Rewiring the Mind: Why Meditation (In All Its Forms) Matters More Than Ever

A recent study from the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai caught my attention—and stuck with me. Researchers found that meditation actually changes brain waves, particularly those linked to emotional regulation. These shifts—in beta and gamma wave patterns—impact the amygdala and hippocampus, regions critical for anxiety, memory, and mood.

What does that mean in plain terms? Meditation doesn’t just “help you chill.” It literally rewires your brain.

But here’s the part I really want to emphasize: meditation doesn’t have to look like what you think it looks like. You don’t need a cushion, incense, or an hour of silence.

One of my favorite books is Running with the Mind of Meditation by Sakyong Mipham. In it, the author blends the rhythm of running with mindfulness, showing how physical movement can also be spiritual practice. That idea unlocked something for me—because like many people, I find my most focused, grounded thoughts not when I’m sitting still, but when I’m moving forward.

For me, meditation is also:

• Rowing while the rest of the house is still asleep

• Taking a 10-minute walk without my phone, just breathing in the morning air

• Journaling for five minutes with no agenda

• Savoring my tea without opening email first

These small practices don’t seem like much—but over time, they shift something. They create a gap between stimulus and response. They give your nervous system space to reset. And as this new study confirms, they physically shape the brain for resilience, clarity, and calm.

If you're feeling pulled in too many directions (who isn’t?), or if anxiety has become a background hum in your day, consider what your version of meditation might look like.

It doesn’t have to be perfect. It just has to be practiced.