Can the mind change the brain? A growing consensus that it can is developing among neuroscientists. Interestingly, it’s meditators who are providing some of the best evidence of this. Long-time meditators’ brains light up brighter and in more places that in ‘normal’ brains. Particularly in the places that are associated with compassion. And (perhaps more counterintuitively) in places that show preparedness for action.
So…if you are contemplative, take heart. When we meditate, we’re not only cultivating a more abiding sense of sacred space, but we may also be building the very brain networks that facilitate loving action.
If this is interesting to you, see Sharon Begley’s book, Train Your Mind, Change Your Brain.
