International Journal of Yoga Therapy
2021
Andrea Zaccaro, André Riehl, Andrea Piarulli et al.
13 citations
Nidrâ yoga is an ancient yogic practice capable of inducing altered states of consciousness characterized by deep relaxation, strong concentration, acute self-awareness, and joy. In modern contemplative neuroscience language, it is known by the name yoga nidra, and few studies have investigated its phenomenological and psychophysiological effects. Six healthy volunteers (four females aged...
Neuroscience of Consciousness
2021
Lars Sandved-Smith, Casper Hesp, Jérémie Mattout et al.
116 citations
Meta-awareness refers to the capacity to explicitly notice the current content of consciousness and has been identified as a key component for the successful control of cognitive states, such as the deliberate direction of attention. This paper proposes a formal model of meta-awareness and attentional control using hierarchical active inference. To do so, we cast mental action as policy...
Frontiers in Psychology
2021
Felicity Maria Simpson, Gemma Perry, William Forde Thompson
26 citations
The ancient practice of chanting typically takes place within a community as a part of a live ceremony or ritual. Research suggests that chanting leads to improved mood, reduced stress, and increased wellbeing. During the global pandemic, many chanting practices were moved online in order to adhere to social distancing recommendations. However, it is unclear whether the benefits of live...
Explore
2021
Marjorie Woollacott, Yvonne Kason, Russell D Park
33 citations
There is a paucity of research examining the phenomenology and energetic effects of spiritually transformative experiences with an energetic component, often referred to as kundalini awakenings (KAs). This limits our ability to understand and support individuals who have these often unexpected and powerful experiences. This study aimed to explore not only the nature of these experiences but...
Frontiers in Psychology
2021
Alexandra Kitson, Alice Chirico, Andrea Gaggioli et al.
1 citation
correction
[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2020.547687.].
Frontiers in Psychology
2021
Javier García-campayo, Nieves Moyano, Marta Modrego-Alarcón et al.
4 citations
Lucid dreaming, a specific phenomenon of dream consciousness, refers to the experience being aware that one is dreaming. The primary aim of this research was to validate a Spanish version of the Lucidity and Consciousness in Dreams scale (LuCiD). A secondary aim was to explore whether meditation experience and mindfulness trait were related to LuCiD scores. Data from 367 Spanish men (34.6%) and...
Brain Structure and Function
2021
Jitka Annen, Rajanikant Panda, Charlotte Martial et al.
15 citations
peer reviewedVoluntary apnea showcases extreme human adaptability in trained individuals like professional free divers. We evaluated the psychological and physiological adaptation and the functional cerebral changes using electroencephalography (EEG) and functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) to 6.5 min of dry static apnea performed by a world champion free diver. Compared to resting...
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences
December 7, 2020
Cortland J. Dahl, Christine D Wilson-Mendenhall, Richard J. Davidson
Research indicates that core dimensions of psychological well-being can be cultivated through intentional mental training. Despite growing research in this area and an increasing number of interventions designed to improve psychological well-being, the field lacks a unifying framework that clarifies the dimensions of human flourishing that can be cultivated. Here, we integrate evidence from...
Global Advances in Health and Medicine
November 23, 2020
Brenna K Novak, Anna Gebhardt, Harini Pallerla et al.
Background: Positive effects of mind-body skills programs on participant well-being have been reported in health professions students. The success seen with medical students at this university led to great interest in expanding the mind-body skills program so students in other disciplines could benefit from the program. Objective: The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of a 9-week...
PRISM
November 19, 2020
Zuzana Vasko
Ecological crises exist not only in the external environment; they have their source within us — in the mind and in personal and cultural values (Bai, 2012; Stoknes, 2018). Arts-based and contemplative inquiry are helpful in opening the self and the senses to the natural world and its elemental dynamics of weather. Creative contemplative practice also creates room for inner exploration about...