Is meditation the push-up for the brain?
(Medical Xpress) -- Two years ago, researchers at UCLA found that specific regions in the brains of long-term meditators were larger and had more gray matter than the brains of individuals in a control group. This suggested that meditation may indeed be good for all of us since, alas, our brains shrink naturally with age. Now, a follow-up study suggests that people who meditate also have stronger connections between brain regions and show less age-related brain atrophy. Having stronger connections influences the ability to rapidly relay electrical signals in the brain. And significantly, these effects are evident throughout the entire brain, not just in specific areas. Eileen Luders, a visiting assistant professor at the UCLA Laboratory of Neuro Imaging, and colleagues used a type of brain imaging known as diffusion tensor imaging, or DTI, a relatively new imaging mode that provides insights into the structural connectivity of the brain. But there is a "but."
Researchers Build Evidence that Meditation Strengthens the Brain
22nd March 2012 By Science Daily Earlier evidence out of UCLA suggested that meditating for years thickens the brain (in a good way) and strengthens the connections between brain cells. Now a further report by UCLA researchers suggests yet another benefit. Eileen Luders, an assistant professor at the UCLA Laboratory of Neuro Imaging, and colleagues, have found that long-term meditators have larger amounts of gyrification (“folding” of the cortex, which may allow the brain to process information faster) than people who do not meditate. Further, a direct correlation was found between the amount of gyrification and the number of meditation years, possibly providing further proof of the brain’s neuroplasticity, or ability to adapt to environmental changes. The article appears in the online edition of the journal Frontiers in Human Neuroscience. The cerebral cortex is the outermost layer of neural tissue. Other authors of the study included Florian Kurth, Emeran A. Story Source:
Science Explores Meditation's Effect on the Brain
Can Meditation Change Your Brain? | Soundshift
I often visit TEDTalks and TEDxTalks on YouTube. To follow up on a previous article I wrote about Enlightenment becoming more mainstream in the West, I came across a TedxTalks video of Neuroscientist Sara Lazar. In this video, Sara Lazar discusses how her curiosity was peaked in the area of yoga and meditation and, being a neuroscientist, what studies were offered to show actual physical changes in brain matter. Lazar found studies that proved yoga and meditation decreased stress, reduced depression, anxiety, pain, insomnia, enhanced concentration, and provided a feeling of well-being. Her first study compared average meditators brains to non-meditators. If you are curious about this research,as I was, I highly suggest checking out Sara Lazar. Comments comments
Meditations: The Inner Science
If you want to live a more fulfilled life, first you will want to know your potential, who you really are. Meditation is the route to that knowing. It is the methodology of the science of awareness. The beauty of the inner science is that it enables whoever wants to explore and to experiment within, to do so alone. Many meditative techniques require one to sit still and silent. Osho Active Meditations have been scientifically designed by Osho over a period of time to enable us to consciously express and experience repressed feelings and emotions, and learn the knack of watching our habitual patterns in a new way. But what is meditation exactly?
Meditation’s Beneficial Magic | Shift Of The Age
Meditation in the Mind More and more these days we see countless recommendations to practice the age old art and science of meditation. Most, if not all, extol its seemingly magical power on the human psyche through its purported benefits. These recommendations and claims have stood the test of time- they are universally accepted and well justified. For eons past those who came before us have spoken volumes regarding this great gift we all posses but today sometimes, we neglect to use. Why now are we again reminded of this? All of us are are participating either aware or unaware. in a quantum shift bringing at times, tumultuous changes in all areas of our society and world structures. While it’s true that meditative practices are known by many names in virtually all cultures each with various forms of practice, finding one that will work for you is quite easy. History to Date According to many archeologists, meditation pre dates written records. Rebirth through Breath Meditation 101 1. 2.
The Science of Meditation
In the highlands of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, people look at life differently. Upon entering the local Buddhist monastery, there is a spectacular sculpture the size of a large oak. The intricate carving of clouds and patterns are painted in powerful colors. And life here is not easy. When villagers cook, sew or plow the fields, they do so in a tranquil state. To explore exactly what part of the brain meditation acts on, researchers at Harvard Medical School used MRI technology on participants to monitor brain activity while they meditated. Aside from determining its physiological effects, defining the actual act of meditation can be as elusive as imagining the sound of one hand clapping. The physical act of meditation generally consists of simply sitting quietly, focusing on one's breath, a word or phrase. There are many traditions and countless ways to practice meditation, and perhaps because of its polymorphous nature new meditators wonder whether they are doing it correctly.
Meditations
Meditation Reality is a consciousness hologram set in linear time to experience emotions. The brain is an electrochemical machine (computer) that process through experience. The bottom line is ... meditation ... like yoga ... creates balance in brain chemistry, especially for those who suffer from emotional problems and other challenges. Guided Meditation is simply meditation with the help of a guide. Messages can be received through... Clairalience Clairaudience Clairgustance Clairsentience Clairvoyance Meditation can be done with or without music, using various breathing techniques, in most environments, at any time of the day or night, alone or in a group, or enhanced during a celestial event. When we pray we talk to the other side. Interpreting the symbology of the images is the key to what your soul or a spirit in higher frequency is trying to convey. The human chakra system reacts when meditating. In the News ... What Are the Types of Meditation? How To Meditate Turn off cell phones. Yoga
Spirit Vaults : Meditation - Essay - StumbleUpon
It seems everyone is interested in meditation...talking about the wonderful benefits, recommending classes and discussing the different ways to "do it". But, for a beginner, just what is "it"? And how do you do "it"? Our busy, hectic, lifestyles may seem to prohibit this peaceful practice, or provide a convenient "excuse" not to begin, or continue, to meditate...but, the happy news is, you CAN successfully benefit even if you practice for short periods. Sit comfortably, preferably upright and alert. To sit on a mat, cushion or pillow, sit cross-legged, half or full lotus, depending on your ability. You may close your eyes (unless this causes you to fall asleep) or gaze with almost-closed eyes as if looking downward and inward. Traditionally, the best times to practice are upon arising and in the evening or before bedtime. Meditation is a cultivation process --- be patient and natural, enjoy each moment, do not "try hard"...just allow and everything will naturally fall-into-place.
