Dr. Mark Miller discusses the benefits of uncertainty for the predictive mind, sharing insights on embracing uncertainty through horror movies, illnesses, and mortality. Exploring how exposure to danger and uncertainty helps us build resilience and better cope with life's uncertainties.
Embracing uncertainty through controlled exposure helps build skills and adaptability for navigating unpredictable situations effectively.
Reflecting on challenging topics like death and illness through contemplative practices prepares individuals emotionally to face uncertainty with wisdom and grace.
Deep dives
Uncertainty and Danger Perception
The brain is designed to manage uncertainty and reduce it. While traditionally believed that humans avoid uncertainty and peril, research suggests that it's inherent to we seek and experience uncertainty, like in wanting to colonize Mars or enjoying horror movies, which are ways to have controlled exposure to risk and build skills.
Managing Uncertainty for Adaptation
Embracing uncertainty leads to skill development and better adaptation in uncertain situations over time. Building skills through encountering uncomfortable environments and uncertainty prepares individuals to navigate uncertainties better, as seen during times like the COVID pandemic where those with diverse skills coped better.
Updating Belief Networks to Enhance Predictions
Regularly challenging and updating our belief systems can help build resilience and adaptability. Exploring uncertainties helps prevent being stuck in suboptimal beliefs and opens up the potential for better predictions and responses to unpredictable events, like breaking free from limiting beliefs such as 'I'm not good enough'.
Meditating on Challenging Content
Delving into uncomfortable scenarios like illness, injury, old age, and death through contemplative practices can offer valuable insights into understanding and accepting uncertainties. Reflecting on challenging topics helps individuals prepare emotionally for difficult situations and learn to navigate uncertainties with grace and wisdom.
Welcome to a train-your-brain special, diving into new research plans from our very own Dr Mark Miller.
Mark outlines exactly why uncertainty and danger are incredibly beneficial for the predictive mind - training us to be better-equipped when we encounter sickness, injury and death itself.
Because if you want to be really good at reducing uncertainty over a long time - surrounding yourself with short-term uncertainty is exactly the way to do it!
Sharing anecdotes on horror movies, pandemics, public speaking and the common cold, Mark unveils the contemplative paths to embracing uncertainty and shares the preface for exciting, pioneering research on our inner complexities.
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This podcast has a single purpose: to help its listeners integrate the practical lessons of contemplative life. If you enjoyed the episode and you’re interested in finding out more, check out ‘Training For Humanity’ - M3CS’s exclusive short courses, including Mindfulness for Wellbeing and Peak Performance, as well as Maintaining a Mindful Life.
Use CODE CONTEMPLATIVE10 for 10% off.
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