Meditation Practice Research Articles

Meditation and Cognitive Outcomes: A Longitudinal Analysis Using Data From the Health and Retirement Study 2000-2016.

We aimed to assess the association between meditation practice and cognitive function over time among middle-aged and older adults. We included Health and Retirement Study (HRS) participants assessed for meditation practice in the year 2000 as part of the HRS alternative medicine module (n = 1,160) and were followed up for outcomes over 2000-2016 period. We examined the association between meditation ≥ twice a week vs none/less frequent practice and changes in the outcomes of recall, global cognitive function, and quantitative reasoning using generalized linear regression models. Stratified analyses among persons with/without self-reported baseline depressive symptoms were conducted to assess the link between meditation and cognitive outcomes. Among our full study sample, meditation ≥ twice a week was not significantly associated with total recall [; 95% CI: -0.97, 0.57; p = 0.61], global cognitive function [; 95% CI: -1.01, 1.12; p = 0.92], and quantitative reasoning [; 95% CI: -31.27, 8.32; p = 0.26]. However, among those who did not have self-reported depressive symptoms at baseline, meditation ≥ twice a week was associated with improvement in cognitive outcomes such as total recall [; 95% CI: 0.03, 0.18; p = 0.01] and global cognitive function [; 95% CI: 0.05, 0.40; p = 0.01] over time. Frequent meditation practice might have a protective effect on cognitive outcomes over time, but this protection could be limited to those without self-reported baseline depressive symptoms. Future studies could incorporate more precise meditation practice assessment, investigate the effect of meditation on cognitive outcomes over time, and include more rigorous study designs with randomized group assignment. This study is not preregistered.

Effectiveness of heartfulness meditation on cognitive and autonomic functions in women with premenstrual syndrome

Background: Heartfulness meditation is heart-based meditation that helps to balance the mental status. The relaxation offered by meditation is so valuable as it not only improves quality but also improves the quantity of life. However, there is a requirement for the long-term practice of these meditations to receive their effects. The relaxation offered by meditation is very promising that it causes improvement in cognitive functions and sleep patterns. Aims and Objectives: The present study was undertaken to observe the effectiveness of heartfulness meditation on cognitive and autonomic functions in women with premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Materials and Methods: The present study was an experimental study. A total of forty females with PMS were part of the study. After recording the baseline values in the pre-menstrual period, the participants were trained in heartfulness meditation for weekdays by an expert. Later, they were asked to practice the heartfulness meditation daily for half an hour for 8 weeks at the meditation center of the college. After 8 weeks of practice of the heartfulness meditation, post-intervention values were recorded. Cognitive parameters were assessed using the spatial and verbal memory tests. Blood pressure and pulse rate were assessed using a diamond digital sphygmomanometer. Results: There was a significant improvement in spatial memory, and verbal memory scores followed by meditation. There was a significant decrease in systolic and diastolic blood pressure and pulse rate followed by the intervention. Conclusion: The study results in support earlier studies as there was a significant improvement in the cognitive scores and a decrease in the autonomic parameters in the participants followed by the practice of the heartfulness meditation. Further detailed studies are recommended to support the incorporation of heartfulness meditation into the routine day lifestyle.

The Impact of Loving-Kindness Meditation on Compassion Fatigue of Nurses Working in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit: A Randomized Clinical Trial Study.

Compassion fatigue is a common complication in nurses, which can lead to burnout, job dissatisfaction, and a decline in the quality of patient care. This study aimed to investigate the impact of loving-kindness meditation on compassion fatigue of nurses working in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). This cluster-blinded randomized clinical trial study was conducted on 66 NICU nurses in 2 educational hospitals selected. The intervention group received a 1-month online program for daily training and practice of loving-kindness meditation. The control group received miscellaneous files on mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic period. The Nursing Compassion Fatigue Inventory (NCFI) was filled out by the 2 groups, before and after the intervention. The results showed that the mean scores of the NCFI in the intervention group decreased significantly compared with before the intervention (P = .002). In comparison with the control group, there was a significant difference between the mean scores of the 2 groups after the intervention (P = .034). Among nurses working in NICU, loving-kindness meditation significantly reduces compassion fatigue after 1 month. These findings support the use of this intervention for nurses.

