Brain and Mindfulness in the Time of Uncertainty
by Judith Dreyer, MS, BSN
“To understand the immeasurable, the mind must be extraordinarily quiet, still.”– Jiddu Krishnamurti
Classics withstand the test of time. The works of Shakespeare, for example, reverberate today in theaters across the world, move us and have for a few centuries. So too with mindfulness practices. Sitting in stillness, observing breath, meditating whether conscious, guided imagery, or using sound are nothing new.
Today with the difficulties we face on many levels and working from home, we have an opportunity to include mindfulness practices. We can sprinkle them within our day to rejuvenate our approach to work and family.
The 2017 National Health Survey found that U.S. adults use of meditation in the past twelve months tripled between 2012-2017. (from 4.2 % to 14.2%) https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/meditation-in-depth[1]
Why are we turning to mindful practices? Why could they be important to include in our daily life?
The NIHCAM reports ongoing studies are showing a positive health response to folks experiencing pain, high blood pressure, IBS, Ulcerative Colitis, anxiety, depression, and insomnia when including a meditation practice into their daily routine. And that meditation practice in particular “can affect activity in the amygdala (a part of the brain involved in processing emotions), and that different types of meditation can affect the amygdala differently even when the person is not meditating. “
What I find fascinating is that meditation studies also suggest that this mindful practice may slow, stall or even reverse changes in our brain as we age. As our population gets older, keeping healthy, strong, and vital on all levels are worthy goals. We retire from employment, have more time to create healthy routines that nourish body, mind, and soul.
What else happens in our brain with mindfulness attention? In How God changes your Brain, by Dr. Andrew Newberg and Mark Robert Waldman, researchers found that spiritual practices increase dopamine levels by 65%. We know that dopamine creates increased sensory imagery, generates pleasurable experiences, stimulates positive thoughts, increases your sense of well-being and allows you to feel safe in the world.” (p. 55)
Brain image studies are suggesting that long term meditators “have more folds in the outer layer of the brain. This process, (called gyrification) may increase the brains ability to process information.” (NIHCAM :https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/meditation-in-depth )
Today, uncertainty over finances, jobs, culture, social unrest, travel restrictions can steal our inner calm. Do we feel safe? Can we face all the uncertainties and isolation with more inner peace?
Here at Cloud 9 Online we suggest that yes, we can create more inner clam as we live with and live through these changes. We offer a meditation app for free for a limited time. Easy to find and use on all devices allows you to include meditation, sound in your daily life.
Remember: breathe in... breathe out... with mindfulness. Enjoy your day.
1. https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/meditation-in-depth
2. https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/meditation-in-depth[2]
3. How God Changes Your Brain, by Dr. Andrew Newberg and Mark Robert Waldman
