Observing thoughts as stories created by the left brain cultivates curiosity and reduces attachment.
Valuing conscious experiences over thinking leads to peace and joy.
Disidentifying from our thoughts through meditation brings freedom and playfulness in engaging with others.
Balancing left brain rigidity with right brain qualities such as art and skepticism leads to a more harmonious existence.
Deep dives
Recognizing the Power of Thoughts
Our thoughts and interpretations are often created by the left brain, which can be overly confident and convinced of its own accuracy. By observing the thoughts and recognizing that they are just stories created by the left brain, we can take them less seriously and cultivate a sense of playful curiosity.
Balancing Thinking and Consciousness
Our society places a strong emphasis on thinking and language, often valuing them over simple conscious experiences. However, mindfulness and meditation practices can help bring us back to the present moment and the richness of consciousness. Recognizing the value of conscious experiences and finding balance between thinking and being can lead to peace and joy.
The Danger of Identifying with Thoughts
We often mistakenly identify ourselves with our thoughts, believing that they define who we are. However, through practices like meditation, we can observe the constant flow of thoughts and recognize that they are not who we truly are. By disidentifying from our thoughts, we gain a sense of freedom and the ability to engage in debates and differing perspectives with curiosity and playfulness.
Embracing a Playful Mindset
By adopting a more playful mindset and recognizing the ever-changing nature of our thoughts and beliefs, we can engage in debates and discussions with an open and flexible approach. The left brain's tendency to create rigid beliefs can be counteracted by embracing the flow of consciousness, observing our thoughts, and recognizing that our beliefs and perspectives can change and evolve.
The Power of Music as a Source of Joy and Peace
Music has the ability to bring joy and peace to people by allowing them to escape from the thinking mind and immerse themselves in the present moment. It serves as a go-to way to tap into deep emotions and connect with the essence of one's being. Music, for many, is a form of meditation that provides a sense of fulfillment and contentment. Cultivating a connection with music or any other art form that resonates with an individual can serve as a pathway to accessing a state of flow and inner harmony, allowing one to transcend the limitations of the left brain-oriented thinking mind.
The Importance of Skepticism and Being Open to Different Perspectives
Skepticism is often undervalued and misunderstood, but it can be a powerful tool for gaining spiritual and intellectual growth. Skepticism allows us to question our own beliefs and challenge the fixed ideas we hold about ourselves and the world. It fosters a sense of openness to different perspectives and encourages exploration beyond the limited confines of the left brain's categorical thinking. Embracing skepticism can lead to a deeper understanding of the self and the realization that our identities and worldviews are not absolute, but rather fluid and subject to change. It enables us to approach life with humility, curiosity, and a greater appreciation for the complexities of existence.
The Limitations of Left Brain Thinking and the Need for Balance
Left brain-oriented thinking has its merits, but it is also important to recognize its limitations. A society that overly emphasizes left brain functions can stifle creativity, individuality, and genuine connections with others. Left brain-dominated systems prioritize constant improvement, goal-orientedness, and future outcomes, often leading to an unending quest for more without finding true contentment. Balancing the left brain's rigidity and goal-driven mindset with the intuitive and holistic qualities of the right brain can lead to a more harmonious and fulfilling existence. By embracing art, nature, meditation, and embracing skepticism, individuals can cultivate a more balanced approach to life, one that values both personal growth and appreciating the present moment.
Recognition of Consciousness Beyond the Physical Brain
Neuroscience has made considerable progress in understanding the physical aspects of the brain and its various functions. However, the field is facing inherent limitations when it comes to comprehending consciousness itself. Despite extensive research, neuroscience has been unable to locate consciousness within the brain. This opens the door to exploring alternative perspectives, recognizing consciousness as more than a mere byproduct of neural activity. The possibility arises that the brain could function as a filter or interface for consciousness rather than the creator of it. As neuroscience continues to evolve, it may lead to a broader understanding of consciousness and a shift in how we perceive the relationship between the brain and consciousness.
Chris Niebauer earned his Ph.D. in cognitive neuropsychology at the University of Toledo, specializing in the differences between the left and right sides of the human brain. He is the author of No Self, No Problem: How Neuropsychology Is Catching Up to Buddhism and The No Self, No Problem Workbook: Exercises & Practices from Neuropsychology and Buddhism to Help You Lose Your Mind. He was a professor at a state university in Pennsylvania for 22 years, where he taught courses on consciousness, mindfulness, left- and right-brain differences, and artificial intelligence.
Website: chrisniebauerphd.com
YouTube Channel
Discussion of this interview in the BatGap Community Facebook Group
Summary and transcript of this interview
Interview recorded June 3, 2023
YouTube Video Chapters:
00:00:00 - Introduction to Buddha at the Gas Pump
00:06:21 - Disappointment with Daniel Dennett's book on consciousness
00:11:55 - The Value of Intelligence and Happiness
00:17:39 - The Dominance of Language in Reality
00:23:31 - Breaking the Cycle of Mental Excitation
00:29:04 - Non-Thinking Forms of Consciousness
00:34:24 - The Power of Numbers and Abstractions
00:40:01 - Observing the Interpreter and Letting Go of Intrusive Thoughts
00:45:55 - The Need for a Tiny Shift
00:51:17 - The Inventive Storytelling of the Left Brain
00:57:17 - Holistic Development of the Brain
01:02:52 - The Playfulness of Debates and the Power of Music
01:08:41 - The Nature of Skepticism and Strange Beliefs
01:14:25 - The Shift to Right Brain Awareness
01:19:53 - The Left Brain on Trial
01:25:32 - Individual Paths and Categorization
01:31:05 - Liberation and the Illusion of Self
01:36:54 - The Paradox of the Soul and Individuality
01:43:02 - Embracing Paradoxes
01:48:22 - The Connection between Light and Consciousness
01:53:31 - The Role of Faith in Materialism and Consciousness Studies
01:58:37 - The Inadequacy of Neuroscience
02:03:46 - The Limitations of Understanding and Balance in Life
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