Memory

To understand why your memory might not functioning on tip top form, it’s important to look at the effect that stress has on the brain. 

The two areas of the brain that play the most significant roles in memory function are the cortex and the hippocampus. The hippocampus is responsible for inputting data into storage and accessing it as and when required, much like the keyboard and mouse functions of your computer. The cortex is more like the hard drive, the place where all your memories are stored.

When we are stressed, the steroid hormones released inhibit the birth of new brain cells in the hippocampus and the growth of new processes in pre-existing brain cells of the cortex. The unfortunate result is reduced memory capacity and recall.

When we meditate, the hippocampus stops shrinking under the stress response and starts growing to its fullest potential. At the same time, the cortex becomes much more active and starts growing thicker.

To continue the computing analogy: Beeja meditation not only de-frags our hard drive, but it also builds more memory capacity in and gives us an upgraded processor and user interface!

With meditation, we reduce our stress response, so our critical functioning is not impaired.

The regions of the brain associated with learning and concentration become more active, and our cognitive abilities improve significantly.

We also benefit from new connections between brain cells (or neurons). This gives us access to the deep reservoirs of information that reside within our subconscious.

Due to the calming effects of the meditation, our nervous system is less agitated, to there is less trivial noise in the mind. We can concentrate more easily, with clarity of thought. 

Studies have shown that the Beeja meditation technique significantly increases ‘field intelligence’; this is associated with greater clarity of thought, improved short and long-term memory, and a greater organisation of the mind.