Immediate Effects of Cyclic Meditation on State Mindfulness in Normal Healthy Volunteers: A Controlled Study

Mediation is known to influence higher mental functions by inducing a state of low physiological arousal and alertful rest. Improvements in cognitive functions following meditation are being expressed as a result of enhanced mindfulness in meditators. We evaluated the immediate impact of meditation practice on state mindfulness using a short Mindfulness Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS). Ninety participants with ages ranging from 21-34 years (group mean age ± SD; 24.2 ± 7.2 years) were randomly assigned to a meditation group (n=44) and a control group (n=46). MAAS was administered anonymously in a classroom setup and two of the project coordinators were present to supervise the administration and to assist the participants where necessary. We executeda matched controlled design with assessment performed before and after the practice of meditation. Participants had no prior experience of meditation practice. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS 20. The data were checked for normality. Paired samples t-test was applied for pre-post comparisons for both the groups. State MAAS scores were significantly higher following the practice of meditation as compared to control group. A single session of Cyclic Meditation calms the mind and helps to develop a better level of mindfulness. This signifies the individuals heightened attention on body,breath and mind,which is known to further enhance the higher mental functions.