Big Think Sam Harris: Experience emotions without being consumed by them
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Aug 25, 2025 
In this thought-provoking discussion, Sam Harris, an author and neuroscientist, explores how we can navigate complex emotions without being overwhelmed by them. He delves into the concept of consciousness as a sanctuary from suffering, encouraging listeners to reframe mental states. Harris highlights the power of meditation and awareness in alleviating emotional pain, revealing how understanding the nature of our feelings can lead to greater emotional freedom. This enlightening conversation invites a fresh perspective on the interplay between emotions and consciousness.
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Consciousness As Shared Substrate
- Consciousness is the common substrate in which all experiences appear and is shared in basic form across people.
- Recognizing this substrate reveals a profound, present-centered perspective on being.
Experience As Process In An Open Field
- Experience is a continual flux of processes rather than fixed things, and consciousness is the field where those processes appear.
- This view makes our feelings and perceptions transient events within a wider openness.
Feel The Physiology Before The Story
- When a strong emotion arises, feel the physiology fully instead of immediately analyzing it with thought.
- Notice the difference between raw bodily sensation and the stories your mind tells to reduce the emotion's grip.