Psych 156 Human Emotion

[watertank]

Meditation and Neuroscience

...Davidson, whose pioneering brain scans of monks provide tantalizing evidence that emotions like love and compassion are in fact skills—and can be trained to a dramatic degree. Studies also suggest that the monastic life is not a requirement; even brief, regular meditation sessions can yield substantial benefits. Nor is a belief in Buddhism necessary. "I'm convinced that you can make a huge difference in your life if you start out with even 30 minutes a day," Richard says.
http://psyphz.psych.wisc.edu/web/News/Psych_Today_2006.pdf

about Richard J. Davidson: http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1187248,00.html http://psyphz.psych.wisc.edu/web/personnel/director.html

Ekman, et all "Buddhist and Psychological Perspectives on Emotions and Well-Being".
http://psyphz.psych.wisc.edu/web/pubs/2005/Ekman_etal_CurrDirPsychSci.pdf

Richard J. Davidson, et all. Emotion, plasticity, context and regulation: Perspectives from affective neuroscience. http://psyphz.psych.wisc.edu/web/pubs/2000/Emotion_Plasticity.pdf