19- How Meditation Can Reshape Our Brains with Dr. Sara Lazar

What if the calm you feel after yoga or meditation isn’t just emotional—but structural?In this episode, world-renowned neuroscientist Dr. Sara Lazar joins me to explore how meditation and yoga create measurable changes in the brain. Dr. Lazar was one of the first researchers to use brain imaging to understand mindfulness—and her findings have shaped the global conversation on mental health, neuroplasticity, and the power of presence.We dive into her personal story of walking into a yoga class purely for physical therapy (and very skeptically), only to discover that something far deeper was happening—something that sparked a 25-year career in contemplative neuroscience.Together, we unravel:How meditation and yoga change brain structure and functionWhy neuroplasticity makes healing possible at any ageThe default mode network and why a wandering mind fuels anxiety, rumination, and low moodHow stress shrinks certain regions of the brain—and how mindfulness can reverse those effects Why mindfulness increases emotional regulation, compassion, and resilienceWhether yoga or meditation is “better,” and how to choose the practice that fits your nervous systemHow much practice you actually need to see changes (hint: even small doses matter)Whether you’re new to mindfulness or deep in your practice, this conversation offers both scientific insight and grounded encouragement—showing how everyday practices can literally reshape the brain toward calm, clarity, and wellbeing.🔗 Connect with Dr. Sara LazarTED Talk: How Meditation Can Reshape Our Brainshttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m8rRzTtP7Tc Stay Connected🌿 Follow the show: @elaineclark_📩 Email: [email protected]🎧 Subscribe on Apple, Spotify & iHeartRadio🌐 Explore more at www.elaineclark.ca