There has been a tremendous amount of research that has come out in the last 5 years studying the effects of mindfulness on the brain. Everything from linking mindfulness to the area of the brain that promotes positive emotion to increased memory. There continues to be research that links it to reduced stress, anxiety, and depressive relapse.

In 2007, Daniel Siegel, M.D., co-director of the UCLA Mindful Awareness Center, published his progressive book The Mindful Brain' mce_href='The Mindful Brain'>The Mindful Brain.

Through personal accounts and a review of scientific research, he suggests that the practice of mindfulness uses the social neural circuitry of our brains to help us become more "attuned" to our selves, and hence move to greater physical, psychological and social well-being. I love usin the word attunement when describing the process of mindfulness. More specifically, he says that when practicing becoming aware of our own minds, we use the same mechanisms in the brain that we have always used to scan for the feelings, intentions, and attitudes of others (social circuitry).  

He goes on to illustrate how this practice can have an effect on the prefrontal area of the brain. He explains that the prefrontal area is an integrative area in that it reaches out and touches many areas of the brain and body, therefore potentially affecting their sense of resilience, self-regulation, and well-being.

People in our society have become highly rational beings and having rigorous scientific research and researchers showing and suggesting these benefits of mindfulness with something that we can see through current technology.... the brain... is great support for what people have been touting for thousands of years. I hope this will provide inspiration and motivation for many to practice.  

As always...feel free to add comments or questions...