Meditation Improves Memory
We know from research studies that Meditation helps our brains function by improving memory, lengthening attention spans, and sharpening our focus and a host of other health benefits. Meditation stimulates the brain. Studies of Tibetan monks who meditate many hours a day, every day, for years, showed that their brain activity was “off the charts.” Of great interest is a study conducted at the University of California, Santa Barbara, which showed a link between Meditation and improved test scores. When it comes to tests and brain functions, we know that the longer one’s attention span, and the greater the memory and information retention, the better one performs mental tasks. The higher the working memory, which is one’s ability to keep large amounts of information in mind, the better his/her performance in reading and comprehension. Read more about this study as published in the New York Times.
Test scores improve after Meditation
Students in the study were tested before and after practicing Meditation for two weeks. Interestingly, their scores in reading comprehension test scores improved after introducing daily meditation. These results show great promise for students who establish a meditation practice. After just two weeks of Meditation, tests of the students’ working memory capacities showed increased memory. The issue of whether or not working memory capacity can actually be improved was raised, but to me it does not diminish the impact of the test score improvements. I am not a researcher, but I think the results raise the possibility that Meditation elevated the students’ performance by allowing them to function at levels approaching their own natural, higher potentials. It seems reasonable that the students may not have been not functioning at peak levels prior to the Meditation, and their practice harnessed previously documented mental benefits to improve their performance on tests. It is significant that the tests scores and working memory capacities improved after practicing Meditation.
The report concludes with a reminder that two weeks’ practice is not sufficient to maintain benefits. I do not believe anyone would reasonably expect otherwise. I encourage a regular practice of meditation, even if just for a few minutes a day. Like any activity done to improve the body’s functioning on any level – mental, physical, or emotional – it is a regular practice that yields results. Meditation is no different – it is a daily practice that yields results which accumulate and increase over time. The beauty is that benefits can be obtained with only minutes a day. Students of all ages, in all disciplines (including students of Life), can benefit from all that Meditation offers. Wouldn’t it be nice to know you are doing something to help your brain perform better? Not to mention the other parts of you…
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Please contact me to find out more about classes and workshops for students and how you can help your students and/or your brain with the simple, effective, and rewarding practice of Meditation.