Effects of Vipassana Insight Meditation on Quality of Life and Plasma Endogenous Beta-endorphin Level in Registered Meditators Practicing Meditation at the Well-established Meditation Centres in Selangor

Effects of Vipassana Insight Meditation on Quality of Life and Plasma Endogenous Beta-endorphin Level in Registered Meditators Practicing Meditation at the Well-established Meditation Centres in Selangor

On the Need to Apply the Ālayavijñāna theory to Modern Meditation Practices: Focusing on the first argument of the Eight Proofs of the Existence of the Ālayavijñāna

This paper analyzes the content of the eight proofs of the existence of the Ālayavijñāna, which were established in the context of the Viniscayasamgrahani of Yogācārabhūmi-śāstra the Viniscayasamgrahani, in a contemporary perspective, and suggests the necessity of applying them to modern meditation practices. If we understand the eight proofs of the existence of the Ālayavijñāna in a modern context, they can be summarized as follows. The first proof is that the discriminative function of five consciousness and the sixth consciousness, which perceives the functioning of the sense organs, is incapable of the function of upādi, and only the Ālayavijñāna is capable of this function of upādi, which applies to the body, speech, in seed. The second proof is that the birth of all living beings is only possible with the existence of the Ālayavijñāna. The third proof is that only with the existence of the Ālayavijñāna can one perceive all aspects of an object clearly. The fourth proof is that only with the existence of the Ālayavijñāna can one retain the potentiality for nāma-grāha and ātma-grāha within the mind. The fifth proof is that only with the existence of the Ālayavijñāna can one contain karma. The sixth proof is that only with the existence of the Ālayavijñāna can one experience the various sensations of the body. The seventh proof is that only with the existence of the Ālayavijñāna can one continue life in the state of asaṃjñi-samāpatti and nirodha-samāpatti. The eighth proof is that only with the existence of the Ālayavijñāna can one explain the differentiation of bodily sensations between the head and the feet cooling down at the time of death. When the eight proofs of the existence of the Ālayavijñāna are combined with modern meditation techniques, it can surpass the limitations of various meditation practices being conducted in Korea and can heal even the deepest inner the Ālayavijñāna. Especially, the function of upādi demonstrated in the first argument, is an area that can be reached through prolonged and in-depth observation of the body of the sensory organs and thoughts. In addition, it is important to practice prenatal meditation related to the birth of life, and it is necessary to develop death meditation in relation to the phenomena that occur at the time of death. In addition, in the consciousness only school of Buddhism, it is claimed that the Ālayavijñāna creates the body and seeds when it is turned inward, and creates the natural environment, when it is turned outward. Therefore, developing meditation techniques that combine with the natural environment is required for overall healing of the mind.

Breastfeeding continuation is associated with trait mindfulness but not with trajectories of postpartum depressive symptoms

ObjectiveThe WHO recommends breastfeeding for at least six months as breastfeeding has many benefits for both infant and mother. The association of breastfeeding continuation with trait mindfulness during pregnancy and trajectories of postpartum depressive symptoms has not been examined yet. The current study aimed to assess this association using cox regression analysis. Design, setting and participantsThe current research is part of a large longitudinal prospective cohort study following women from 12 weeks of pregnancy onwards in the South-East part of the Netherlands. MeasurementsA total of 698 participants filled out the Three Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire-Short Form (TFMQ-SF) at 22 weeks of pregnancy and completed both the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) and questions on breastfeeding continuation one week, six weeks, four months, and eight months postpartum. Breastfeeding continuation was defined as exclusive breastfeeding or both breastfeeding and formula. The assessment eight months postpartum was used as a proxy for the WHO recommendation to continue breastfeeding for at least six months. FindingsTwo trajectories (classes) of EPDS scores were determined using growth mixture modeling: 1) low stable (N = 631, 90.4%), and 2) increasing (N = 67, 9.6%). Cox regression analysis showed that the trait mindfulness facet non-reacting was significantly and inversely associated with the risk of breastfeeding discontinuation (HR = 0.96, 95% CI [0.94, 0.99], p = .002), while no significant association was found for belonging to the increasing EPDS class versus belonging to the low stable class (p = .735), adjusted for confounders. Key conclusionsThis study is the first to show that higher trait mindfulness non-reacting scores, but not persistently low levels of postpartum depressive symptoms, increase the likelihood of breastfeeding continuation. Implications for practiceImproving non-reacting in perinatal women by meditation practice as part of a mindfulness-based intervention may lead to better breastfeeding continuation outcomes. Several mindfulness-based programs may be suitable.

