Typically, “om” would be the first word associated with meditation, but in reality, perhaps the word “neuroplasticity” should be. In the last 10 years, studies have revealed the scientific aspects of meditation which have encouraged its practice in different forms.
Meditation, which is offered in multiple forms on campus at North Central College, is a practice that has been used for thousands of years. Most forms began as a religious technique to become closer to gods. While it is still a spiritual practice, studies have researched the science behind the physical, mental and emotional benefits of practicing meditation.
Yonah Klem, an ordained Aryeh Kaplan, or teacher of Jewish meditation, recently led a guided Jewish meditation on campus. A small group of students and faculty sat in a circle while Klem instructed them on breathing techniques in order to reach a state of meditation.
“The first thing people notice is that they feel more relaxed,” Klem said. “They find more focus.”
And there are studies to back up the claims. According to the NPR story “Prayer May Reshape Your Brain…And Your Reality,” within two weeks of practicing meditation every morning for 30 minutes, the participants’ brains and immune systems had changed for the positive.
The ability for the brain to resculpt itself in this way is referred to as neuroplasticity. Scientists believe that our brains are constantly undergoing changes, but not always for the better. Meditation helps change our brain for the better, which reflects in our actions.
“All meditation is about changing oneself, eliminate inner and outer distractions, open one’s heart and thereby one’s behavior,” Klem said.
Klem says people who practice meditation regularly experience “more compassion, more love, more joy” while also reaping the physical benefits of less fatigue, less stress, and more focus. She also said that in more than 40 years of practicing meditation, she has noticed her reactions to events that happen in her life are much more calm.
“In general, my thinking is much more calm. I have more joy in my life, not just happiness. Joy is much deeper. My soul is quieter,” Klem said.
Bringing together the ideas of both science and spirituality regarding meditative techniques is a new field referred to as neurotheology. This study has been gaining more attention in the U.S. and Canada, according to NPR.
“Science has been interested in how spiritual things work,” Klem said. “But science can’t always measure whether you are open to the Divine.”
