Trayvon Martin. Eric Garner. Michael Brown. Freddie Gray. Sandra Bland. Ferguson. Baltimore. Charleston. Alton Sterling. Philando Castile. …

Examining habitual patterns and constructed reality through the lenses of neuroscience and Buddhism Image by Greg Dunn (www.gregadunn.com) This essay has been modified from the original version published at www.tricycle.com on August 7, 2014, which was written for a Buddhist audience. It seems that everyone wants change: the latest tech gadget, a different job, a better relationship. Things “as they are” are somehow…

Contemplative science begins to unpack the critical elements of caring One of the central elements of caring involves the capacity to see things from another person’s point of view. In psychology, this ability is referred to as “theory of mind.” …

What is the human mind, and how can we develop it to its greatest potential? There are many ways of trying to answer this age-old question. As a neuroscientist, I was trained within a theoretical system that largely equates the mind with the physical structure of the brain. Operating from…

We’ve all been there. You’re slouched in a meeting or a classroom, supposedly paying attention, but your mind has long since wandered off, churning out lists of all the things you need to do — or that you could be doing if only you weren’t stuck here… Suddenly you realize…

The science of compassion meditation We’re living in an unusual age. Our lives are speeding up to keep pace with technology, leading to increased work and social demands. At the same time, the world is becoming ever smaller, and we face the twin benefits and challenges of rubbing elbows with cultures across the globe. Not…

Mind and Life Summer Research Institute participants practice meditation, June 2012. In my own experience with meditation, I’ve often wondered about the difference between reading a thoughtful analysis or set of instructions, listening to an inspiring teacher, and sitting on the cushion to practice. …

The predictive nature of the mind and contemplative practices by Giuseppe Pagnoni and Wendy Hasenkamp Image by Greg Dunn (www.gregadunn.com) Imagine this scene: it is a cold winter night and you are sitting in your favorite armchair reading an engrossing novel, a warm cup of tea by your side. Suddenly, a sharp noise rips through the silence. Now, freeze…