Podcast Summary
Michael Reeves: A Jack of All Trades in Meditation, Spirituality, Neuroscience, and Psychiatry: Stress releases hormones like adrenaline and cortisol, impacting vision, focus, and sleep quality.
Michael Reeves, also known as Mike, is an individual with a diverse background in various fields including meditation, spirituality, neuroscience, and psychiatry. He often experiences anxiety about day-to-day activities and future uncertainties. Applied neuroscience, a field Michael is knowledgeable in, explains how stress affects the brain. When under stress, the brain releases hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol, which can impact vision and focus, causing a person to tunnel in on one thing and have difficulty considering peripheral matters. Cortisol also affects the reticular activating formation, making it harder for an individual to sleep soundly. Michael can be seen as a resource for exploring these topics further, particularly as they relate to anxiety and the effects of stress on the brain.
Stress response and mental health: Neuroscience reveals that mental stress can trigger a physiological response, making it hard to sleep and increasing sensitivity to noise. We also discussed the importance of self-understanding, dealing with anxiety, and the impact of past decisions on our lives.
Our bodies respond to stress in similar ways, regardless of the source. This means that mental stress, such as worrying about paying rent, can activate our physiological stress response in a way that makes it difficult to sleep due to heightened sensitivity to noise. This concept, which can be applied to everyday life, is an example of how neuroscience can provide valuable insights. During our conversation, we also touched on the topic of decision-making and the paths we chose in the past. While some may wonder about the roads not taken, it's important to remember that we can still strive for understanding, whether it's the inner workings of technology or the human mind. Another theme that emerged was the idea of self-understanding and the pursuit of enlightenment or complete knowledge of oneself. While this may be a challenging goal, it's a worthwhile one that can lead to personal growth and peace of mind. Lastly, we discussed the prevalence of anxiety, particularly in adolescence and young adulthood, and the importance of acknowledging and addressing it. By understanding the root causes and seeking appropriate resources, we can better manage anxiety and improve our overall well-being.
The complex nature of anxiety: Anxiety can manifest in various ways, from specific fears to a general sense of dread, and understanding its source can be challenging
Anxiety can manifest in different ways. For some, it may be specific fears or worries about certain outcomes. For others, it may be a more general sense of dread or unease that doesn't necessarily have a clear cause or shape. The speaker in this conversation described experiencing a nebulous anxiety during high school that kept them up at night, worrying about the current state of things even when everything was going well. This anxiety didn't seem to be tied to any particular thoughts or fears, but rather was a constant, underlying feeling. As a scientist, the speaker and the interlocutor explored the relationship between thoughts and feelings, considering whether the feeling comes before the thought or vice versa. They concluded that it's difficult to say for certain, but that the feeling of dread can sometimes latch onto or hijack particular things in one's life, making it seem as though those things are the source of anxiety when in fact they are just being conflated with the feeling. Overall, this conversation highlights the complex and often mysterious nature of anxiety and the importance of understanding that it can take many different forms.
Accepting existential dread and anxiety: Accepting existential dread and anxiety is healthier than suppressing them. Develop skills to question thoughts and self-check to better understand and deal with these emotions.
Dealing with existential dread and anxiety involves accepting their presence in your life rather than pushing them away. This acceptance is a healthier approach as it allows you to live with these feelings instead of constantly trying to suppress them. During our conversation, we explored the idea that existential dread and anxiety are responses to an existential threat, and trying to ignore them or push them away through distractions like substance use or gaming, while sometimes effective in the short term, is not a sustainable solution. Instead, questioning the conclusions of your mind and self-checking are important skills to develop in order to better understand and deal with these emotions. Our brains are wired to create certainty from uncertainty, and not being taught how to question our thoughts may contribute to mental health issues.
