The Neuroscience of Meditation, Mindfulness, and Compassion

In times of stress, anxiety, and isolation finding effective strategies to understand our emotions and how we relate to the world at large often brings comfort. Mindfulness, meditation, and compassion have long been championed as helpful strategies but how do they impact our well being, if at all? Fadel Zeidan joins William Mobley to discuss his work applying scientific methods to these practices to quantify and discover how and why they work. [4/2020] [Show ID: 35824]
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[@cursedtodie]

After waking up from a coma that left me a quadriplegic, I unconsciously practiced meditation, mindfulness and when I recovered well enough to walk and talk, I practiced compassion as well. I wonder if that is one of the reasons I completely recovered, something which no doctor expected I'd do.

[@kimberlyannrathburn749]

Wow! That is inspiring. Thank you for sharing, Darryl.

[@vinayvardhanyt2415]

That's great 😊

[@SatishYadav-sm8wt]

Great boss

[@nandoq8255]

That's so amazing God bless 🙏

[@personalchannel1702]

Yeahh i love reading things like this. You did it. Because you chose to do it, I see set backs in life And things what knock us down, Make us like a baby who is crawling and is trying their hardest to get up and walk for the first time. You just gotts try and it takes some individuals longer than others, But if we physically can do it but its just up to our minds to decide to do it.

[@adamjones5004]

I have had depression for over twenty years of my life, half of my life I struggled which affected my education, the type of job and the lack of intelligence and confidence. I started meditation for six months and for two years I studied and learned very well and my intelligence increased, I stopped doing it, I went back towards zero, lazy, miserable, low moods, depressed, unable to succeed at anything, I started to meditate again only 30 mins in total half in morning and half at night, only now I realise it's practice for life and it has benefits that you can't get from anti depressants

[@OfficialEduardoCastillo]

I deeeeeply recommend my brother you research and dive head first into “Joe Dispenza” and eventually go to a retreat

[@ranidr]

I am also sufferng major depression anxiety panic disorder. Can i get cured with meditation.which meditation i should do??

[@adamjones5004]

@Rani Dr. Take 5 HTP and also do meditation of Echart Tolle

[@ranidr]

@@adamjones5004 what is 5 HTP??

[@vikramsingh-kd3hl]

Yes. I too have the similar experience. May I ask which meditation do you practice ?

[@JamieBarrington]

Imagine if meditation was taught in schools or by parents around the world. I wonder if we would have less wars. I know there would be less fighting among individuals. The things we could accomplish...

[@tomd1434]

Definitely less road rage lol.

[@RebelJones-wg7vz]

I’ve been meditating for about a year and a half daily..in my personal experience once you learn how to properly shift your consciousness it is as effective as benzodiazepine.

[@Maddie9185]

That would be awesome

[@sugarfree1894]

I started daily practice 11 years ago. I've kept it up because right from day one I felt better, in the ways described in this film. It really does work, and the extra bonus is that the beneficial effects are cumulative.

[@BridgitteJacksonBuckley]

Thank you so much for this wonderful video. What Dr. Zeidan describes about meditation and mindfulness having an impact on the brain of those unemployed, and looking for work, is precisely what I experienced. The multi-layered benefits I experienced as a result of choosing meditation to navigate extreme crisis in my life were profound.

[@krishnanunnimadathil8142]

Empathy and compassion - two things the world desperately needs. Great work!

[@adarshvs7613]

Malayali?

[@FortunateBehroz]

A fascinating study confirms that after an eight-week course of mindfulness practice, the brain’s “fight or flight” center, the amygdala, shrinks. The amygdala, associated with fear and emotion, is involved in the initiation of the body’s response to stress.⠀ ⠀ As the amygdala shrinks, the prefrontal cortex - associated with higher-order brain functions such as awareness, concentration and decision-making - becomes thicker.⠀ ⠀ The “functional connectivity” between these regions - i.e. how often they are activated together - also changes. The connection between the amygdala and the rest of the brain gets weaker, while the connections between areas associated with attention and concentration get stronger. The result? Our more primal responses to stress seem to be superseded by more thoughtful ones during mindfulness practices.

[@Vipce]

If only we can cut out the amygdala

[@djdb1214]

@@Vipce I often think of this too but then how would our body protect itself :(

[@tomd1434]

@Miozzz And more importantly how we respond to it. Almost every bad thing we hear on the news is in someway related to not being able to tolerate and manage stress.

[@mannyx2796]

link to study?

