I have always found it fascinating how meditation affects our brain. The research has soared in recent years and ongoing clinical trials will hopefully shed light into many things we don't yet know. But there already are reliable results from well-designed and managed studies about the effect of regular mindfulness practice on people suffering from stress, anxiety and chronic pain. (There are also other conditions, but according to Harvard Gazette's article the sample sizes have been too small to draw conclusions yet).
The Harvard University study, described in the aforementioned article, uses functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), which not only takes pictures of the brain, as a regular MRI does, but also records brain activity occurring during the scan. In a study from 2012, it was demonstrated, that changes in brain activity in subjects, who have learned to meditate in the period of two months, hold steady even when they’re not meditating. The fMRI scan recorded changes in amygdala which is a part of limbic system of brain and primarily responsible for memory, decision-making and emotional responses. It also plays the key role in our reactions towards things that are not in our control; that we interpret threatening or dangerous (the so called 'fight' or 'flight' reaction).
It looks like meditating actually changes our brain. What do you think about it? I think it is brilliant. Basically it means that by meditating we are able to quicker bounce back from stressful events due to increased resilience. As a result we may spend less time ruminating, worrying and stuck in negative thoughts - just to name a few favourite pals of stress.
The article reminds rightly about the importance of not getting carried away with these results. “There are a few applications where the evidence is believable. But the effects are by no means earth-shattering,” ... “We’re talking about moderate effect size, on par with other treatments, not better. And then there’s a bunch of other things under study with preliminary evidence that is encouraging but by no means conclusive. I think that’s where it’s at. I’m not sure that is exactly how the public understands it at this point.”
The massive 'hype' around mindfulness can cause a perception that it is some kind of 'miracle cure' (which it is not!) that replaces the traditional treatments. Then again, many people have personal experience on how mindfulness practice has permanently changed the way they view the world. Even bouncing back from anxiety or depression, where antidepressant medication and talking therapy has not helped. So perhaps rather than removing one treatment from the palette for good and replacing with another, we should talk about the complementary effects. Keeping our minds open to alternatives.
Nevertheless, I find the science of mindfulness very inspiring, and also motivating to my own practice. I can almost hear my brain buzzing and creating new connections!