This (hour-long, fascinating) talk by Daniel Siegel covers nine functions of integrated minds, definitive of mental health (all located in the middle prefrontal cortex, which is physically close to and very integrated with all other parts of the brain):\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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1. Body regulation (rebalancing the body after stress).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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2. Attuned communication with others (feeling close and connected).\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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3. Emotional balance\/affect regulation (being able to feel negative emotions without being overwhelmed, and change your own emotional state).\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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4. Response flexibility (being able to pause before acting and choose a response).\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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5. Empathy (conscious awareness of another’s perspective).\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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6. Self-insight.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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7. Modulation and calming of fear.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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8. Intuition (registering the input from neurons in the heart and gut).\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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9. Morality (being able to think of, and act for, the larger social good, even when alone).\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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“Mindfulness training” focuses on these as both goal and path. Regular practice of an integrated state – being aware of your awareness, paying attention to your intention – creates an integrated trait.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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The alternatives to integration are rigidity or chaos – various forms of mental illness are characterized by a lack of integration, and manifest as a disturbance in the nine functions.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n