Mindfulness, a practice rooted in ancient Asian traditions, has become increasing attention in recent years for its profound effects on mental well-being in Western countries. It helps you to stay in the present moment with loving attention. But what exactly does it do to your brain, according to studies? And how can it change your life?
My Personal story
My personal story Eighteen years ago, I embarked on a journey into mindfulness, unaware of the profound impact it would have on my life. At that time, my mind was cluttered with worries and anxieties, earning me the title of “pieker koningin” in Dutch—a queen of overthinking small things. But through daily practice and dedication, mindfulness gradually transformed my inner landscape.
It was necessary; I actually began my teacher training in mindfulness secretly during a burnout. I felt so ashamed of the burnout that I didn’t share it with any of my friends.Through this experience, I realized that burnout often strikes without warning, much like a natural disaster—suddenly erupting like a volcano, leaving you in a total collapse.
I could only sleep and eat for 3 weeks in a row. Instead of the 1.5 years that doctors predicted, it took me 3 months to get back to work, thanks to my daily meditations and mindfulness.
I learned to observe my thoughts without judgment, changing the giant elephants in my mind to mere ants. This newfound clarity allowed me to navigate life’s challenges with greater ease and grace. I became more present, more joyful, and more connected—to myself, to others, and to the world around me.
As my journey with mindfulness unfolded over the years, I began integrating its principles into my work, particularly during retreats. During the recent organization of a personalized program for a retreat on a boat trip for CEOs in Mallorca, I found myself reflecting on the evolution of my mindfulness practice and the profound impact it has had on my life.
One of the most significant shifts has been a deepening sense of trust—in myself, in the universe, and in the flow of life. Freed from the burden of overthinking, I now approach challenges with curiosity and openness, embracing opportunities for growth and innovation, and feeling lighter and more natural to accept things as they are, even great challenges I now take with acceptance and trust.
In my role as a transformational coach, I’ve come to understand the deep significance of compassion, going beyond simple empathy. It’s a profound connection where we truly sense the other person’s feelings and struggles, allowing us to offer genuine help from a place of profound understanding. But it’s also about maintaining a healthy boundary, ensuring that while we support others, we don’t lose our own inner peace. This journey into compassion is a fascinating adventure, one that I’m excited to continue exploring, eager to see the positive changes it brings as time goes on.
Science behind mindfulness
Let’s delve into the science behind mindfulness and explore the remarkable transformations it can bring about.
- Mindfulness Numbers: Scientific Insights
Numerous studies have shown that mindfulness meditation can lead to measurable changes in the brain. MRI scans reveal that regular mindfulness practice can increase gray matter density in areas associated with memory, learning, and emotional regulation. Additionally, it can decrease the size of the amygdala, the brain’s fear center, resulting in reduced stress and anxiety levels.
- Changing Brain Structure: The Neuroplasticity of Mindfulness
The brain’s ability to reorganize itself in response to experience is known as neuroplasticity, and mindfulness is a powerful tool for harnessing this phenomenon. By consistently directing attention to the present moment, mindfulness rewires neural pathways, fostering greater resilience, empathy, and emotional balance.
- Improved Sleep Quality: Mindfulness’s Impact on Rest
Many studies have reported improved sleep quality following mindfulness practice. In particular, a recent study published in the journal JAMA Internal Medicine found that those who completed a mindfulness awareness program experienced less insomnia, fatigue, and depression after six weeks than those who received sleep education.
- Alleviating Psychological Conditions
There is also mounting evidence that mindfulness can improve psychological conditions such as anxiety and depression.
Mindfulness has been a transformative force in my life, guiding me from a state of inner turmoil to one of peace, resilience, higher vibrations, and profound trust. Through its practice, I have discovered the beauty of presence, the power of acceptance, and the boundless potential of the human mind.
Thank you for joining me on this journey of self-discovery and transformation. May you find inspiration in the practice of mindfulness and the limitless possibilities it offers for personal growth and fulfillment.
References:
– Andrew E Budson. (2021). Can mindfulness change your brain? [online]. Harvard Health. Available from: https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/can-mindfulness-change-your-brain-202105132455 (Accessed March 2023)
– Hofmann, S.G. and Gómez, A.F. (2017) “Mindfulness-based interventions for anxiety and depression,” Psychiatric Clinics of North America, 40(4), pp. 739–749. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psc.2017.08.008.
– Mentz et al. “Late-breaking science abstracts and featured Science abstracts from the American Heart Association’s Scientific sessions 2022 and late-breaking abstracts in resuscitation science from the resuscitation science symposium 2022” (2022) Circulation, 146(25). Available at: https://doi.org/10.1161/cir.0000000000001116.
– Parmentier, F.B. et al. (2019) “Mindfulness and symptoms of depression and anxiety in the general population: The mediating roles of worry, rumination, reappraisal, and suppression,” Frontiers in Psychology