Prof. Dr. Steven Laureys’s journey in neurology began with a fascination for consciousness and the mind-body connection, driven by a desire to understand how neuroscience can map and translate our internal universe to meet the needs and challenges of modern society.
He is a neurologist and researcher with a profound passion for unravelling the mysteries of the human brain and mind. He leads the Canada Excellence Research Chair on Neuroplasticity at CERVO Laval University and serves as an invited professor at BIDMC Harvard Medical School. Previously, he founded the GIGA Consciousness Research Centre at the University of Liège. He enjoys being a speaker and a 3D-printed model of his brain often accompanies his presentations, helping to explain the intricate connectivity and functionality of this remarkable organ.
Over the years, Steven has explored various aspects of brain function, including traumatic brain injury, concussion, stroke, coma, brain death, near-death experiences, dreaming, sleep, and the effects of psychedelics, meditation, hypnosis, and trance. In his books, “The Neurology of Consciousness” and the international bestseller “The No-Nonsense Meditation Book,” Steven spotlights the profound impact of meditation on brain health.
In this exclusive interview, Dr. Laureys discusses human consciousness and invites us to unravel the brain’s mysteries.
This interview was first published in the bilingual yearbook Community Index Magazine no. 6, published in February 2025. You can browse it here: https://communityindex.ro/community-index-magazine-2024/
1.You are courageous enough to uncover the secrets of the human brain. Be it scanning the minds of Buddhist monks, athletes, world champions, astronauts, and entrepreneurs, or researching near-death experiences and cognitive disorders, your mission is to portray the brain’s beautiful complexity. Why makes the mind such a fascinating area of study?
The human mind is endlessly fascinating because it is the source of our perceptions, thoughts, emotions, and consciousness. It shapes our reality, drives our actions, and holds the key to understanding what it means to be human. Each individual’s brain is unique, with a complex interplay of neurons and synapses that create our memories, skills, and personalities. By studying the brains of Buddhist monks, top athletes, musicians, entrepreneurs, and neurological and psychiatric patients, we can learn how different experiences and practices affect brain function and contribute to cognition and brain health.
The brain’s ability to adapt and reorganize itself, known as neuroplasticity, is particularly intriguing as it offers insights into how we can heal from injuries and enhance our mental capabilities. Exploring cognitive disorders and near-death experiences also provides critical clues about the boundaries and resilience of human consciousness.
2.In your “The No-Nonsense Meditation Book” you blend spirituality and neuroscience and encourage readers to create their relationship with meditation. What took you to this spiritual path and why are “brain gym exercises” relevant more than ever? Do you believe consciousness is truly achievable in today’s leadership spheres?
My journey into the clinical aspects of meditation began with my scientific curiosity about how meditative practices affect the brain. Researching the brains of long-term meditators such as Matthieu Ricard revealed significant changes in brain structure and function, which piqued my interest in how these practices could benefit mental health. “Brain gym exercises”, or mindfulness and meditation practices, are more relevant today than ever because they offer practical tools for managing stress, enhancing focus, and fostering emotional resilience. In today’s fast-paced world, leaders face constant pressure and challenges. Achieving a higher level of consciousness through meditation can lead to better decision-making, greater empathy, and a more profound sense of purpose. It is not only achievable but essential for fostering a compassionate and innovative leadership style.
In my book, also translated into Romanian, “The No-Nonsense Meditation Book – A Scientist’s Guide to the Power of Meditation,” I present key insights into the benefits of meditation for brain health. The scientific discoveries discussed in the book highlight how meditation can alter brain structure and function, promoting neuroplasticity, creativity, resilience, and compassion. These insights can encourage readers to incorporate meditation into their daily lives, enhancing their mental and emotional health.
In the book, I delve into the documented effects of meditation, summarizing our and others’ research, my medical use of meditation as a neurologist, and personal experiences. The book offers a scientifically rigorous yet accessible guide to meditation, designed to demystify this practice and make it approachable to a broad audience. One key idea I explore is how the brain’s evolution explains why we seemingly worry so much. Our brains are hardwired for survival, leading to constant thinking and rumination, which can result in unnecessary stress in the modern hyper-technological and hyper-connected world. However, I also explain that the brain can be retrained – for better or worse. Through practices like meditation, we can develop habits that foster focus and calm.
Meditation trains your brain to be more attentive and strengthens brain structures associated with memory, empathy, and creativity. Regular practice can lead to physical changes in the brain, enhancing self-regulation and improving overall brain function. The more you focus on a task, the more pleasurable it becomes, and mindful breathing can significantly reduce stress and promote relaxation. Mindfulness is the art of living in the moment, leading to a more fulfilling and less anxious life.
My personal experience as a father of five has also shaped my understanding of meditation. I have participated in several silent retreats, which have deepened my practice and insights. Matthieu Ricard, a former molecular biologist turned Buddhist monk and translator of the Dalai Lama, who came to my lab as a guinea pig. His unique contributions have greatly enriched our scientific research and understanding of meditation’s impact on the brain. So the book blends science, medical practice, personal anecdotes, and practical exercises to demonstrate that meditation can positively impact all our lives, offering a no-nonsense introduction to mindfulness backed by hard science rather than spiritual promises.
3.You think that, “unlike computers, the brain is not just a processor; it is a creator, dynamically adapting to various situations.” What is the brain’s influence on the body’s capacity for healing? What practices can contribute to overall well-being and enhance the mind-body connection?
The brain plays a crucial role in mental and bodily wellbeing through complex pathways including its influence on the autonomic nervous system, hormone release, and immune function. Positive mental states can enhance the brain and body’s healing processes, while chronic stress and negative emotions can impede recovery. Practices that contribute to overall well-being and strengthen the mind-body connection include mindfulness meditation, physical exercise, adequate sleep, and a balanced diet. These activities promote neuroplasticity, reduce inflammation, and improve emotional regulation, thereby supporting both mental and physical health. By fostering a harmonious mind-body connection, we can enhance our resilience to stress and improve our overall quality of life.
4.Inner change is the pillar of regenerative leadership. How can we bring more cognitive flexibility in today’s business world? What would you say to all the sceptical leaders out there afraid to embrace change?
To foster cognitive flexibility in the business world, we must encourage a culture of continuous learning and openness to new experiences. This can be achieved through regular training programs, promoting a growth mindset, and creating environments that encourage creativity and innovation. Cognitive flexibility allows leaders to adapt to changing circumstances, consider diverse perspectives, and make better decisions.
To sceptical leaders afraid of change, I would say that embracing cognitive flexibility is not about discarding proven methods but about enhancing your toolkit to navigate uncertainty and complexity. Change is inevitable, and those who can adapt will thrive. By investing in their cognitive agility, leaders can foster more resilient and dynamic organizations capable of meeting future challenges head-on.
