The Science Of Meditation: How To Change Your Brain, Mind And Body

While meditation can bring about profound changes in our brain and perspective, these transformations do not happen overnight, and meditation is not a panacea.

In a world that often urges us to dwell on the past or chase dreams of the future, we find ourselves trapped in a cycle of endless thinking. Society tends to distract us with the pursuit of distant goals, leaving us discontent with the present. Yet, it rarely teaches us the art of critical thinking, so we often overlook the consequences of our actions and words. The true art of living emerges from a higher state of consciousness rooted in reality. Most of us, however, live in our thoughts, a realm of illusions. The more we think, the further we drift from what is real. Everything is real except our thoughts. But there is a way to break free from this default pattern: meditation. Through meditation, the brain undergoes a profound transformation.

The Science Behind Meditation: Rewiring The Brain For Inner Peace

Let us explore with Ma Dhyan Prachi, meditation facilitator, Osho Dham:

1. This same principle applies to meditation. Though research on meditation is still evolving, early studies suggest that consistent mindfulness meditation can increase grey in the anterior insula and cortical thickness. These changes support learning, cognition, and memory, leading to greater mindfulness and improved cognitive function, attention, and self-awareness. Observing the brain after 6 to 12 months of meditation, typically 30 minutes daily, reveals brain structure and function changes.
2. The brain, an extraordinary organ, adapts to our activities. With repeated practice, specific regions of the brain develop through the formation of neural connections. Neurons, the cells responsible for processing information, connect to form neural pathways that influence our thoughts, sensations, emotions, and actions. For instance, a driver frequently navigating different routes reinforces the neural connections that improve spatial reasoning.
3. Accepting the present can be challenging, especially when it is unpleasant. By observing our thoughts during meditation nonjudgmentally and gently letting them go, we can better avoid triggering the fight-or-flight response when negative situations arise. Meditation creates a space between stimulus and response, transforming reaction into thoughtful action.
4. Through meditation, we can deactivate the sympathetic nervous system and activate the parasympathetic system, reducing pain, depression, stress, and anxiety over time. This practice also diminishes emotional reactivity.
5. When faced with a threat, the sympathetic nervous system releases stress hormones that prepare us to flee or fight activities, allowing us to rest and recover.

Conclusion

While meditation can bring about profound changes in our brain and perspective, these transformations do not happen overnight, and meditation is not a panacea. Letting go of expectations and embracing what is can ease emotional pain. The more we practice living in the moment, the more adept we become at it.

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