Meditation

Question 1

Meditation (definition)

Answer 1

practices that train attention to heighten awareness and bring mental processes under greater voluntary control

Question 2

What are the 2 main types of meditation?

Answer 2

1. focused attention approach
2. open monitoring approach

*both approaches seek to achieve a “higher” form of consciousness

Question 3

Focused attention approach (definition & intent)

Answer 3

-attention is concentrated on a specific object, image, sound, or bodily sensation (such as breathing).

-intent: clear the mind of its clutter.

Question 4

Open monitoring approach

Answer 4

-attention is directed to the contents of one’s moment-to-moment experience in a nonjudgmental and nonreactive way.

-intent: to become a detached observer of the flow of one’s own sensations, thoughts, and feelings.

Question 5

Focused attention types:

Answer 5

TM (transcendental meditation)
-rooted in hinduism

Question 6

Open monitoring types:

Answer 6

mindfulness meditation
-rooted in zen buddhism
-has been integrated in CBT

Question 7

Brain wave activity during meditative state

Answer 7

-alpha and theta waves become more prominent in EEG recordings

Question 8

Long-term benefits of meditation

Answer 8

-stress reduction
-enhanced immune response
-reduced inflammation
-improved mental health
-increased attention span
-improved memory
-improved problem-solving ability

*linked to improved overall health & well-being