Making Sense with Sam Harris #179 — The Unquiet Mind
Dec 17, 2019
Judson Brewer, an addiction psychiatrist and neuroscientist, dives deep into the intricacies of addiction and mindfulness. He discusses the neuroscience behind craving and how mindfulness can alter our relationship with addiction. Brewer highlights the difference between dopamine-driven rewards and true happiness, giving insights into smoking cessation through mindfulness. He also shares techniques to make meditation a habit and explores the impact of meditation on brain activity, unraveling the complexities of self-identity and effortlessness in practice.
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Judson Brewer's Meditation Journey
- Judson Brewer started meditating on his first day of medical school due to personal struggles.
- He practiced in various traditions, including Theravadan and Dzogchen, and has studied with teachers like Joseph Goldstein.
Defining Addiction
- Addiction is defined as continued use despite adverse consequences.
- This applies to both substances and behaviors, like smartphone use or excessive thinking.
The Difficulty of Stillness
- On a silent retreat, Sam Harris and Judson Brewer found it challenging to control their thoughts.
- Brewer cried on the retreat manager's shoulder, highlighting the difficulty of silencing the mind.
