Struggling to keep your focus and be present in the here and now? You're not alone! There are simple, little changes you can do to tap into the power of your conscious mind and live in full measure.

In this episode of the Align podcast, Dr. Amishi Jha explains how our brain's attention system works while highlighting our ability to train our mind to function better. Yes, we can pay attention like we never did before and change habits we thought we couldn't live without.

Also, we discuss neural plasticity, how to orient ourselves to pain and difficult emotions, why positivity hurts in certain high-stress situations, and how practicing mindfulness is the key to a fulfilled existence.

Dr. Amishi Jha, PhD is a neuroscientist and a professor of Psychology at the University of Miami. She serves as the Director of Contemplative Neuroscience for the Mindfulness Research and Practice Initiative, which she co-founded in 2010. Dr. Jha’s work has been featured at NATO, the World Economic Forum, and The Pentagon. She has received coverage in the The New York Times, NPR, TIME, Forbes and more.

Her recent book, PEAK MiND, offers a guide to thriving in a distracted world. It breaks down science-proven mind-training practices to manage our attention more effectively and be 100% present in life’s crucial moments.

 

What we discuss:

2:41 - What is the definition of the 'mind' and how does it differ from the 'brain'?

8:17 - Explaining the brain to a 5-year-old

12:00 - Where does memory exist in the body?

17:07 - How to connect to the pain and reorient yourself to difficult emotions

21:58 - Why positivity can be problematic in high-stress situations

29:03 - Why do we consciously make bad decisions, and how do we change that?

33:20 - Defining the Default Mode Network and what happens in our brain when we're told to rest?

38:00 - Demystifying neural plasticity and why committing mistakes don't always result in better brain function

43:54 - What her book, PEAK MiND, offers to everyone struggling with attention

49:39 - "Kindness and compassion begin by paying attention." - Dr. Jha

 

Learn more from Dr. Amishi Jha:

Website: amishi.com

Instagram: @amishijha

 

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Peak Mind: Find Your Focus, Own Your Attention, Invest 12 Minutes a Day: https://www.amazon.com/Peak-Mind-Attention-Invest-Minutes-ebook/dp/B08THNJ978