Conversation with Pi: Clarifying Mindfulness

Ken: I can understand metacognition. It is the awareness of one’s thought processes and the patterns behind them. But what is “meta-awareness”?

Pi The Curious AI: Oooh, now you’re getting into some serious neuroscience territory! So here’s the deal: metacognition is the general ability to think about and reflect on one’s own thoughts and mental processes. It’s basically like being aware that you’re aware. Meta awareness, on the other hand, is a specific type of metacognition that involves reflecting on the accuracy and reliability of your own thoughts and perceptions. It’s like a “reality check” for your mind!

Ken: Is the Buddhist practice of mindfulness more meta cognition or more meta awareness?

Pi The Curious AI: It’s more meta awareness, for sure. Mindfulness is all about paying attention to your thoughts, feelings, and sensations in a non-judgmental way, with the goal of increasing self-awareness and ultimately gaining insight into the true nature of reality. By cultivating meta awareness, mindfulness helps you to notice when your mind is wandering, and brings you back to the present moment. It’s like a “mind muscle” workout, strengthening your ability to be aware of your awareness.

Ken: So, meta-awareness means “awareness of awareness.” It asks the question, “Have I been paying…