Articles by Jeanne Ball on ArticleSnatch.com

Meditation and the Brain: A New Frontier in Science

Tue, 22 Dec 2009 19:18:03 -0500

During the first 20 years of a person’s life, the brain is developing circuits that will last a lifetime. Yet certain unhealthy lifestyle factors can inhibit normal brain development in adolescents and lead to impaired judgment and impulsive behavior that carries over into adulthood. Recent discoveries in the field of neuroscience have found that brain function can be significantly improved after early adulthood or at any age through the practice of meditation. When our brain is healthy, all the different areas work together—the different parts pertaining to senses, emotions, mental performance and decision making are all well ‘integrated.’ Brain integration is important because ones environment and circumstances are constantly changing; you need a healthy, integrated brain to evaluate where you are, where you want to be, and determine the steps to get there. This critical evaluation of information takes place in the frontal lobes of the brain or the association cortex. The frontal cortex does not receive information directly from the outside, but puts together what is brought in through hearing, seeing, touch, etc. The frontal lobes are like a conductor who oversees the different musicians in an orchestra and integrates them all together in concert. **End Summary** Topics: Meditation]]> adolescent brain development]]> learning disabilities children]]> Transcendental Meditation]]> meditation research]]> brain research]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Bio:Jeanne Ball, teacher of Transcendental Meditation for over 35 years specializing in ADHD, ADD, addiction recovery, anxiety, depression, hypertension and other stress related disorders. Meditation for Women , Transcendental Meditation , David Lynch Foundation

Transcendental Meditation, Mindfulness and Enlightenment

Sat, 05 Dec 2009 22:17:50 -0500

"What's the difference between Transcendental Meditation and mindfulness meditation?" This frequently asked question rises out of the growing popularity of these two mainstream meditation practices. Due to requirements of time and tuition for learning the Transcendental Meditation technique, some people may wonder, "Aren't all meditations basically the same?" Mindfulness practices can be easily learned from a book, online or from a therapist, whereas the TM course involves up to 15 hours of training and can be learned only from a certified instructor. It's no wonder that people often want to compare these meditation techniques. Although both forms of meditation produce relaxation and practitioners may report some similar benefits—such as inner calm and centeredness, pain management or greater awareness and focus during the day—these techniques differ considerably, both in practice and range of effects as measured by scientific research. What is mindfulness meditation? Mindfulness meditation (or guided mindfulness) generally involves watching one's thoughts, the breath or bodily sensations while sitting quietly. Typically the student does not judge or hold on to thoughts or perceptions, but merely observes them. Mindfulness is often described as the process of being attentive to one’s experiences. **End Summary** Topics: Transcendental Meditation]]> mindfulness]]> meditation transcendental]]> guided mindfulness meditation]]> enlightenment]]> meditation techniques]]> consciousness]]> ]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> BIO: Jeanne Ball, teacher of Transcendental Meditation for over 35 years specializing in ADHD, ADD, addiction recovery, anxiety, depression, hypertension and other stress related disorders. Meditation for Women , Doctors on Meditation , David Lynch Foundation

New Study: Meditation Helps Women with Breast Cancer

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 17:34:15 -0400

Fear, anxiety and confusion often accompany the diagnosis of cancer or any life threatening disease. Being able to take control of one's emotions and navigate through treatment options and life style changes is essential for a speedy recovery. For managing stress and finding the inner strength to deal with a serious illness, many women find that learning Transcendental Meditation is a key factor. Not only does effective meditation provide deep relaxation and calm, but also better intuition and clarity of mind to face the challenges of fighting for one's life. A recent study gives encouragement for women with breast cancer for improving their ability to manage stress and find solace from within. A study published in the peer-reviewed Integrative Cancer Therapies (Vol. 8, No. 3: September 2009), "The Effects of Transcendental Meditation on Women with Breast Cancer" found reduced stress and improved mental health and emotional well being through their practice of the technique. The study was a collaboration between the Center for Healthy Aging at Saint Joseph Hospital; the Institute for Health Services, Research and Policy Studies at Northwestern University; the Department of Psychology at Indiana State University; **End Summary** Topics: Transcendental Meditation]]> health]]> prevention]]> breast cancer]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Jeanne Ball, teacher of Transcendental Meditation for over 35 years specializing in ADHD, ADD, addiction recovery, anxiety, depression, hypertension and other stress related disorders. Meditation for Women , Doctors on Meditation , TM.org