Lecture Notes: Thought Stopping and Zen Meditation

Introduction

Topic: Thought Stopping and Zen Meditation for Cognitive Control
Objective: Discuss methods for practicing cognitive control (steering, damping)

Cognitive Dampening: Managing emotional or cognitive shocks for steadier control
Analogy: Powerful brains (like ADHD/gifted brains) are like race cars needing brakes

Excitation and Inhibition: Neurons either emit signals or shut down with increased signals
Importance: Quieting the brain (getting rid of noise) is essential, over-activation can be harmful (e.g., seizures)

Definition: Technique to stop unhelpful or harmful trains of thought
Origins: Early application in preventing fantasizing about future relationships
Process: Self-Awareness and Practice
- Step 1: Catch yourself in unhelpful thoughts (requires metacognitive awareness)
- Step 2: Apply a technique (e.g., snapping a rubber band) to reorient your thinking
Applications: Universal, applies to various scenarios like irritations at work
Analogy: Like driving a Ferrari and hitting the brakes when heading in a wrong direction

Difference from Mindfulness Meditation: Instead of allowing thoughts, aim to bring brain to a standstill
Objective: Shift brain waves from alpha/beta to delta
Method:
- Use meditation tracks (e.g., singing bowls)
- Start: Focus on breath
- Action: Mentally say “stop” to thoughts, let the mind become still
- Outcome: Increased cognitive control, better decision-making
Experience: Altered perception of time, feels like hands off brain’s steering wheel

Mental Clarity: Improved cognitive control, reflexes, and awareness
Lasting Effects: Feels like post-nut clarity but longer lasting
Decision Making: Enhanced awareness of motivations and better control over decisions