Your Wise Brain

You've answered my Question. Thanks.

That makes sense. Rick

Hello Dr. Hanson

I have few more questions. These s may not be answerable from a neurological standpoint at this time. However given your focus on the subject, I imagine what ever aspect of it is, you will be aware of.

I and a friend have been talking a bit about the state often called "mindlessness", probably for lack of a better word. The idea that one can be in a state of pure perception, with no sense of self involved. Or possibly in a state of non-word-language. Its hard to sort out.

I'd love to hear your thoughts on that subject. My questions are these.

1. From that perspective, looking at people, and other creatures. How is our neurological equipment related to our sense of self?

2. How, does it appear given our present state of understanding among the folks studying this, that this differs between us and other species.

I know, big questions. I wouldn't expect this to necessarily be answered in a single post, or quickly, but I was hoping that you might be able to focus some of what you share with us toward this issue.

Regards. Rick

Sir, you say, "small changes in daily activities ... can make changes in the brain that seem small but actually create big changes in the mind."

What changes daily activity if not a change in the mind?

I do not see how you conclude that changes in the brain create changes in the mind. It seems the mind changes and causes changes in the brain.

Small changes in how we act and where we place our attention and what we do with what is in our attention all change the brain temporarily, and potentially in lasting ways. Yes, it is circular in some senses in that the mind decides to make those changes, which end up changing the brain and thus the mind. When the brain changes, the mind changes; when the mind changes, the brain changes; therefore, you can use the mind to change the brain to change the mind. People have been doing that forever, without knowing what was happening inside the black box of the brain. With the increasing understanding of the brain, and how mind and brain correlate, there is an emerging opportunity to growing skillfulness and efficacy in targeting the specific neural states that underlie the mental states we care about - such as happiness, love, and wisdom.

Fascinating... we're big fans of Dr. Hanson's work. So much so that we're hosting an online live event series with him starting in a couple of weeks. We're looking forward to the latest from Rick.

Take care,
Matt

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