A Paradigm Shift in Public Health: Yoga and Meditation for Prevention

In all its paradigms, the ideal modern public health systems should have eradicated by now the spreading of the most fatal diseases, like cancer or cardiovascular disorders. Not only it has not, but these diseases are actually growing, showing the limits of the modern public health and the need of a paradigm shift. Using a narrative review, this paper aims to emphasize the limits of curative modern medicine and the benefits of yoga and meditation practices as prevention for the most common diseases, recognizing them as an important tool in public health systems. The relationship between yoga practice and the health status of individuals shows that they are strongly interdependent, being able to correct destructive behaviors and improve the quality of life. The spiritual practice of yoga is a way of restoring the “factory settings” by returning to essence, tradition, ancient knowledge and thus creating the mental and emotional environment for healing and thriving in human beings.

Evaluation of HeartMath meditation explorations with a longer breath cycle

This article constitutes a short report on HeartMath meditation explorations with a longer breath cycle. Five HeartMath practitioners unanimously reported significant and meaningful increases in coherence and performance data using longer breath cycles. This finding is discussed in relation to the HeartMath coherence model, and other heart rate variability based models, with special reference to meditation phenomena and practices.

Integrating meditation practice into thanatophobia therapy

We explore the potential effectiveness of incorporating maranassati meditation into therapeutic practices, highlighting its ability to mitigate thanatophobia and improve psychological well-being. Drawing upon Buddhist psychological perspectives, maranassati emphasizes the contemplation of mortality, impermanence, and interconnectedness. The aim of the study: to integrate Buddhist meditative practice into thanatophobia therapy. This article presents research evidence from real-world scenarios involving individuals with coronary artery disease, cancer patients, and the elderly. The initial findings provide a solid foundation, reinforcing the efficacy of mindfulness-based therapies in reducing death anxiety and improving psychological well-being. The proposed approach offers valuable insights for counselors and therapists in assisting future clients in cultivating a positive outlook on death, thereby alleviating fear and anxiety associated with mortality.

The role of silence in the production of social order in meditation (on the example of vipassana)

The article considers silence as the most important component of vipassana (meditation technique from early Buddhism) as it is taught in the tradition of S.N. Goenka. As a religious vow, silence is a condition for the successful meditation retreat. Although meditative silence does not seem to form sociality, vipassana courses are a collective practice. After the end of courses, the desire of people to meet and meditate together proves the need not in a ‘solitary’ silence but in a group that produces special collective silence. The author considers the silent co-presence of people in the meditation center ‘here-and-now’ as a special interactive situation, a social feature of the meditation practice, and shows how the subjective success of this interaction and its methods depend on the technical and spatial conditions of the meditative center. The empirical basis of the article is mainly the author’s participant observation (in the role of a new student). Based on the concepts of sociology of everyday life, the author describes the key mechanisms of the production of sociality in various situations of joint forced silence during the vipassana course - from collective meditation in the common room to the silent organization of joint activities in the meditation center. By partially reproducing the basic social conditions of the center at home - silence and the support of those around them - meditators manage to ensure the continuity of the practice and to successfully integrate it into their daily lives outside the meditation center.

Did Monks Practice Meditation in Indian Rock-Cut Monasteries? and If Affirmative, Where in the Monastery?

Did Monks Practice Meditation in Indian Rock-Cut Monasteries? and If Affirmative, Where in the Monastery?

