The Contemplative Science Podcast
Meditation: An Active State?
Mar 7, 2023
Neuroscientist Giuseppe Pagnoni, an expert from the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, argues that meditation is an active mental process, not passive. He delves into the brain as a predictive machine, linking this with the free energy principle and the dynamics of perception and belief. Pagnoni discusses the importance of mind-wandering in meditation and how it fosters self-understanding and emotional regulation. He emphasizes the need for personalized meditation practices, tackling common challenges like drowsiness and balancing activity with relaxation.
29:05
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Quick takeaways
- Meditation actively influences brain functioning by creating a virtual boundary that facilitates introspective cognitive engagement with thoughts and feelings.
- Mind wandering, often seen as a distraction, is actually a valuable process that enhances personal growth and emotional regulation during meditation.
Deep dives
The Role of Inaction in Meditation
Inaction during meditation is a critical component that actively influences brain functioning rather than being a passive experience. By refraining from the usual actions driven by our compulsive behaviors, meditation creates a space for a 'virtual boundary' that allows for a deeper engagement with one’s thoughts and feelings. This process enables individuals to take an introspective turn, transforming inaction into a form of active cognition. Importantly, the practice of meditation encourages an understanding of how our brains process habitual actions, facilitating opportunities to challenge and revise our reactive patterns and beliefs.
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