Chris Niebauer earned his Ph.D. in cognitive neuropsychology at the University of Toledo, specializing in the differences between the left and right sides of the human brain. He is the author of No Self, No Problem: How Neuropsychology Is Catching Up to Buddhism and The No Self, No Problem Workbook: Exercises & Practices from Neuropsychology and Buddhism to Help You Lose Your Mind. He was a professor at a state university in Pennsylvania for 22 years, where he taught courses on consciousness, mindfulness, left- and right-brain differences, and artificial intelligence. Website: chrisniebauerphd.com YouTube Channel Discussion of this interview in the BatGap Community Facebook Group Summary and transcript of this interview Interview recorded June 3, 2023 YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction to Buddha at the Gas Pump 00:06:21 - Disappointment with Daniel Dennett's book on consciousness 00:11:55 - The Value of Intelligence and Happiness 00:17:39 - The Dominance of Language in Reality 00:23:31 - Breaking the Cycle of Mental Excitation 00:29:04 - Non-Thinking Forms of Consciousness 00:34:24 - The Power of Numbers and Abstractions 00:40:01 - Observing the Interpreter and Letting Go of Intrusive Thoughts 00:45:55 - The Need for a Tiny Shift 00:51:17 - The Inventive Storytelling of the Left Brain 00:57:17 - Holistic Development of the Brain 01:02:52 - The Playfulness of Debates and the Power of Music 01:08:41 - The Nature of Skepticism and Strange Beliefs 01:14:25 - The Shift to Right Brain Awareness 01:19:53 - The Left Brain on Trial 01:25:32 - Individual Paths and Categorization 01:31:05 - Liberation and the Illusion of Self 01:36:54 - The Paradox of the Soul and Individuality 01:43:02 - Embracing Paradoxes 01:48:22 - The Connection between Light and Consciousness 01:53:31 - The Role of Faith in Materialism and Consciousness Studies 01:58:37 - The Inadequacy of Neuroscience 02:03:46 - The Limitations of Understanding and Balance in Life

In this discussion, Chris Niebauer Ph.D., a neuropsychologist and author, reveals how neuropsychology aligns with Buddhist principles through his book. He dives into the illusion of self, emphasizing that our ego is a fabrication of the left hemisphere of the brain. Niebauer contrasts Western and Eastern views on identity, discussing how this misconception leads to suffering. He offers insights on enhancing self-awareness and emotional management, encouraging a connection to a broader consciousness and the importance of silence and gratitude in promoting a positive outlook.

Author Chris Niebauer delves into the intersection of Buddhism and neuroscience, discussing the concept of self as a construct of the mind. He emphasizes brain training for heightened awareness and intuition. The discussion also covers the interactions between the mind, language, and movement in shaping our sense of self and well-being.

Dr. Chris Niebauer, Ph.D. in cognitive neuropsychology, discusses overcoming left-brain laziness with logic, fun, and awareness. Topics covered include the difference between left and right brain, impact of the left brain on sense of self, importance of balancing work and play, finding fun in life, and overcoming left-brain laziness and confirmation bias.

Dr. Chris Niebauer holds a Ph.D. in cognitive neuropsychology, specializing in the differences between the left and the right sides of the human brain. He is currently a professor at Slippery Rock University in Pennsylvania, where he teaches courses on consciousness, mindfulness, left and right brain differences, and artificial intelligence.  In this episode, Eric and Chris discuss No Self, No Problem: How Neuropsychology is Catching Up to BuddhismBut wait – there’s more! The episode is not quite over!! We continue the conversation and you can access this exclusive content right in your podcast player feed. Head over to our Patreon page and pledge to donate just $10 a month. It’s that simple and we’ll give you good stuff as a thank you!Registration for the Spiritual Habits Group Program CLOSES May 25, 2021! Visit spiritualhabits.net to learn more about how to bring forth real transformation in your life!  In This Interview, Dr. Chris Niebauer and I Discuss Neuropsychology and the Thinking Mind…His book, No Self, No Problem: How Neuropsychology is Catching Up to BuddhismHow the “Mind 1.0 program” is an outdated program that we’re all running onWe don’t update this “program” because we don’t know it’s thereUnderstanding the concept of self and the idea of who we think we areOur thinking mind is not accurate, but we think our thoughts are realityMore thinking doesn’t solve a thinking problemDifferences between left and right brain thinkingDisconnecting the thinking mind from consciousness in meditationRealizing the limitations of the thinking mindHow the thinking mind is not who you are and is geared to finding problemsRecognizing that consciousness is far more vast than the thinking mindNeuropsychology function is to tell us who we’re notBuddha’s teaching of everything changesHow perception is a biological functionDr. Chris Niebauer Links:Dr. Chris Niebauer’s WebsiteYoutube ChannelAwara Mattresses are made with only natural and organic materials, including 100% organic wool from happy New Zealand sheep! For every mattress sold, 10 fruit trees will be planted. To get $350 off your mattress, plus free shipping, a Forever warranty, AND free accessories (including 2 pillows, sheets, and a waterproof mattress protector (value $499)), visit www.awarasleep.com/feedAncient Nutrition offers whole food nutritional products that are designed to provide Ancient Nutrients in a modern, convenient form to power the body and mind and restore health, strength, and vitality. Enter promo code WOLF at ancientnutrition.com to get 20% off your first order.Calm App: The app designed to help you ease stress and get the best sleep of your life through meditations and sleep stories. Join the 85 million people around the world who use Calm to get better sleep. Get 40% off a Calm Premium Subscription (a limited time offer!) by going to www.calm.com/wolfIf you enjoyed this conversation with Dr. Chris Niebauer on Neuropsychology and the Thinking Mind, you might also enjoy these other episodes:Neuroscience Behind our Reality with James KingslandRalph De La Rosa on the Mind as Your TeacherSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.