Making Sense with Sam Harris

#380 — The Roots of Attention

Aug 23, 2024

Amishi Jha, a professor of psychology at the University of Miami and director of contemplative neuroscience, delves into the fascinating world of attention and the brain. They explore how attention is studied and the shortcomings of brain-training games. Jha highlights the intrinsic nature of mindfulness and its neurological benefits. The conversation covers the link between thought and emotion, smartphone distractions, and the importance of mind wandering. Throughout, they discuss evolving mindfulness practices that can reshape our brain networks for enhanced focus and awareness.

45:29

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Episode guests

Amishi Jha

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Quick takeaways

Mindfulness is essential in enhancing attention and awareness, thereby helping individuals manage distractions and emotional reactivity effectively.

The limitations of brain-training games highlight the need for more effective methods to strengthen attention beyond superficial tasks and technology-driven solutions.

Deep dives

Understanding Attention Systems

The brain's attention mechanisms are explored, highlighting their significance in cognitive functioning and potential lapses. Attention is not a singular capability but involves multiple systems, including selective focus, alerting to present moments, and goal-related processing. Each system plays a distinct role, from prioritizing information to ensuring actions align with personal goals. This multi-faceted view emphasizes the importance of training attention, especially for individuals in high-stakes environments where attention lapses can lead to serious consequences.

First System Of Attention

01:58

The Goal of Mindfulness and Achieving Equanimity

04:23

Exploring the Mechanisms and Challenges of Attention Training

03:07

Diverse Focus Shapes Experience

01:23

Intro

2min

Understanding Attention in High-Stakes Situations

5min

Awakening Attention: A Parent's Journey

5min

Exploring Attention and Mindfulness

25min

Navigating the Landscape of Attention and Awareness

5min

Exploring Mindfulness and Brain Function

3min

Sam Harris speaks with Amishi Jha about attention and the brain. They discuss how attention is studied, the failure of brain-training games, the relationship between attention and awareness, mindfulness as an intrinsic mental capacity, the neurological implications of different types of meditation, the neural correlates of attention and distraction, the prospects of self-transcendence, the link between thought and emotion, the difference between dualistic and nondualistic mindfulness, studying nondual awareness in the lab, the influence of smartphones, the value of mind wandering, and other topics.

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Learning how to train your mind is the single greatest investment you can make in life. That’s why Sam Harris created the Waking Up app. From rational mindfulness practice to lessons on some of life’s most important topics, join Sam as he demystifies the practice of meditation and explores the theory behind it.

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Making Sense with Sam Harris

#380 — The Roots of Attention

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Deep dives

Understanding Attention Systems

Challenges of Brain Training

Mindfulness as a Mental Capacity

The Influence of Technology on Attention

First System Of Attention

The Goal of Mindfulness and Achieving Equanimity

Exploring the Mechanisms and Challenges of Attention Training

Diverse Focus Shapes Experience

Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts