Good Intentions: Neurological, Contemplative, and Practical Perspectives
The first question regarding intention is, for what? All the great wisdom traditions of the world, and all the great moral philosophers, have grappled with this question.
The first question regarding intention is, for what? All the great wisdom traditions of the world, and all the great moral philosophers, have grappled with this question.
Practicing gratitude is an especially beneficial way to counter painful emotions and stress. Here are some thoughts and exercises about being grateful.
Learn about the long-term results effects of chronic sympathetic nervous system activation, a simple but comprehensive strategy for dampening the sympathetic nervous system and fueling the “rest and digest” parasympathetic nervous system and more.
In this article, you’ll get a crash course in your own nervous system and how the PNS fits into it, mixed with lots of ways you can use to activate your own PNS.
This is a brief article outlining the basic steps of training your brain to retain positive experiences.
Here is a list of several insights on spiritual practice from a neuroscience perspective.
Neuroscientists have treated mice with 30 minutes of light therapy for 20 days to mimic meditation to test the effects of their behavior.
We all want to be truly happy. The question is, how? In Buddhist practice, the “how” includes gradually transforming the mind – the seat of clinging in all its forms – to increase the causes of happiness and reduce the causes of suffering – ultimately, to complete Awakening.
Key points about the brain and how the mind and brain can change each other.
Here is a glossary of terms from the Wise Brain Bulletin written by Rick Hanson and Richard Mendius.
Of course, the first question regarding intention is, for what?
All the great wisdom traditions of the world, and all the great moral philosophers, have grappled with this question. What should we want?
Rick Hanson and Richard Mendius are interviewed by Patrizia Collard from the School of Psychology, University of East London, UK.
It is sometimes said that the three greatest – and toughest, and most significant – remaining scientific questions are these: What caused the Big Bang? What is the “Grand Unified Theory” that integrates quantum mechanics and general relativity? What is the conscious self?
We spoke about how Western Buddhism, transcendental learning and gratitude for opportunity all play an important role in getting in touch with your faith and finding true purpose and happiness in life.
Our intentions arise in the brain, are represented in the brain, and are pursued in the brain. Where else? Therefore, a basic understanding of how intentions work in the brain – and thus in your mind – is a very useful thing to have.