February 22, 2016 By Admin

Your Brain on Meditation

Mindful Happiness – Brain on Meditation

Reports from various MRI and self-report measure studies support the proposition that your brain changes (neuronal plasticity) when you practice meditation on a regular (daily) basis. The same is likely true when you practice yoga on a regular basis. Here are some noted changes in brain functioning that produce differences in psychological and emotional adjustment – all for the better. This list will focus on the prefrontal cortex (PFC), the center for (among other things) executive functioning. Other research shows changes in other parts of the brain; these studies are not the focus of this post.

MEDITATE REGULARLY VS DO NOT MEDITATE

More calm in stressful decision making Less so
More peaceful generally Less so
Show more compassionate action Less so
Once in samadhi, PFC highly active Less so – cannot achieve samadhi
Less afflictive emotions (suffering) More so – more afflictive emotions
Signs of brain symmetry (whole brain) Less so
More able to dis-identify with unpleasant emotions Less so
More passively reflective in thinking Less so
Better executive PFC strengthening (plasticity) Less so
Less reactivity in the amygdala (limbic system) More so – impulsive, reactive
Somewhat due to the above – generally happier Less so

So, what is in your way? Yes, we humans are creatures of habit. With these documented benefits, motivation should not be a problem. Short time periods in meditation (12-15 minutes) can be helpful if practiced on a daily basis. Do it!

For more information refer to Perlmutter, D. and Villoldo, A. (2011). Power Up Your Brain: The Neuroscience of Enlightenment. Carlsbad, CA: Hay House, pp. 1-10.

By Anthony R. Quintiliani, PhD., LADC

From the Eleanor R. Liebman Center for Secular Meditation in Monkton, Vermont

Author of Mindful Happiness

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