The ZMM Podcast is pleased to present this conversation about the practice of parenting and how informed self-inquiry can lead us to true intimacy. These are just two of the topics explored by Bethany Senkyu Saltman in her new book, Strange Situation: A Mother’s Journey into the Science of Attachment.  Senkyu is a poet, essayist, and consultant, as well as a senior student in the Mountains and Rivers Order. She was drawn to the study of attachment theory to understand both her own karma as a parent and the ways in which her own upbringing—starting from the beginningless beginning—has influenced the ways she has related to her now teenage daughter.

The book also chronicles the pioneering work of Mary Ainsworth, whose elaboration of attachment theory made her one of the most influential psychologists of the 20th century. In 1965, she designed a procedure that could reliably assess individual differences in attachment behavior between a child and its caregiver. The procedure, widely used to this day, can provide valuable feedback on a child’s capacity for enduring stress and exhibiting trust. Ainsworth called this procedure “the Strange Situation.”

Senkyu was interviewed about the book over Zoom by former ZMM monastic Shea Zuiko Settimi.

Strange Situation: a Mother’s Journey into the Science of Attachment, has been earning great reviews since its spring release and is currently available wherever books are sold. You can find out more at www.bethanysaltman.com

Music in this episode by John Andrews

Listen to the podcast here