[@IsaiahsAnythingShow]

I would appreciate it if you sent a link to that study

[@SpiritualMeditationOm]

Meditation has lot of benefits. its great that u are popularizing it

[@Miguel-nr9kh]

Thank you Dr.Mobley and Dr.Fadel for the straightforward information. After some time practicing meditation, I have sought to understand the process that has brought so many benefits. Research is very important for clarifying the technique. Greetings from Brazil

[@NEPALIRIDERSinCALIFORNIA]

Thank you Dr.Mobley and Dr.Fadel for this mindful of information. I really enjoyed learning and understanding the part of Meditation. I am from Himalaya, and the impact of Meditation is losing its interest from the youngsters. Even though, Its roots date back to Hinduism, and meditation is in integral part of the Buddhist religion. But it has been practiced, in one form or another, in virtually every religion in recorded history. I really enjoyed it.

[@Sysयोग]

1:00 Dr Fadel

[@rcjacksonbrighton]

To experience first hand is to know. There is a state you can live in... a practiced state, that will give you the feeling ancient books have spoken of. A feeling of open-ness, spacious-ness, compassion, love and expansion. Don't take anyones word for it. Be it, find it and explore it yourself. These wonderful educated men and women who like to prove with science, the benefits of mindfulness and meditation, do so with good hearts. It seems strange the need to prove these things. But, that's the funny part of life. Don't take anyones word for it. Find this place within yourself, for yourself. Explore in a way that's right for you. If your intention is there, you will find the peace you are looking for xxx

[@stallionmusic750]

Beautifully said

[@rcjacksonbrighton]

@@stallionmusic750 thank you

[@milinduplap3256]

Well said Rebeca ,first know then learn & then practice, also scientifically authenticated presentatations are certainly more useful than the teachings of so called 'gurus' who have made a business of it.

[@themiddling2393]

Yes, and they said in 13 minutes what could have been said in 3... but no guidance to the subjective state or cues to reach it.

[@zain4019]

Try looking into the teachings of David Hawkins. It may be a great help to you. Blessings:)

[@Maddie9185]

It good to know that more studies are being done on these alternatives types of treatment because there are so many people suffering that need something that it’s free and that can help them heal.

[@jamilajones8328]

Thank you for the lecture and super thanks for the link to live sessions!!!! 🙏

[@naggdog1]

Thank you! that will help me for my speaking. Namasté!

[@rishikeshsarang5593]

Biggest thankyou of my life

[@SomosLaNuevaEra]

Música curativa para Atraer el Amor y la Felicidad a tu vida‚ eleva tu Espíritu y Sana tus Emociones diariamente ❤❤❤️

[@socosattui]

thanks.

[@m.venkadesen9037]

I'm so grateful to know and practice meditation on age 16 ✨

[@siobhanmurphy9605]

Well done, keep it up ❤

[@peterkephart7955]

Fantastic. Thank you for this video and for the knowledge you are sharing.

[@mr.anindyabanerjee9905]

Dear Sir, we are enlightened to learn your presentation on Neuropsychological correlates of Mindfulness. Am also eager to know what effect does it have on GABA'rgic receptors.

[@SpeedEchseftChris]

Remind me, if one can get the chance to volunteer for your study. Would love to read more about this.

[@justadream631]

You can look up medical studies on Google. Some of them you can get paid for too but most are dependent on volunteers. So go out and help science and medicine grow lol. Also they gave a specific link for their study at the very end of the video...

[@John83118]

This is the epitome of excellence. I read a book with similar content, and it was the epitome of excellence. "Mindful Mastery: Living Intentionally in a Chaotic World" by Kyle Ash

[@evasophieridderikhoff4439]

The brain is more a manager of the body, the nervous system is the CEO :)

[@GrifoStelle]

Because... the brain is not a part of the nervous system? :)

[@lauriew47]

any links to the exercises mentioned?

[@kakkonto-and-kundalini]

The part that is activated by Qigong is the back of the head. It is exactly the part corresponding to the green PCC displayed at 7:20.

[@micamollica9470]

Thank you for this emotional video, your voices are very relaxing and all the information given is very well explained. I'm using your investigation as part of my class in fundamental of speech where I have to talk about meditation. I will keep seeing more of your videos later! Feel good and stay healthy. Best, Micaela.

[@sockysworld8010]

Thank you.

[@user-nv9zo4qv3p]

How do we access the free practices

[@rishikeshsarang5593]

Thanyou so much

[@jimenabenitez8181]

Thanks. (:

[@Theconsciouscrystal]

What is the sham section in the graphs?

