Science Journal Reports on the Brain's Ability to Multitask, and the Miracle of Mindfulness

Sometimes we need “evidence” or “scientific proof” before we believe something to be “true” or “real.” Interestingly, as spirituality and science merge back to Oneness, we will likely find both scientific proof as well as its dissolution exist simultaneously. We may soon discover that the Divine is one vast paradox – both everything and nothing at all.

In the meantime, we are likely to find the fundamental “truths” of ancient mystic spirituality and the newly discovered “facts” of science becoming more like allies than adversaries. Notably, a recent study of our brain’s ability to multitask* seems to be befriending the concept of mindfulness. At this rate maybe science will “discover” the miracle of mindfulness sooner rather than later?

Simply stated, mindfulness is the ability to be aware and awake to the present moment. It is a central concept in Buddhism. Multitasking is the performance of multiple tasks at one time. It is a central way of living for most modern day humans. Or is it?

Can we be awake and aware to the present moment and multitask at the same time?
According to a report in the journal Science, a team of French researchers concluded that our brains are set up to do just two things at once, but not three. The study indicates that we can use each side of our brain’s frontal lobes to do two mental tasks well, but that may be the limit for our goal-oriented parts of our brain.

For those who feel like time is in short supply, the idea of multitasking is not only appealing, it is practically a required skill to function in today’s fast paced lifestyle. Yet – as this latest study implies – it may not actually be possible; specifically if one is to do something well.

As we become more in tune with our spiritual selves, the idea of mindfulness also becomes quite appealing. It offers us a chance to not only to slow down and do one thing at a time; it also offers us an opportunity to do that one thing well. Specifically, however, the purpose of mindfulness – and its gift – is to bring us to the present moment.

From this perspective, the debate no longer focuses on quantity (how many tasks can someone do at one time) or even quality (how well is a task done). This view helps us see there is no debate at all between multitasking and mindfulness. In the present moment, there is just One. Mindfulness can bring us to that state of Oneness where there is only the task, the moment and ourselves – all One.

If we spent more time in the moment of now we might discover that time itself dissolves, along with the need to “hurry” or “multitask.”  Perhaps this the miracle of mindfulness.   

*Based on a study released during the week of April 15, 2010.

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