Altered Traits: Science Reveals How Meditation ... May 2026

In Altered Traits , science writer Daniel Goleman and neuroscientist Richard Davidson strip away the "McMindfulness" hype to reveal what meditation actually does to the human brain. Moving beyond the temporary "state" of relaxation, the authors focus on "traits"—enduring physical and psychological changes that persist long after you leave the cushion. The Core Premise: From States to Traits

Long-term practitioners show a dampened amygdala response. They don't just feel calmer; their "alarm system" is physically less reactive to triggers. Altered Traits: Science Reveals How Meditation ...

Yogis with 27,000+ hours show "extraordinary" qualities, such as constant high-amplitude gamma waves—a state associated with peak performance and "effortless" awareness. Why It Matters In Altered Traits , science writer Daniel Goleman