I first heard of Dr. Richard Davidson's work in the field of neuroscience a couple of months ago in an unlikely setting: the annual conference of the National Art Education Association in New York.
Regular readers might remember my mention of the
in Appleton, Wis., which challenged teachers and students at all levels to give some thought to the nature of compassion, to some discussion, and then to join in a collaborative art project.
The results, an amazing 10,000 tiny paintings, all about 4 inches square, were installed in an exhibition at the Trout Museum.
As a result of Dr. Davidson's idea, an entire community became involved in a project intended to increase the understanding and practice of compassion among human beings.
Brilliant, I thought.
Now this same Richard Davidson's book falls into my hands. Co-written with science writer and editor Sharon Begley, it's called The Emotional Life of Your Brain, and the first two-thirds of it are science. To be honest, my eyes tend to glaze as I attempt to grasp the meaning of it all; my own brain was not trained to follow the meticulous detail of scientific method. Still, I was more than willing to make the effort, because I have come to believe so passionately in the argument that Davidson presents: that we can literally "change our minds." In the course of life, from childhood on, we acquire certain attitudes, certain ways of thinking about ourselves and the world, certain mental and emotional patterns that can -- but need not -- entrap us and impoverish our lives. Davidson skillfully and persuasively applies the principles and super-advanced technological tools of scientific research to demonstrate these truths.
It is the last third of the book that is the easiest for me -- from the moment he brings in the monks (with the enthusiastic help of none other than the Dalai Lama) to test them for the effects on the brain of long-term meditation. I have argued often in the pages of The Buddha Diaries that meditation offers us the power to discipline the mind to do those things we want it to do, rather than follow its natural tendency to wander off and play, or engage in fruitless and distracting tasks that do nothing but support our old, often destructive habits. It is fascinating and immensely satisfying to see these ideas put to the scientific test and proven to be sound. Davidson's research demonstrates that meditation can affect not only the minds of long-term meditators like those Tibetan monks who spend long, solitary years in remote mountain caves; even short-term practice, he shows, can produce dramatic results in the rawest of novices.
The last chapter of the book offers practical, how-to steps that can lead to greater strength of mind -- and, indeed, to a more purposeful and satisfying life. With a consistent practice of the visualization and meditation techniques that he describes in detail, we can change the way our brains function and create "new channels in the stream bed of the mind." We can even change our personalities in significant, life-altering ways. For skeptics, as I myself remained for many years, Davidson's book presents a convincing scientific argument for the kind of Mind Work that I approach in a very different way (ahem, forgive me: I am not a "book critic"!) in my own recent book of that title.
Richard J. Davidson with Sharon Begley, The Emotional Life of your Brain, March 2012, $25.95, ISBN 978-1-9463-089-7.
Support HuffPost
Our 2024 Coverage Needs You
Your Loyalty Means The World To Us
At HuffPost, we believe that everyone needs high-quality journalism, but we understand that not everyone can afford to pay for expensive news subscriptions. That is why we are committed to providing deeply reported, carefully fact-checked news that is freely accessible to everyone.
Whether you come to HuffPost for updates on the 2024 presidential race, hard-hitting investigations into critical issues facing our country today, or trending stories that make you laugh, we appreciate you. The truth is, news costs money to produce, and we are proud that we have never put our stories behind an expensive paywall.
Would you join us to help keep our stories free for all? Your contribution of as little as $2 will go a long way.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
As Americans head to the polls in 2024, the very future of our country is at stake. At HuffPost, we believe that a free press is critical to creating well-informed voters. That's why our journalism is free for everyone, even though other newsrooms retreat behind expensive paywalls.
Our journalists will continue to cover the twists and turns during this historic presidential election. With your help, we'll bring you hard-hitting investigations, well-researched analysis and timely takes you can't find elsewhere. Reporting in this current political climate is a responsibility we do not take lightly, and we thank you for your support.
Contribute as little as $2 to keep our news free for all.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
Dear HuffPost Reader
Thank you for your past contribution to HuffPost. We are sincerely grateful for readers like you who help us ensure that we can keep our journalism free for everyone.
The stakes are high this year, and our 2024 coverage could use continued support. Would you consider becoming a regular HuffPost contributor?
Dear HuffPost Reader
Thank you for your past contribution to HuffPost. We are sincerely grateful for readers like you who help us ensure that we can keep our journalism free for everyone.
The stakes are high this year, and our 2024 coverage could use continued support. If circumstances have changed since you last contributed, we hope you’ll consider contributing to HuffPost once more.
Support HuffPostAlready contributed? Log in to hide these messages.