Hey there … This week’s issue is a little late due to my hopping between Austin and Los Angeles, sorry about that!
I’ve recently been re-reading Waking Up: A Guide to Spirituality Without Religion by Sam Harris to keep me meditating daily. The book is a rigorous and scientific examination of the spiritual benefits of meditation and mindfulness.
On the other hand, even as the crazy hype from the media has calmed down, it seems more and more people are practicing meditation because the “secular benefits” are real. Within my circle of entrepreneurial friends and associates, I’m actually surprised at how many people swear by it.
The interesting thing is, no matter why you begin the practice, the spiritual and the secular benefits go hand-in-hand. Here’s the beginning of a piece I wrote back in the summer of 2015:
- It’s been amazing to see the “secular selling” of meditation over the last few years. While many purists object to what they deem McMindfulness, there’s no doubt that the emphasis on performance benefits is a smart way to increase awareness and the level of mainstream participation.
Modern proponents of mindfulness tout the results of over 3,000 research studies that demonstrate the scientific validity of an ancient “spiritual” practice. These studies show that meditation improves your general well-being, reduces depression, anxiety and stress, increases productivity, improves self control, and even changes the composition of your brain for the better.
And yet, the ultimate benefit comes from the spiritual side from which meditation was born. The kicker is that this aspect of the practice is just as scientifically valid as any of the other benefits, and it’s a rigorously logical process with a rational conclusion, no matter how “out there” it may sound to those who haven’t done the work.
Meditation is not about emptying your head of the “contents” of consciousness. It’s about being aware of that content (thoughts, emotions, memories) and watching it simply recede on its own. At some point you realize what neuroscience already knows — that you are not the contents of your consciousness, even as that content creates the illusion of self.
At that point, you can decide to become the person you want to be. Or, you could recognize that you’re just fine how you are.
Either way, it’s a great thing.
- Mindfulness Meditation has Become a Staple Among Successful People
- The Ultimate Science-Based Benefit of Meditation
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Waking Up: A Guide to Spirituality Without Religion (Amazon Associates link)
Keep going-
Brian Clark
Further
further: resources
Eat Well
This article is from my friend and fellow Coloradan Adam Bornstein. Probably the most rational thing I’ve read about diet and nutrition in a long time.
Diet or Deception: The Problem With Nutrition Secrets
Chomping Broccoli
Neurogastronomy — it’s what all the cool kids are dancing to. No wait, that’s actually the science of rewiring our brains into thinking that broccoli tastes more delicious and chocolate cake less so. I actually like broccoli more than chocolate cake already. No, really.
The Science That Could Make You Crave Broccoli More Than Chocolate
Fat Burned
I hope that this is not coming as a surprise, but just in case. The impact on fat burning that “fat burning” supplements is miniscule, if any.
Fat-burning supplements are Often Just an Expensive Placebo: Leading Dietitian
Name Drop Soup
Above, I mentioned my friend Adam Bornstein, who does amazing work for my other friend, Tim Ferriss. Tim has a popular podcast, but even he hasn’t interviewed Henry Rollins as I did. Wait, where are you going?
Name-Dropping Is an Awkward Networking Mistake
Fee Free
Famed investor Warren Buffett chided Wall Street managers for underperforming the market while charging high fees for low results. He recommends putting your cash in a low cost index fund. If you use Further sponsor Wealthfront like I do, they’ll manage your first $15,000 absolutely free via this link.
Warren Buffett Rails Against Fee-Hungry Wall Street Managers
Chile Sauce
With museums, restaurants, nightlife, and plenty of history, there’s something for everyone in Chile’s capital. And if that’s not enough, it’s got the Andes in its backyard and the beach city of Valparaíso just an hour and a half away. Sounds great, let’s go!
11 Reasons You Should Get to Santiago, Chile Before Everyone Else Does
Thai One On
I’ve never had an overwhelming desire to visit Thailand, until I saw the photos in this article. Amazingly beautiful, take a look.
10 Things To Do When Visiting Maya Bay In the Phi Phi Islands, Thailand
Positively Negative
Studies show that some positive experiences are related to negative mood, poorer quality of life, and lower psychological well-being. What these perhaps surprising findings suggest is that we need to know more about what is psychologically interesting about a “positive experience.”
So You Want to Be Happy? OK, But Consider This …
Can You Repeat the Question?
Questions hijack the brain. The moment you hear one, you literally can’t think of anything else. And that can be a powerful persuasion tool for the person asking the questions.
Want To Know What Your Brain Does When It Hears A Question?
Alt-Facts
You’ve likely noticed in the current contentious political climate that people don’t seem to be swayed away from “their side” even when information arises that should sway them. It’s not likely to get any better. If only more people would meditate. 🙂
Why Facts Don’t Change Our Minds
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