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Making Sense with Sam Harris - Subscriber Content

#380 - The Roots of Attention

Aug 23, 2024
Amishi Jha, a leading researcher in attention and mindfulness, discusses how our brains handle focus in an increasingly distracting world. They explore the failures of brain-training games and the neurological benefits of mindfulness and meditation. Amishi emphasizes the significance of attention in emotional regulation and the impact of smartphones on our cognitive capacities. Through rich insights, they reveal how mindfulness can transform our relationship with thoughts, enhance present-moment awareness, and foster emotional resilience.
01:38:58

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • The research led by Dr. Amishi Jha highlights that conventional brain-training games do not translate into real-world improvements in attentional capacity.
  • Mindfulness practices are shown to enhance attention and cognitive functioning, providing individuals with resilience against stressors in their daily lives.

Deep dives

Understanding Attention and Its Vulnerabilities

The brain's attention system plays a critical role in how humans function, influencing performance across various professions, especially those where lapses in attention can have dire consequences. Researchers, including Amishi Jha, have focused on understanding the mechanisms of attention and its vulnerabilities, particularly in high-stress environments like emergency services and military settings. This understanding is vital for developing strategies that can strengthen attention, as individuals in these professions rely on it for success and safety. Jha's work emphasizes the need to assess attention both in controlled laboratory contexts and real-world scenarios, using tools such as functional MRI and EEG to capture brain activity related to attention.

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