Be Your Own Temple
28 May 2009 ~ Categories: blog • body • mind • wellness
Apparently scientists are proving that people who have a long-term, dedicated meditation practice actually develop bigger brains. Now that’s what I like to hear.
Scientific studies are showing that longtime meditators have thicker frontal lobes – the parts of the brain that control focus and concentration. That sounds good to me. Especially since meditation practice is one of my most consistent and balancing daily practices.
Still, I’m not so concerned with developing a bigger frontal lobe this lifetime, but the added concentration is certainly one reason I dug into meditation in the first place. It helps to balance out brain state and how I handle my emotional body. But apart from the brain changes, scientists are also on their way to proving a connection between devoted spiritual beliefs and physical health.
I read a Time Magazine article that spouted about a trillion statistics and scientific justifications for how regular prayer or meditation can positively impact our biological functioning. Out of all this convincing data, one simple statement rang especially true for me:
“…people who maintain a sense of gratitude for what’s going right in their lives have a reduced incidence of depression.”
This is a good reminder for me to get back to practicing gratitude: taking time every day to be thankful for something in my life. It can be anything. It can be tiny or grand. Being thankful for my health, a friend that reached out to me, a smile from a stranger, or a sweet morning walk I took to enjoy the wildflowers springtime offers up.
Being grateful for the little things reminds me of how precious life really is. I try to take a moment after yoga, meditation or before bed, and make a simple list in my mind. A sort of prayer, if you will. Science is also showing that prayer and meditation have a similar impact on both mental and bodily health.
These practices have served me especially well when I’m going through a hard time. Like lately. And I have to say I do think they make me a happier and healthier person.
A bigger brain or not, I’m a believer.
Be your own temple,
Amy
