In 'Dopamine Nation,' Dr. Anna Lembke delves into the scientific discoveries that explain why overindulgence in high-reward, high-dopamine stimuli leads to pain. The book combines personal narratives from her clinical practice with the latest psychology research to illustrate how to find contentment and connectedness by keeping dopamine in check. Lembke discusses the impact of modern addictions, such as those related to smartphones, food, and other behaviors, and provides strategies for managing consumption and transforming lives. The book emphasizes the importance of balancing the science of desire with the wisdom of recovery[1][3][5].
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 "Whole Brain Living," Jill Bolte Taylor expands on her previous work by introducing a framework for understanding the four distinct characters within the brain. She explains how these characters—two from the left hemisphere and two from the right—influence our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Taylor provides practical strategies for integrating these characters to achieve greater self-awareness and emotional regulation. The book emphasizes the importance of understanding the brain's structure to improve mental well-being. It offers a unique blend of neuroscience and self-help, empowering readers to take control of their mental and emotional states.
In 'Eat, Pray, Love', Elizabeth Gilbert chronicles her journey as she leaves behind her outwardly successful but inwardly unfulfilling life in the United States. The book is divided into three parts, each set in a different country: Italy, where she seeks pleasure and indulges in the local culture; India, where she delves into spiritual practices and meditation; and Bali, Indonesia, where she aims to find a balance between worldly enjoyment and divine transcendence. The memoir is a personal and introspective account of Gilbert's struggles, growth, and self-discovery during her travels.
Published in 1949, '1984' is a cautionary tale by George Orwell that explores the dangers of totalitarianism. The novel is set in a dystopian future where the world is divided into three super-states, with the protagonist Winston Smith living in Oceania, ruled by the mysterious and omnipotent leader Big Brother. Winston works at the Ministry of Truth, where he rewrites historical records to conform to the Party's ever-changing narrative. He begins an illicit love affair with Julia and starts to rebel against the Party, but they are eventually caught and subjected to brutal torture and indoctrination. The novel highlights themes of government surveillance, manipulation of language and history, and the suppression of individual freedom and independent thought.
In this episode, my guest is Dr. Martha Beck, Ph.D., a Harvard-trained sociologist, bestselling author, and one of the world’s foremost experts on personal exploration and development.
Dr. Beck shares specific frameworks and practices to tap into your unique and deepest desires, core truths, and best life direction—all elements that comprise your authentic self. She also explains how to align your work and relationships of all kinds with your true self and how to embrace the discomfort and process of leaving unhealthy relationships.
We discuss how to deal with negative thoughts and emotions, grapple with societal norms, and improve body awareness to gauge your inner truth. We also discuss codependency and self-abandonment - and how to exit and recover from these experiences.
By the end of the episode, you will have learned numerous practical tools to access your best self and live a richly fulfilling life.
Access the full show notes for this episode at hubermanlab.com.
Thank you to our sponsors
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Timestamps
00:00:00 Dr. Martha Beck
00:01:34 Sponsors: BetterHelp, Helix Sleep & LMNT
00:05:34 Tool: Perfect Day Exercise
00:15:31 “Clear Eyed”, Male vs. Female
00:23:31 Family & Work; Directed Attention & Miracles
00:30:21 Sponsor: AG1
00:32:10 Unease, Restlessness & Guilt; Life Worth, Fear
00:37:22 Accessing the Subconscious; Compassionate Witness Self
00:46:16 Finding Self, Suffering, Anxiety; Tool: “KIST”, Self-Parenting
00:54:01 Self, Radiance, Death; Awakening
00:59:14 Suffering & Compassionate Attention
01:02:10 Challenging Internal Thoughts, Understanding Truth, Body & Mind;
01:08:44 Sponsor: Waking Up
01:10:20 Western Society & Pressure
01:18:30 Tool: Sensing Truth in Body; Meditation, “Stopping the World”
01:25:02 Energy, Magnetoreception, Pet’s Death
01:33:49 Lying to Ourselves, Addiction
01:38:18 Tool: “Integrity Cleanse”, Lies; The Light
01:47:32 Relationship with Loss; Love, Self-Abandonment & Codependency
01:55:10 Romantic Relationships; Jobs & Family
02:02:06 Hurting Others, Relationship Imbalance
02:06:55 Tool: True Empathy
02:11:26 “Happiness is an Inside Job”, Codependency
02:18:58 Live Your Joy, Western Society
02:24:41 Relationships, Love & Integrity, “Feeling Good By Looking Weird”
02:30:42 “I Like It!”, Punk Rock Music, Love
02:34:24 Honesty & Essential Self; Helping People & Healers
02:42:12 Zero-Cost Support, YouTube, Spotify & Apple Follow & Reviews, YouTube Feedback, Protocols Book, Social Media, Neural Network Newsletter
Disclaimer & Disclosures
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