New Study: Meditation’s Effects on Alpha Brain Waves

A new study out of Brown University has found that a form of mindfulness meditation known as MBSR may act as a “volume knob” for attention, changing brain wave patterns.

What is MBSR?

Originally developed by a professor at the University of Massachusetts Medical School, mindfulness based stress reduction (MBSR) is based on mindfulness meditation techniques that have been practiced in some form or another for over two millennia. The 8-week MBSR program still follows some of the same principles of the original Buddhist practice, training followers to focus a “spotlight of attention” on different parts of their body. Eventually, it is hoped, practitioners learn to develop the same awareness of their mental states.

Read more about the study findings at http://blog.lumosity.com/meditation2/

What Tai Chi is for Me: Kate Duroux

Tai chi is meditation in action. Tai chi is the focus and attention I put (or wish to put) on my every movement, not only while practicing the forms, but more importantly for me at home:  Cooking - stirring the pot, wrist, hand holding the spoon, etc. Eating soup –  holding the bowl --- elbows down, bringing the spoon to my mouth---breathing. Walking from hallway to living room – fast…slow?  Sitting – loose…tense neck, shoulders? 

This year of tai chi practice has brought my awareness to this body tenfold. I tend to believe that it has helped me maintain a more peaceful attitude throughout the day, and mostly slow down and soften.

 

Maybe most of all it is a lot of fun!

Thanks to Kate Duroux for telling her story to Shih Fu Catherine. We've noticed that Body Balance students are resourceful, caring, connected people who cultivate chi wherever they go. We want to tell your story, too. Email Shih Fu Catherine at cstifter2@gmail.com. Look for these stories on our blog Streaming Chi. And on our Facebook page.