HOT OFF THE PRESS AFTER NEARLY 3000 YEARS

BBC news has reported today, 'IT'S NOT VERY OFTEN WE TALK ABOUT A REVOLUTION IN UNDERSTANDING AND TREATING DEPRESSION AND YET NOW DOCTORS ARE TALKING ABOUT ONE OF THE STRONGEST DISCOVERIES IN PSYCHIATRY FOR THE LAST 20 YEARS'.

This 'discovery' is that an errant immune system causing inflammation can alter the workings of the brain and cause significant changes in mood leading to depression. It is suggested that perhaps depression isn't all in the mind after all, and what goes on in the body (the focus here is on the immune system) is of huge importance.

One of the core principles of Mindfulness practice is that we develop an understanding and awareness of what is going on in our bodies, so that we can develop a better understanding and awareness of the workings of our mind and thoughts. This practice, this wisdom is about 3000 years old!

Yet again we are 'discovering' the science behind the efficacy of mindfulness practice and meditation. If we could listen more to our bodies and less to our thoughts, we could find greater peace. If the mind loses its connection to the experiences of the body and wanders off, who knows where it will take us? It's a bit like having a kite with no string.