Meditation image example, "Full Moon in Bangalore" by Netlancer2006
Prelude to review on Oregon Meditation Center's June 12, 2010, meditation retreat at Midland Library, Portland.
As most of us are somewhat aware, scientists are all aflutter these days about meditative states, about the benefits of meditation. Ever since learning how to track brain activity through fMRI and other reliable gadgets, researchers are having a field day. Meditation is coming to light as enhancing brain function, allowing a greater amount of happiness or sense of well-being. The woo-woo element in meditation’s distorted past is retreating while practical benefits take center stage.
Specifically, as mentioned in the Ling Gui International Healing Qigong school’s current newsletter, investigations into brain activity suggest meditation restructures the brain, increasing the ability to concentrate, feel compassion, handle stress, and respond rather than react. It does this by actually increasing the gray matter serving these brain functions.
The Journal of Alternative & Complementary Medicine (May, 2010) reported on a case study of the brain activity of a longtime monk. While practicing compassion meditation, a Tibetan Buddhist form, the fMRI showed increased activity in his left medial prefrontal cortex all the way to the anterior cingulate gyrus. These areas involve empathy and feeling happy and pleasant. Imaging results are very similar to studies done with mindfulness meditation which point to an increased ability to regulate emotions.
Yet, one is not limited to enhanced brain activity with meditative practice. Meditation can also decrease blood pressure, when appropriate, and enhance one’s immune system making one more resistant to colds, flu, virus, any and all infectious diseases. The physical aspects of meditative practices and movement yield whole-body benefit. Calm, focused movement, calm, focused mind.
And, as photographer, monk, and social philanthropist Matthieu Ricard points out, “Meditation is a form of cognitive exertion every bit as demanding as weight lifting or long-distance running . . . .”
Not only are longevity-minded folks simply paying attention to what activity does what for which core muscles or what substances pass through their mouths. Longevity-minded people are realizing essential benefits from meditation. Much can be realized from just ten minutes a day spent in practice. Its effects are cumulative.
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