The power of the human heart: a story of trauma and recovery and its implications for rehabilitation and healing

Ms Trisha Meili revealed her identity as the Central Park Jogger in a presentation at Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital in Boston in May 2003. Her co-presenter was Dr Jon Kabat-Zinn, whose teachings on mindfulness and meditation had been important in Ms Meili's rehabilitation process. This transcript of that conversation describes the various phases she underwent in her recovery, and documents the role of her self-discovered practice of mindfulness in restoring her emotional and physical functioning. Dr Kabat-Zinn reflects on the deeper meaning of the term 'rehabilitation,' and demonstrates its natural connections to the practice of meditation. A final question and answer section with audience members (clinicians, brain injury survivors and their families) documents the role of emotional support and inspiration in recovery from devastating injury.