Love & Philosophy #63 Shaping Habits Together: life's changes and challenges with cognitive scientist Mark Michael James
Jun 29, 2025
Mark Michael James, a cognitive scientist at the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology, discusses the transformative power of habits and personal growth. He shares insights on synchronicity and the concept of 'waymaking,' linking them to everyday life. Mark reflects on his journey from Ireland to Okinawa, the impact of COVID-19 on his interests, and how fermentation connects to health. With anecdotes on identity and creativity, he illustrates the importance of navigating life's complexities and fostering collaboration in personal and societal contexts.
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How A Coincidence Led To Okinawa
- Mark followed a coincidence about fermented turmeric tea and discovered it was a local Okinawan drink.
- That coincidence helped him relocate to Okinawa and shaped his research trajectory.
Joining And Questioning A Movement
- Mark recounted joining an ecstatic shaking practice and critiquing its knowledge claims while benefiting from community.
- The experience sharpened his sensitivity to how groups shape perception and habits.
Pre‑Reflective Patterns Shape Us
- Social situations instantiate embodied patterns that prefigure our actions before reflection.
- Mark frames these as participatory frames or interbodily couplings that shape who we become together.
