A new study shows that the practice of meditation has a powerful effect on brain size. This study compared the brain activity of people who practice meditation with those of people who had no experience. It found that meditation increases the size of brain areas associated with positive emotions. This finding may explain why meditators exhibit a calm and balanced demeanor. Also, it may help explain the ability to see oneself objectively.
How important is Brain Meditation?
During meditation, neurons in the ventromedial prefrontal cortex light up. This area is responsible for filtering experience through the self-referential lens. This part of the brain lights up when the meditation begins and when the mind starts easing into the state. During meditation, it is important to pay attention to the internal and external experiences of the present moment.
The practice of meditation also increases the size of the hippocampus, which plays a key role in memory. Those who meditate regularly also show increased thickness and folds in this part of the brain, which makes it better at memory consolidation and processing. As a result, people who practice meditation may perform better in a variety of areas, including math and music.
To practice Brain Meditation, begin by sitting comfortably for about five minutes. Once you have gotten comfortable, focus on your breath and notice the fluid tides of your skull. You should be able to feel a slight expansion and contraction in your skull as your brain waves fluctuate.