What Happens in Your Brain During Meditation?
“The mind is like water. When it’s turbulent, it’s difficult
to see. When it’s calm, everything becomes clear.” Once I was travelling this
quote from a magazine caught my attention. We all have heard that meditation
brings calmness. But have you ever thought why it feels like your mind shifts
during those quiet moments with your eyes closed and your breath steady?
Let us take a little journey inside our
brain and see what really happens when we meditate.
Imagine your brain like a city
always buzzing, lights flickering, signals flashing. During meditation, it's
like the city dims the lights, slows down the traffic, and breathes.
Scientifically speaking, meditation tends to increase alpha and theta brainwaves.
These waves are connected to calmness and alertness. That’s why meditation
often makes us feel peaceful and more present.
There is a part of our brain
called the prefrontal cortex that lights up during mediatation. It helps us
make decisions and stay in control. Regular meditation will strengthen this
area, like how a gym workout builds muscles. This means you may find yourself
reacting less impulsively and responding more thoughtfully in everyday life.
Another part of the brain, called
the amygdala, handles fear and stress. You can imagine it as your brain’s alarm
system. When something goes wrong, the amygdala alerts you. But for some
people, it becomes overactive. It’s like your brain is learning how to whisper
“it’s okay” instead of screaming “panic”
There is a part of the brain
called the Default Mode Network (DMN). This part becomes active when your mind
is wandering like when you keep thinking
about the past or worry about the future. Studies have shown that meditation
reduces the activity in this network. That’s why people who meditate often feel
more focused and less caught up in unnecessary thoughts.
In many ways, meditation acts
like a gentle reset button. It doesn’t erase life’s challenges, but it helps
you face them with clarity. It helps the brain to slow down, reconnect, and
refocus. It is not about escaping reality but about seeing it more clearly.
You don’t need to climb a
mountain or sit for hours in silence to feel the benefits. Even a few minutes a
day can start to rewire your inner world. Always remember the practice of
meditation doesn’t just change how you feel
it changes how your brain functions.
So the next time you sit quietly, remember your brain is not just relaxing; it's transforming.
Written By- Mr. Samuel Joseph Antony - Consultant Psychologist (Mindmaris Counsellors India Pvt)
