Those who meditate have a stronger mind-body connection than dancers, study shows
Those who meditate have a stronger mind-body connection than dancers, study shows
Most people would think that dancers are highly attuned to the workings of their bodies. However, a study from the University of California, Berkeley, has revealed that their mind-body connection is not as strong as those who incorporate yoga meditation into their lives.
Lead author Robert Levenson and his colleagues discovered that professional dancers – who must devote a significant amount of time to developing awareness of their body and controlling its movements – do not have a stronger link between the mind and the body than others.
In fact, individuals who meditate are more likely to have greater harmony between their mental and physical selves.
"We all talk about our emotions as if they are intimately connected to our bodies," Levenson explained. "We sought to precisely measure how close that connection was, and found it was stronger for meditators."
Thus, it may be beneficial to make deep breathing and relaxation a part of everyday life. Employing yogic techniques – such as Dahn Yoga meditation – can help reduce stress and frustration, while encouraging practitioners to listen to the voices of their bodies.
