Tag: brain info

Pregnancy and brain change

During pregnancy, a woman’s brain shrinks in size.

This is why some pregnant women may experience small, sometimes subtle deficits in tasks, like recalling items from a list they have studied, or remembering to do certain things in the future.

After delivering the baby, it would take up to six months for the mother’s brain to regain its original size. The cells in the brain reduce in size without reducing in number. In other words, neuron density remains the same, which is why the brain capacity returns to normal after childbirth.

A study published in Nature Neuroscience revealed that pregnant women experience a decrease in gray matter in specific brain regions responsible for social cognition and forming attachments. However, this loss of gray matter actually enhances a mother’s feelings of attachment to her baby and improves her ability to understand their needs and emotions.

Using MRI scans, researchers examined the brains of pregnant women before and after giving birth. They discovered that the reduction in gray matter in specific brain regions actually improves the brain’s efficiency in understanding nonverbal cues from newborns.

This change enables mothers to quickly identify potential dangers and enhances their emotional connection with their babies. The first study was published in the American Journal of Neuroradiology, and it’s entitled, “Change in brain size during and after pregnancy: study in healthy women and women with preeclampsia”. The second study was published in Nature Neuroscience and it’s entitled, “Pregnancy leads to long-lasting changes in human brain structure”

The value of having nothing on your mind

The Misconception of “Thinking of Nothing”

Common Misunderstanding:

Many believe that “thinking of nothing” means literally having no thoughts at all. This idea often leads to frustration because it’s virtually impossible for the brain to be completely empty of thoughts for an extended period.

What It Really Means:

Instead, “thinking of nothing” in meditation refers to calming the mind and reducing the constant chatter, especially thoughts related to external concerns like stress, work, or daily problems. The aim is to achieve a state where the mind is not preoccupied with external distractions.

The Practice of Focusing on One Thing

Focus on the Breath:

One common technique is to focus on the breath. Observing the inhale and exhale can anchor the mind and reduce wandering thoughts. Each time the mind strays, gently guiding it back to the breath helps build concentration.

Concentration on Internal Sensations:

Some may focus on their heartbeat or any other bodily sensation. This internal focus is not considered “thinking” in the traditional sense but rather being present with what is happening inside the body.

Mantras and Repetition:

Repeating a word, phrase, or sound (known as a mantra) can also help in maintaining focus. This practice diverts attention from external thoughts and helps in sustaining a meditative state.

Managing Wandering Thoughts

Natural Tendency: It’s natural for the mind to wander during meditation. The key is not to forcefully block out these thoughts but to gently return to the chosen focus (breath, heartbeat, mantra) each time distraction occurs.

Building Mental Strength: Each time you catch your mind wandering and bring it back, you’re strengthening your ability to focus. Over time, this practice can lead to deeper meditative states.

The Ultimate Goal

Transcendence: Occasionally, meditation can lead to transcendent experiences where thoughts truly cease, and one experiences a state of profound stillness and unity. However, this is not the immediate goal but rather a possible outcome of consistent practice.

Integration of Conscious and Subconscious: Regular meditation practice fosters a harmonious relationship between the conscious mind (active thinking) and the subconscious mind (deep-seated beliefs and emotions). This integration can lead to a deeper sense of self-awareness and inner peace.

Conclusion

Meditation is about shifting focus from external distractions to internal awareness, using techniques like breath observation, focusing on bodily sensations, or repeating a mantra. This practice helps calm the mind, reduce stress, and gradually strengthen the connection between the conscious and subconscious, ultimately leading to deeper states of awareness and tranquility.

It’s a journey, not a destination, and every effort to bring the mind back to focus is a step towards greater mental and emotional balance. Keep practicing, and you’ll find your own rhythm and depth in meditation.