[@pallawipandey2746]

The country from which this beautiful technique originated is India

[@milinduplap3256]

I know we all like to pat our own back , ( I do too ) its not important where the technique originated ,what’s important is are we doing it ie Meditation.

[@NNiSYS]

Please you were not the first to show this! Google the research done on TM in the 60s, the 70s and the 80s!

[@Adikari1985]

How much worth what the Lord Buddha said 2500 years back. Thank you for your contribution to this area.

[@sejalsocial]

Meditation is spiritual

[@annaberg1200]

How long does it take for there to be a difference in the brain?

[@pritamshil5765]

Sir, where is fear long term memory stored in the human brain? Sir ,please let me know your valuable remarks 🙏.

[@elenitadelgado7939]

Buenos dias esta meditacion la tiene en españo??gracias

[@dhiatt333]

♡♡♡

[@romi171717]

Whick kind of practices did the practice? Mindfulness is a general name

[@yerikobura9280]

Vipassana meditation.

[@Combat-Mindset]

No Mindfulness is not a general name, its only one specific form of Meditation which concentrates purely on the breath, also called Vipassana

[@bandumathithennakoon1683]

Anapanasati

[@Nopnop2498]

ขอบคุณ​ครับ​

[@neringadastoor8123]

Lovely, so what are the exercises?..

[@viraj9448]

Try doing art of living's meditation workshop their meditation are next level

[@skybirdnomad]

link in the description

[@Reme873]

The problem is commiting to 8 weeks is itself a challenge.20 minutes is too much.

[@user-ck7cn4ir6b]

7:22

[@BoredT-Rex]

gotta love how confident these people are talking about the brain and how it works...when actually we know very little and cant cure a damn thing related to it

[@timothycorrey2154]

🙏🏼❤️🎶

[@GlobalDrifter1000]

Was that the guy from the Crystal Cathedral?

[@Hitmanoob]

Of course it reduces anxiety and stress, mindfulness types of meditation shut down the Default Mode Network. Watch out for the effects of long-term mindfulness meditation though. It is not for everyone. Not all forms of meditation have the same effects on the brain: mindfulness-type forms disintegrate the Default Mode Network, which is essential to our sense of attachment to others and therefore to group cohesion. Intense practice for years can (some people like Gary Weber, scientist, said it) no longer make you as attached to your loved ones, whether these are your friends, your partner, your parents or even your children. It is the price to pay to appreciate the present moment and limit unnecessary suffering. The DMN is a survival tool, not something we want to get rid of unless we have lost everything already. I repeat : this is not for everyone. I am not a scientist but I am currently trying to find actions to do every day so as not to lose all the benefits of this Default Mode Network, if some people have ideas to offer I am open to everything.

[@ParituVaPeVigne]

I agree with you, DMN is a survival tool and has a reason to exist. Minfulness meditation is not for everyone and has some strong effects on our brain, positive if have a good attitude and a good teacher. The important thing is to not be slave of a style because that app or book said it's 100% effective, but always be aware of our response to a certain practice. Feeling anxiety or fear is not always a sign that our practice is growing, sometimes it means that we have to change style to a more suitable one for us. I used to do only mindfulness meditation but I'm gradually integrating with the loving-kindness style, which I find more comfortable.

[@marcosgalvao3182]

Don't fear the lose of "default mode" , there is nothing to fear . You're creating a unnecessary problem with " lose of defaut mode " it can be one anxiety by itself .

[@SA-ww1ge]

Attachment vs enmeshment vs nonattachment vs detachment. To truly love fully one needs to be nonattached with love. Meditation doesn't cut your feelings off or disconnect you from others rather it provides a pause in our internal dialogue, feeling, and physical sensations. To slow down and choose our response, we are less reactive. We are less stressed, relaxed, and happy, and it becomes easier to be more patient, kind, and loving. We begin to focus our energy where we can create change, in our own perception, this is not uncaring on the contrary its the most loving thing we can do for ourselves and the ones we love. We become more aware through meditation and harmful things fall away and lose their appeal. I invite you to look deeper into your interpretation of Weber's work, I don't believe he draws the conclusion you've made.

[@passerby4876]

wait what? unnecessary drama Jesus, if you experience lack of attachment you def can't blame meditation. But there must be some serious issue. Meditation is for everyone!

[@novadirector]

I've had this genuine worry too. I'm left wondering how much I'm "allowed" to use my DMN. Also concerned with negative side effects of long term meditation like the propensity for magical thinking. My best answer ironically is to include another meditation style called metta meditation so as not become too zoned out or asocial.