New research using MRI scans from UCLA Laboratory of Neuro Imaging shows evidence that meditators have larger brains than a control group of non-meditators. The lead author of the journal article, Eileen Luders summarizes,”We know that people who consistently meditate have a singular
ability to cultivate positive emotions, retain emotional stability and
engage in mindful behavior…The observed differences in brain anatomy might give us a clue why
meditators have these exceptional abilities.”

In particular, they found: “meditators showed significantly larger
volumes of the hippocampus and areas within the orbito-frontal cortex,
the thalamus and the inferior temporal gyrus — all regions known for
regulating emotions.”

Luders adds, “these might be the neuronal underpinnings that give meditators’
the outstanding ability to regulate their emotions and allow for
well-adjusted responses to whatever life throws their way.“

I know that I am not supposed to be goal-oriented when I meditate, but how cool is it that in a few years I can literally respond, “oh yeah, well I have a bigger brain than you.” Okay, not really. I wouldn’t do that. I will just think it to myself in a moment of weakness.