#684: Jack Kornfield — How to Reduce Anxiety and Polish the Lens of Consciousness | Science vs

Intro

In this episode of the “Science vs” podcast, host Wendy Zukerman interviews Jack Kornfield, a world-class performer and Buddhist mindfulness practice teacher. They discuss reducing anxiety and polishing the lens of consciousness. Kornfield shares insights from his own experiences and teachings, providing practical tips for improving mental well-being.

Main Takeaways

Tips for Reducing Anxiety

• Naming anxiety and acknowledging it can help liberate from it
• Thanking anxiety for trying to protect you can reduce fighting against it
• Grounding your senses to the present moment: feel your feet on the floor or connect with nature
• Questioning your thoughts: question their truth and tentativeness
• Feeling into anxiety: identify where it is in your body, feel its elements, and ask it what stories it tells
• Having an inner conversation with your heart: get quiet and ask questions to gain insight into your emotions and fears

Exploring Consciousness and Altered States

• Stan Grof, a physician and psychiatrist, conducted LSD research and developed holotropic breathwork
• Holotropic breathwork allows people to access open states using breath and music
• Consciousness is affected by psychedelics, breathwork, anesthesia, and surgeries
• Concentration meditation and deep states of concentration can lead to accessing deeper experiences of consciousness
• Understanding consciousness and its connection to mindfulness and trauma is important

Wisdom, Love, and Enlightenment

• Having a big story or no story at all is important for understanding one’s place in the world
• Enlightenment involves experiences that dissolve the sense of self and lead to a feeling of being a part of everything
• Experiences are important, but love and how we manifest in the world are the ultimate measures of enlightenment
• Practicing loving kindness and compassion can change our perspective towards others
• Being part of a supportive community can improve well-being and inner peace

Summary

Reducing Anxiety and Polishing the Lens of Consciousness

Jack Kornfield shares valuable insights on reducing anxiety and improving consciousness. He suggests acknowledging and thanking anxiety, grounding oneself in the present moment, questioning thoughts, and engaging in inner conversations with the heart. By practicing these techniques, individuals can develop a greater sense of calm and well-being.

Exploring Consciousness and Altered States

Kornfield discusses the work of Stan Grof, who conducted LSD research and developed holotropic breathwork. These practices allow individuals to access open states of consciousness, leading to unique and transformative experiences. Kornfield also highlights the impact of psychedelics, breathwork, anesthesia, and surgeries on consciousness. Understanding these connections can deepen mindfulness practices and trauma therapy.

Wisdom, Love, and Enlightenment

Kornfield emphasizes the importance of having a big story or no story at all to understand one’s place in the world. He explores the concept of enlightenment, which involves experiences that dissolve the sense of self and foster a feeling of interconnectedness. Kornfield also discusses the significance of love and how it manifests in the world as a measure of enlightenment. Practicing loving kindness and compassion can lead to happier relationships and a more gracious approach to life’s difficulties.

Conclusion

Jack Kornfield’s insights on reducing anxiety and polishing the lens of consciousness provide valuable tools for improving mental well-being. By practicing mindfulness, exploring altered states of consciousness, and cultivating love and compassion, individuals can experience greater peace and fulfillment in their lives.