How God Changes Your Brain: Breakthrough Findings from a Leading Neuroscientist

God is greatfor your mental physical and spiritual health. Thats the finding of this startling authoritative and controversial book by the bestselling authors of Born to Believe. Based on new evidence culled from their brain-scan studies on memory patients and meditators their Web-based survey of peoples religious and spiritual experiences and their analyses of adult drawings of God neuroscientist Andrew Newberg therapist Mark Robert Waldman and their research team have concluded that active and positive spiritual belief changes the human brain for the better. Whats more actual faith isnt always necessary: atheists who meditate on positive imagery can obtain similar neurological benefits. Written in an accessible stylewith illustrations highlighting how spiritual experiences affect the mindHow God Changes Your Brain offers the following breakthrough discoveries: Not only do prayer and spiritual practice reduce stress and anxiety but just twelve minutes of meditation per day may slow down the aging process. Contemplating a loving God rather than a punitive God reduces anxiety depression and stress and increases feelings of security compassion and love. Fundamentalism in and of itself is benign and can be personally beneficial but the anger and prejudice generated by extreme beliefs can permanently damage your brain. Intense prayer and meditation permanently change numerous structures and functions in the brainaltering your values and the way you perceive reality. How God Changes Your Brain is both a revelatory work of modern science and a practical guide for readers to enhance their physical and emotional health and to avoid mental decline. Newberg and Waldman explain the eight best ways to exercise your brain and guide readers through specific routines derived from a wide variety of Eastern and Western spiritual practices that improve personal awareness and empathy. They explain why yawning heightens consciousness and relaxation and they teach Compassionate Communication a new mediation technique that builds intimacy with family and friends in less than fifteen minutes of practice. Unique in its conclusions and innovative in its methods How God Changes Your Brain is a first-of-a-kind book about faith that is as credible as it is inspiring.