Paco Dennis
SF VIP
- Location
- Mid-Missouri
I have been meditating for 35 years. It took a few weeks to take 20 minutes in the morning and evening to get used to. It is probably the number 1 health technique I have learned to help me balance the my life. This article is based on scientific research into ways that show evidence of a few ways it helps us function better.
Meditation Reduces Activity in the Brain’s “Me Center"
One of the most interesting studies in the last few years, carried out at Yale University, found that mindfulness meditation decreases activity in the default mode network (DMN), the brain network responsible for mind-wandering and self-referential thoughts – a.k.a., “monkey mind.” The DMN is “on” or active when we’re not thinking about anything in particular, when our minds are just wandering from thought to thought. Since mind-wandering is typically associated with being less happy, ruminating, and worrying about the past and future, it’s the goal for many people to dial it down. Several studies have shown that meditation, through its quieting effect on the DMN, appears to do just this. And even when the mind does start to wander, because of the new connections that form, meditators are better at snapping back out of it.
Others include
Helps Preserve the Aging Brain
Its Effects Rival Antidepressants for Depression, Anxiety
May Lead to Volume Changes in Key Areas of the Brain
Just a Few Days of Training Improves Concentration and Attention
Reduces Anxiety — and Social Anxiety
Can Help with Addiction
Short Meditation Breaks Can Help Kids in School
Meditation Can Actually Change The Brain
Meditation Reduces Activity in the Brain’s “Me Center"
One of the most interesting studies in the last few years, carried out at Yale University, found that mindfulness meditation decreases activity in the default mode network (DMN), the brain network responsible for mind-wandering and self-referential thoughts – a.k.a., “monkey mind.” The DMN is “on” or active when we’re not thinking about anything in particular, when our minds are just wandering from thought to thought. Since mind-wandering is typically associated with being less happy, ruminating, and worrying about the past and future, it’s the goal for many people to dial it down. Several studies have shown that meditation, through its quieting effect on the DMN, appears to do just this. And even when the mind does start to wander, because of the new connections that form, meditators are better at snapping back out of it.
Others include
Helps Preserve the Aging Brain
Its Effects Rival Antidepressants for Depression, Anxiety
May Lead to Volume Changes in Key Areas of the Brain
Just a Few Days of Training Improves Concentration and Attention
Reduces Anxiety — and Social Anxiety
Can Help with Addiction
Short Meditation Breaks Can Help Kids in School
Meditation Can Actually Change The Brain