This is a gem of a book, a great read, and a wonderful way to introduce someone to the practice of mindfulness. I just had to share it.
Into the Magic Shop: A Neurosurgeon's Quest to Discover the Mysteries of the Brain and the Secrets of the Heart by James R Doty, MD.
Sam Harris had the author on his podcast, which is pretty much reproduced in this video on YouTube. https://youtu.be/aBhYTxmfsMg?si=jR-nEVbWFns0Y2lN
Spend a few minutes with that, and then go get the book.
The book is very well done. It’s in the first person, and very descriptive and emotional - he is a great story teller. I know a fair amount about meditation - I spent 13 years doing it on a very regular basis, and I have learned a bit since then. I have also tried to share the practice with my grandkids via some written materials. I found that this book adds some new dimensions. He introduces you to it in story form, with a kind of a step by step process. I feel like I have a much clearer understanding of how it works from this narrative description, as opposed to scientific brain wave evaluations.
He is particularly effective in the “compassion” level of meditation. This is where you learn to reach out and “wish others well” all the time. I stumbled onto that through a whole different approach, but it is the MOST important part of this whole business. And a note to my grandkids - he says this much better than I did.
He also provides short videos on YouTube that do the same teaching exercise.
Here is the first one: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AGT32RpNhEo
If you want to change your own life in profound ways, and that of someone else - read the book.
Let me know how that goes! Thanks.
If you are more focused on verbal learning, this is his talk at Google. He also expands a bit on the historical events.
https://youtu.be/4OH02vzMEWg?si=bOE5FbQMHlWsjwAo
When you watch it, do listen to the question portion as well. There are some real gifts in there.
Page 268 My Religion - quote
Like the Dalai Lama, my religion is kindness. It is a religion that doesn’t require a god who sits in judgment or lengthy dogmatic texts. It is also a religion that doesn’t allow for anyone to feel superior to another and requires us to accept that we are all equal. This religion inspired me to research how compassion and kindness are critical to one’s mental and physical health and longevity.