Efficacy of mindfulness-based relapse prevention in a sample of veterans in a substance use disorder aftercare program: A randomized controlled trial

BackgroundComplementary integrative medicine, such as mindfulness-based interventions, (MBI) have demonstrated efficacy in the treatment of depression, anxiety, substance use disorders (SUDs), and pain. Mindfulness-based relapse prevention (MBRP) is an aftercare intervention targeting SUD relapse that integrates cognitive-behavioral relapse prevention and mindfulness meditation practices, raising awareness of substance use triggers and reactive behavioral patterns. This study evaluated the efficacy of MBRP in reducing relapse in veterans following completion of an SUD treatment program. MethodsThis study was a two-site, randomized controlled trial comparing MBRP to 12-step facilitation (TSF) aftercare in military veterans following completion of intensive treatment for SUDs. The 8 weeks of 90-minute, group-based MBRP or TSF sessions were followed by 3-, 6- and 10-month follow-up periods with assessments of alcohol/substance use and secondary outcomes of depression, anxiety, and mindfulness. ResultsForty-seven percent of veterans attended ≥75 % of sessions. Veterans in both the MBRP and TSF aftercare groups maintained reductions in alcohol and illicit substance use during the aftercare treatment. Nineteen participants (11 %; 19/174) reported returning to alcohol use during the study treatment period and the study found no difference between study groups [MBRP: 9 % vs. TSF 13 %; p = 0.42]. Thirteen participants (7.5 %; 13/174) reported a return to illicit substance use during study treatment [MBRP: 5.4 % vs. TSF 10.3 % p = 0.34]. The number of days of drinking and illicit substance use was not different between groups (alcohol, p = 0.53; illicit substance use, p = 0.28). ConclusionAlthough retention in treatment limits interpretation of the findings, both MBRP and TSF were effective in maintenance of treatment gains following an intensive treatment program for veterans with SUDs. Future studies should focus on strategies to improve treatment participation.

The Effect of a Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Program on Premenstrual Symptoms: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is an important health problem that affects women of childbearing age. Mindfulness, a meditation practice that cultivates the acceptance of events as they occur in the moment without judgment, is a promising strategy to help women cope with PMS. This study aimed to test the efficacy of a mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) program in decreasing premenstrual symptoms compared with a control group. This study was a prospective, single-masked randomized controlled trial conducted between February and April 2022 with 90 university students. Participants were women between 20 and 30 years of age, scored at least 45 on the Premenstrual Syndrome Scale (PMSS), and were not receiving other treatments for PMS. Participants were randomized into experimental (MBSR) and control groups in a 1:1 allocation. MBSR was provided in 8 weekly sessions lasting 2.5 hours and a 6-hour silence retreat during week 6. Symptoms of PMS were evaluated with the PMSS at baseline and postintervention. Differences between groups were compared postintervention using analysis of covariance to correct for baseline scores. The study was registered at www. gov before the data collection process was initiated (NCT05191108). Of the 90 enrolled participants, 74 participants completed the study and postintervention assessment (37 in each group). Immediately postintervention, the women in the experimental group had significantly lower PMS symptoms than women in the control group (PMSS total score, 96.35 vs 123.02; P < .001). The effect size for the change in premenstrual symptoms was large (partial η2 , 0.510). Specific symptoms measured by the PMSS subscales all showed significant reductions in scores in the MBSR group compared with the control group. A mindfulness stress reduction program was effective in reducing premenstrual symptoms. MBSR programs may be used as a therapy for PMS. Future studies should test MBSR in larger and more diverse groups of women with PMS.

Impact of Long-Term Shaolin Zen Meditation on Emotional Processing in Aging: A Visual ERP Study.

