Mindfulness And Our Brains
Meditation or mindfulness is not a uniform, unchanging process, but a highly subjective one, having unique effects on different individuals.
New experiments using machine learning dive deep into the brain, breath and body states during the various stages of meditation, helping the machine learning program recognize internal attention brain networks during breath attention, mind wandering, or thinking about the past.
MORE IDEAS FROM THE ARTICLE
Extensive experimentation recording more than 2000 brain patterns per person led to certain insights which were not possible before.
- Meditators had the maximum amount of time paying attention to their breath.
- A feeling or even the warmth of the heart can be the center of focus during meditation, instead of repeating words or phrases, which are just instrumental for distracting us from our own thoughts.
- The moments of meditation are not static, but an ever-changing kaleidoscope of experiences, feelings and mind-states.
RELATED IDEAS
Practitioners of mindful meditation focus their attention on only one thought. The goal is to be firmly affixed to the present moment. This typically means concentrating on the breath - observing each inhalation and exhalation - and without consideration to other thoughts.
Settle in
- Find a quiet space. Using a cushion or chair, sit up straight but not stiff; allow your head and shoulders to rest comfortably; place your hands on the tops of your legs with upper arms at your side.
Now breathe
- Close your eyes, take a deep breath, and relax. Feel the fall and rise of your chest and the expansion and contraction of your belly. With each breath notice the coolness as it enters and the warmth as it exits. Don't control the breath but follow its natural flow.
Stay focused
- Thoughts will try to pull your attention away from the breath. Notice them, but don't pass judgment. Gently return your focus to your breath. Some people count their breaths as a way to stay focused.
Take 10
- A daily practice will provide the most benefits. It can be 10 minutes per day, however, 20 minutes twice a day is often recommended for maximum benefit.