Silence is golden, even for health. Current scientific research is confirming that silence can become a protective factor for the mind and overall body health, especially when sought intentionally. The conference I.C.O.N.S. International Conference On The Neurophysiology Of Silence – Neurophysiological, psychological, and molecular aspects of health and well-being is dedicated to mindful silence and the related neurophysiological, psychological, and molecular aspects. The event by Fondazione Patrizio Paoletti is scheduled at the University of Sapienza in Rome on July 3 from 9:45 AM to 1:30 PM. Participation is free and open, and the event can also be followed in live streaming.
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Research on Silence
On July 3 at Sapienza, I.C.O.N.S. will see researchers, psychologists, and neuroscientists discuss their perspectives and the outcomes of some of the latest studies on silence. Patrizio Paoletti, founder of the Foundation, will present the Spherical Model of Consciousness, which he developed. Tal Dotan Ben-Soussan, neuroscientist and director of the RINED Research Institute, will delve into the relationship between silence and attention from an electrophysiological approach. Grazia Serantoni and Tania Di Giuseppe from RINED will present data from a study on the effects of a particular meditative practice based on silence in a group of adolescents. The research is part of the Prefiguring the Future protocol, developed by the Foundation and applied in some Italian schools with the aim of providing young people with practical tools to cultivate and train their resilience, the ability to emerge strengthened from adversities and crises.
Research on mindful movement: meditation in motion
During the meeting, the benefits on health derived from the connection between silence, mental activity, and physical activity will be discussed, presenting the concrete case of the Quadrato Motor Training, meditation in movement, which consists of performing a series of simple steps for a few minutes under the guidance of vocal instructions, within the space of a square. An exercise that combines high cognitive tension and a low-stress condition, in a sort of attentive relaxation that, as data show, improves coordination between different brain centers, increases creativity, and reduces automatic thought patterns. Michele Zampieri from the Department of Experimental Medicine at La Sapienza University will illustrate the experience.
Automatic response, fear extinction, and shared practice
Furthermore, an in-depth analysis will be dedicated to the possibility of suspending the automatic response through intentional silence, which creates an inner space where we can better understand ourselves, others, and events. Stefano Lasaponara from the Department of Psychology at La Sapienza University will speak on this topic. He will specifically analyze the role of confirmation bias, the human tendency to seek information that already aligns with one’s belief system, in the spread and entrenchment of fake news. Lastly, Valerio Santangelo and Tiziana Pedale from the University of Perugia will present a study based on functional neuroimaging, aimed at investigating the phenomenon of fear extinction under stress conditions. To complete the experience, all participants, both in-person and online, will take part in a demonstrative one-minute silent meditation conducted by Patrizio Paoletti.
Research for global healthWhat is the definition of health proposed by the WHO in 1948...
The event is promoted by Fondazione Patrizio Paoletti, a philanthropic research organization in the neuroscientific and psychopedagogical fields. I.C.O.N.S. is the first event in the series Research for Global Health, which promotes the concept of health not just as the absence of disease but as a condition of complete psychophysical well-being. On September 20, a second I.C.O.N.S. event titled “Movement: Towards Peace” will take place, followed by the third event on November 6, “Resilience for the Future 2024: An International Research Roundtable on Resilience in Times of Uncertainty”.
Program, appointment, and live streaming
Here you can download the event program, which will be held on July 3, 2024, at the Faculty of Medicine and Psychology of the University (Room 10), La Sapienza of Rome, Via dei Marsi 78. You can register for the event by writing to rined@fondazionepatriziopaoletti.org or follow it live on the Zoom platform, accessing this link. Meeting ID: 897 1513 7400 Passcode: fpp_icons
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