Marieke Van Vugt – Finding Balance

Marieke Van Vugt – Finding Balance

Author: Mind & Life Institute October 5, 2023 Duration: 1:04:58
In this episode, Wendy speaks with cognitive scientist, contemplative practitioner, and ballet dancer Marieke Van Vugt. Marieke is a pioneer in studying mind wandering and meditation through computer modeling, and is also advancing participatory research through her collaborations with Tibetan monastics. This conversation covers many topics, including: her braided interests in meditation, dance, and cognitive science; computer modeling of mind and meditation; exploring distraction, mind wandering, and becoming aware; how thoughts can get "stuck" in our minds; creating a meditating computer; the relevance of stuck thoughts to various mental disorders; trauma through the lens of predictive models of mind; analytical meditation and Tibetan monastic debate; collaborating with monastics in research; humility and fluidity of mind; re-thinking the tasks used in cognitive science; the phenomenon of brain synchrony; dance and embodiment; the roots of thinking in the body; problems with abstraction in science; curiosity vs. the critical mind in ballet; flow, responsiveness, and compassion; and advice to young scholars. Full show notes and resources

At the heart of Mind & Life is a simple, profound question: what is a mind, really? This isn't just a philosophical puzzle but a practical exploration of the mental habits that define our days. The conversations hosted by the Mind & Life Institute gently dismantle the walls between disciplines, weaving together insights from neuroscience and psychology with the lived wisdom of contemplative traditions. You’ll hear dialogues that feel less like interviews and more like shared discoveries, where a philosopher and a meditation teacher might find common ground on how attention works, or where a scientist discusses the social impact of compassion training. Each episode is an invitation to look inward with curiosity, examining how practices like meditation aren't about escape but about engaging with our inner world more skillfully. This podcast operates from the conviction that understanding our own minds is foundational to addressing broader cultural and societal challenges. It’s for anyone who has ever wondered about the mechanics of their own thoughts and emotions and sought a deeper, evidence-informed conversation about transformation. Tune in for a thoughtful blend of rigorous inquiry and personal relevance, where ancient questions meet modern investigation.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 94

Mind & Life
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