Summary: Meditation can be understood through a new scientific model that outlines four stages: focused attention, open-monitoring, non-dual, and cessation. This framework helps explain how meditation calms the mind and potentially leads to deeper insights and experiences. By recognizing these stages, individuals can better tailor their meditation practices to achieve their desired outcomes.
One way to pursue happiness is to try and fill your experience with things that make you happy — loving relationships, prestige, kittens, whatever. Another is to change the way your mind generates experience in the first place. (View Highlight)
By default, our minds are usually snow globes in constant frenzy. Our attention constantly jumps from one flittering speck to the next, and the storm of activity blocks our view of the whole sphere. (View Highlight)
natural selection cares about ensuring our bodies survive, not that we achieve happiness and well-being. (View Highlight)