Enter the Subconscious

Religious scholars, neuroscientists, and psychoanalysts agree – there is a deep reservoir of activity beneath our conscious minds. Peter Vishton (William & Mary) shares how the unconscious mind may be making decisions for us, too quick for our conscious mind to realize. And: Daniel Hirshberg (University of Mary Washington) explores the subconscious with his Contemplative Studies students by wiring meditating students up to brain-imaging headsets. Plus: Graham Schweig (Christopher Newport University) has been practicing meditation for more than 50 years. He says “deepening the heart” is the real aim of many of India’s yoga traditions. Later in the Show: Listen to what more than a thousand women have to say about finding a balance between work, family, and self-care. Beth Cabrera (George Mason University) shares what she learned through interviews with women seeking a happy balance. Plus: Researchers have found specific genetic markers in a population of Chinese Han women that predispose them to the risk for clinical depression. Kenneth Kendler (Virginia Commonwealth University) was part of the team that made the breakthrough.