Our brains create logical reasons for illogical behavior: Our brains make assumptions and create reasons to justify actions, even when faced with uncertainty, which can lead to erroneous beliefs and decisions
Our brains are wired to make assumptions and create logical reasons for illogical behavior, even when faced with uncertainty. This is a survival mechanism that helped our ancestors navigate complex environments with limited information. However, in modern times, this can lead to erroneous beliefs and decisions. For instance, studies have shown that the placement of items in a store can influence our purchasing decisions, and we may not even realize it. Our brains work backwards from the conclusion, fabricating reasons to justify our actions. This can be seen in various aspects of life, from food gathering to decision-making. Even though we may not have all the information, our brains assume that our assumptions are facts and act accordingly. This can sometimes lead to anxiety, especially for those with more computing power and the ability to foresee more problems. However, recognizing this phenomenon can help us become more aware of our thought processes and make more informed decisions.
Understanding the complexities of anxiety: Anxiety is a normal part of life, but recognizing its complexities can help us better manage and cope with it. Different types of anxiety, like neurotic and existential, have unique characteristics but can share common feelings and sensations.
Anxiety is a complex experience that can be influenced by both physiological and cognitive factors. The mind and body are interconnected, and a physiological response to anxiety can reinforce certain thoughts and make them feel more real. There are different types of anxiety, including neurotic anxiety, which is characterized by excessive worry, and existential anxiety, which is more about feeling overwhelmed and uncertain about the meaning of life. Anxiety can manifest physically, causing symptoms like increased heart rate and gut feelings. It's important to recognize the differences between different types of anxiety and understand that they may not all be the same, but they can share common feelings and sensations. The use of the word "anxiety" to describe various experiences can be misleading, and it's helpful to be specific about the type of anxiety being discussed. Overall, anxiety is a normal part of the human experience, but understanding its complexities can help us better manage and cope with it.
The relationship between self-judgment and anxiety: Successful people often face high self-judgment and anxiety, but recognizing their value and finding balance can lead to growth and a fulfilling life.
Self-judgment and anxiety are related but distinct emotions. Self-judgment is the critical inner voice that tells us we're not good enough, while anxiety is the fear of what might happen in the future. Both emotions can fuel each other, with self-judgment potentially leading to increased anxiety as we worry about the consequences of our perceived failures. However, self-judgment also serves an important function in driving us to improve ourselves. The most successful people are often highly neurotic and self-critical, but this can come at the cost of an empty or desolate life. To find balance, it's essential to recognize the value of self-judgment in driving growth while also working to quiet the inner critic and reduce anxiety.
Anxiety and self-judgment's connection: Focusing on the present moment reduces neurotic anxiety, while accepting self-judgment can lead to growth. Exploring origins of anxiety and self-judgment may lead to effective coping strategies.
Anxiety and self-judgment are interconnected, and they can amplify each other. Anxiety is often future-focused, while self-judgment can lead to more anxiety and a bleak perception of the future. To cope, focusing on the present moment can help reduce neurotic anxiety, while accepting and sitting with self-judgment can be beneficial in other ways. However, the discussion also touched upon the complexity of existential dread, which can feel like a concern for one's ability to take care of oneself. The origins of existential dread and anxiety might be worth exploring to better understand and potentially alleviate these feelings. While there are various ways to deal with anxiety and self-judgment, finding their sources could provide valuable insights and potentially lead to more effective coping strategies.
Exploring the origins of existential dread: Realizing that existential dread isn't rooted in logic and acknowledging its presence can help us understand ourselves better.
Understanding the origin of existential dread or anxiety may not necessarily solve the problem, but it can still be worth exploring. The sensation of not being able to take care of oneself is not rooted in logic, despite our logical acceptance of our ability to bounce back from adversity. This realization also highlights that there are parts of our minds that do not originate in logic. The speaker's desire for independence, for instance, led to conflicts with their parents, creating a complex dynamic between them. The relationship between existential dread and independence remains an intriguing question, and it's unclear which comes first. Ultimately, it's essential to acknowledge the presence of these emotions and the role they play in our lives, even if we can't always pinpoint their origins.
Feeling misunderstood leads to existential dread and independence: Feeling misunderstood in childhood can lead to a strong sense of independence and existential dread as individuals rely solely on themselves for understanding and support.
The feeling of existential dread and independence can be interconnected for individuals who have felt misunderstood or not fully understood in their upbringing. This sense of independence can lead to a feeling of isolation and reliance solely on oneself, even if there are supportive people around. The speaker in this conversation shares their experience of feeling fundamentally different from their family, leading to a sense of not being understood and eventually developing a strong sense of independence. This independence, in turn, can create a feeling of existential dread due to the realization that one is the only reliable source of support and understanding in their life. The conversation also touches upon the challenge of distinguishing between leading questions and genuine understanding, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging and validating emotional experiences.
