How is the Self represented in the brain and how is it sculpted through our everyday moment-to-moment perceptions, emotions, and thoughts? Cognitive Neuroscientist, David Vago demonstrates that a systematic form of mental training involving meditation and mindful awareness has the potential to transform our self and our mental habits in a positive way. Learn more about how every moment is an opportunity to change our brain and strongly influence our health & longevity at both conscious and non-conscious levels.
A Cognitive Neuroscientist by training, David Vago has close to 20 years of experience with mindfulness practice and teaching, and over a decade conducting translational neuroimaging, cognitive, and clinical research on the basic mechanisms and therapeutic relevance of mindfulness and associated meditation/contemplative practices. Through his research, Dr. Vago focuses on one basic question – “What are the basic neurobiological and physiological components that constitute adaptive mind-brain-body interactions and their therapeutic relevance in psychiatric settings?” In addition to being an expert in the emerging field of contemplative neuroscience, David has studied the neural mechanisms of neuropsychiatric disease and chronic pain using fMRI and is translating these findings into biologically-based diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for alleviating suffering. He is the research director at the Osher Center for Integrative Medicine at Vanderbilt University Medical Center and a research associate in the Functional Neuroimaging Laboratory, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School.
This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at
Lost me at Dalai lama – of course he’d say he’ll come back as a demon.
Right sir ajeyadada ghosal Pappu dada i also interested new thought programming and new innovation idea peace of mind zero thought the untethered soul Michael singer meditation so quite cool relax peace calm thats all sir baby ajeyadada ghosal Pappu dada student babg Arpita ghosal thats all
Right baby sir ajeyadada ghosal Pappu dada baby student Arpita dutta
Right sir baby ajeyadada ghosal Pappu dada baby student Arpita ghosal
Dr. Vago’s perspective on the neuroscience of the self is such a refreshing take on why mindfulness actually matters beyond the surface level. We often treat our ‘self’ as a fixed entity, but seeing it as a dynamic representation that we can activly sculpt through neuroplasticity is a total game changer for personal growth.
The way he describes how our everyday perceptions and emotions are constantly shaping our brain’s structure makes you realize that there’s no such thing as a neutral moment. Every thought is basically a vote for the person you’re becoming. It’s wild to think that we can use systematic mental training to move away from those non-conscious habits that don’t serve us and move toward better cognitive wellness.
I definately think the link between mindfulness and longevity is something people need to hear more about. It’s not just about stress reduction in the moment—it’s about influencing our neurobiology at a level that affects our long-term health. The idea that we can intentionally change the self by being more aware of these moment-to-moment perceptions is incredibly empowering. Sometimes it feels like we’re just passengers in our own heads, but this research proves we can actually get in the drivers seat if we put in the work.
Also, the focus on mental habit formation is so key. We often try to change our lives through big, sweeping gestures, but it’s really about that moment-to-moment awareness that slowly shifts the neural pathways over time. It’s a slow process for sure, but the science shows it’s totally possible to seperate ourselves from old patterns and build a more adaptive mind-brain-body interaction. 🧠✨