Patrick McNamara

Patrick McNamara (born 1956) is an American neuroscientist. His work has centered on three major topics: sleep and dreams, religion, and mind/brain. In this episode we discuss his book Religion, Neuroscience and the Self: A New Personalism, alongside discussions on anarchism, the Anarch, Christianity, and more. McNamara's book: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Religion-Neuroscience-Self-Personalism-Neurotheology/dp/0367028964 --- Become part of the Hermitix community: Hermitix Twitter - https://twitter.com/Hermitixpodcast Support Hermitix: Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/hermitix Donations: - https://www.paypal.me/hermitixpod Hermitix Merchandise - http://teespring.com/stores/hermitix-2 Bitcoin Donation Address: 3LAGEKBXEuE2pgc4oubExGTWtrKPuXDDLK Ethereum Donation Address: 0x31e2a4a31B8563B8d238eC086daE9B75a00D9E74

Neuroscientist Patrick McNamara, a Distinguished Professor of Psychology, dives into the transformative power of REM sleep. He illustrates how dreaming fuels creativity by merging distant concepts, leading to innovative ideas and solutions. McNamara stresses that while modern society often overlooks dreams, traditional cultures recognized their potential. He suggests three practical strategies to harness REM sleep, emphasizing that by respecting our dream state, we could tackle global challenges and propel cultural evolution.

Patrick McNamara, a neuroscientist studying the neurobiology of religious and supernatural experiences, delves into why humans across cultures have long worshipped supernatural agents. He discusses how these entities help people heal from trauma, find purpose, and reduce anxiety. McNamara highlights intriguing brain activity patterns seen during experiences with these agents, whether in deep meditation, dreams, or under psychedelics, suggesting that such encounters may hold a deeper significance beyond mere hallucinations.

Patrick McNamara, a distinguished neuroscientist specializing in the brain and religion, shares fascinating insights into the role of religious experiences. He argues that religion serves not just to alleviate existential fears but to fundamentally update our self-models. McNamara introduces the concept of "de-centering," a transformative practice that allows individuals to simulate alternative realities for personal growth. He also discusses the balance of using rituals safely to foster this transformation without veering into fanaticism, encouraging both the religious and secular to explore these empowering experiences.

In this discussion, Patrick McNamara, a Distinguished Professor of Psychology, shares insights about the role of nightmares in our lives. He explains how nightmares serve as a form of emotional regulation, providing a way to process trauma through REM sleep. McNamara explores the historical significance of nightmares, which were viewed as spiritual challenges to be conquered. He also delves into the connection between persistent nightmares and feelings of demonic possession, highlighting the psychological and spiritual dimensions of our sleep experiences.