A great deal of new research into our emotions has become possible with the advent of functional MRI scans (fMRIs). They work by producing dynamic images of the brain “in vivo”, so you can get a live view of what parts of the brain are more active than others at any one time while it is active. Professor Richard Davidson, director of the Heath Emotions Research Institute, led a study into a group of Tibetan monks. The monks agreed to undergo fMRI scanning whilst meditating. What Davidson found was a marked tendency for increased activity in the right tempero-parietal region of the brain. This part of the brain enables us to connect with the feelings of others – i.e. to possess empathy. Meditation also helps to regulate ones feelings and emotions and so develop a sense of self compassion – a pre-requisite to the presence of compassion for others.
The plethora of benefits of meditation have been experienced and investigated by ever broadening circles of people for many years now. It is well known that moments of stillness are a powerful way to balance the various pressures within and without us – almost facilitating the flow of traffic in our daily lives in a more manageable and less chaotic way. Compassion is, of course, something experienced meditators – Buddhist and otherwise – have been highlighting as the ultimate goal of meditation for centuries. The actual experience of meditation is often described as one of “connectedness”. The act of meditation leads to a melding of boundaries between the person and the outside world so that emotions and sensations are felt more acutely both within and without; this is made possible by the awareness of a deeper layer of peace and tranquility underlying all.
One by one the variously described advantages of meditation are now being associated with robust scientific proof. In many ways meditation is the meeting point of science and spirituality, and its effects combine both physical and psychological health benefits. We now know that, when all is said and done, the ultimate goal of meditation is compassion – both for the self and for others. There could be fewer more cherished goals in life than this.
Dr Russell Razzaque earned his medical degree from the University of London and is a member of the UK Royal College of Psychiatrists. If you liked this article then you’ll likely benefit from Sileotherapy; a FREE stillness based online self help program in which Dr Razzaque teaches people to go beyond thought and realise their true potential:
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