Dr. Amishi Jha, a psychology professor at the University of Miami and author of 'Peak Mind,' explores the science of attention and mindfulness. She discusses achieving a 'peak mind' to combat distractions and the importance of meta-awareness. Listeners will learn about mindfulness techniques, the distinction between multitasking and monotasking, and the impact of attention training in high-stress environments like the military. With insights on mind-wandering as a creative tool, Jha emphasizes fostering a healthier relationship with our thoughts.
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insights INSIGHT
Peak Mind Definition
Peak mind is having full access to your attentional awareness and the ability to manage distractions.
It's about skillfully navigating your mental landscape, not achieving a constant state of positivity.
insights INSIGHT
Meta-Awareness vs. Metacognition
Meta-awareness is about knowing the current contents and processes of your mind in a given moment.
This differs from metacognition, which involves thoughts about your overall cognitive processes.
volunteer_activism ADVICE
Contemplative Practices for Attention
Practice focused attention, open monitoring, and loving kindness (connection) to train attention.
Focused attention involves concentrating on a target, like breath, while open monitoring allows all thoughts and sensations to arise without judgment.
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Peak Mind by Amishi Jha provides a comprehensive overview of the science of attention, debunking common assumptions and offering new insights into how attention works. The book introduces three subsystems of attention: the flashlight, floodlight, and juggler. It offers practical, flexible 12-minute-a-day exercises to lift mental fog, declutter the mind, and strengthen focus. Drawing from research and personal experiences, including work with soldiers, firefighters, athletes, and professionals, Dr. Jha guides readers on how to train their brains to pay attention more effectively, helping them to function at their peak in all aspects of life.
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How to stay focused, fight distraction, and function at your peak.
Dr. Amishi Jha is a professor of psychology at the University of Miami. She serves as the Director of Contemplative Neuroscience for the Mindfulness Research and Practice Initiative, which she co-founded in 2010. Dr Jha is the author of the national bestseller, Peak Mind.
In this episode we talk about:
What peak mind is
Why meta awareness is important to practice and achieve peak mind
The suite of mindfulness-based attention training practices
Why humans developed attention in the first place
Using the flashlight and floodlight metaphors to help us understand different types of attention
The mental pushup for attention: focus, notice, and redirect
The attention benefits for high stress populations who engage in contemplatives practices
Multitasking vs. monotasking
The real life and death consequences of confirmation bias
Part of the reason why we may be experiencing a crisis of attention
Giving our mind the freedom to choose where it goes next
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