Dr Joan Borysenko – The Mystic Heart: The Neuroscience and Experience of the “Ecstatic Spectrum”
What are the neural correlates of spiritual experience?
Mystical experience was defined by Harvard professor William James, over a hundred years ago. He identified four key aspects: a brief interlude beyond time and space that feels realer than real: ineffable -or impossible to put into words; imparting precious wisdom unavailable by other means; and a gift of grace rather than a result of will. More recently, neuroscientists have studied meditation, mindfulness, flow, awe, enlightenment and diverse aspects of what author and researcher Stephen Kotler has dubbed the ecstatic spectrum. In this presentation, we’ll explore neural correlates of these spiritual experiences. Meditative states, flow, the enchantment of the natural world, love, and meaningful ritual can free us from “selfing,” the preoccupation with I, me, and mine. Activity in the DMN (default mode network) of the brain declines and a larger world of loving presence and possibility opens up.
•
About the speaker:
Joan Borysenko, PhD is a world-renowned expert in the mind-body connection. A licensed psychologist and a Harvard-trained cell biologist, Joan synthesizes cutting edge science with deep humanity. A New York Times bestselling author of 17 books and numerous audio programs for meditation and stress management, Joan’s work has appeared in The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, on Public Television, and on many websites. Dr. Borysenko’s warmth and credibility plus her lively sense of humour make her one the most popular and sought-after speakers in the fields of health, healing, and spirituality. Joan’s work integrates science, positive psychology, spirituality and epigenetics in a deeply inspiring and uplifting way. President of Mind-Body Health Sciences, LLC, Joan lives in the mountains of New Mexico with her husband, Gordon Dveirin, EdD and their two standard poodles, Mitzi and Lola.
Find out more at www.joanborysenko.com or join the lively conversation at www.facebook.com/joanborysenkocommunity.
TICKETS
Note: all bookings will receive a link to view the RECORDING
Speaker
-
Joan BorysenkoPsychologist, Cell BiologistJoan Borysenko, PhD is a world-renowned expert in the mind-body connection. A licensed psychologist and a Harvard-trained cell biologist, Joan synthesizes cutting edge science with deep humanity. A New York Times bestselling author of 17 books and numerous audio programs for meditation and stress management, Joan’s work has appeared in The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, on Public Television, and on many websites. Dr. Borysenko’s warmth and credibility plus her lively sense of humour make her one the most popular and sought-after speakers in the fields of health, healing, and spirituality. Joan’s work integrates science, positive psychology, spirituality and epigenetics in a deeply inspiring and uplifting way. President of Mind-Body Health Sciences, LLC, Joan lives in the mountains of New Mexico with her husband, Gordon Dveirin, EdD and their two standard poodles, Mitzi and Lola. Find out more at www.joanborysenko.com or join the lively conversation at www.facebook.com/joanborysenkocommunity.
