Characterizing the Dynamical Complexity Underlying Meditation.

Meditation involves complex brain dynamics that can be characterized by measures of dynamical complexity. This theoretical paper argues that standard neuroimaging approaches may oversimplify the neural processes underlying meditation by focusing on static or linear features. Instead, it proposes that nonlinear dynamical systems theory offers a more accurate framework for understanding how meditation alters brain activity over time. The authors suggest that meditation induces states of increased dynamical complexity, reflecting more flexible and adaptive neural coordination. This perspective shifts the focus from localized brain activations to the temporal structure of neural signals, potentially explaining the broad cognitive and emotional benefits attributed to meditation practice.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Characterizing the Dynamical Complexity Underlying Meditation.