Comments for Yes, Virginia, Meditators Really Do Have Bigger Brains at http://belleruthnaparstek.com , comment 1 to 3 out of 3 comments http://belleruthnaparstek.com Thu, 09 Sep 2010 22:19:51 +0100 FeedCreator 1.7.2 http://belleruthnaparstek.com/hot-research/yes-virginia-meditators-really-do-have-bigger-brains.html#comment-643 Brain plasticity or as it is also called, neurogenesis, is really good news! I remember being told at school and by my associates that we are given a set, finite number of brain cells and that they progressively die as we get older. Drinking alcohol would accelerate this natural process of inevitable decline in the numbers of healthy brain cells. It seemed to make sense because of what we all know are some of the effects of old age. I have been meditating for about 17 years using the technique rediscovered by Fr. John Main OSB of England, from the early desert Fathers and Hermits of northern Africa. I would like to encourage everybody to look at incorporating mediation on a regular and permanent basis, as one of the most important things that you can do for yourself and others, regardless of whatever technique that you settle on. Can I suggest that combining a regular meditation practice with intellectual games that stimulate the brain, in either software on your computer or from a hand held device, will also be an important way of maintaining your brains' sharpness and good emotional health. Getting enough Omega 3 from fish or from fish oil capsules, getting enough sleep on a regular basis, aerobic exercise, weight control, and learning clear thinking skills, are all going to assist you to maintain excellent brain health as well as being a catalyst for personal growth. - JOHN CANDIDO Sun, 07 Jun 2009 01:36:09 +0100 http://belleruthnaparstek.com/hot-research/yes-virginia-meditators-really-do-have-bigger-brains.html#comment-630 Susan, That's great. It's certainly a far cry from what we were all taught years ago, that the brain couldn't regenerate. Hah! Don't believe a word of it. The studies abound, including MRI's of people in treatment for PTSD who have dramatic and very perceivable brain changes. It kind of makes you wonder what other kinds of hard and fast medical "truths" will be found invalid, eh? - Belleruth Thu, 28 May 2009 22:08:30 +0100 http://belleruthnaparstek.com/hot-research/yes-virginia-meditators-really-do-have-bigger-brains.html#comment-624 As a survivor of early childhood abuse which damaged my brain, I've been studying the plasticity of the healing of the brain. THANKS FOR THE NEW DATA. - Susan B. Landry Thu, 28 May 2009 11:01:44 +0100