10 REASONS TO MEDITATE
- REWIRING THE BRAIN
The brain contains 85-100 billion neurons that are constantly rewiring themselves depending on how you interact with your environment.
The concept of self-directed neuroplasticity means that we are in control of our own evolution, responsible for the shape and function that the brain takes on.
For example, when in meditation, through sustained concentration we exercise the attentional networks of the brain which strengthens those neural networks.
Meditation will produce some immediate changes, but re-wiring of states into more permanent traits takes consistent effort.
10 REASONS TO MEDITATE
2. HAPPINESS
Psychologist Dr. Mihaly Csíkszentmihályi’s book “Flow: The Psychology of Happiness,” describes flow as “being completely involved in an activity for its own sake the ego falls away. Time flies. Every action, movement, and thought follows inevitably from the previous one, like playing jazz. Your whole being is involved, and you are using your skills to the utmost.”
3. CAUDATE NUCLEUS
The caudate nucleus is said to be the part of the brain which is responsible for skill learning and automatic cognition. The term “being in the zone is an example”.
Getting into the “flow” according to Dr. Csíkszentmihályi, establishes sense of purpose, takes us out of the mundane, motivates and creates growth.
If we are passionate about our chosen activity, and through constant practice become an expert, then the “flow” state gets unlocked. And this makes us happy.
10 REASONS TO MEDITATE
4. BLISS
A study of how meditation affects the brain, led by Dr. Richard Davidson of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, attached 256 electrodes to a Tibetan monk named Matthew Ricard, who had spent decades meditating.
The activity in his left prefrontal cortex (responsible for subduing negative emotions) and abnormal gamma wave levels (suggesting signs of bliss) led them to dub him “the happiest man in the world.”
10 REASONS TO MEDITATE
Research has shown that there are several ways that meditation can change the brain’s structure and function:
4. GREY CELLS
Meditation enlarges the prefrontal cortex. This area of the brain is responsible for rational decision-making. Studies have shown that meditation increases grey matter (brain cells) in this region.
10 REASONS TO MEDITATE
5. AMYGDALA
Meditation shrinks the amygdala. The amygdala is a key brain structure known as the emotional or fear centre of the brain. Smaller amygdalae found in more mindful people are associated with greater emotional control
10 REASONS TO MEDITATE
6. HIPPOCAMPUS
Meditation thickens the hippocampus. The hippocampus is key for learning and memory. Just a few weeks of meditation practice increased the size of this brain region
10 REASONS TO MEDITATE
7. BRAIN CELLS
Meditation increases overall grey matter. Grey matter, brain cell bodies important for processing power and linked to intelligence, seem to increase with meditation training
10 REASONS TO MEDITATE
8. BRAINWAVE ACTIVITY
Meditation enhances high-amplitude gamma brainwave activity. High-frequency gamma waves correlate with states of heightened awareness and bliss. Long-term meditators have been shown to have more gamma wave activity both before and during meditation
10 REASONS TO MEDITATE
9. NORADRENALINE
Noradrenaline is released when we are challenged, curious, exercised, focused or emotionally aroused. When produced at the right levels it helps the brain grow new connections. The study suggests the way we breathe directly affects the chemistry of our brains in a way that can enhance our attention and improve our brain health.
A study carried out by researchers at Trinity College Institute of Neuroscience and the Global Brain Health Institute found that participants who focused well while undertaking a task that demanded a lot of attention had greater synchronisation between their breathing patterns and their attention, than those who had poor focus. The authors believe that it may be possible to use breath-control practices to stabilise attention and boost brain health.
10 REASONS TO MEDITATE
10. SCUPLTING THE BRAIN
“When neurons fire together, they wire together – mental activity actually creates new neural structures… What flows through your mind sculpts your brain. Thus, you can use your mind to change your brain for the better.” – Rick Hanson, Ph.D.
Meditation is just self-directed neuroplasticity, by directing the change of your brain by inwardly and consciously directing attention in a particular way. You’re using the mind to change the brain.
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- askyogadharma@protonmail.com
