"The secret of health for both mind and body is not to mourn for the past, worry about the future, or anticipate troubles, but to live in the present moment wisely and earnestly."
-- Buddha
Meditation has been shown to alter brain states. What are the benefits to the practitioner? They are tenfold. In particular the practice of meditation can enable you to live more fully in the present moment. This ability to be here and now comes from the practice of stilling the mind and is a natural result of this practice. Studies show increases in brain states such as narrative versus experiential focus.
Narrative focus is likened to streams of consciousness, the "I" of our history. This is where we take incoming information and filter it through the ego. Ego can be thought of as a reservoir for our past down into a subconscious level. It can also be the repository for our future as in desires and wants.
Experiential focus is a filter of the sense organs...sight, sound, smell, taste and feeling. Sensing the world in this way allows us to be present in this moment. As a result we are non-reactive, non-judgementive and aware. Research conducted on meditators has shown that meditation enhances our ability to focus on the now. Being in the now enhances us by opening up neural pathways.
The difference between narrative and experiential focus is the as vast as making plans to begin a new journey to being on the journey and having joy, happiness and compassion! Both are necessary paths - some of us just need to be in the present moment!
