As reported recently in The Wall Street Journal and the subject of a book by Sharon Begley (“Train Your Mind, Change Your Brain” ), new research conducted with the help of the Dalai Lama, the head of Tibetan Buddhism, shows that our thoughts can actually change the physical nature and function of our brains.
In a study conducted with Buddhist monks trained in deep meditation techniques, scientists found that when the meditators focused on thoughts of deep compassion and loving kindness it produced remarkable results. Perhaps not surprisingly while the monks were meditating their brain waves showed a change in gamma waves the brain waves that are associated with our perception and problem solving abilities. But here’s the surprising part, the changes in brain activity persisted even when the monks stopped meditating. In our words, thinking kind thoughts had changed their brains to be smarter and produce happier feelings long-term. Monks with the most hours of meditation showed the most pronounced brain changes.
If Buddhist monks can do it, so can we. Our brains have a “nice” muscle. The more you exercise it, the easier it is to be nice. and the more you will reap the benefits. So even if you are a bit of curmudgeon and don’t always feel like thinking nice thoughts, make an effort to overcome your grumpiness and spend a bit of time each day thinking about what you could have done today to be just a tad nicer. Over time, you’ll find yourself not only getting more smiles from co–workers and compliments at the school board meeting.
You may also be surprised to find that your ideas seem more creative, your answers to tough problems come a bit more easily and even the occasional dark moods we all experience come less frequently.
Nice truly does make you healthy, wealthy and wise…and happier!
In a study conducted with Buddhist monks trained in deep meditation techniques, scientists found that when the meditators focused on thoughts of deep compassion and loving kindness it produced remarkable results. Perhaps not surprisingly while the monks were meditating their brain waves showed a change in gamma waves the brain waves that are associated with our perception and problem solving abilities. But here’s the surprising part, the changes in brain activity persisted even when the monks stopped meditating. In our words, thinking kind thoughts had changed their brains to be smarter and produce happier feelings long-term. Monks with the most hours of meditation showed the most pronounced brain changes.
If Buddhist monks can do it, so can we. Our brains have a “nice” muscle. The more you exercise it, the easier it is to be nice. and the more you will reap the benefits. So even if you are a bit of curmudgeon and don’t always feel like thinking nice thoughts, make an effort to overcome your grumpiness and spend a bit of time each day thinking about what you could have done today to be just a tad nicer. Over time, you’ll find yourself not only getting more smiles from co–workers and compliments at the school board meeting.
You may also be surprised to find that your ideas seem more creative, your answers to tough problems come a bit more easily and even the occasional dark moods we all experience come less frequently.
Nice truly does make you healthy, wealthy and wise…and happier!
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