Mindfulness has grown increasingly popular over the past two decades. Yet there are legitimate questions about how, and whether, this practice is appropriate for the modern Western mind. Can mindfulness be extracted from its original Buddhist cultural/philosophical context? How can this practice best be adapted to modern, Western, capitalist life... especially when so many of us are prone to trauma, anxiety, and the brain-scrambling effects of Tik Tok and other technology? Can we "shortcut" spiritual practice? These are among the questions that I discuss with my very delightful guest, Christin Chong, in this deep dive into the mind.
Christin Chong is a neuroscience PhD, Buddhist chaplaincy trainee, and creative entrepreneur. She is the author of "Debug Your Meditation" and offers speaking, consulting, and online courses at the intersection of Buddhism, science, and creativity. Her online writing community, Kind Camp, offers a space to deepen personal discovery through reflection and support based in Buddhist and neuroscience principles.
In particular, we discuss:
-Christin's early childhood and how witnessing life's ephemeral nature inspired her career path.
-The continuous human experience of "never having enough."
-The "inner" and "outer" story arc of our lives.
-The tension between spiritually oriented work and pursuing financial success.
-How the illusion of "doing spiritual work" can actually obscure our deeper path and potential.
-The question of whether mindfulness can be extracted from its original Buddhist context.
-Mindfulness as a self-improvement tool.
-"Shortcutting" the spiritual path through psychedelics versus the slow and boring path.
-Why its hard to "step on the brakes" and meditate when our brains are being overstimulated by Tik Tok and technology.
-Misconceptions about "ego" and why low self-esteem, depression, and anxiety are also rooted in high ego.
-Bringing mindfulness and Buddhism into the business world.
-Alternative mindfulness practices for anxiety, panic, and trauma.
-And much more!
Christin's website: https://christinchong.com/
Grab a copy of Christin's book, Debug Your Meditation: https://christinchong.gumroad.com/l/debug/COMMONPLACE
Referenced in this episode: "On the Path" (Documentary Film on adverse meditation experiences): https://vimeo.com/482172141
Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/DEkuFg9HcUU
What are you thoughts on this topic/episode?! We'd love to hear what you liked, agreed/disagreed with, and what you'd like to hear more of! Email: hello@the-middle-way.com
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Website: https://matthewgoodmanphd.com
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~May you be happy. May you be healthy. May you live with ease and joy. May you be free of suffering~
