This episode features a conversation with Marieke Van Vugt, who discusses her interests in meditation, dance, and cognitive science. They explore topics such as computer modeling of mind and meditation, distraction and mind wandering, trauma through the lens of predictive models, collaborating with Tibetan monastics, the roots of thinking in the body, and advice for young scholars.
Sticky thoughts can be adaptive, fostering self-compassion and mental flexibility, but striking a balance is crucial.
Computer modeling provides valuable insights into the dynamics of mind wandering and distraction in cognitive science research.
Ballet serves as an embodiment practice that cultivates awareness, requiring focus, body awareness, emotional expression, and presence in the moment.
Deep dives
The Adaptive Nature of Sticky Thoughts
Sticky thoughts are seen as adaptive processes that create a sense of self-compassion, kindness, and mental flexibility. They are not inherently wrong, just less adaptive in certain circumstances. The balance between stickiness and adaptiveness is crucial.
Computer Modeling of Mind Wandering and Distraction
Computer models allow for precise and quantitative predictions in cognitive science research. Mind wandering is modeled as a series of memory retrievals, and distractions are targeted at unused cognitive resources. Such modeling provides insights into the dynamics of mind wandering and distraction.
Embodied Mind and Dance
The practice of ballet is described as a powerful attention training, requiring focus on steps, body awareness, coordination with others, emotional expression, and connection to music. Ballet serves as an embodiment practice that helps cultivate awareness and connect with different levels of experience. It challenges one's relationship with self-evaluation and emphasizes being present in the moment.
The Value of Obsession in Skill Development
Obsession can be a useful and necessary component when trying to develop skills or solve complex problems. The speaker emphasizes that being obsessed with a particular task allows one to dive deep into it and explore different aspects. This type of obsession is not inherently bad, but maintaining balance is crucial. Obsession becomes problematic when it becomes unbalanced and causes harm. Overall, it is important to recognize the role of obsession in skill development but also be mindful of keeping it in check.
Analytical Meditation and Collaborative Research with Tibetan Monastics
The podcast episode highlights the speaker's work with Tibetan monastics, particularly their unique form of practice known as monastic debate. Rather than engaging in silent meditation, these monastics participate in collaborative debates, exploring and analyzing philosophical concepts. The debates involve memorizing the scriptures, contemplating their meaning, and engaging in structured discussions. The practice is a blend of analytical meditation and intelligent dialogue. The speaker discusses their collaborative research project with the monastics, focusing on how to study this form of meditation in a collaborative and respectful manner. The research has shown some initial findings, including increased frontal midline theta waves during debates and a decrease in negative emotions among experienced monastics. The speaker also reflects on the challenge of integrating diverse interests and passions within their career, emphasizing the importance of following one's own path and trusting that coherence may emerge over time.
In this episode, Wendy speaks with cognitive scientist, contemplative practitioner, and ballet dancer Marieke Van Vugt. Marieke is a pioneer in studying mind wandering and meditation through computer modeling, and is also advancing participatory research through her collaborations with Tibetan monastics. This conversation covers many topics, including:
her braided interests in meditation, dance, and cognitive science;
computer modeling of mind and meditation;
exploring distraction, mind wandering, and becoming aware;
how thoughts can get "stuck" in our minds;
creating a meditating computer;
the relevance of stuck thoughts to various mental disorders;
trauma through the lens of predictive models of mind;
analytical meditation and Tibetan monastic debate;
