This
is an interview of Prof. Richard J. Davidson on Shrink Rap Radio, hosted by David Van
Nuys, discussing his research on meditation and the brain. Davidson
tells that his research shows that meditation has a beneficial effects
on the mind and quantitative effects on brain functions. Even novice
meditators show immediate changes, with experienced long term
meditators showing more pronounced changes to their brainwave patterns. One thing he has noticed is
that, given each individual starts with a slightly different brain
structure, different meditation techniques have varying degrees of
effects. One thing he would like to see in the future is a way to
establish which technique is most suitable for each individual, without
having to go through a trial and error phase. He also talks about supportive research on the benefits of meditation on other physiological processes as well as its epigenetic effects.

His
overall conclusion is that the brain is plastic, and therefore changes
according to our experiences, and it is therefore up to each of us to
ensure that we change ourselves in a positive way rather than leaving
it to the vagaries of external experiences to change us in ways we may not appreciate.

You can listen to the podcast here.

Richard J. Davidson is the William James and Vilas Research
Professor of Psychology and Psychiatry, Director of the W.M. Keck
Laboratory for Functional Brain Imaging and Behavior, the Laboratory
for Affective Neuroscience and the Center for Investigating Healthy
Minds, Waisman Center at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.