What if there was nothing to fix?
A different way to live, grounded in science, therapy, and Zen.
From Bob Waldinger
The philosophy
Life can feel like a problem to solve.
But what if the fixing is the problem?
For more than 4 decades, Robert Waldinger has studied what makes life truly good.
Who is Bob?
Decades of research.
A lifetime of practice.
Bob Waldinger, MD, is the fourth director of the Harvard Study of Adult Development — one of the longest-running studies of human life ever conducted. His TED Talk on what makes a good life has been viewed over 50 million times.
Zen PriestSoto Lineage- ResearcherAdult Development
- PsychiatristBoard Certified MD
- Global SpeakerInspiring good lives
- Zen PriestSoto Lineage
- ResearcherAdult Development
- PsychiatristBoard Certified MD
- Global SpeakerInspiring good lives
Hidden in Plain Sight
With Bob Waldinger, MD
Bob invites you to start every week differently: with a short practice to begin your week differently and a reflection that helps you see your life more clearly.
What makes a good life?
Lessons from the longest
study on happiness
Psychiatrist Bob Waldinger, director of the 85-year old study on adult development, shares what decades of research reveal about what actually makes a good life.
The book
What makes for a happy life, a fulfilling life? A good life?
The Harvard Study of Adult Development, the longest scientific study of happiness ever conducted, shows that the answer to these questions may be closer than you realize. These insights offer simple steps to live a happier life today.
Try it out
A simple meditation practice
Robert Waldinger shares a simple, practical introduction to meditation — how to start, what to expect, and why it matters.
Insights
Mind & life
Explore meditations, talks, and videos that combine Zen practice, psychiatry, and decades of research to support a more mindful, meaningful life.
Meditation Can Rewire Your Brain for a Happier Life
Strong bonds with others can improve resilience to life's inevitable challenges.
BlogLiving the Good life: Q&A with Harvard Psychiatrist and TEDx Phenom Dr. Robert Waldinger
What makes for a happy life? It’s a question we all ask ourselves and continually make strides to answer in different ways and by new means—making more money, moving somewhere new, taking a new job, you name it. Robert Waldinger, renowned Harvard psychiatrist, Zen priest, and psychoanalyst, has spent much of his career researching the…
Mental Health: National Alliance for the Mentally Ill
NAMI is dedicated to improving the lives of individuals affected by mental illness. Through education, advocacy, and supportive resources, NAMI helps those living with mental health challenges as well as their families. Whether you’re seeking support, resources, or simply want to learn more about mental health, NAMI provides compassionate guidance and access to valuable information. Explore their website to find local support groups, educational programs, and tools to foster a greater understanding of mental health.