Zen Science

The notion of 'mind over matter' is widely accepted across western society, and with it the idea that sheer will can overcome physical limitation. Rooted in similar ideas, a centuries-old practice overseas has been gaining increasing popularity in the modern world. Practicing meditation is no longer limited to Buddhists and monks; from Google employees to elementary school students, it seems everyone is beginning to embrace the practice and implementing it into their daily lives. Studies have shown that the reason for this phenomenon goes beyond the basis of social norms - it is molecular.



The act of meditation involves refocusing one's attention away from their mind and instead guiding it towards their breath. By observing, rather than participating in their thoughts, one can become aware of the weight and nature of their thoughts without being directly impacted by them. Thus, to practice meditation is to practice mindfulness. Being immersed in this state for even as little as twenty minutes a day results in immediate feelings of calm, and doing so over time leads to entire changes in disposition and greater mental health. But the resulting changes aren't merely emotional; research shows clear anatomical and physiological differences in response to long-term practice.

Concrete scientific evidence, such as that from the studies of Richie Davidson, a neuroscientist at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, shows that consistent practice of mindfulness results in a multitude of physical changes in the brain (mindful.org). Meditation directly impacts the brain, from the fight-or-flight center to various other structures involved in complex emotional and executive processes. The amygdala, which is responsible for processing emotions and critical in the learning of fear, decreases in brain cell volume. Gray matter increased in the areas of the anterior cingulate cortex, which functions in decision making and attention, and the prefrontal cortex, which carries out the executive functions of planning and problem solving. Cortical thickness in the hippocampus, which works in coordination with the amygdala and is involved in formation of explicit/declarative memory, was also increased. This data supports the effect of meditation on lowering anxiety and improving general emotional well-being.

Research on consciousness is still in its infant stages. The body of work, while limited, has been growing. While there is plenty that needs to be done to deepen our understanding of how thought can be a physical phenomenon, the studies so far show a promising future for the implementation of meditation and mindfulness-based practices. As science continues to confirm ancient knowledge, the mind-body connection cannot be called into doubt. We have proved that we can change our bodies through thought alone. The only question that remains is how soon until the rest of the world takes advantage of this phenomenon?

Articles: 7 Ways Meditation Can Actually Change the Brain; How the Brain Changes When You Meditate