Mindfulness + Neuroplasticity

While I’ve been munching on Easter eggs this long weekend, I’ve also been catching up on the latest research into the efficacy of mindfulness meditation.

And, gosh, is it F A S C I N A T I N G .

In the last ten years or so, there’s been a boom in research into mindfulness. While science doesn’t have all the answers into the mysteries + significance of mindfulness - yet? - there is a continuing swell of good-quality research supporting the practice as an effective - + low-risk - behavioural intervention for a wide range of physical + mental health issues. Anxiety, depression, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, chronic pain, fibromyalgia, IBS, PTSD, insomnia... the list is endless.

I’m particularly interested in the research into neuroplasticity - how the brain changes based on our experiences - which of late has been generating a buzz both in research circles + in the media. No doubt those of you interested in mindfulness would have seen this term pop up all over the place.

The important thing to remember with mindfulness training as it relates to neuroplasticity is that consistency is key: ‘cells that fire together, wire together.’ While you may read all these wonderful articles espousing the benefits of mindfulness for healthy brain functioning, you’ve got to actually DO the work + you’ve got to do it regularly. A daily (or near-daily) mindfulness practice is widely recommended to see results.

How many times have you tried to introduce something new into your routine, only to lose interest after the initial enthusiasm wears off? It takes a certain amount of willpower + discipline to form a new habit + it can be quite hard going when you’re trying to stick to something but life - or other people! - get in the way of what you want to do. C’est la vie...

However, if there’s something I’ve found to be particularly useful for combating my own tendency to get distracted + deterred from my own personal practice, it’s that it’s better to do it with others.

Find a class with other like-minded people. Sign up. Be accountable.

It’s nice to read about mindfulness + all the wonderful things that go along with it - + science tells us there’s a lot to gain from regular practice - but what are you actually doing about it? What’s stopping you?

My advice: just dive in!