The FitMind Podcast: Mental Fitness, Neuroscience & Psychology

#93: Neuroplasticity, Meditation & the Predictive Brain - Ruben Laukkonen, PhD

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Sep 6, 2022
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ANECDOTE

Ruben Laukkonen's Early Journey

  • Ruben Laukkonen's early life involved rebelliousness, deep curiosity, and experiences with Christianity, science, and philosophy.
  • He transitioned from a semi-professional kickboxer to meditation and neuroscience research after mystical experiences enriched his worldview.
INSIGHT

Brain as Predictive Simulator

  • The brain constructs experience by making hierarchical predictions and constantly updating them based on sensory input errors.
  • This predictive simulation ranges from raw sensory data to complex abstractions including self-models and beliefs.
INSIGHT

Survival Bias Causes Mental Agitation

  • The brain's predictions are tuned for survival, not happiness, often causing mental agitation.
  • Society and education try to reprogram predictive systems for harmony and well-being, but it's a lifelong challenge.
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