Mindfulness has been described as “paying attention on purpose, in the present, moment-to-moment, non-judgmentally” (Jon Kabat-Zinn, Full Catastrophe Living)
Being aware that you are aware (“paying attention on purpose”) activates the prefrontal cortex.
Activation of the prefrontal cortex is necessary for well-being. This area of the brain thickens as neurons grow in response to ongoing mindfulness practice. The prefrontal cortex regulates and integrates brain function. Well-being is based on a regulated, integrated mind/body state.
Regulation refers to a state that is at a controlled, desirable level. Integration refers to a smoothly functioning whole, ie; neural pathways connect the three major areas of the brain, allowing them to function well together. The three major areas of the brain correspond generally to thinking, feeling (emotion) and sensing.
When these three functions are neurally connected, we self-regulate and flexibly choose our responses to life events. When they are poorly connected or severed, which happens in response to trauma or in the midst of stress reactivity (including the extreme states of fight, flight, or freeze), the three brain functions are cut off from each other and we find it hard to think, feel, settle, or act wisely.
Repeated return to the integrated state causes neural pathways to strengthen and become permanent – regulation and ease become enduring characteristics (traits).
The prefrontal cortex regulates and integrates the body/mind and supports the 10 Aspects of Well-Being which describe a state of ideal human functioning. Studies show that when the prefrontal cortex is damaged, a person experiences loss of the 10 Aspects of Well-Being.
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