and guided by Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche. Dahl holds a PhD from the University of Wisconsin-Madison as well as a master’s degree in Buddhist studies. His eclectic background includes long periods of solitary retreat in the Himalayan foothills of Nepal and the translation of ancient Tibetan meditation manuals, as well as cutting-edge research on the science of well-being including a new scientific framework for the cultivation of human flourishing. Dahl created the content for the acclaimed Healthy Minds Program meditation app. He is a scientist, author, translator, and meditation teacher, but his true passion is using ancient wisdom and modern science to help people flourish. He is the author of A Meditator’s Guide to Buddhism and Born to Flourish, with coauthor Richard J. Davidson, PhD.