What happens in the brain in the midst of meditation? Modern science is revealing a whole new world of inner understanding. In this episode, Loch and psychologist and researcher, Dr. David Vago, discuss the neuroscience of awakening. From both ancient and modern points of view they explore the relationship between brain networks and awareness, particularly interconnected nondual states. They discuss the system-wide effects of mindfulness on mental health and well-being, and dig into some interesting dialogue about the illusion of self-identity, and various flow states. After the discussion, stay tuned for a mindful glimpse meditation where you can experience awareness energy yourself.Guided Glimpse Meditation: Effortless FocusIn this 8 minute guided meditation, you are invited to discover the view from the field of awareness energy. When we are looking from this interconnected field of awake consciousness we can focus effortlessly, and feel the unity of everything.Dr. David Vago:As a Research Associate Professor of Psychology at Vanderbilt University, Dr. David Vago directs the Contemplative Neuroscience & Mind-Body Research Laboratory. He also maintains an appointment as a research associate in the department of Psychiatry, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School. Dr. Vago has over 15 years experience studying the basic neurobiological mechanisms supporting Mind-Body practices and the effects on mental health and well-being. A number of his ongoing research initiatives include Mapping the Meditative Mind, in which Dr. Vago has partnered with contemporary meditation teachers and scholars to investigate psychosocial and neurobiological mechanisms supporting states of meditation across the spectrum of formal meditative expertise.David's Site:https://davidvago.bwh.harvard.edu/International Society for Contemplative Research (ISCR) - https://www.contemplativeneurosciences.com/Related:https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3480633/https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29169033/For more info about Loch, visit: https://lochkelly.org/ For additional information about this podcast, visit:  https://podcast.effortlessmindfulness.com/ For the Loch Kelly App, visit: https://effortlessmindfulness.com and to donate, visit:  https://lochkelly.org/donate.

 This episode features a short "glimpse” or micro-meditation that helps us shift out of our chattering mind and into our already awake consciousness. This mindful glimpse brings us back to our senses and then continues to introduce us to the most important discovery for freedom: awake awareness. By experiencing awake awareness around us and the aliveness within us as interconnected, we discover we are no longer self-centered. Rather, we are interdependent with the Infinite, clear and loving consciousness that is always available within us and as us. From this new view and supportive ground we can be with everything that arises and experience a deep sense of embodiment, wisdom, flow and compassionate activity. For more info about Loch, visit: https://lochkelly.org/ For additional information about this podcast, visit:  https://podcast.effortlessmindfulness.com/ For the Loch Kelly App, visit: https://effortlessmindfulness.com and to donate, visit:  https://lochkelly.org/donate.

"Time is the greatest concept of all, hiding the dynamic, open nature of experience under the garments of the concepts past, present, and future," wrote Princeton astrophysics professor Piet Hut. Where do quantum physics and the great wisdom traditions meet? Here in the Now. The "Now" in Tibetan Buddhism is translated as "The timeless awareness that includes the three relative times of past, present and future." But the Now is not the present moment. We can not live in the present moment as moments are here and gone like the tick-tock of a clock, here-gone-here-gone. However, we can learn to shift into the eternal Now, which is always here as a ground that is both infinite and intimate.Being here and now provides a doorway to an awake, open-hearted awareness that can be accessed experientially at any time. It is a field of compassion and well-being from which you can respond rather than react and experience flow states.In this conversation, author, psychotherapist, and meditation teacher Loch Kelly and Princeton Professor and Astrophysicist Piet Hut explore everything from quantum mechanics, the theory of relativity, nonduality, the nature of reality, and consciousness.At the end of the discussion, Loch provides a glimpse meditation to help you experientially shift your awareness into the timeless, boundless Now. "Time is the greatest concept of all, hiding the dynamic, open nature of experience under the garments of the concepts past, present, and future," wrote Princeton astrophysics professor Piet Hut. Where do quantum physics and the great wisdom traditions meet? Here in the Now. The "Now" in Tibetan Buddhism is translated as "The timeless awareness that includes the three relative times of past, present and future." But the Now is not the present moment. We can not live in the present moment as moments are here and gone like the tick-tock of a clock, here-gone-here-gone. However, we can learn to shift into the eternal Now, which is always here as a ground that is both infinite and intimate.Being here and now provides a doorway to an awake, open-hearted awareness that can be accessed experientially at any time. It is a field of compassion and well-being from which you can respond rather than react and experience flow states.In this conversation, author, psychotherapist, and meditation teacher Loch Kelly and Princeton Professor and Astrophysicist Piet Hut explore everything from quantum mechanics, the theory of relativity, nonduality, the nature of reality, and consciousness.At the end of the discussion, Loch provides a glimpse meditation to help you experientially shift your awareness into the timeless, boundless Now. For more info about Loch, visit: https://lochkelly.org/ For additional information about this podcast, visit:  https://podcast.effortlessmindfulness.com/ For the Loch Kelly App, visit: https://effortlessmindfulness.com and to donate, visit:  https://lochkelly.org/donate.

 What’s here now if the peace you’re seeking is already here? In this episode, Loch examines the differences between standard mindfulness and the nondual direct way of Effortless Mindfulness, where we are mindful from another level of Mind. Hear about the stages of awakening: from direct recognition to realization to familiarization to expression. Learn to immediately access our inherent awareness-based knowing that unfolds into an embodied life of wisdom and compassion. For more info about Loch, visit: https://lochkelly.org/ For additional information about this podcast, visit:  https://podcast.effortlessmindfulness.com/ For the Loch Kelly App, visit: https://effortlessmindfulness.com and to donate, visit:  https://lochkelly.org/donate.

Loch and Valerie (Vimalasara) Mason-John, a leading voice in mindfulness and addiction recovery, dive deep into a discussion about relieving "perpetual dissatisfaction" through Buddhist teachings and the expansive ground of awake consciousness. Dr. Valerie (Vimalasara) Mason-John, M.A (hon.doc) has been practicing mindfulness for over 30 years and is one of the leading African-descent voices in the field of mindfulness and addiction. They is the award-winning author of 10 books, and the co-author and co-founder of Eight Step Recovery: Using The Buddha’s Teaching to Overcome Addiction. Valerie — also known as Vimalasara — was ordained into the Triratna Buddhist Community and is a senior teacher in this tradition. They is the co-creator of Mindfulness Based Addiction Recovery (MBAR) and is a certified professional Mindfulness Teacher, Recovery Coach, Life Coach, and a Compassionate Inquiry Facilitator and Practitioner. She trains professionals working in the field of addiction all over the world. To view a recording of this episode and other guided meditations visit: https://www.youtube.com/@LochKelly For Valerie's website: https://www.valeriemason-john.com/ To reach the Buddhist Recovery Network: https://www.buddhistrecovery.org/ For more info about Loch, visit: https://lochkelly.org/ For additional information about this podcast, visit: https://podcast.effortlessmindfulness.com/ For the Loch Kelly App, visit: https://effortlessmindfulness.com and to donate, visit: https://lochkelly.org/donate.