This paper examines the neurophysiological mechanisms through which meditation and altered states change brain structure and function, with particular emphasis on how the cortex and frontal lobe respond to sustained attention practices. It identifies two distinct populations: those well-suited to meditation (individuals with good imagination, openness to mind-body connection, and willingness to manage distractions) and those for whom meditation may be ineffective or inappropriate (those with poor self-control, low imagination, and inability to focus). The paper argues that imagination and expectation are critical factors determining meditation's success.
Mindful and concentrative meditations have been shown to be helpful in relieving body stress and tension as they allow persons to "detect and release...brain and body processes" that create pressure and strain (Smith, 2005, p. 162). This ability to change inner states has been well documented by researchers who specialize in neurophenomenology (Holroyd, 2003, p. 111). Brain waves clearly show "qualitative shifts" during sleep and meditation. It is evident that what goes on in one's mind affects what happens in one's body, beginning first and foremost with the brain. Understanding the connection between mental states and physical outcomes is fundamental to recognizing how meditation produces measurable physiological effects.
Because the brain is the control center of the body, understanding how it works and how it produces effects in the rest of the body is helpful in understanding how meditation and altered states can change the structure and function of the brain. Pavlov first described what happens between the brain and the body during "hypnosis" or altered states when he identified the role of the cortex and cortical inhibitions, which produce "inhibitory patterns" that are sent out to the body (Holroyd, 2003, p. 117). Altered state experiences coincide with neurophysiological changes in the frontal lobe, while the cortical sections of the brain register will and mastery of the body.
Essentially, through meditation, one is able to hypnotize the mind (Self) and achieve a state similar to that experienced in a sensory deprivation chamber; it is, in effect, achieving an altered state via mind control—or control of the mind. This happens by "focusing attention on a chosen object in a sustained fashion" or by paying attention to the body's thought and emotional patterns "from moment to moment" (Davidson & Lutz, 2008, p. 176). The point is to remove distractions from the mind and thereby bring the body into subordinated stillness.
The types of clients who would benefit from meditation are those who have a good imagination (the ability to use the mind), who want to deal with stress, and who are interested in meditations. Meditation would be appropriate for them because they would have a willingness to take the steps necessary to focus and to remove distractions in order to allow themselves to achieve altered states of consciousness. Those persons already interested in Buddhist meditation would be particularly suited to these exercises, but anyone who is open to recognizing the way that the mind can have an impact on the body would be a good candidate for meditation exercises.
These individuals should also have a good imagination and enthusiasm for the exercise because, despite whether expectations for a positive outcome are high or low, as long as the imagination is working, even those who expect little are capable of being surprised by the outcome. Meditation requires a certain openness and capacity for engagement that not all individuals possess equally.
Clients for whom meditation would be inappropriate might be those who show little ability to control themselves or little inclination to enter into altered states. Meditation is a process that can be daunting for some who are distrustful and unable to focus their minds on their bodies in order to shut out distractions. Persons with poor imagination and low expectations will likely not benefit from meditations, as they are unable to focus their attention the way someone would who possesses a good imagination or, if that is not possessed, at least some enthusiasm or expectation of a positive outcome.
Research on meditation outcomes consistently shows that individual differences in cognitive capacity and openness significantly influence therapeutic benefit. Those who struggle with self-regulation or harbor skepticism about mind-body mechanisms are unlikely to engage sufficiently with the practice to experience its benefits.
"Imagination and expectation determine meditation outcomes"
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