The aging process is always accompanied by a decline in cognitive and emotional functions. Although previous studies have identified the positive effects of different meditative practices on emotional and cognitive functions, few studies have investigated the most primitive Chinese meditation-Shaolin Zen meditation. In particular, data are extremely limited regarding the brain mechanism of the effects of Shaolin Zen meditation on cognitive and emotional functions during aging. The current study aimed to explore the effects of long-term Shaolin Zen meditation practice on event-related potentials (ERPs) during facial emotion recognition in aging. ERPs were recorded from 16 monks with long-term meditation experience and 20 controls without meditation experience. The significant age-related degenerative changes in the early ERP components did not present in the meditators but only in the controls without meditation experience. Additionally, we found no group differences in the late P3 component. These findings suggest that long-term Shaolin Zen meditation practice can counteract the age-related cognitive decline in the "down-top" automatic processing of emotional stimuli.

Increased neurocardiological interplay after mindfulness meditation: a brain oscillation-based approach.

Brain oscillations facilitate interaction within the brain network and between the brain and heart activities, and the alpha wave, as a prominent brain oscillation, plays a major role in these coherent activities. We hypothesize that mindfully breathing can make the brain and heart activities more coherent in terms of increased connectivity between the electroencephalogram (EEG) and electrocardiogram (ECG) signals. Eleven participants (28-52 years) attended 8 weeks of Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) training. EEG and ECG data of two states of mindful breathing and rest, both eye-closed, were recorded before and after the training. EEGLAB was used to analyze the alpha band (8-12 Hz) power, alpha peak frequency (APF), peak power and coherence. FMRIB toolbox was used to extract the ECG data. Heart coherence (HC) and heartbeat evoked potential (HEP) were calculated for further correlation analysis. After 8 weeks of MBSR training, the correlation between APF and HC increased significantly in the middle frontal region and bilateral temporal regions. The correlation between alpha coherence and heart coherence had similar changes, while alpha peak power did not reflect such changes. In contrast, spectrum analysis alone did not show difference before and after MBSR training. The brain works in rhythmic oscillation, and this rhythmic connection becomes more coherent with cardiac activity after 8 weeks of MBSR training. Individual APF is relatively stable and its interplay with cardiac activity may be a more sensitive index than power spectrum by monitoring the brain-heart connection. This preliminary study has important implications for the neuroscientific measurement of meditative practice.

Understanding the Effects of Mindfulness Meditation Combined with Aromatherapy to Enhance the Wellbeing of MCAST Beauty Therapy Students: A Narrative Study

This study looks at the effects of the combined practice of mindful meditation and aromatherapy on the wellbeing of MCAST beauty therapy students, potentially providing resources that can help them deal with various stressors. The researchers use a qualitative narrative inquiry approach to draw meaning and understanding emerging from the participants' experiences. Three MCAST beauty therapy students participated in this study. The research design of this study consists of six stages: the discussion and planning stage between researchers to identify the best course for the research process; a pre-session held with the three participants; weekly mindful meditation sessions for six weeks; individual interviews with each participant, followed by a focus group; and, finally, the development of the analysis of narrative and narrative analysis. To examine the data for the emergent themes, the researchers chose to use thematic narrative analysis as it focuses on the told (Riessman 2008). In this case, the told, emerging from the voice of the participants and reflexivity of the researchers, is what helped identify the common patterns found across the narratives. To facilitate the process, MAXQDA software was used.Mindful meditation was found to enhance ones self-awareness and wellbeing, which in turn positively affects the individuals approach towards ones personal and professional realm. Additionally, the findings indicate that through mindfulness it is possible to achieve academic beneficence as well as enhance ones intrapersonal and interpersonal skills, in turn providing students with the highly demanded twenty-first-century skills needed to distinguish ones professional ability.

Embarking on the Path of Serenity: Unraveling the Impact of Buddhist Meditation on Modern Life in Bandung

The inexorable flow of modernity throughout the world has changed the fabric of life tremendously, leading to various social problems. In response to this, religious individuals, who already have standardized guidelines in their lives, are seeking ways to navigate and address the complexities brought on by modernization. This research delves into the impact of meditation practiced by Buddhists in Bandung, West Java, utilizing a qualitative method. The study unravels the profound influence of meditation on the pattern of daily life, emotional regulation, and overall mental well-being of the meditators. The findings indicate that regular meditation practice not only cultivates a calmer and composed mindset but also enhances the ability to cope with stress, facilitates emotional control, and fosters quicker problem-solving skills in their everyday activities. Moreover, the research sheds light on how meditation serves as a transformative tool, leading to increased wisdom and tranquility, ultimately aiding individuals in seeking enlightenment and attaining ultimate happiness amidst the challenges of modern life. The significance of this research in academia lies in its contribution to a deeper understanding of the transformative impact of Buddhist meditation on daily life and mental well-being, providing valuable insights into the role of meditation practices in navigating the complexities of modernity.

