Dr. Amishi Jha, a neuroscientist and author of "Peak Mind," dives into the fascinating world of attention and mindfulness. She explains how our attention can be overwhelmed but not broken, emphasizing the need to understand its three key systems: the flashlight, the floodlight, and the juggler. Jha highlights the significance of reframing thoughts, the relationship between stress and attention, and the value of micro-moments in life. Her insights suggest that mindfulness is not just a trend but a crucial tool for reclaiming our focus.
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insights INSIGHT
Peak Mind: Balancing Being and Doing
A peak mind prioritizes "being" mode, observing and reflecting, alongside "doing" mode (thinking and acting).
This allows for better action by considering the situation and internal mental state.
insights INSIGHT
Flights and Perchings of the Mind
William James describes consciousness as alternating between "flights" (doing) and "perchings" (being).
A peak mind balances these, recognizing that action is more successful with reflection.
insights INSIGHT
Three Subsystems of Attention
Attention has three subsystems: flashlight (focused), floodlight (broad), and juggler (goal-oriented).
These prioritize information based on content, present moment awareness, and goals, respectively.
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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.
The master and his emissary
The Divided Brain and the Making of the Western World
Iain McGilchrist
This book argues that the division of the brain into two hemispheres is essential to human existence, allowing for two incompatible versions of the world. The left hemisphere is detail-oriented, prefers mechanisms to living things, and is inclined to self-interest, while the right hemisphere has greater breadth, flexibility, and generosity. McGilchrist takes the reader on a journey through the history of Western culture, illustrating the tension between these two worlds as revealed in the thought and belief of thinkers and artists from ancient to modern times. He argues that the increasing dominance of the left hemisphere in today’s world has potentially disastrous consequences.
In this episode, Dr. Amishi Jha explores how to stop losing your mind (literally) and the surprising science of attention. She shares how mastering your mind isn’t about more effort, it’s about understanding how attention really works. You’ll learn how to train the three systems of attention (the flashlight, the floodlight, and the juggler), why mindfulness isn’t just a trend but a mental upgrade, and how to reclaim your focus—12 minutes at a time.
Key Takeaways:
How your attention isn’t broken; it’s just overwhelmed.
Understand the three key attention modes
Embrace how mindfulness strengthens attention
Learn the concept of reframing and deframing and why this is so important
Discover the relationship between stress, mood, and attention
Uncover the micro-moments in your life and why they matter
If you enjoyed this conversation with Amishi Jha, check out these other episodes:
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