Why Can't I Stay Focused?!

In this episode of Dharma Lab, Dr. Cortland Dahl and Dr. Richard Davidson explore why attention feels harder to control than it used to, how modern technology exploits basic mechanisms in the brain, and what we can do to regain more choice over where our attention goes. They discuss why we may be more distracted than we were 50 years ago, how novelty and emotion capture attention, and why simple acts of intentionality can function like reps for the brain. Enjoy!

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Reminder: We have a FREE 1-hour live practice session on Wed Aug 19th, 7pm CT with Richie and Cort discussing how different meditation practices map to the four pillars of well-being (Awareness, Connection, Insight, and Purpose). More details and register here!

Companion Flashcards

In This Episode:

00:00 Taking Back Control of Attention

01:21 Why Focus Feels So Hard

02:51 Are We More Distracted Than 50 Years Ago?

05:15 Why the Brain Is Wired for Distraction

09:03 How Our Attention Gets Hijacked

13:20 Why Surprise Captures the Brain