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Published Dec 24, 2020

451: Jason Silva | Origins of a Performance Philosopher

Jason Silva, host of National Geographic's Brain Games, delves into the formation of self-concept, the role of artistic philosophy, and strategies for altering perception and enhancing cognitive states, illustrating his journey as a performance philosopher.
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  • Environment

    discusses how altering physical surroundings can significantly impact perception and induce altered states. He describes cities like Amsterdam, where the unique urban design and cultural elements create a surreal environment that feels like an alternate reality. This environment, combined with trusted friends and the right mindset, can evoke a childlike sense of wonder and curiosity.

    You need to travel to another realm, dude. It's the same thing that you would want to pack for an epic journey. Treat your life like a journey, pack accordingly— the right friends, the right vibe, the right people, the right equipment, everything.

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    Silva emphasizes the importance of curating environments that catalyze specific states of consciousness, using tools like architecture and nature to enhance mental landscapes 1 2.

       

    Substances

    Silva explores the role of substances like cannabis in influencing cognitive states and perception. He highlights how cannabis can enhance improvisational activities by increasing pattern recognition and lateral thinking, making it a valuable tool for artists and performers. This duality of surrender and control is crucial for achieving exceptional performance.

    Perfection, any kind of perfection or exceptionality in anything is not just about control. It's also about letting go.

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    He also discusses how his videos induce altered states in viewers through intense verbal and visual stimuli, creating an immersive experience that mirrors his own altered states during performance 3 4.

       

    Mental Practices

    Silva delves into mental practices that can alter cognitive processes and perception. He explains the importance of silencing the inner critic, a concept central to achieving flow states and exceptional performance. Techniques like freestyle rapping and jazz improvisation serve as examples of how shutting down the self-editing part of the brain can lead to creative breakthroughs.

    We don't see the world as it is. We see the world as we are.

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    He also touches on cognitive distortions and how our interpretive frameworks shape our reality, emphasizing the power of perspective in altering our experiences 5 6.

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