Transforming education: A review of the benefits of integrating mindfulness and meditation techniques in schools

This review article explores the growing interest in incorporating mindfulness and meditation practices into school settings, examines their potential benefits and effectiveness for students' well-being and academic performance. The article provides an overview of various mindfulness and meditation techniques, their theoretical underpinnings, and psychological mechanisms. With the method of literature review, four phases of designing, conducting, analysing, and structuring as well as writing the outcomes of review were held systematically. The present study found that discussion about the advantages of these practices were visible for students, including improved cognitive functioning, reduced stress and anxiety, enhanced emotional well-being, and better social skills and relationships. The review also addresses the implementation of mindfulness and meditation in schools that focuses on curriculum integration, teacher training, and challenges to implementation. Lastly, it highlights future research directions and recommendations to further understand and optimize these practices for students of different age groups and cultural contexts.

Adaptation of a mindfulness-based intervention for trauma-exposed, unhoused women with substance use disorder.

Women experiencing homelessness (WEH) report exceedingly high rates of trauma exposure, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and substance use disorder (SUD). Mindfulness-based interventions including Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction (MBSR) may help lower traumatic stress-related symptoms and reduce SUD, but have been underexplored in community-based settings serving WEH with symptoms of PTSD and SUD. We used a mixed-method, community-engaged approach that implemented a Community Advisory Board and the ADAPT-ITT (assessment, decision, adaptation, production, topical experts, integration, training, testing) framework, including intervention demonstrations, to adapt and refine MBSR for WEH experiencing symptoms of PTSD/SUD. Trauma-exposed WEH (N = 28) living at a drug treatment site provided perspectives and feedback on an MBSR demonstration via quantitative questionnaires and four focus groups. Quantitative measures indicated high perceived acceptability and feasibility: Nearly all WEH reported MBSR activities (including yoga, meditation, body scans, class discussion, and home practice) would be at least "somewhat helpful"; between 71.43% to 89.29% reported each activity would be "a great deal helpful." Most reported the focus group sessions were useful for providing feedback relevant for improving program design and administration. Qualitative findings revealed four themes aligning with quantitative findings that provided useful suggestions to guide MBSR implementation with trauma-exposed WEH: (a) perception of feasibility and effectiveness of MBSR, (b) strategies for successful recruitment, (c) strategies for successful retention, and (d) characteristics of the MBSR trainer. Focus group recommendations could bolster intervention compliance, engagement, and completion for MBSR and community-based programs for WEH more generally. Results provide suggestions for implementing a trauma-sensitive approach when administering MBSR to trauma-exposed WEH. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).

Crossing Boundaries: Autoethnography of Subjective Experiences During Meditation

In this autoethnographic quadrologue, the authors aim to show how meditation experiences defy verbalization in a qualitative research setting. This leads to the insight that an autoethnographic approach may be a much better fit for such an experience, where complex and inexpressible things can be found. This is especially the case since autoethnographic texts include and immerse the reader in the experience. Even though in the case of meditation this can hardly be achieved, this quadrologue aims at conveying some of the struggles and peculiarities of meditation practice. It focuses on the research process leading to the decision to employ an autoethnography paradigm. Thus, the focus of this article is the differentiation of autoethnography from other methodological approaches and the conscious decision in favour of this method, which is rather unusual in German-speaking countries. The authors develop the thesis that both the meditation experience and the decision to employ an autoethnographic paradigm led to the experience of “wandering off the beaten track” and crossing the boundaries of what is usually done in society and social science respectively.