Transcript

From millennia's Old spiritual practice to the modern staple of self care, the art of meditation has a long history. Whether you are seeking enlightenment or just need a break from the madness of the outside world, the act of sustained inward focus can be an amazing experience, but just because your mind is calmed doesn't mean that your brain is on break. In fact, the act of meditation has a measurable effect on the activity of your brain.

If you're new to meditation, you might begin by trying to clear your mind and focus your attention, perhaps on your own breathing, the sensation of your skin, or maybe a single thought. As you do this, the brain's natural rhythms, called brain waves, begin to shift beta waves, the choppy rhythm associated with active thought gives way to slower alpha waves, prevalent during relaxation. Experienced meditators can also produce stronger gamma waves during meditation, which are associated with deep concentration.