More Meditation Research

"The scientists predicted that the square root of 1 percent of the world population (about 7,000 people) meditating together would create a worldwide positive effect."


My research continues to find more recent research about the benefits of meditation. This morning I read a post from Elaine Gavalas discussing the recent use of meditation and yoga at Occupy Wall Street. By the way people, meditation is much quieter than drumming and seems to have a far greater impact on the humanity (Although I enjoy a good drum circle to wake up the spirit!), and Gavalas mentions a few places doing research on this very effect. The Maharishi University of Management asked 2000 volunteers to meditate and noticed that violent crime decreased nationwide. While this might be a coincidence, it is interesting. Similarly, the others have found that large numbers of people meditating can actually prevent acts of terrorism. "Scientists [at Rand Corporation] predicted that the square root of 1 percent of the world population (about 7,000 people) meditating together would create a worldwide positive effect. The researchers found a 72 percent decrease in worldwide terrorism during the combined three assemblies." Fascinating. This reminds me that we are ALL connected. 


Lastly, Gavalas reinforces that meditation can positively effect the brain, specifically the limbic brain region which effect emotions, long-term memory, behavior and olfactory sense. Interestingly, in the old days, this was the area of the brain that doctors would surgically cut when people had severe emotional problems. This area is also associated with pleasure. No wonder I see so many smiles from my peers at Dharma yoga after practice that includes a blissful meditation. (I didn't see this much in my yoga experience in Chicago.) Consequently, the researchers found that these seasoned meditators were much more compassionate when listening to sounds that might draw emotional reactions. 


I am currently reading an article by Bronwyn Robertson titled "The adaptation and application of mindfulness-based psychotherapeutic practices for individuals with intellectual disabilities" from the journal Advances in Mental Health and Intellectual Disabilities. Robertson says that there is little research on MBPPs for this population however they are the most needy because of the effects meditation can have on the brain and how meditation effects behavior and anxiety. 


I want to research these approaches and find out ways to implement in the educational or self-contained setting. 


TBC...

Mindfull Meditation vs. Medication: Treatment for ADHD

I have been forming a deeper relationship with meditation than I ever thought possible (Thanks to Kelly Roadhouse). My interest in sitting on my cushion seems to falter only when I am tired, but I try to find another time when the house is quiet (tough since we all work from home). Knowing how it has helped me, I have begun to research multiple ways to incorporate this ancient practice into the classroom or school setting.

The first article I found was published in Nov of 2007 by the Journal of Attention Disorders titled "Mindfulness Meditation Training in Adults and Adolescents with ADHD". It refers back to studies done in the late 1980s and suggests more research should be conducted. Mindfulness Meditation Training (MMT) continues to help adults and adolescents reduce their symptoms of ADHD and depression. The authors of the study suggest that as people increasingly ask for alternatives to medication, practitioners and teachers should use MMT or Mindful Awareness Practices (MAPs) for ADHD to help patients gain more awareness and control over the effects of ADHD on their day-to-day routine.

But MMT and MAPs aren't just for people with ADHD! Wouldn't we all like to be more observant and cognizant of our present instead of dwelling on the past and becoming anxious about the future? "Meditation practice trains the mind to the present experience with an open, curious and accepting stance." The practice of meditation that most people are aware of is 1) bringing attention to an "attentional anchor" or breath, 2) noting that distraction occurs, 3) refocusing or bringing awareness back to the "attentional anchor". When you are meditating and your mind gets distracted, Pema Chodron, renown teacher of meditation, says to acknowledge that you are thinking but do not judge: Label it "thinking" and move on.

Previous studies indicate that participants of MMT become more open to emotional states with breathing and relation techniques and has even helped prevent relapses into depression. Participants are less likely to shut down and let their emotions take over. The researchers suggest that when people are affected by ADHD they have trouble self-regulating motivation, emotions, and arousal.

If done in the classroom, I suggest it as a whole class activity. This could bring the benefit of social support. Careful screening of the students must be done to ensure that all are willing to participate and be quiet, so as not to ruin others' meditation time. If done as an intervention strategy, I would suggest it be a small group setting like the researchers set up: disabiility symptoms were explained and provided; sitting meditations were shortened and walking meditation was a alternative; mindful awareness in daily living was emphasized; visual aids were used to explain mindful awareness concepts; and loving kindness (meta) meditation was included to support the need to increase self-esteem.

It should also be noted that the study was performed mostly with white females who were between the middle to high socioeconomic status. The researchers state, "Future research is needed to determine efficacy of MAPs in ADHD population and whether this approach may be more appropriate for certain groups within ADHD." When given the chance, I would love to have the opportunity to work with more diverse groups of students and/or adults to determine whether it is helpful as treatment for becoming more aware and attentive.