Becoming conscious: the science of mindfulness
Steve Paulson, Richard J. Davidson, Amishi P. Jha, Jon Kabat‐zinn
Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences November 1, 2013 DOI: 10.1111/nyas.12203 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Panel discussion Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Meditation |
| Keywords | Consciousness Contemplation Mental health Cognitive science Psychoanalysis Psychotherapist Epistemology |
| Citations | 108 |
| Key points | Argues that mindfulness and contemplative practices can train the mind to be more flexible and adaptable, potentially improving mental and physical health. The panelists discuss neuroscience findings suggesting that such practices can transform consciousness, though the transcript presents these as perspectives rather than definitive conclusions. |
Abstract
Many of us go through our daily lives on autopilot, not fully aware of our conscious experiences. In a discussion moderated by Steve Paulson, executive producer and host of To the Best of Our Knowledge, neuroscientists Richard Davidson and Amishi Jha and clinical mindfulness expert Jon Kabat-Zinn explore the role of consciousness in mental and physical health, how we can train our minds to be more flexible and adaptable, and cutting-edge neuroscience findings about the transformation of consciousness through mindfulness and contemplative practice. The following is an edited transcript of the discussion that occurred February 6, 2013, 7:00-8:15 PM, at the New York Academy of Sciences in New York City.