Conscious experiences unify distinct phenomenological experiences that seem to be continuously evolving. Yet, empirical evidence shows that conscious mental activity is discontinuous and can be parsed into a series of states of thoughts that manifest as discrete spatiotemporal patterns of global neuronal activity lasting for fractions of seconds. EEG measures the brain’s electrical activity...
Background and Objectives: In recent years, singing bowl sound interventions have been progressively implemented in the fields of well-being, therapy and education; however, the effectiveness has only scarcely been investigated. Therefore, this study was aimed at determining neurophysiological effects of a singing bowl massage. Materials and Methods: In this prospective cohort study 64-channel...
Nature CommunicationsApril 26, 2022David E. Melnikoff, Ryan W. Carlson, Paul E. Stillman
Flow is a subjective state characterized by immersion and engagement in one’s current activity. The benefits of flow for productivity and health are well-documented, but a rigorous description of the flow-generating process remains elusive. Here we develop and empirically test a theory of flow’s computational substrates: the informational theory of flow. Our theory draws on the concept of...
Sleep and VigilanceApril 23, 2022Seithikurippu R. Pandi‐Perumal, David Warren Spence, Neena Srivastava et al.
Yoga nidra, also known as 'yogic sleep', is a simplified form of an ancient tantric relaxation technique. The most general description of the practice is that it combines guided mental imagery with a specific yoga posture called Shavasana (or "corpse pose"). The goal of yoga nidra is to promote a profound state of relaxation, which differs from sleep inasmuch as there is still an awareness of...
Abstract The recognition of mindfulness-based interventions as an effective approach to address psychological distress and improve well-being has stimulated the development of a multitude of programs, each designed for specific applications. While many mindfulness-based interventions are focused on addressing particular psychological needs, so-called second-generation mindfulness-based...
CureusApril 20, 2022Maryam Bayat Mokhtari, Moein Bayat Mokhtari, Blanca Z Rodriguez et al.3 citations
Ayahuasca is a psychedelic blend originating from South America that has been used for hundreds of years by local tribes in ritualistic ceremonies. For the last few decades, its usage has expanded to North America in various mindfulness retreats that can benefit from its hallucinogenic properties. In this case report, our patient had attended a satanic ritual where he had consumed copious...
Abstract Chapter 10 reconstructs Vivekananda’s philosophical justification of panentheistic cosmopsychism and his account of how the single Divine Consciousness individuates into the varied conscious perspectives of humans and non-human animals. He provides two complementary arguments in favor of panentheistic cosmopsychism: (1) an “involution argument” for panpsychism, which is based on the...
Fluctuating between external conscious processing and mind wandering is inherent to the human condition. Past research showed that in tasks requiring sustained attention, mind wandering episodes in which attention is directed internally constrain conscious processing of external stimuli. Conversely, conscious processing of internal stimuli is enhanced during mind wandering. To investigate this,...
In Philosophy of Psychedelics, Letheby provides a convincing basis for the idea that psychedelics primarily derive their therapeutic potential through mediating favourable changes to self-related belief systems. In this commentary, we take a closer look at the role that contextual factors (‘set’ and ‘setting’) play in Letheby’s two-factor account of psychedelic therapy. While Letheby...
Psymentology is one of the fields in Complementary and Alternative Medicine in Iran, and concerning Mind-Psychology, founded and introduced by Mohammad Ali Taheri (having over 40 years of history). This complementary medicine has a supra-holistic view of human beings. It aims at the cognition of humans and their existential software as well as diagnosis and treatment of human psychological...