In this episode we're looking at the scientific literature to see if meditation really does improve attention or not. But first let's talk about some guiding principles when looking at science research, science truth and science proof. Here at Science Meditations we're going to have a motto about scientific research: One experiment doesn't prove anything but it might suggest something. So when we look at a particular experiment, we shouldn't just believe it’s the last word on the … [Read more...]
Attention and Technology
This episode looks at the effect technology is having on our attention and our thinking by turning to the work of Neil Postman. Neil Postman was a communications theorist and professor of media studies at New York University who garnered some fame with his 1985 book Amusing Ourselves to Death. His belief was that it isn’t the content produced by a particular type of technology that influences our thinking but rather how different technologies change the way we use important words. Words … [Read more...]
Meditation (Dhyana) and Attention
In our first episode we begin at the beginning with the question, "Why do we meditate?" Pretty much anyone who has taken up meditation did so to improve their attention. What they wanted to attend to differed throughout history amongst the various meditation traditions but everyone who meditated wanted to bring their attention to some thought, feeling or transcendent power. We look at the history of the English word "attention" and the Sanskrit word "dhyana" and what their … [Read more...]
Temperature or How to Remain Absolutely Cool Always
When we measure temperature what we're really measuring is energy being released by moving molecules. To make a soothing cup of tea, we take some water and put it over a source of heat, like an electric element or a gas stove. As the heat enters the water, it makes the water molecules move faster and faster. These molecules absorb the energy from the heat and convert it to movement energy also known as kinetic energy. The opposite can happen also. When molecules slow down, their kinetic … [Read more...]