I popped this into the general bucket because it is probably the most important post thus far in explaining how certain stimuli are critical to our health.
It is a quick read article and will give some insight into What Why an perhaps How.
In a nutshell Science now proves that certain specific activities can and DO affect our Genetic structure.
This Dynamic process has a Direct effect on physical and mental health.
In this example they compare 2 test groups, [one just chilling and the other meditating] and tested genetic structure before and after.
So, in this case, this specific [mindful] type of meditation had a dramatic and measurable effect on the firmware that runs us.
Since none of us are able or prepared to spend a whole day on a cushion contemplating our navels, EVEN if it is good for us, there are other ways to trigger similar effects.
LIKE WHAT?
1/ listening to and playing music. [ especially genres that are new to us].
2/ learning a new language [ especially one that is very different from our own.
3/ Of course, mindful meditation
4/ NOW HERE IS THE SIMPLEST AND PERHAPS MOST EFFECTIVE ONE.
Follow a simple but effective mental exercise routine that can be done anytime, anywhere and that, over time, has a direct effect on our habitual reactions to external stimuli.
WTF, you say?
I will get back to that later but that is precisely what U of W is studying right now and are very excited about.
Here ya go.
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/12/131208090343.htm?goback=.gde_2004449_member_5818058014917173251#!
G-man - note on terminology - it isn’t changing individual genetics, but is changing gene expression, that is, how genes are regulated. There is lots of evidence about how various environmental influences alter gene expression, some of which include the up or down regulation of genes as a result of physiological change, which meditation would of course influence.
Thanks.
I was hoping an expert would chime in.
I really want to understand this more.
A neuroscience phd and professor here at McGill explained it [ in lay terms] as something like switches that are turned on and off based on external influences but also by how we REACT to stimuli.
These switches are somehow also related to chemical production [ cortisol, endorphins etc] which directly impact health.
She is investigating the brain’s “filter” effects on visuals and her Her partner [ author of Your Brain On Music] is running parallel studies on sound. He is connected with Richie Davidson who heads this article’s research at U of W. I have been promised a dinner with them in the new year.
http://daniellevitin.com/publicpage/
This is really amazing research and up there with neuroplasticity which is not even picked up by spell checker yet.
Davidson is doing measurement studies on “mindfulness” exercises that are easily incorporated into our daily routines that, thus far, show similar results to the long session practitioners.
They are funded largely by the U of Mass Medical Center as well as now other major Universities.
We live in exciting times and we should not miss them.
@dcastle
Here is a talk that includes a hint at the dynamic genetic effects.
Lots of others on the same page and all relating to his work with music.
http://daniellevitin.com/levitinlab/video/2009-02-26-DISCOVERMagazine-Brain-500.mov
I suggest placing this in the Cornflakes section, only because it is not a “general discussion or rambling” about audio or PSA.
Typically, the general discussion section of a forum is for on-topic discussion - but which is not specific enough for a sub-forum.
I also suggest the creation of a true “Off-Topic” section, deleting the psychoacoustics and cornflakes sub-forum. Labeling a section “off-topic” will encourage a broader range of non-audio posts. A great example is AL’s telescope inquiry; perfectly appropriate but he did not have an off-topic sub-forum in which to post.
Psychoacoustics is audio related, although insufficiently discussed to merit its own section. That is, any actual psychoacoustics post would properly belong in the general discussion sub-forum. On the other hand, any “Cornflakes” post belongs in "off-topic."
Or we could just be honest and rename “psychoacoustics and cornflakes” the Meditation sub-forum, and keep it as a special supplement to “Off-Topc.”
So in ignorant terms laying on the couch with headphones on and choosing music I never heard before is as good as sitting on a Mat with no music . Well i can do the couch thing good I am a pro. But why does my back and legs stiffen up with no motion? Or am I not doing it enough ? Lol. And who is getting paid to do this study , if I took a couple of scotches I could sit still for this. Am I being annoying enough to change the the good effect into bad?
@elk I do not know if you mean to be funny or just constructive but I really like your dry humer man.
Al
I am trying to be constructive. I hope it does not sound like I am making fun of anyone.
But if it is funny, that’s good, too. 
I’m with Elk - his suggestion for changing the Cornflakes section to Off Topic sounds pretty well on point to me.
J.P.
I really do agree too. I just really like sarcastic humer, maybe unintentional but funny to me .
Elk said: Or we could just be honest and rename "psychoacoustics and cornflakes" the Meditation sub-forum, and keep it as a special supplement to "Off-Topc."
I thought that was an amusing remark. I think we should just have a sub-forum called "Gordon's Corner".
Elk said: Or we could just be honest and rename "psychoacoustics and cornflakes" the Meditation sub-forum, and keep it as a special supplement to "Off-Topc."
I thought that was an amusing remark. I think we should just have a sub-forum called "Gordon's Corner".
Just a corner?.... "Gordon's naughty corner".
>:)
Hey G-man just closed psychoacoustics and cornflakes, but now a subscription only sub- forum? What’s wrong with Gordon’s Corner? Or “Possum Lodge”?
Gordon’s Corner or Possum Lodge is perfect!
I do think we need a true Off-Topic forum as well. It would be good to have a place for members to chat about anything they would like.
As with much of my views here and elsewhere I do not see the problem of the way it was. Maybe it’s my nature to root for the underdog or maybe I am always that guy . But as much as I do enjoy organization sometimes it can get to be too perfect , meaning no life left just the facts. As I run a few companies although nothing special i do want things done my way , but I am always open to change but not making changes without my consent. Gorden I hear you man , don’t change cause people tell you to . change when you think they have a good idea.
Al D
alrainbow said: change when you think they have a good idea.
But all of everybody's ideas are good. :D
As I understand the pun in fact they are not always good. Just look at how our government works in the USA. Do they have any good ideas. Lol. Oh well the holidays are here and I can eat and drink all I want till after New Years YEA.