On Meditation and Reactivity

One thing I know for sure is that meditation has helped reduce my reactivity. I like to say it increased my “hang time,” so that I can take more beats before I feel, say or do something in response to a trigger.

Science backs me up. It has been shown that meditation can literally modify the structure of your brain, thickening key areas of the cortex that help you control your attention and emotions. Research suggests that meditation can change not only your internal emotional states but also your actual behavior, by changing your neural circuitry in ways that make you more compassionate, as well as more inclined to have positive feelings toward a victim of suffering and to see things from their perspective.

Here is a great article about meditation, including links for information about some of the scientific studies. https://www.vox.com/future-perfect/2020/1/10/21013234/meditation-brain-neuroscience-moral-obligation.

As I continue to grapple with the strange events of 2020, and look toward 2021, I am going to rely on my meditation practice more than ever—letting my own physiology “take the wheel,” despite the roller coaster of emotions I may feel. Even a few minutes a day of meditation can make a big difference.

For those who are not sure about how to meditate, are having trouble keeping a meditation routine or just want to learn more about meditation, Sattva Wisdom Center is planning an 8-part meditation series, starting in January 2021, live via Zoom.

Led by a great team of experienced meditation guides, each part will cover a different meditation technique, including an explanation of why it works and how it can be used. The goal is to provide each participant a “toolbox” of techniques so they can choose different ways to meditate to suit their needs at any given time.

We are really looking forward to this series and will be providing more information about it soon. We hope you will join us!

Hoping you have a peaceful and enjoyable holiday and a Happy Thanksgiving!

With love and light,

Denise