Post by Admin on Jun 13, 2017 18:57:13 GMT -5
At our weekly gatherings of veteran meditators we talk often of how important it is to meditate regularly, as consistently as possible, much like what we try to do to get into physical shape -- getting at least so many days(or 'reps') a week at the gym (or wherever you work out). Applying this wisdom to our mindfulness practice we've been taught here at the Wilmington VA through our MBSR Mindfulness program that 'brain cells that fire together wire together'. Until now this phrase was a helpful metaphor. But now we know what exactly is happening to the brain when we get in our daily (or almost) formal meditation -- repetition actually changes the brain, a substance called myelin. According to a March 2017 article in Mindful Magazine (mindful.org) it goes like this:
How Practice Affects Our Brains
From the greatest musicians and athletes to rookie meditators, practice helps us get better, and more confident. But how? This short animation delves into the research behind effectively training the brain.
By Stephany Tlalka | March 3, 2017
...When we repeat an activity, like playing the violin, we strengthen the neural circuitry in the brain. You might have heard the saying that “practice is like doing a push-up for the mind.” This video from Ted Ed explores what actually happens in the brain when we go through the motions of honing a skill.
There’s a fatty substance located in the white matter of the brain called myelin, and it serves as a “sheath” that protects nerve fibers, prevents energy loss, and helps information move along neural pathways. When we repeat an activity, the myelin coating thickens, leading to a more efficient transfer of information....
To see a cool video about all this, read the Mindful article itself and watch the video HERE. YouTube Video Link
From the greatest musicians and athletes to rookie meditators, practice helps us get better, and more confident. But how? This short animation delves into the research behind effectively training the brain.
By Stephany Tlalka | March 3, 2017
...When we repeat an activity, like playing the violin, we strengthen the neural circuitry in the brain. You might have heard the saying that “practice is like doing a push-up for the mind.” This video from Ted Ed explores what actually happens in the brain when we go through the motions of honing a skill.
There’s a fatty substance located in the white matter of the brain called myelin, and it serves as a “sheath” that protects nerve fibers, prevents energy loss, and helps information move along neural pathways. When we repeat an activity, the myelin coating thickens, leading to a more efficient transfer of information....
To see a cool video about all this, read the Mindful article itself and watch the video HERE. YouTube Video Link