Meditation can calm the brain and promote healing from "summary" of The Brain's Way of Healing by Norman Doidge
Norman Doidge discusses how meditation can have a calming effect on the brain, which in turn can promote healing. He explains that when we are stressed or anxious, our brains can become overactive, leading to a variety of physical and mental health issues. By practicing meditation, we can learn to quiet the mind and reduce this hyperactivity. Doidge describes how meditation can help activate the brain's relaxation response, which can counteract the body's stress response. This can lead to a decrease in the production of stress hormones and an increase in the production of feel-good chemicals like serotonin and dopamine. As a result, meditation can have a positive impact on our overall well-being. Furthermore, Doidge explains that meditation can also help improve brain function by increasing neuroplasticity. Neuroplasticity is the brain's ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections. By engaging in regular meditation practice, we can strengthen existing neural pathways and create new ones, leading to improved cognitive function and emotional resilience. Doidge emphasizes the importance of consistency in meditation practice, noting that the benefits are cumulative over time. He suggests starting with just a few minutes of meditation each day and gradually increasing the duration as you become more comfortable.- Doidge highlights the powerful effects that meditation can have on the brain and body. By incorporating meditation into our daily routine, we can experience reduced stress, improved mental clarity, and enhanced overall health and well-being.
