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This podcast is about seemingly impossible combinations and this one is the doozy of love and power. It’s about the politics of care. Or love in politics. Can you hold those words at once? Can we? We might be surprised by ourselves.

Jamie Bristow has spent the last fifteen years bringing mindfulness and contemplative practices into the British Parliament, the UN, and halls of power around the world. And now he’s decided love is the only answer. But what happens when you bring the language of love into spaces where we typically speak only of power via politics?

This episode, hosted by philosopher and cognitive scientist Andrea Hiott, delves into the intersection of love and power in political and personal realms. Guest Jamie Bristow, with his extensive experience in the British Parliament and the UN, explores how mindfulness, consciousness, and inner transformation can reshape politics and society. Through discussing concepts like Eros, resilience, and ontological meta modernism, the conversation examines how personal and societal change can be navigated, holding love and power together to create meaningful transformation. The episode also touches on Jamie's journey from a corporate advertising executive to a 'legitimizing agent' for contemplative practices in politics, highlighting the role of faith, trust, and the evolving nature of consciousness.

Jamie is a policy advisor working at the intersection of inner & outer transformation, resilience and sustainability

Find Jamie and his work here

00:00 The Sacred Nature of Power
02:05 Introduction to Love and Philosophy
02:25 Exploring Love and Power in Politics
03:14 Jamie Bristow's Journey
08:41 Mindfulness in Parliament
18:38 The Intersection of Inner and Outer Worlds
31:51 The Role of Love and Power in Society
43:45 Exploring the Concept of Eros
44:23 The Broader Implications of Eros
46:33 Love as a Cosmic Force
47:43 Resilience and the Role of Love
52:51 Trust and Faith in Personal Growth
55:43 The Politics of Love
01:14:06 Navigating Modernity and Postmodernity
01:19:18 The Middle Way and Superposition
01:27:50 Closing Reflections on Love and Philosophy

The System Within: addressing the inner dimensions of sustainability and systems transformation
Mindfulness in Westminster: Reflections from UK Politicians
Reconnection: Meeting the Climate Crisis Inside Out
The Conscious Food Systems Alliance (UNDP)
Power & Love: A Theory and Practice of Social Change by Adam Kahane
Political Emotions: Why Love Matters for Justice - Martha

It’s Both — Personal Growth For Real Life Transitions
Big decisions, mixed emotions? Simple tools + honest stories to move forward.

Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

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#78 Holding Love & Power (Without Losing Either) with policy advisor Jamie Bristow

Love & Philosophy