ARE OUR BRAINS WIRED FOR COMPASSION? The Science Behind Caring for Others
October 13, 2021| 6 PM
Jay Lacoste Sanguinetti
Our brains appear wired to respond to the suffering of others. In fact, our reward circuits fire when we alleviate suffering. The emerging neuroscience of compassion has begun to reveal our innate need to care for others and how this ability has helped us survive. But the story does not end there. Cultivating compassion through training practices like meditation activates brain circuits related to positive emotion, reduces stress, and leads to overall well-being.
In this talk, Jay Lacoste Sanguinetti, associate director of the Center for Consciousness Studies, will explore the fascinating new science of compassion and how intentional cultivation of this important ability may have wide-ranging impacts on our individual and societal health.
About the Speaker
Jay Lacoste Sanguinetti is the associate director of the Center for Consciousness Studies and a research assistant professor in the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences. Sanguinetti specializes in psychophysiological measures (EEG, fMRI, eye-tracking) of visual perception, emotion, and mindfulness meditation. His current research includes using noninvasive brain stimulation to enhance cognition and well-being. Sanguinetti recently co-launched the Sonication Enhanced Mindful Awareness (SEMA) lab to develop accelerated mindfulness protocols for therapeutic interventions to treat addiction, chronic pain, and depression.
Admission
Free admission with registration.
Live/In-Person | Every Wednesday in October.
Contact Us
Please contact us if you have questions at lectures@email.arizona.edu