Meditation helps the memory

Meditation is defined as the process of thinking or focusing for a period of time in silence for spiritual purposes or as a method of relaxation. A recent study has found that people whom have meditated for a long time have a larger amounts of gyrification (a “folding” of the cerebral cortex which allows the brain to process information). Gyrification plays a key role in memory, attention, thought and consciousness.

The researchers took MRI scans of 50 meditators, 28 men and 22 men, and compared them to 50 control subjects. They found that those whom meditated regularly had higher levels of gyrification. Eileen Luders, who performed the experiment comments how “meditators are known to be masters in introspection and awareness as well as emotion control and self-regulation.”

The idea that meditation provides not only peace (even for a brief amount of time) but also might help others with problems in memories is fascinating. However it makes sense, since meditation is generally orientated as a individual practice in order to cultivate an internal state where self-awareness is key.

Article can be found here.