The Science of Equanimity & Its Emerging Neurotech (Jay Sanguinetti)

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What if instead of subscribing prozac, the medical system provided mental health support by using cutting edge technology that dropped you into a state of equanimity and wholeness? 

And then what if this was followed by an ongoing mindfulness protocol that made accessing it regularly part of your life?

This upgraded vision of helping people be happier and healthier was the crux of the conversation with today’s guest Jay Sanguinetti.

Jay is a scientist, professor, entrepreneur, and meditation teacher. He currently co-directs the SEMA Lab (Science Enhanced Mindful Awareness) with renowned teacher Shinzen Young and is the Assistant Director at the Center for Consciousness Studies at University of Arizona. 

In this conversation we explore how neuroscience, technology, and mindfulness are coming together to uplift humanity.

With the mission of alleviating human suffering, Jay and his colleagues have spent years trying to understand the science of equanimity. Using what they learned, they’ve found ways that technology can accelerate and improve accessibility to these states. A key technology we discuss is the use of targeted ultrasound to give people access to an initial gateway experience.

What I appreciate about what Jay and his team are doing is that there is a marriage between emerging technology and ancient technologies like meditation. I believe the most supportive path forward for humans is through integrating the best of both old and new.

Other interesting ideas in this conversation:

• What is the role of science in mindfulness?

• How ultrasound provides more than an initial peak experience 

• The potential role of AI in scaling mindfulness and mental health support

• The comparison between neurotech and other altered state accelerators, such as psychedelics

• How the healthcare system may shift with oncoming advances in mental health

• The importance of business model alignment with the next generation of mental health technologies

• The unfolding of a mindfulness practice to life becoming a mindfulness practice

A lot of times there seems to be this polarized view of how technology and mindfulness interoperate. I think this is polarized, limited thinking.

I believe there’s a huge opportunity to use the latest advances in technology to supercharge the ancient technology that we know already works. I’m glad people like Jay are working on this and I’m keeping a close eye on the field as it progresses.

I found myself very energized after this conversation thinking about the future that Jay describes. I hope you enjoy it!

-Scott

If you liked reading or listening to this, feel free to click the ❤️ or 🔄 button on this post so more people can discover it on Substack 🙏

Recommended Resources:

• Jay Sanguinetti - website

• SEMA Lab

• The Center for Consciousness Studies

Episode Transcript

• Jay Sanguinetti Full Transcript

Show notes:

• 00:00 - Introduction and Research at SEMA Lab

• 01:17 - The Role of Science in Making Mindfulness Accessible

• 04:24 - The Potential of Neurotechnology in Enhancing Mindfulness

• 05:23 - Targeted Ultrasound and its Effects on Equanimity

• 08:58 - Comparing Neurotechnology to Other Accelerators

• 10:05 - The Precision and Subtlety of Focused Brain Stimulation

• 12:20 - The Lasting Effects of Targeted Ultrasound

• 15:41 - The Future of Neurotechnology in Mental Health

• 21:06 - The Challenge of Validated Scientific Protocols

• 22:44 - The Importance of Integration in Mental Health Interventions

• 23:23 - Living in Richness

• 24:50 - The Challenge of Bringing Insights into Daily Life

• 26:14 - The Role of AI in Personal Transformation

• 27:10 - The Importance of Community in Personal Growth

• 28:10 - The Potential of AI in Mental Health Support

• 29:04 - Aligning AI Systems with Human Well-being

• 30:00 - Creating a Model of Human Happiness

• 31:26 - The Need for Comprehensive Models of Well-being

• 32:22 - Aligning Technology with Human Goals

• 34:11 - The Importance of Aligning Business Models with Solutions

• 35:11 - The Challenge of Aligning Personal Transformation with Social Responsibility

• 36:07 - The Practice of Aligning Personal and Social Goals

• 37:33 - The Role of AI in Supporting Personal Transformation

• 39:20 - The Importance of Connection in Technology

• 41:04 - Aligning Personal Goals with a Deeper Mission

• 42:25 - The Journey of Personal Transformation

• 43:30 - Moving from Separation to Connection