Tuesday, May 19, 2026
Neuroscientist Richard Davidson began his groundbreaking research with Tibetan monks in the early 2000s following a direct challenge from the Dalai Lama in the 1990s to apply scientific tools to study positive emotions. He is still actively conducting these studies today. The following notes are from his research detailed in the book, ALTERED TRAITS:
There are five main types of brainwaves that register on EEG (Electroencephalogram): Delta that occur during deep sleep; Theta during drowsiness; Alpha when we relax or are awake with eyes closed; Beta when we are alert, actively thinking or concentrating. Finally, Gamma, which are fastest brain waves that fire in harmony during moments of insight. To get some sense of how gamma rays feel, imagine biting into a ripe juicy sweet peach. Suddenly your senses of sight, smell, taste, touch and sound mesh into a single delectable experience. That’s because gamma waves have lit up in harmony in our brain.
However, our gamma waves are not as strong as the twenty-two Tibetan yogis (monks) who were tested at Richard Davidson’s Lab at the University of Wisconsin. The amplitude of their gamma rays was twenty-five times greater than the controlled group. The monks described the experience of gamma rays as feelings of spaciousness and vastness and connection with everyone and everything. Such collective mental gymnastics had never been seen by scientists before. For them this was unprecedented; a wow!
Relative to the yogis we are mere beginners. When we sit to meditate, it takes us a while to settle our minds, let go of distracting thoughts, and get some momentum in our meditation. Yet from time to time we may have a “good” meditative experience which is always good for our mental health.
Dr. Davidson’s pioneering work has fundamentally shifted how the scientific community views neuroplasticity, proving that long-term meditation can cause enduring changes in brain function, particularly in areas related to compassion, attention, and emotional regulation. This is great news for all of us who are regularly practicing meditation and journaling.
Lorraine
It’s been a wild and sad few weeks – the deaths of 2 dear writing friends, one whose manuscript I was critiquing and he was overjoyed at my recommendations.. He emailed me on May 8 that he was in a great mood, with renewed energy for his manuscript changes, and packing for his vacation. On May 9, he passed away. I just found out a few days ago— I was, and still am, overcome with shock. (I want to continue reading his manuscript but it feels suffocating now! Tears flow at the thought of finishing it!) I’ve also had situations in my personal life that changed, and I’m trying to accept the changes gracefully. Tonight I journaled for over an hour… pages upon pages… spewing, releasing. And I’m listening to meditations over and over. I think I’m getting a bit back to my ‘self’. Sorry I haven’t been posting. I’ve been gardening and walking and drawing and thinking and ignoring social media. Hope to see you soon, Madhu!!
Madhu B. Wangu
Dear Lorraine,
My heartfelt condolences for the death of your friend. Your sad and shocked emotional state is completely understandable. None of us easily accepts news of death, whether expected or sudden. Again, my deep sympathies for your painful heart. Once it happens, the acceptance of this natural phenomenon is the first step to overcome the sadness.
I recommend you finish critiquing his manuscript. He would want you to. Besides the draft you’re reading is written by his creative and true self. He is going to be with you until you finish critiquing it thus prolonging his life a few more months? days?
Good for you my journaling queen! Pouring your heart out in your journal always heals–slowly and steadily. Hope your changes at home have settled down. Also walking, gardening, art work, all are excellent balms for emotional wounds. You’re doing everything right. With hugs and lots of love. Would love to see you!
Madhu