Author: Daniel Goleman and Richard J. Davidson

“Altered Traits: Science Reveals How Meditation Changes Your Mind, Brain, and Body” by Daniel Goleman and Richard J. Davidson is an in-depth exploration of the scientific research behind meditation and its long-term effects on the mind and body. Here’s a detailed summary and some reviews:

Summary

Daniel Goleman and Richard J. Davidson, both renowned in their fields, combine their expertise to present a comprehensive look at how meditation can lead to lasting changes in personality traits, which they refer to as “altered traits.” The book is structured around several key findings from decades of research:

1. Short-Term vs. Long-Term Effects: The authors distinguish between the immediate benefits of meditation, such as reduced stress and improved focus, and the long-term changes in brain structure and function that result from sustained practice. They argue that while short-term benefits are valuable, the most profound changes come from long-term, consistent practice.

2. Neuroscientific Insights: Goleman and Davidson delve into how meditation affects the brain. They discuss findings such as reduced amygdala activation (associated with stress) and increased connectivity between the prefrontal cortex and the amygdala, which enhances emotional regulation³. They also highlight how long-term meditation can improve attention and reduce mind-wandering.

3. Compassion and Empathy: The book explores how meditation practices, particularly loving-kindness meditation, can increase empathic concern and lead to more compassionate behavior. The authors cite studies showing that even short-term meditation can enhance empathy and altruism³.

4. Health Benefits: Meditation is shown to have various health benefits, including reducing levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, which are linked to stress and illness³. The authors also discuss how meditation can be as effective as medication in treating conditions like depression and anxiety, without the side effects³.

5. Practical Guidance: Goleman and Davidson provide practical advice on how to get the most out of meditation. They emphasize the importance of “smart practice,” which includes receiving feedback from experienced teachers and maintaining a less attached view of the self.

Reviews

Goodreads: The book has a rating of 3.91 out of 5 from over 5,200 readers¹. Many readers appreciate the rigorous scientific approach and the clear explanations of complex research. One reviewer mentioned that the book provides a balanced view of the benefits of meditation, avoiding both overhyped claims and undue skepticism.

Four Minute Books: The summary on Four Minute Books highlights the book’s focus on the science behind meditation and its practical applications². The review emphasizes key lessons such as the importance of consistent practice and the benefits of meditation for improving concentration and mental performance.

Wikipedia: The Wikipedia entry for the book provides an overview of the main findings and discusses the authors’ emphasis on the long-term benefits of meditation³. It notes that the book is well-researched and provides a thorough examination of how meditation can lead to lasting changes in the brain and behavior.

Overall, “Altered Traits” is highly regarded for its scientific rigor and practical insights. It is recommended for anyone interested in understanding the deeper, long-term effects of meditation on the mind and body.

Source:
(1) Altered Traits – Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Altered_Traits.
(2) Altered Traits: Science Reveals How Meditation Changes Your Mind, Brain …. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/34272471-altered-traits.
(3) Altered Traits Summary and Review – Four Minute Books. https://fourminutebooks.com/altered-traits-summary/.
(4) Daniel Goleman and Richard J. Davidson: Altered Traits: Science Reveals …. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12671-021-01650-4.
(5) Summary Of Altered Traits : Science Reveals How Meditation Changes your …. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/46252243-summary-of-altered-traits.
(6) goodreads.com. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/34272471-altered-traits.