How to understand your own consciousness (w/ Michael Pollan)

The podcast explores the nature of consciousness, probing its importance and how it is being threatened by technology. Michael Pollan, author of "A World Appears," discusses how understanding consciousness is crucial, especially with the rise of AI and social media that compete for our attention and emotions. Pollan suggests that our perception of reality is shaped by our senses and scale, and that experiences like meditation and psychedelic use can alter our understanding of consciousness. He also touches on plant sentience, the illusion of self, and the impact of autobiographical memory on our ever-evolving identities. Practical exercises include reflecting on the moment of waking up, embracing boredom, and observing the world with "lantern consciousness."