Psychology for the future: let’s talk about silence

The benefits of silence on attention, empathy, creativity, and time perception

26/07/2024 | Francesca Salcioli | Our research projects, Research and the brain

The 33rd International Congress of Psychology ICP 2024: Psychology for the Future – Together in Hope was held from July 21 to 26. The new symposium, organized by the RINED Research Institute for Neuroscience, Education and Didactics of the Patrizio Paoletti Foundation, explored the fascinating topic of silence and contemplative techniques. Studies were presented on the neuropsychological mechanisms and their effects on time perception, empathy, and creativity. Various meditation techniques were examined, particularly in light of the Spherical Model of Consciousness. The event highlighted the importance of silence as a tool for global health in addressing the current challenges and opportunities of the Third Millennium.

INDEX

Silence and time perception, attention, empathy, and creativity Neurophysiology of silence: I.C.O.N.S. 2024 Silence for global health

Silence and time perception, attention, empathy, and creativity

The symposium included four contributions from neuroscientists and researchers, integrating disciplinary and methodological approaches with practices developed by Patrizio Paoletti. Among these, particular attention was given to the OVO sensory deprivation technique and the Quadrato Motor Training. The symposium was chaired by Tal Dotan Ben-Soussan, director of the RINED Research Institute of the Patrizio Paoletti Foundation, who introduced the connection between attention, body awareness, and the effect on time perception. Rotem Leshem described how verbal creativity and figurative language are influenced by exposure to an environment rich in stimuli, such as artworks or readings with innovative metaphors. Joseph Glicksohn discussed synesthesia and time perception, sharing experiences of participants immersed in an altered sensory environment through the OVO technique. Finally, Revital Naor Ziv presented a study on interoception, empathy, and perceptual components in relation to meditation.

GUIDED MEDITATIONS

Three practices to train the mind

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Neurophysiology of silence: I.C.O.N.S. 2024

The International Congress of Psychology fits within the scope of current scientific research, which increasingly recognizes intentional silence as a protective factor for the mind and overall physical health. Conscious silence and its related neurophysiological, psychological, and molecular aspects were also the focus of I.C.O.N.S. International Conference On The Neurophysiology Of Silence – Neurophysiological, Psychological, and Molecular Aspects of Health and Well-being, held at Sapienza University of Rome on July 3, 2024. I.C.O.N.S. brought together researchers, psychologists, and neuroscientists to share the latest studies on silence. The results of applying meditative practices in adolescence, research on mindful movement, such as Quadrato Motor Training, and the possibility of suspending automatic responses to think and act with greater awareness were presented.

Silence for global health

Neuro-psychopedagogical research recognizes and investigates how silence contributes to building health, not just as the absence of disease, but as a state of full psychophysical well-being, according to WHO guidelines. The Patrizio Paoletti Foundation is committed to scientific research that creates new and innovative solutions to respond to current changes and challenges. The focus is on continuity, collaboration, interdisciplinarity, and tangible results, integrating advanced techniques, such as brain imaging, with centuries-old traditions, like meditation.

Bibliography

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