Meditation and Mindfulness: Is My Mother Right?
Written by Saee Risbud
Illustrated by Tanvi Gupta
It seems to be a universal truth that daughters are hardwired to disagree with anything their mother thinks is good for them - and I’m certainly no exception. That’s why when my mom calls, asking for the upteenth time if I’ve started meditating every night, I roll my eyes, lie through my teeth, and say, “Of course I have!” Lately though, I’ve found myself feeling pretty stressed. While college has certainly provided me with a wealth of new experiences, I often find myself being pulled in all directions. Managing my time and getting everything done has often been overwhelming and anxiety-producing. As college life has become more stressful, I’ve realized that I could channel some of the energy I spend rolling my eyes into meditation.
Meditation is the practice of focusing one’s mind onto a state of being or an object in an attempt to achieve mental clarity. It can take many different forms, such as mindfulness meditation, transcendental meditation, and loving-kindness meditation. The origins of meditation are hard to trace, but the earliest written records of meditation practices were found in India, under Hindu traditions of Vedantism. While images of figures meditating date back to as early as 5000 BCE, it is likely that meditative practices were passed down orally for hundreds of years prior. Buddhism is also heavily associated with meditation, as the practice aids Buddhists in reaching ultimate peace. Meditation did not reach the West until the 1700s, when Eastern philosophical texts, such as the Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita, and the Buddhist Sutras, were translated. Even then, it remained only a topic of philosophical debate. It was only in the 20th century that mediation became prevalent in the United States, as spiritual teachers from Indian and Buddhist schools immigrated to the West. As meditation took off in the West, it grew removed from religious traditions. The practice was promoted by celebrities as a way to better one’s mind and body regardless of spirituality. This growing popularity began to prompt scientific research, where studies showed the possibility for experienced yogis (experts at yoga) to control bodily functions, such as heartbeat and body temperature, through meditation. Further research explored the practice of meditation for bettering individual health and the implications that could have for the healthcare system. Research on meditation continues to this day.
So what exactly does meditation do? Studies have shown that meditation reduces anxiety, depression, chronic pain, and perhaps difficult digestion. Additionally, meditation can improve one’s emotional state and help negate negative emotions. These benefits are possible because of a process called neuroplasticity: the brain’s ability to alter its structure by forming new synaptic connections. Synaptic connections are what allow neurons to communicate with one another and send signals all over the body and brain. As we learn new things, we make new synaptic connections, and practicing what we learn can help us maintain those connections and make them stronger. These neuron networks then release chemicals that cause you to feel certain emotions. Through neuroplasticity, meditation can form new connections in the brain associated with positive emotions, and meditating regularly can strengthen those newly formed connections, leading to an increase in positive emotions. Meditation can not only rewire the brain itself but also help our body in many ways. Studies have found that meditation could reduce our inflammatory response by dampening the associated genes, improving DNA stability, and lowering blood pressure. Meditation may even play a role in improving our social lives, as it could help us become more mindful and empathetic. It is clear that meditation has wide-ranging health and wellness benefits, and there is definitely more to learn.
Having done my research on meditation, I think I’ve adopted a new perspective. In my own life, especially in college, I find it difficult to form long-term habits, which I’m sure all students can relate to. Why should I take 10 minutes out of my day to meditate when Netflix can make me feel good instantly? I’ll admit that I’ve tried to meditate consistently, and I think I made it about one week before calling it quits. It’s so easy to just put it off until tomorrow or think you’ll get to it later. Researching meditation has made me realize that the effort it takes to form the habit is minimal compared to its long-term health benefits. That overwhelm and anxiety I talked about earlier? Maybe meditating can help me feel it a little less. Moreover, meditation can be a practice that ties me to my culture and spirituality. As a child of immigrants, I definitely feel a disconnect between myself and Indian culture. Meditation could be a tangible way to feel more connected, especially since I often feel intimidated by the complexities of Hindu spirituality and philosophy. All I have to do is take ten minutes out of my day. Actually, I guess I have to do one more thing: begrudgingly admit that my mother is right.