logo
episode-header-image
Dec 2020
47m 33s

354: The Science of Meditation with Shin...

HAL ELROD
About this episode

Have you ever had the opportunity to talk with a true master in the realms of mindfulness and meditation? Over the years, I’ve read books and learned from various experts, but none with today’s level of mastery. 

Today’s guest, Shinzen Young, has practiced and taught meditation for over 50 years and is considered to be a true master. He is the co-director of the SEMA (Sonication-Enhanced Mindfulness Acquisition) Lab doing neuroscience research at the University of Arizona, and author of one of the most practical books I’ve ever read on the subject: The Science of Enlightenment: How Meditation Works.

In a conversation I’ve been looking forward to for a long time, Shinzen and I dive deep into what makes a mindfulness practice so valuable, overcoming limiting beliefs and setbacks, and what you should do to make your next practice even better.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

  • How to develop the fundamental attention skills that allow us to succeed not just in meditation, but in life.
  • Why it’s so important to establish and maintain goals to have an effective, meaningful, lifelong meditation practice.
  • Why meditation is not the whole story for human happiness - and the negative effects it can have on people. 
  • What happened when Shinzen procrastinated and had to return an advance to a major publisher after failing to deliver his first book. 
  • Why Shinzen recommends you do more of what you’re already doing in your mindfulness practice - and do it better.

Get The Full Show Notes

To get full access to today's show notes, including audio, transcript, and links to all the resources mentioned, visit HalElrod.com/354

Subscribe, Rate & Review

I would love if you could subscribe to the podcast and leave an honest rating & review. This will encourage other people to listen and allow us to grow as a community. The bigger we get as a community, the bigger the impact we can have on the world.

To subscribe, rate, and review the podcast on iTunes, visit HalElrod.com/iTunes.

Copyright © 2020 Miracle Morning, LP and International Literary Properties LLC

Up next
Aug 20
599: How to Receive Divine Guidance and Unlock Your Best Ideas
Ever notice your best ideas don’t come when you’re forcing yourself to “figure things out”? They show up in the shower, on a walk, or drifting off to sleep. That’s because inspiration flows when you quiet your overactive, ego-driven mind and create space for divine guidance. Toda ... Show More
32m 25s
Aug 13
598: AI and Bitcoin: What You Need to Know (and Do) NOW with Mark Moss
If you're worried that AI will replace your job or that Bitcoin is just hype, this episode will challenge your perspective on the future of work and money. For many, AI sparks fears of mass job loss or the gradual erosion of our ability to think for ourselves. And Bitcoin comes w ... Show More
1h 9m
Aug 6
597: How Visualization Can Change Your Life with Maya Raichoora
Whether you’ve used visualization before or never seriously considered it, chances are you’re missing its full potential. Done right, it’s not just a feel-good exercise—it’s a mental fitness tool top performers use to train their minds and sharpen results. Even after years of pra ... Show More
38m 2s
Recommended Episodes
Nov 2018
How to Make Meditation Easy with Ariel Garten
Meditation is a simple path to a healthier, more productive life. I’m excited about today’s conversation with guest Ariel Garten—founder of MUSE, scientist, and expert on mindfulness and entrepreneurship—who is here to tell us how meditating for just a few minutes a day can chang ... Show More
18m 29s
Jul 2021
Why Meditation is Your Ultimate Life Hack – Light Watkins and Emily Fletcher : 836
People used to think that meditation made you gullible," says meditation teacher Light Watkins. "Now, they realized that meditation makes you bold, as some of the most influential business and thought leaders of our day see meditation as non-negotiable for making big moves."Light ... Show More
29m 30s
Nov 2020
Why Meditation Alone Is Not Enough - Emily Fletcher
Many of us have started meditating during the chaos of 2020. Maybe we downloaded an app and are even practicing every day. But is this practice making us better people? Are we doing it right? Can we manage to meditate without falling asleep? In this talk from Emily Fletcher, the ... Show More
29m 58s
Apr 2018
Light Watkins On Dispelling Meditation Myths — And Why You Should Adopt A Daily Practice
“Life is going to catch up to your practice.”Light Watkins We all want to be happy.So why is it so elusive?The problem isn’t information. We all know our contentedness is linked to eating right, sleeping well and surrounding ourselves with those who elevate. We get the importance ... Show More
1h 54m
Nov 2022
Using Meditation to Supercharge Your Performance with Vishen Lakhiani
Can meditation improve your intuition, performance, and relationships? When it comes to productivity and performance, meditation is a powerful tool. But the benefits of meditation extend far beyond simply getting day-to-day results. By focusing your mind for a few minutes a day, ... Show More
21m 16s
Sep 2015
Meditation: Beyond the Practice with Susan Piver
Most people look at meditation as a practice. Something you do daily, most often seated on a cushion.New York Times bestselling author of eight books, and Shambhala Buddhist meditation teacher, Susan Piver, has a different take.What if it's not just a practice, she offers, but a ... Show More
1h 2m
Jul 2022
10 Benefits of Meditation for Transforming the Mind and Body w/John R. Miles EP 160
The ancient practice of meditation is as pertinent today as it was two millennia ago when it was discovered. Amid the turmoil of life, we all could use the scientific benefits of meditation which provides a simple yet effective and convenient way to relax your body, calm your min ... Show More
24m 37s
Oct 2015
Michael Taft: Meditation and Mindfulness for Geeks
This week we talk to Michael Taft about better mediation Michael W. Taft is an author, editor, meditation teacher, and neuroscience junkie. He is currently a meditation coach specializing in secular, science-based meditation training in corporate settings and one-on-one sessions. ... Show More
42m 14s
Feb 2022
Guided Meditation With Top Meditation Coach Rasa With Rasa Lukosiute
About The Guest On the latest episode on the Law Of Attraction Podcast, I sat down with Rasa Lukosiute (@pura.rasa) Rasa has one of the BIGGEST MEDITATION platforms on YouTube! I have to admit I was fan-girling her for many years, so I’m so excited to have her on our show today f ... Show More
44m 9s