Science of Perception Box
How Curiosity Quiets Anxiety with Dr. Judson Brewer
Jan 16, 2025
In this engaging discussion, Dr. Judson Brewer, a mindfulness expert and Associate Professor at Brown University, dives deep into the habit loops that fuel anxiety. He explores how curiosity can act as a powerful antidote, transforming our relationship with anxious thoughts. Brewer shares insights on breaking harmful patterns through mindfulness techniques, emphasizing the evolutionary benefits of anxiety. Personal anecdotes illuminate how awareness can lead to healthier choices, making complex neuroscience accessible and relatable.
42:16
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Quick takeaways
- Curiosity and mindfulness can help individuals expand their perception boxes, allowing for healthier coping mechanisms to manage anxiety.
- Understanding the neurobiology of anxiety reveals how habitual worry creates a false sense of control, perpetuating a cycle of distress.
Deep dives
The Power of Perception Boxes
Individuals have a personal perception box formed by their genetic makeup and environmental influences. This box can expand and contract depending on emotional states such as awe, wonder, and curiosity, or negative emotions like anxiety and anger. The podcast discusses how mindfulness plays a crucial role in handling these states, suggesting that awareness of how our feelings affect our mental space can foster growth. Mindfulness is positioned as an essential tool to navigate these perceptions, allowing us to break free from self-imposed limitations.
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