Tawni Tidwell – Between Life and Death

In this episode, Wendy speaks with biocultural anthropologist and Tibetan medical doctor Tawni Tidwell. Tawni's research focuses on living—and dying—with greater awareness and well-being, and integrates multiple biological and cultural perspectives on mind-body systems. This conversation covers many topics, including:


merging interests in biology, culture, ecology, nature, and medicine;

how our minds shape our bodies;

the holistic approach of Tibetan medicine;

understanding constitutions and individual proclivities;

the subtle body and consciousness;

studying monastics who are able to extend the death process (Tukdam project);

implications for life, death, and the nature of consciousness;

individual differences and determining which practices might be best for someone;

studying Tibetan medicine's approach to treating COVID;

and coming back to our bodies, our communities, and our environments.

Full show notes and resources