Various practices of mindfulness, which emphasize paying attention to the present moment, have gained enormous popularity in efforts to reduce stress and improve mental well being. Many studies have shown that mindfulness practices can lead to changes in brain function and network dynamics. Less well-documented is the potential for mindfulness to impact brain structure.
A recent paper examines the brain following an 8-week Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction course, and reports that structural changes were not found. Dr. Tammi Kral joins us to discuss these findings from her research with colleagues at the Center for Healthy Minds at UW-Madison.
This week’s show is also a pledge drive show – which means we get to feature some wonderful anecdotes on community radio from fellow PNM host Emily Morris!
Image: max pixel, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
