Ancient Wisdom & Modern Technology for Habit Change

Overview

Dr. Jud delivered a keynote talk at the MIT BrainMind Summit in 2019 on the intersection of ancient contemplative wisdom and modern neuroscience. The talk addressed a fundamental question: why do our brains get hooked on everyday behaviors, and what actually works to change them?

Dr. Jud covered the neuroscience of habit formation — how the brain’s reward-based learning system creates automatic patterns that run on autopilot. He explained why behaviors from stress-eating to phone-checking to worrying follow the same trigger-behavior-reward loop, and why these “everyday addictions” are so hard to break with willpower alone.

The core of the talk was Dr. Jud’s research showing that contemplative practices — particularly mindfulness — are not just ancient philosophy but validated neuroscience. His lab has demonstrated that mindfulness training deactivates the posterior cingulate cortex (a key brain region in the default mode network), and that curiosity-based approaches are measurably more effective than force-of-will strategies for breaking habits. He also presented how technology — including app-based programs and neurofeedback — can scale these ancient techniques to help millions of people.

Key Takeaways

• Everyday behaviors can become addictive: The brain does not distinguish between substance addiction and everyday habit loops. Stress-eating, worry, and phone-checking all follow the same neurological reward pattern.
• Willpower is not a winning strategy: The prefrontal cortex goes offline when you are stressed or tired — exactly when you need it most. Relying on self-control sets people up to fail.
• Ancient contemplative practices are backed by modern neuroscience: Mindfulness techniques that originated thousands of years ago produce measurable changes in brain activity, particularly in the posterior cingulate cortex and default mode network.
• Technology can scale habit change: App-based mindfulness programs and neurofeedback tools make research-validated habit change strategies accessible to people who may never attend a meditation retreat.

Related Resources

• What is the habit loop?
• Habit change strategies reviewed
• Mindfulness exercises
• How anxiety becomes a habit
• The Craving Mind — the neuroscience of addiction