philosophy

Right Here, Right Now

Living in the here and now at least for a short period of time is better for your brain..

The researchers report that those who meditated for about 30 minutes a day for eight weeks had measurable changes in gray-matter density in parts of the brain associated with memory, sense of self, empathy and stress. The findings will appear in the Jan. 30 issue of Psychiatry Research: Neuroimaging.

M.R.I. brain scans taken before and after the participants’ meditation regimen found increased gray matter in the hippocampus, an area important for learning and memory. The images also showed a reduction of gray matter in the amygdala, a region connected to anxiety and stress. A control group that did not practice meditation showed no such changes.

“The main idea is to use different objects to focus one’s attention, and it could be a focus on sensations of breathing, or emotions or thoughts, or observing any type of body sensations,” she said. “But it’s about bringing the mind back to the here and now, as opposed to letting the mind drift.”

http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/01/28/how-meditation-may-change-the-brain/

More From phiammacdeo

• Is It Coming?
• It’s NOT About Carrots
• Horizons

Ask phiammacdeo To Recommend Your Posts

I Never Imagined..

Can you ever truly say the phrase “I never imagined” with all honesty?

There are times I have found myself surprised for sure, but is it even possible for us encounter a situation beyond what we predict or fantasize or dream could happen?

Our very senses are dependent upon what our brain can interpret based upon memories and pre-perceived patterns. In childhood we are by society’s assumptions ignorant and always encountering novelty, yet even when presented with immense traumas we find a way to adapt to something else that seems to be within us already wether it be our genetic instinct or some ethereal akashic record.

Further is our future destiny merely an unconscious expression of the narrow notions we can conceive for ourselves?

More From phiammacdeo

• I Got 99 Problems..
• It’s NOT About Carrots
• I so wanna push it

Ask phiammacdeo To Recommend Your Posts

Unfamiliar Terrain

On the eve of the celebration of one orbital rotation around our home star, my thoughts are heavy with all the events and realizations of the last year as well as the hopes I am brewing for the new year.  I am in Los Angeles, a town full of old memories, attitudes, and detritus from a former life and I now know I am very much a transformed man for better or worse.  I am something new, still unfolding, still very much undiscovered and more so than ever I find my head and heart full of surprising impressions and realizations.

In many ways I have accomplished the taming of my desire and despite outward appearances I have cultivated a cool dispassion to counter the once overwhelming romanticism that has been my undoing.

My goals are simpler, my senses more cautious, I believe I am as prepared as I ever could be for what’s to come.  I will endeavor to radiate hope, to be an agent of compassion, to be a force for constructive playful chaos.

I am very satisfied and strengthened by the love of my friends. Who really could ask for more kindness, generosity, wisdom, and humor. Their vision and faith in me is fortifying in a way I scarcely thought possible. Despite the tribulations of the last few years it indeed “gets better” and all the struggle was indeed worth it.

I’m looking forward to who we will become this new year and the process of exploring the unknowns ahead..