Jamie Bristow – Exploring Systems Change

In this episode, Mind & Life co-producer Phil Walker speaks with writer and policy advisor Jamie Bristow as a prelude to our upcoming mini-series on systems change. Over the coming weeks, Jamie will serve as guest host for five episodes with expert panelists diving into a variety of topics on contemplative based systems change. As our world grows in complexity, we also find ourselves more interconnected than ever with profound challenges that often require cooperation across diverse groups with different values or goals. Systems change refers to efforts to shift the underlying structures, relationships, power dynamics, and mindsets that shape how complex systems behave. These efforts increasingly recognize that inner dimensions—such as awareness, values, and ways of relating—play a critical role in enabling lasting change. In this interview, Jamie shares key concepts of systems change and highlight areas that will be explored throughout the five episodes of the mini-series: - The Work that Reconnects: Enlivening our response with active hope - Healing Systems: Integrating trauma for social change - Theory U: Guiding awareness-based systems change - Social and Ecological Mindfulness: Connecting personal and planetary health - Mindset Shift: Transforming whole systems with contemplative approaches