Meditation is often viewed as a spiritual practice, but neuroscience reveals it is a potent tool for cognitive enhancement and emotional regulation. Neuroplasticity—the brain’s ability to reorganize itself—is the mechanism at play. Structural Changes in the Brain Research using fMRI scans has shown that consistent meditation practice increases gray matter density in the hippocampus, known for learning and memory, and in structures associated with self-awareness and introspection. The Amygdala Connection Perhaps most significantly, meditation has been shown to decrease the size of the amygdala, the brain’s “fight or flight” center. This correlates directly with reduced stress levels and anxiety.