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What is mindfulness meditation?

By Randy Salars

Short Answer

Mindfulness meditation involves sustained attention to present-moment experiences like breathing, bodily sensations, or thoughts without attempting to change or judge them.

Why This Matters

This practice strengthens the prefrontal cortex's regulatory control over the default mode network, which reduces mind-wandering and rumination. Regular practice leads to structural brain changes in areas associated with attention regulation and emotional processing. The non-judgmental awareness component helps break automatic reactive patterns because it creates space between stimulus and response.

Where This Changes

Effectiveness varies significantly based on individual differences in attention capacity, motivation, and neuroplasticity. Some people experience benefits within weeks while others require months of consistent practice to notice changes.

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