Abstract
In Western academic science, the study of the “Self” in the humanistic and psychological sciences yields the idea of the human body as a piece of biological hardware or mechanism with schools of thought such as reductionism, functionalism, and determinism driving a limited view of the mind-body system. These sects of study objectify matter and its motion to explain the fundamental nature of existence as a particle induced chemical soup ordained by biological organization which nullifies the ideas of Psychology’s influence on the whole of physiology. But in the East, an integrative approach to the “Self” is illustrated with the ideas of holistic medicine and herbalism found in China, Hindu practices of meditation, and Zen Buddhist mindfulness practices that have been clinically proven to supplement medical recovery, facilitate healthy mood regulation, and inform our existential nature to enhance the spiritual well-being of the individual across their lifetime. Integrating these points of view, scholars are beginning to realize the power of perceived psychological constructs that alter the functioning of individuals, not only in their subjective experience but in epigenetic changes and enhancement of brain changes and neuroplasticity. We consider new methods to integrate a mix-modality approach to supplement various cognitive therapies, as a humanistic and existential standpoint that can deepen the understanding of “Self” and elucidate the full capacities of the mind-body system in exploring the interplay between the physical system of the body and the subjective top-down process known as conscious attention.
Presenters
Daniel RynersonAdjunct Professor, Psychology, Montclair State University, New Jersey, United States
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
2025 Special Focus—Oceanic Journeys: Multicultural Approaches in the Humanities
KEYWORDS
Interdisciplinary, Consciousness, Psychology, Philosophy, Culture, Humanities, Subjectivity, Objectivity, Truth