Understanding the origins of our fears: Exploring the roots of our fears can help us challenge irrational beliefs and gain a more mature perspective.
Our fears and anxieties, particularly the fear of not being able to take care of ourselves, can stem from a primitive understanding of the world formed during our earliest years. These beliefs, which may seem irrational or outdated as we grow older, can be deeply ingrained and influence our thoughts and actions. The speaker in this conversation suggests that this fear can arise not only from a lack of confidence in ourselves but also from a lack of faith in others, due to an assumption that we cannot rely on them. Understanding the origins of these beliefs can help us challenge and potentially replace them with more logical, mature perspectives. The conversation also touches on the idea that gaining knowledge and understanding can bring a sense of relief and help us feel more in control of our lives. However, it's important to note that this process may not be straightforward and may involve grappling with conflicting emotions and beliefs.
Understanding Past Disconnections: Revisiting past experiences can help us gain a better understanding of ourselves and build stronger connections with others, leading to a more fulfilling life.
Our past experiences, particularly those where we feel misunderstood or disconnected, can significantly impact how we view the world and our future. These experiences can make us feel isolated and uncertain, leading to a lack of faith in ourselves and others. However, revisiting and reanalyzing these experiences can help us gain a better understanding of ourselves and the world around us. By recognizing and addressing these past disconnections, we can build stronger connections with others and increase our confidence in the future. In essence, understanding and addressing our past can lead to a more fulfilling and multiplayer-like experience of life.
Understanding Emotional Survival and Individual Differences: Recognize individual differences, avoid value judgments, and embrace diverse parts of our minds to cater to unique needs, especially for those with exceptional intellectual abilities.
People's reliance on others for emotional survival can vary greatly, and it's essential to understand that this doesn't equate to a lack of care or love for others. The speaker shares his personal experience of learning to be self-reliant due to unique circumstances in his past. He also highlights the importance of recognizing individual differences and avoiding value judgments. The discussion touches upon the idea that individuals with exceptional intellectual abilities might have distinct needs, and the education system may not cater to them effectively. The suggested solution is to acknowledge the diverse parts of our minds and embrace individual differences, rather than trying to fit everyone into a one-size-fits-all model.
The Interplay of Manas and Buddhi in Our Emotional Reactions: Our initial emotional reactions are driven by the manas, while our buddhi develops and allows for more nuanced thoughts and understanding.
Our likes and dislikes, as well as emotional reactions, can occur in less than a second, driven by our guttural manas or visceral part of the mind. This initial reaction can be raw and instinctual, without much rational or analytical involvement. For instance, when trying a new food, our manas might have an instant dislike, but our buddhi or emotional and analytical mind can encourage us to try it for a new experience. The development of our emotional and analytical mind, or buddhi, is not well-established during early childhood, while our manas is more developed and in control. As we grow older, our manas may remain relatively consistent, but our buddhi develops further, allowing for more nuanced thoughts and understanding. Using the example of a child encountering a dog, her initial fear is a reaction from her manas, while her later actions, such as seeking comfort from her parents, are influenced by her developing buddhi. This interaction between our manas and buddhi shapes our experiences and influences our future reactions to similar situations.
Unprocessed experiences are stored in the unconscious mind: Unprocessed traumatic experiences can lead to fear and impact future responses. Processing experiences can help reduce fear and develop healthy coping mechanisms.
Our experiences, especially traumatic ones, are not just forgotten but are stored in our unconscious mind. For instance, a child who has been bitten by a dog may develop a fear of dogs, which can manifest in various ways. The fear does not disappear but gets stored in the unconscious mind as an undigested emotion, known as a "samskara." When we encounter a similar situation later in life, our response can vary based on how we process the experience. For instance, an adult may feel fear when they encounter a dog but may be able to pet it after thinking it through and understanding that it's not the same dog that bit them. In contrast, a child may react with the same amount of fear, as they may not have the ability to process the experience in the same way. The way we process experiences can make a significant difference in how we respond to similar situations in the future. For instance, using distraction techniques, such as getting ice cream after a traumatic experience, can help reduce the impact of the fear and prevent it from becoming a scar. On the other hand, not processing the experience can lead to the fear remaining dormant and resurfacing in the future. Therefore, it's essential to help children process their experiences, especially traumatic ones, to help them develop healthy coping mechanisms and reduce the impact of fear on their lives.
