In this episode, I talk with Jim McDavid, Ph.D., about his experience with mindfulness and meditation practice, how it has influenced him, and how it affects how he views and practices evaluation. Our conversation also covers practical wisdom, Jim’s interest in the environment, and challenges associated with determining cause and effect in evaluation.

Jim is Professor Emeritus at the School of Public Administration, University of Victoria, which he joined as faculty in 1980. He was a recipient of the University of Victoria Alumni Teaching Award, and he received the University of Victoria’s highest academic honor, the UVic Distinguished Professorship Award. He has contributed significantly to the field of evaluation, and the reason I reached out to him related to his work related to mindfulness and evaluation.

00:00 Introduction
01:57 Jim’s definition of mindfulness
05:20 The ethical dimension of mindfulness
08:49 How Jim’s mindfulness practice has evolved over time
11:46 Difference between Transcendental Meditation and Vipassana
15:33 The spiritual dimension of meditation
22:10 Subjectivity of cause and effect
29:34 How mindfulness opens up the mind
35:52 Mindfulness can support evaluation practice
40:32 Connection to practical wisdom
44:45 Importance of being present and really listening in evaluation contexts
49:20 Judgment and evaluation
50:46 Starting a mindfulness practice

For more go to: https://evalnetwork.com/mindfulness-meets-evaluation/