Deepak Chopra On: Consciousness, Quantum Physics, Handling Criticism, And The Benefit Of Contemplating Your Own Death
Mar 6, 2024
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A wide-ranging interview with Deepak Chopra covering topics like quantum field, handling criticism, creative intelligence, breathing techniques, imagining own death, returning to zero point, body as a verb, and localized 'I' vs non-local 'I'. The conversation delves into consciousness, quantum physics, meditation's effects on the body, creative intelligence, autonomic nervous system regulation, universal awareness, shedding conditioned identities, and detachment vs engagement in life.
Creative intelligence transcends body and mind, connecting all experiences in a quantum field.
Vagal breathing aids in autonomic control and stress reduction through mindful breathing techniques.
Shift from egoic identity to non-local awareness for profound self-regulation and holistic well-being.
Deep dives
Celebrating 10 Years of 10% Happier with Deepak Chopra's Insights
Deepak Chopra discusses the concept of creative intelligence, emphasizing that beyond the body and mind lies a field of awareness, correlating all experiences. He explores the idea of consciousness influencing gene activity and the quantum level of the body, highlighting the importance of meditation and self-regulation for optimal health.
Breathing Techniques and Vagal Breathing for Autonomic Control
Chopra introduces vagal breathing as a technique for stimulating the vagus nerve, reducing inflammation, and aiding in autonomic control. He explains the practice of breathing in and out through the nose to regulate heart rate variability and achieve a state of relaxation, emphasizing the effectiveness of mindfulness practices in influencing gene expression.
Interoceptive Awareness and Body Scan Exercises
Chopra delves into interoceptive awareness, a technique for complete autonomic control, encouraging individuals to develop awareness of bodily sensations to regulate physiological responses. He describes the body scan exercise as a means to shift awareness from conditioned labeling to a deeper level of non-local identity, promoting self-regulation and holistic well-being.
Detaching from Ego Identity and Embracing Infinite Consciousness
Discussing detach from ego identity, Chopra explores the notion of 'I' as a conditioned mind, suggesting the practice of detaching from localized identity to embrace a non-local awareness. He underscores the importance of letting go of personal identity to realize the infinite consciousness that transcends individual labels and attachments.
Letting Go of Fear of Death and Embracing Wakefulness
Chopra reflects on fear of death as a barrier to awakening, advocating for preparing for healthy death by detaching from worldly attachments while remaining engaged with loved ones. He shares insights on achieving wakefulness by embracing bewilderment and being surprised by existence, fostering a deeper connection to infinite consciousness.
Balancing Engagement with Detachment and Embracing Present Moment
In his practice and life, Chopra grapples with the challenge of balancing detachment with engagement, aiming to detach from personal desires while fulfilling familial responsibilities. He emphasizes the yogic principle of doing one's duty without fixating on outcomes, cultivating equanimity amidst everyday interactions and worldly responsibilities.
A wide ranging interview with one the biggest and most controversial names in the self-help world.
Deepak Chopra is the founder of the Chopra Foundation, a non-profit entity for research on well-being and humanitarianism, and Chopra Global, a modern-day health company at the intersection of science and spirituality. He is a best selling author, including numerous New York Times bestsellers. His new book, Quantum Body: The New Science of Living a Longer, Healthier, More Vital Life, is out now.
In this episode we talk about:
Deepak’s definition of the quantum field
How Deepak handles criticism
The concept of creative intelligence
Breathing techniques, including vagal breathing and box breathing
The benefits of imagining your own death
The exercise of returning to your zero point
The concept of the body as a verb
And the difference between the localized 'I' and the non-local 'I'
Related Episodes:
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