[greenfrog]

http://www.zonediet.com/blog/2011/09...for-the-brain/

Worth a look. Here's an excerpt:

"[M]ore recent, better controlled, shorter-term studies have taken either non-meditators or experienced meditators and put them into an intensive meditation program to be compared to equally matched subjects waiting to enter the same a program. Using a more tightly controlled group of subjects, it has been found that meditation does indeed have benefits in reducing sensitivity to pain (6), improving ability to modulate alpha waves that help reduce distractions (7), increasing brain grey matter (8), and increasing telomerase activity (9). The increased telomerase activity is usually associated with increased lifespan because when telomeres on the DNA become too short, the cell dies."

[pcslife]

I have been using transcendental meditation technique and that is the only thing keeping me sane in this ordeal. Without that I am sure I will be even worse. For PTSD victims it helps them a lot.

[greenfrog]

I personally find mindfulness meditation helpful (20 mins once or twice a day). I had been doing it off and on for several years prior to my concussion, which made it easier to pick up again. It helps to find a good CD or book with some basic meditation techniques (Thich Nhat Hanh has a few good ones; some people like Jon Kabat-Zinn's).

[Kenjhee]

Hi guys, first post. I think I've found what I've been looking for in this forum.

I'm working on a theory that meditation can be instrumental in recovery and/or adaptation to a frontal TBI as I've suffered. In the East it is anecdotal legend that long-term meditation can produce actual physiogical changes in and around the area of the brain that western medicine calls the pineal gland (apparently this has been supported by brain autopsies of people with a life history of spiritual training of some kind). The pineal gland, thought to be the physical center of clairvoyance, is located in the center of the brain, and thus more cushioned from frontal trauma.

I believe that my own spiritual practices over the years (meditation, martial arts, prayer) contributed to strengthening of my own psychic center (pineal gland), and this has at least partially offset the raging emotions and primitive drives of my limbic system, unfortunately most of which is also near the more protected center of the brain.

At any rate, I have had doozies of anger sessions, but haven't killed anyone yet (come close!). Anyone else have thoughts along these lines?

Kenjhee

[Mark in Idaho]

Would others agree than a benefit, if not the most important benefit of meditation is the relaxation and release of stress that it causes?

Do you think it is possible to get these benefits throughout the day by making choices in how and what we let are mind think upon?

For me, understanding my symptoms and letting go of a personal need to react in frustration to them has given me great relief.

The explosive problems from PCS are easier to handle and prevent when I have given up control of those things that may be the triggers.

btw, For those with strong held Christian beliefs, most meditation practices are counter to Christian principles.

[pcslife]

Research indicates it is more than relaxation. Lots of interest in the medical field about its benefits. One research even indicates it increases cerebral blood flow which definitely PCS subjects needs and (exercise is another way but not sure how many tolerate exercise).

One recent study from UCLA:
http://www.physorg.com/news161355537.html

[SpaceCadet]

Instead of making a new thread about this, I decided to just ask my question on this one.

Sometimes my brain gets very overwhelmed with everything it's taken in throughout the day...my thoughts will be racing and I'll start to get extremely anxious...to the point I feel like I'm going to go crazy (literally). There is a technique I've learned to do to release my mind of the racing, anxious thoughts.

I'll lock myself in my room, shut the blinds, put earplugs in, lay on the bed (on my back) and close my eyes...clearing my mind of everything. Once my mind is cleared, I just lay there relaxed, with a clear mind, occasionally taking deep breaths. I'll do this for probably 10-15 minutes.

My question: Is this considered meditation? I'm not doing anything spiritual, just clearing my mind of everything and relaxing.

Whatever it is, it works really well. And I recommend it to anyone who get overwhelmed with thoughts throughout the day.

[Eowyn]

I would call that "mindful breathing." Some people might use that as a way to meditate, but I don't think being aware of your body and its processes could be considered exclusive to any religion.

[xanadu00]

Okay, I obviously discovered this thread a little late in the game. I'd like to contribute my 2 cents.

Mindfulness practice goes way beyond sitting meditation. It is perhaps best described as paying attention with an attitude of openness, acceptance, and non-judgment. Here are some things in our life toward which we can apply such an attitude: thoughts, emotions, bodily sensations, circumstances, other people, ourselves, etc.

In mindfulness-based meditation, a common strategy is to begin by focusing on one's breath, and perhaps gradually scanning one's whole body, focusing on different parts of the body as you go through the process. As for thoughts and emotions, they will come up. The idea is not to resist them, suppress them, react to them, judge them, or get attached to them. Instead of "clearing the mind," one simply mindfully observes one's thoughts, emotions, and bodily sensations, without passing judgment on them or getting attached to them.

As I mentioned above, this strategy of mindfulness can be applied outside of sitting meditation sessions. Indeed, it can be applied in almost any context. Mindful walking, eating, and work (such as doing the dishes) are common examples of practices that can serve as an extension of a daily sitting meditation practice.

Pete