One thing mi
ndfulness practice encourages us to make space for what is going on in our life, notice it, and express it clearly and concretely. It is a good practice in working with what is going on inside us, as well as what is going on between us and others. Simply naming can be a first step in dealing with difficult situations, as was shown in two UCLA studies which looked at the practice of labeling emotion states .
Using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to record brain activity, researcher Matthew Lieberman Ph.D, found that assigning names to negative emotions reduces the intensity of activity in the amygdala — the part of the brain that acts as an alarm system and sets off stress-related reactions. By simply putting a name on the distress, Lieberman says, you can wield more power over your amygdala’s activity. For example, when you attach the word ‘angry,’” he explains, “you see a decreased response in the amygdala”.
We are shown how to do this simple, gentle naming of experience in this poem by American writer David Budbill:
Say rather: Its a nice day. Pass the mashed potatoes please Look, there’s a chickadee. Your voice makes me swoon. Let’s plant the beans. I miss my dead mother so much today I want to touch your face. Clean up the mess! What’s better than a cool glass of water? I feel so sad, all I want to do is cry. What time is it? I want to touch you everywhere. Let’s go for a walk. Will you have tea with me? Let’s play some music. I dont want to die. Come visit again soon.David Budhill, Don’t Speak in the Abstract
