In a recent article, in Psychiatry Research, a team of researchers from Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard documented the benefits of meditation on the grey matter of the brain, which enhanced memory, a positive sense of self, empathy and stress.
Sara Lazar, the author’s principal author reported, “although the practice of meditation is associated with a sense of peacefulness and physical relaxation, practitioners have long claimed that meditation also provides cognitive and psychological benefits that persist throughout the day.” She added, “this study demonstrates that changes in brain structure may underlie some of these reported improvements and that people are not just feeling better because they are spending time relaxing.”
Previous studies have described significant brain changes with practitioners of meditation. There is something about the open, non-judgmental awareness in the current moment that appears to do wonders for the brain. J. David Crewell, a researcher from Carnegie Mellon University, reported on the benefits of craving reductions in addicts. It seems that meditation is a protective practice against reactivity and relapse for alcoholics and addicts. I believe mindfulness has become a best-practice therapy for those addicted to substances and processes.
These studies only confirm what has been known for thousands of years – that is – mindfulness meditation can change both your brain and the perception of the world around you, which in many cases changes YOU!
A Brain Re-make in 8 weeks from meditation
Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) has been proven to enhance awareness, consciousness, while decreasing worry and restlessness. In a brief 8-week course (which seems to be the minimum length of time to commit to learning to practice this form of meditation) you can see significant changes in your life.
If you struggle with restlessness, addictions, or mood disorders, please contact us today at providencerec.staging.wpengine.com or (866) 247-3307.
