Mind Over Matter: Navigating Ideological Polarity with Neural Plasticity
Are you ready to reshape your mind and challenge your deepest beliefs? In this episode, we embark on a journey into the realm of neural plasticity, unraveling the repercussions of ideological divide, and offering actionable insights on fostering a mind ripe with openness and curiosity. Because merely transforming our own perspectives is not enough, we’ll also traverse the pathway of personal evolution, revealing how we can spark a ripple of flexibility in those around us.
Listen in as I explore the phenomenon of hyper-identification with certain ideas, ideologies, or worldviews, and the negative effects that come along with this polarity. From conflict, echo chambers, weakened social cohesion, and poor decision-making, to personal fragmentation, isolation, and emotional distance, I’ll shed light on how this lack of openness impacts both individuals and societies. I’ll also discuss the concept of ‘neural plasticity,’ and explore how our brains are not static, but continually change and adapt throughout our lives, how the brain processes information, and how we can leverage this understanding to change how our brain predicts the future – and ultimately, how we act.
And as with everything I share on the podcast, this is what I believe based on what I’ve read and researched. But please don’t take my word for it. Keep what sticks, discard the rest and for goodness sakes, go out and test drive it!
What You’ll Learn In Today’s Episode:
The importance of seeking out diverse viewpoints.
How to critically evaluate our own thoughts and beliefs.
How to overcome confirmation bias and actively seek contradiction.
How to embrace the possibility for beliefs to evolve over time.
How to inspire others to change their perspectives.
What Was Mentioned:
Seven And A Half Lessons About The Brain by Lisa Feldman Barrett
Ideas Worth Sharing:
“It is so easy to overlook the personal costs when we become emotionally identified with a position.” – Christina Sestan
“How we think creates our experience of life. And we can change how we think at any time.” – Christina Sestan
“We can’t change our past, but we can change how our brain will predict the future leading to different outcomes.” – Christina Sestan
“Our failure as a culture to keep pace with scientific discoveries is, of course, not uncommon.” – Christina Sestana
“People in the West feel more comfortable with the idea that our emotions and rationale are distinct and separate because that allows for the illusion of control.” – Christina Sestan
“The brain is a network, and the network is always on.” – Christina Sestan
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