He said that while he still felt a great sense of loss and sadness at times, he perceived it differently. He described how he’d found a place beneath those thoughts and feelings where there was a sense of peace, of stillness and of calm.

In recent years the advancement of MRI technology, together with sophisticated brain-mapping software, has meant that neuroscientists are now able to observe the brain in a whole new way. This means that they’ve been able to discover exactly what happens to the brain when we’re learning to meditate, and also some of the effects of long-term

Headspace and emotions

Like thoughts, emotions spontaneously arise. It’s how we meet these emotions, how we respond to them that is important.

The more I spoke to people about the benefits of meditation, the more I found that many desperately wanted to find a way to relax, but were uncomfortable with the religious element that robes automatically imply. They simply wanted to find a way to cope with life, to deal with stress – in their work, their personal life, and in their own minds.

The Approach

discovering the dynamics of the mind and how it’s likely to behave when you practise the technique.

There are a few general suggestions for sitting: 1 It’s best if the back is straight, but without forcing it. 2 You may find that the position of your pelvis dictates the position of your back, and often a small cushion under your backside will help to rectify any ‘hunching’.

‘I’ve lived just round the corner from here for fifteen years,’ he said, ‘and I walk down this same street nearly every single day. But that’s the first time, the very first time, I’ve ever actually seen the street. I know that sounds ridiculous, but it’s true. It’s the first time I’ve noticed the colour of the houses, the cars in the driveways,