Childhood experience and its lasting impact: Past experiences, no matter how small, can shape us in significant ways. Reflecting on these experiences can help us understand their influence on our thoughts and behaviors.
Our past experiences, even those that may seem insignificant or unimpressive to others, can shape us in profound ways. The speaker shares an experience from his childhood where he started a Bulletin Board System (BBS) and made money from it. His father, who was supportive but concerned about his studies, shut down the business and took away his earnings. Years later, the speaker found himself paranoid that someone would take credit for his work. Through therapy, he realized that this fear stemmed from the past experience of losing something he had built. This experience taught him that people's actions, even if well-intentioned, can leave lasting impacts. It's important to reflect on these experiences and understand how they influence our thoughts and behaviors in the present.
Past experiences shape emotions and reactions: Reflecting on past experiences can help reduce the impact of emotional reactions and lessen anxiety by properly processing and addressing underlying causes
Our past experiences, particularly those involving trust and betrayal, can shape our emotions and reactions in significant ways. These experiences create "sum scars," which can influence how we respond to similar situations in the future. The emotional response (manas) happens first, followed by analytical processing (buddhi). Distractions can help in the moment, but without proper processing, the fear or anxiety can persist as a samskar, emerging again in similar situations. It's essential to revisit and process these experiences to reduce the size of the sum scar and lessen the impact of existential dread. By reflecting on past feelings of isolation and lack of support, we can better understand and address the underlying causes of our anxiety.
The importance of empathic mirroring in childhood development: Understanding and providing self-support can help combat feelings of existential dread caused by lack of empathic mirroring during childhood. Attachment theory provides insight into this concept.
Our sense of self-reliance and confidence can be deeply influenced by the empathic mirroring we receive from our parents during childhood. If we don't receive this mirroring, we may feel isolated and unsure of ourselves, leading to feelings of existential dread. To combat this, we can try to analyze and understand these feelings, acting as a supportive figure to ourselves, reminding ourselves of our strengths and the love and support that exists in our lives. This process can help us build resilience and reduce the intensity of feelings of existential dread over time. Additionally, understanding attachment theory can provide insight into the importance of empathic mirroring in child development. While our dad's quirks and lack of social cues might contribute to our feelings of isolation, they are just one piece of the puzzle. By focusing on our own ability to provide ourselves with the emotional support we need, we can become our own pillar of strength and build greater confidence in ourselves.
Practicing mindfulness through physical meditation: Physical meditation can help bring focus and presence into daily life by forcing the mind into the present moment.
Practicing mindfulness and being present can help improve emotional processing and overall well-being. This can be achieved through various types of meditation, such as physical, cognitive, or spiritual practices. The speaker suggested trying a more physical meditation to help be more present, as the individual tends to focus on the past and future. During the physical meditation, the mind naturally forces the individual into the present moment, making it harder to think about other things. This practice can lead to increased focus and feeling more present in daily life. Additionally, therapy can also be beneficial for emotional processing and considering seeking professional help if needed.
Focusing on the present moment through balancing and yoga: Balancing engages the vestibular system, bringing focus to the present, while yoga demands attention to the body, keeping the mind present
Focusing on the present moment can be achieved through various means, such as balancing or practicing yoga. Balancing requires the engagement of the vestibular system in the ears, the eyes, and the dorsal columns or proprioception. By focusing on balancing, one cannot think about the past or future, thus bringing the mind to the present. Yoga, on the other hand, was developed with the intention of focusing the mind on the present through stable positions. As the body gets tired, it demands attention, forcing the mind to stay present. Electrodes can be used to stimulate the vestibular system to manipulate balance, but it's essential to note that this is not a safe practice. Overall, using the body to focus on the present can be an effective way to train the mind to stay present.
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