Monk/Harvard brain scans + SQ validations + contemp neuro + metacog
Key Questions
What brain changes are associated with regular meditation practice?
Research shows meditation quiets the default mode network (DMN), reduces amygdala activity, and increases cortical thickness in relevant areas. These effects are detailed in summaries like '20 things that happen to your brain when you meditate' from Quartz.
How does short-term mindfulness affect mental fatigue in athletes?
A cluster RCT found that a 30-minute audio mindfulness intervention provides dose-response benefits in reducing mental fatigue. This supports practical applications of mindfulness for performance recovery.
What does Anthropic's J-lens paper reveal about language models?
The research shows Claude spontaneously developed a small internal global workspace through verbalizable representations. This provides a computational model relevant to metacognition and consciousness studies.
How do neuroscience and faith-based approaches compare in addiction recovery?
Evidence indicates 12-step programs outperform CBT alone, with neuroimaging linking meditation to reduced craving and enhanced social bonding. This highlights synergies between spiritual frameworks and brain science.
What role does metacognition play in practices like lucid dreaming and Mahasi noting?
These techniques are examined as forms of metacognitive awareness, supported by emerging neuroscience on meditation effects, SQ scales, and prayer as a neurological reset.
Core research stream expanding with new neuroscientific studies on meditation effects, SQ scales, and metacognition. Latest additions include Kriya Yoga HRV, prayer as neurological reset, lucid dreaming as metacog, Mahasi noting neuroscience. Today's readings added '20 things that happen to your brain when you meditate' (Quartz) covering DMN quieting, amygdala reduction, cortical thickness; 'The Biology of Spiritual Experience with Shaleen Kendrick' (paywalled neurotheology); Anthropic's J-lens paper — spontaneous emergence of a global workspace in Claude; 'Short-term mindfulness intervention mitigates mental fatigue' (cluster RCT, 30-min audio mindfulness for athletes, dose-response data); 'How Neuroscience and Faith Work Together in Addiction Recovery' — 12-step outperforms CBT, neuroimaging on meditation/craving, social bonding. Also added 'Learning to Trust Yourself on the Yoga Mat' — svadhyaya, interoception, 2025 meta-analysis on mindfulness improving interoceptive awareness. Newly read: 'Letting go of a rigid self-image might be the secret to meditation’s mental health benefits' — deconstructive meditation loosens self-concept, reduces depression; 'What If You're Dreaming More Than You Realize?' (Andrew Holecek) — lucid dreaming as metacognition training. Status: developing.