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Putting meditation to the test (2011)

newscientist.com

1–10 of 52 posts

Re: Putting meditation to the test (2011)

#5
post #2

I'm curious if these scientists try to make the connection between the flow and the focused attention meditation. It seems to me that by trying to meditate, you are actually trying to get to the state of flow.

I don't think so. Flow makes you blind to everything that is arround you. It's pretty much hyper-focused tunnel vision. "Mindfulness" meditation, on the other hand, gives you a very wide awareness. Of yourself and of your environment. Not just on the task at hand. At least that's how I see it.

Re: Putting meditation to the test (2011)

#6
post #3

Have these studies been reproduced elsewhere, or is it a singular group of researchers extolling the virtues of meditation?

as a 10+ yr practitioner, studies are useless. practice it and test it by yourself, no harm done and a lot to gain ;)

This is how pseudoscience takes root. You are the easiest person for you to fool.

Re: Putting meditation to the test (2011)

#7
post #6

Earlier quoted context omitted.

as a 10+ yr practitioner, studies are useless. practice it and test it by yourself, no harm done and a lot to gain ;)

This is how pseudoscience takes root. You are the easiest person for you to fool.

Yes, God forbid you fool yourself into feeling good and relaxed.

Re: Putting meditation to the test (2011)

#8
post #6

Earlier quoted context omitted.

as a 10+ yr practitioner, studies are useless. practice it and test it by yourself, no harm done and a lot to gain ;)

This is how pseudoscience takes root. You are the easiest person for you to fool.

Its also how science fails to take root: by discouraging people from trying things, just because it hasn't been rubber-stamped by the authorities yet ..

Re: Putting meditation to the test (2011)

#9
post #5
post #2

I'm curious if these scientists try to make the connection between the flow and the focused attention meditation. It seems to me that by trying to meditate, you are actually trying to get to the state of flow.

I don't think so. Flow makes you blind to everything that is arround you. It's pretty much hyper-focused tunnel vision. "Mindfulness" meditation, on the other hand, gives you a very wide awareness. Of yourself and of your environment. Not just on the task at hand. At least that's how I see it.

Yes, I think mindfulness is the opposite of flow. Because otherwise, why would I need meditation after a full day of work (flow)?

Re: Putting meditation to the test (2011)

#10
post #3

Have these studies been reproduced elsewhere, or is it a singular group of researchers extolling the virtues of meditation?

as a 10+ yr practitioner, studies are useless. practice it and test it by yourself, no harm done and a lot to gain ;)

It's not really "no harm done" - the opportunity cost of wasting time that could be spent on other activities is a deterrent, for me at least.
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