Research Square’s Post

I find it fascinating that everything about humans and other sentient beings begins with the fact of consciousness - yet we really don't know what consciousness is or how it arises. If you're curious about this as well, this is an interesting read! https://lnkd.in/e3QasRPE

Stiii Exploring the Depths of Human mind The Complexities of Consciousness Consciousness, the awareness of oneself and the surrounding world, remains one of the most profound mysteries of the human mind. Philosophers ponder its philosophical implications, while neuroscientists seek to unravel its neural correlates. From states of wakefulness to altered states such as sleep and dreaming, consciousness varies in intensity and clarity, offering insights into the dynamic nature of human experience. Challenges and Frontiers While our understanding of the human mind has advanced significantly, numerous challenges remain. Mental health disorders, ranging from anxiety and depression to schizophrenia and dementia, underscore the complexity of the mind and the importance of effective treatment and support. Research continues to explore the genetic, environmental, and neural factors contributing to these conditions, aiming to improve diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. The Future of Mind Exploration As technology advances, new frontiers in mind exploration emerge. Brain imaging techniques, such as functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and electroencephalography (EEG), offer unprecedented insights into brain activity and connectivity. Artificial intelligence and machine learning enhance our ability to analyze vast datasets, potentially uncovering patterns and correlations that illuminate the mysteries of cognition and consciousness. In conclusion, the human mind remains a profound enigma, a testament to the complexities of nature and the vastness of human potential. As we continue to explore its depths, integrating knowledge across disciplines and embracing new methodologies, we inch closer to unraveling its mysteries and harnessing its power for the betterment of individuals and society as a whole.

🧠✨ Did you know that ultrasound brain stimulation could help boost mindfulness? 🧘♀️ New research shows how focused ultrasound technology is being used to enhance mental clarity, awareness, and focus. This innovative approach could open new doors for mindfulness practices and cognitive enhancement. 🧘♂️ --------------------------------------  For more insights and news from a future directed Ecosystem join United Women Leaders 👉 👉Subscribe here: https://vist.ly/tvfy  #Mindfulness #Neuroscience #Innovation #CognitiveEnhancement #Wellbeing 🧘♀️

For those interested in the neuroscience behind meditation and other contemplative technologies, check out this enlightening conversation. David Vago is a singular force in the field- a long term practitioner and deeply-credentialed researcher/scientist, he knows is shit.

Scientists Are Finally Taking Altered States of Consciousness Seriously If we want to understand our #consciousness, we must not be afraid to break new ground. “The practices of focused silence and contemplative prayer have existed for millennia. It is striking that over the last decade psychologists and brain researchers have more frequently addressed meditation as a research topic, and this work increasingly garners media attention. Meditation, as a form of psychological intervention, has even been incorporated into hospitals’ clinical practice. Research findings on the effects of meditation are clear: Just a few weeks’ practice of meditation improves performance in terms of attentiveness and short-term memory, effects that demonstrably accompany alterations in brain structure. It can also be seen that those who meditate perceive their bodies more intensively, achieve stronger emotional self-control, and in the long term experience more positive emotions. More important, however, in the context of my work, is the fact that people who meditate regularly have extraordinary consciousness experiences — of calmness of thought, or of the self being one with the world — during their meditation, sometimes even after a short time of practice; more frequently, however, after they have been meditating intensively for many years. For some years these experiences have also been recorded scientifically. For example, in a study that may call to mind disconcerting images, Carmelite nuns were examined using a brain scanner as they prayed, in order to identify the brain activity associated with a mystical communion with God.” By Marc Wittmann https://lnkd.in/ek-fbzxH #research #science #physiology #biology #psychology #humanity

check out this conversation with Omar M. Khateeb on #contemplativeneuroscience, the neural markers of #meditation and #mindfulness, and the limitations of existing neurotech for meditative states

Excited to release new dates for Neuroscience, Breathwork & neuroscience: THE PRACTICE Starts tonight! How to leverage your neuroscience for calm, non reactivity and healing. Learn how to breathe to tap into your innate healing potential. https://lnkd.in/et8vq3-8

Rewire your brain There is abundant evidence supporting the efficacy of mindfulness practices that are designed to strengthen our ability to remain in the present moment, and to be accepting of what we find there (Moore et al., 2012). There is a growing body of data which indicates that even brief practice periods can bring about desirable behavioral changes by stimulating neuroplasticity—the experience-dependent sculpting of brain structure and function. Prescient neuroscientist Donald Hebb wrote “neurons that fire together, wire together,” meaning that when one neuron succeeds in triggering an impulse in another, the synaptic connections between the two are strengthened. The result is a neural circuit that can be more easily triggered in the future. In this way, for better or worse, our experiences literally hold the potential to reshape brain connectivity, and in doing so our behavior. We get to “rewire” our brain.

A new study challenges traditional views on consciousness, arguing that our perceptions of mind-body separation are influenced by psychological biases. The researchers used experiments involving the well-known thought exercise “Mary and the Zombie” to illustrate how our intuitions about consciousness are shaped by innate dualism. Participants’ responses suggest that while we often view consciousness as a mystical, separate entity, it significantly registers in physical brain activities. Full abstract: https://lnkd.in/dCwtn9Zd #conciousness #dualism #mystical #nueroscience

Reading this fascinating book by my friend, James R. Doty, M.D. Mind Magic: The Neuroscience of Manifestation and How It Changes Everything It describes in great detail the science behind the concept of manifestation, offering a comprehensive exploration that integrates neuroscience, meditation, and visualization practices. Dr. Doty, a neurosurgeon and compassion expert, presents manifestation not as a means to material wealth but as a powerful, daily practice aimed at achieving personal goals and contributing to a better world. The book proposes a six-part plan to help readers understand and implement manifestation in their lives, emphasizing the transformation of brain structures through focused attention, meditation, visualization, and compassionate actions. Unlike prior works on manifestation, which often focus on individual success, "Mind Magic" encourages using these practices for broader societal benefit, aiming to foster kindness and support communal healing. Readers are guided through practical exercises, including guided meditations and journaling, to cultivate an empowering inner dialogue and self-agency. These practices are intended to help individuals harness their mental powers to create positive changes and realize their aspirations, grounding the concept of manifestation in scientific research and altruistic values. The Center for Compassion and Altruism Research and Education | CCARE at Stanford University https://lnkd.in/gYxsApNF