Thursday, May 14, 2026
The Fourteenth Dalai Lama’s insight that both science and spirituality share common goals to “pursue truth and serve humanity” is shared by avant-garde neuroscientists as well.
A mind free from disturbance alleviates stress and suffering, a goal shared by science and meditative paths alike. Apart from contemplative calm and composure there is more practical potential within each and every one of us. Such a life is best described as flourishing or a life of Utter Wellness.
Aristotle proposed the goal of life as the “Right Mean,” a quality between extremes such as risk-taking and cowardice, between self-indulgence and ascetic denial. He also stated that we are not virtuous by nature but we can become so by self-monitoring. Self-monitoring means the practice of noting our thoughts and acts in silence and solitude. This is something we are learning to practice when we focus on the breath and write in a journal.
Our feelings about our life’s events determines our happiness. We find calm and clarity by distinguishing what we can control in life from what we cannot. According to Greek philosophers, contemplative exercises and self-discipline is the right way of understanding this. Buddhists call this “The Middle Path” achieved by awakening “the very best within oneself.”
What used to be known as Aristotle’s “Right Mean” or the Buddhist “The Middle Path,” is now called “flourishing,” “Utter Wellness,” “balance,” “moderation” or “well-being.”
Carol Ryff, a colleague of the neuroscientist Richard Davidson (remember that name) has put forward a model for this. She asks how does one have a sense of well-being? Here is her six-part method:
Self-Acceptance
Notice yourself mindfully. Acknowledge both your best and not-so-good qualities without any judgement. Feel fine about yourself just as you are.
Personal Growth
You are perfect the way you are. But can use a little improvement as you make most of your talents. The sense of getting better as time goes on makes you feel good.
Autonomy
Only compare yourself with yourself. Do not let praise or criticism affect you in anyway. Be independent in thoughts and act and thus free from social pressure.
Mastery
Create situations or get involved with activities that you value and that you’ve skill for. Feel competent to handle life’s complex situations. Seize opportunities as they come your way.
Satisfying Relationships
Have a few sincere and honest relationships with healthy give and take. Keep the company of those you feel warmth and empathy for, and whom you trust, with mutual concern for each other.
Meaning and Purpose
Have goals and values that give you a sense of meaning and direction. True happiness comes as a by-product of meaning and purpose in life.
Carol Ryff sees these qualities as Aristotle’s “highest of all human good.” She writes that different varieties of meditation seem to cultivate one or more of these character traits. Daily practice of mindfulness meditation seems to enlarge a region in the brain stem that correlates with a boost in well-being and balance.