Archive for November, 2007

There are various theories of what the actual division of labor might be, but one of the most provocative hypotheses has been put forward by New York University neuropsychologist Elkhonon Goldberg, PhD. He theorizes that the right hemisphere of the brain is better at tackling new tasks. As Ilchi Lee explains in his boo Brain Education Systemized Training, the brain likes meditation.

Several studies have shown that very specific, concrete things happen in the brain when you meditate, says Ilchi Lee. First of all, your brain waves drop dramatically during meditation to a level very similar to the brain waves emitted during dreaming. But, unlike when you are asleep, you are fully conscious when you meditate. you could look at meditation as a kind of waking sleep, a time when you have consciously and purposely allowed your brain to rest and relax deeply. The benefits of this are truly profound, since so many physical ailments are related to stress.

You could also look at meditation as happiness training. Dr. Richard Davidsono of the University of Wisconsin theorizes that meditation increases activity in the left prefrontal cortex, which is associated with feelings of contentment and joy. The more your practice meditation, the more your brain will gain the habit of using these regions of the brain. Also, scientisists have noted that meditation calms activity in the amygdala, which is responsible for fear and stress responses.