A few years ago, a headline in The Hindu newspaper got my attention: “The happiest man in the world.”
I was intrigued. I found that the article was about Matthieu Ricard, a French scientist who had become a Buddhist monk. What made this scientist such a happy man?
In one word: Meditation.
This got me thinking:
- How does meditation make a person so happy?
- How can meditation ‘scientifically’ benefit my brain and my overall well-being?
- How is it that we, who spend so much time in prayer, meditation, retreats, etc., look (and often are) so gloomy?
Let’s look for some answers. We start with what science has to say about meditation.
Mindfulness Meditation
First of all, the meditation that is taught or practiced for the various experiments is mostly what is called the “mindfulness meditation”. It consists in bringing the meditator’s attention to the internal and external experiences occurring in the present moment with closed eyes, straight back and breathing awareness.
Though this method is found in the Buddhist tradition, the early Christian Church talks of a similar way. This method is called the ‘vigilance of the mind and heart.’ The disciples are taught to be wakeful, attentive and vigilant to that which is inside and around.
And what can meditation possibly do to the brain?
The Effects on the Brain
During experiments with experienced meditators it was found that, while they meditated, there was a decreased activity in the regions of the brain related to anxiety, depression and intolerance. No wonder those who meditate become more relaxed and happier.
In a comparative study between experienced meditators and beginners, it was found that in the experienced ones, there was a greater activity in the brain’s areas corresponding to empathy than in the beginners’ one. In other words, those who meditate tend to understand others better, and feel for them.
Here is one more finding, with practical consequences:
in a study done at Harvard University, USA, Sara Lazar and her team discovered that mindfulness meditation could actually change the structures of the brain. For example, they found that meditator’s brain showed enhanced connectivity between the brains regions; that it increased the thickness of the areas responsible for the regulation of emotions.
To put it differently, we master our emotions better if we meditate.
Science is telling us that when we learn to meditate and do it regularly, it helps us not only at the spiritual level, but in our overall well-being.
While regular meditation is not a substitute for medical advice and a healthy lifestyle, it brings a greater sense of wellbeing. Surprisingly, studies have found that even just five minutes of daily meditation are enough to make a positive change in one’s life.
The Benefits of Meditation
Here are some of the benefits experienced by meditators:
- Lower anxiety;
- Decreased depression, fear, negative moods, sadness, tension, anger and stress;
- Increased tolerance, positive feelings, empathy, compassion;
- Improvement of the memory, concentration, self-awareness and goal setting;
- Better immunity and tolerance to pain.
It is not surprising, then, that someone like scientist Matthieu Ricard, who centres his life on meditation, is said to be the happiest man in the world. It does not mean that no one else is happier. Surely all the deeply happy people have not taken part in studies of this kind. What it does show is that his way of living is ‘suited’ for happiness.
Mathieu Ricard and many other meditators have found a path to happiness and serenity. Science has provided evidence for how this happens.
What about me? What about you? What are we getting out of meditation? What effects does it have on our life?
Next month I’d like to honestly reflect on what goes on with our ‘time-tabled,” routine meditation. Why is it that, although we have so many opportunities to meditate, it does not seem to have a great positive impact on our lives? How far does it affect the way we relate with God and with each other?
Want to see video clips on meditation, including what science tells us about it? There’s plenty on YouTube
– Sr. Marie Gabrielle Riopel SCSM is the provincial of the Sisters of Charity of Saint Mary.
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