Self-transcending meditation is good for mental health: why this should be the case

Abstract

A simple theory of health has recently been proposed: while poor quality regulation corresponds to poor quality health so that improving regulation should improve health, optimal regulation optimizes function and optimizes health. Examining the term 'optimal regulation' in biological systems leads to a straightforward definition in terms of 'criticality' in complexity biology, a concept that seems to apply universally throughout biology. Criticality maximizes information processing and sensitivity of response to external stimuli, and for these reasons may be held to optimize regulation. In this way a definition of health has been given in terms of regulation, a scientific concept, which ties into detailed properties of complex systems, including brain cortices, and mental health. Models of experience and meditation built on complexity also point to criticality: it represents the condition making self-awareness possible, and is strengthened by meditation practices leading to the state of pure consciousness-the content-free state of mind in deep meditation. From this it follows that healthy function of the brain cortex, its sensitivity,y and consistency of response to external challenges should improve by practicing techniques leading to content-free awareness-transcending the original focus introduced during practice. Evidence for this is reviewed.

Brain Responses to a 6-Hz Binaural Beat: Effects on General Theta Rhythm and Frontal Midline Theta Activity

“…One study claimed that 30 min of meditation is enough for a beginner to reduce stress (Sharma, 2015). Peacefulness and the reduction of stress are important for improving brain functions, especially cortical brain functions (Hankey and Shetkar, 2016). Theta activity has been utilized to investigate the meditative state by both general theta and frontal midline theta rhythms (Takahashi et al, 2005; Lagopoulos et al, 2009).…”

Association between cyclic meditation and creative cognition: Optimizing connectivity between the frontal and parietal lobes

“…The future journey of this research will depend on what can be shown to be scientific and what can be proven. It should build on our understanding of the biophysics of meditation,[43] its relationship to self-organized criticality,[4445] subjective accounts of meditation from the first person perspective,[46] building the Panchakosha model,[47] and similar reasoning to show how meditation benefits mental health[4544] enhancement of higher brain faculties such as an emotional intelligence,[48] redefining social consciousness through human excellence,[49] and cognition of pure consciousness, by the application of its structure in the Vedic sciences. [50]…”

Improved Self-Esteem in Artists After Participating in the “Building Confidence and Self-Esteem Toolbox Workshop”

“…Many of the components, tools, and methods employed in the workshop are supported by previous studies demonstrating their ability to positively affect self-esteem. These include cognitive behavioral therapy (Thurston et al, 2017 ), meditation (Dahl et al, 2015 ; Fabiani et al, 2016 ; Hankey and Shetkar, 2016 ; Xiao et al, 2017 ), creative visualization (Fiske, 2017 ), introspective reflection and writing (Lauer and Goldfield, 1970 ; Chandler, 1990 ), self-care mindfulness (Adimando, 2017 ), ceremonial ritual (Wozniak and Allen, 2012 ), and self-compassion and mindfulness (Galla, 2016 ).…”