Glossary of Mindfulness-Neuroscience Terms

Part of the brain responsible for processing emotions.

Practices designed to systematically generate compassion

Part of the brain responsible for thoughts about self (i.e. me, mine)

a technology developed by Hans Berger in the 1920s to monitor brain activity. Typically abbreviated to EEG.

Refers to the way we create knowledge.

An anacronym standing for Gathering your attention, Remembering your intention, Attuning to self and other, Consider what will serve, and Engaging/Ending. Developed by Joan Halifax Roshi as a way to make it more likely compassion will emerge in interations between client and patient.

Part of the brain responsible for learning and memory.

As taught in ZLMC classes, this term is synonymous with well-being

Two separate networks. The intrinsic is linked to internally focused activities (autobiographical memory, moral compass). The extrinsic network support long term memory.

Part of the brain responsible for self-awareness and self-regulation.

An approach to science as it seeks the common, universal findings across independent ways of knowing in order to expand our understanding of the mind and well-being. This approach has been pioneered by the Mindsight Institute and Daniel J. Siegel.

Also known as Metta, Lovingkindness is a traditional Buddhist meditation for generating kindness and gentleness towards the self and others.

An awareness of awareness itself.

The Westminister Mindfulness all-party mindfulness group that published a highly favourable review of mindfulness research and practice in 2015. see Mindfulness Nation

Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) One of the first contemporary mindfulness practices developed in the late 1970s to help reduce stress.

A type of meditation that is 1.) intentional, 2.)embodied and 3.) free of judgment

the progressive attenuation of brain structure. Typically conditions include multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease

a term that refers to the renewal or regrowth of brain tissue or cells. There is evidence that meditation can promote grey and white brain structures throughout the life cycle.

a foundational concept of Western science, based on principles articulated by Aristotle

A beginning meditation practice for helping to cut through the speediness of thoughts and develop a more precise and focused attention to the present moment. Known as Shamatha meditation in Buddhism

A more dynamic development in mindfulness meditation that begins paying attention to context and relationship as part of meditation awareness. Known as Viassana in Buddhism.

A theory proposed by Stephen Porges about the role of the vagus nerve in controlling emotional regulation

part of the brain responsible for decision making, problem solving, and controlling emotions. Studies have shown that meditation can have a number of positive effects on the prefrontal cortex, including increasing the thickness of this area of the brain.

An anxiety disorder caused by exposure to traumatic events.

A term used to describe actions intended to benefit others, such as sharing resources, volunteering, and contributing to good causes.

A philosophical school that claimed a congruence between scientific and religious knowledge systems. Linked with Paul Carus's work at the start of 20th century. Zen scholar D.T. Suzuki was also highly influenced by the concept.

Often describes the extent to which we are protected from declining mental health

Paul MacLean's term for the three major evolutionarily defined sectors of the brain: the old reptilian brainstem, the old mammalian limbic brain, and the new mammalian neocortex. Lower areas develop first.

The ability, developed during the first year of life, to detect that another person has a mind with a focus of attention, an intention, and an emotional state. The right prefrontal cortex plays a central role in mediating this fundamental process.

Sits on top of the brainstem. It serves as a gateway for incoming sensory information and has extensive connections to other brain regions.

The internal or external conditions that push the state of an individual away from equilibrium or integration

A basic motivational drive to make contact with other individuals in a meaningful manner that activates the dopamine system and rewards the behavior.

A set of circuits in the brain that includes the ventral vagal nerve, which activates receptive interactive behaviors to connect with other people.

A visual metaphor for the central stream of integration that is harmony and a FACES flow of being flexible, adaptive, coherent, energized, and stable. The two banks outside this flow are of chaos and rigidity/contraction.

The relationship a child has with a sensitive, attuned caregiver. Also used to signify an adult's state of mind with respect to attachment in which there is a coherent narrative that makes sense of the past.

A visual metaphor of the mind that is also a time-in practice to promote neural integration. The outer rim of the wheel represents that all the contents of consciousness. The hub at the center of the wheel represents awareness is free of the content of consciousness.