A new book, The Rough Guide to the Brain, tackles some of the mysteries of the brain, I would say the "mind", and the author, Dr. Barry Gibb, offers explanations of why certain things happen.

Advertising really does affect your brain: Brain scans prove it. The brain stores brand information without us even realising it, usually in the hippocampus section, where long-term memories are kept. When we see or hear an ad linked to that product, the brain dips into its files to retrieve any information it already has. We may not realise it but it does affect our choice of product.

Reason: The brain records everything – even information we don’t think is important.

** I've covered this in previous posts.

Meditation makes you happy: An average person’s mind is like an intelligent but untrained dog.

Dr Gibb says: “It leaps around from one thought to the next. But with meditation, the mind can become far more obedient and still.” Studies show meditation can increase happiness and it has been used in trials to treat depression.

Reason: Scans show meditation boosts activity in the left prefrontal cortex, the part of the brain that is linked with feeling good.

** Meditation is really an altered state of consciousness which is exactly what the state of hypnosis is! That's why virtually everyone feels wonderful after a session of hypnotherapy.

The full on-line article can be seen here http://www.thesun.co.uk/article/0,,11040-2007260334,00.html 

The book looks quite good, I'm off to Amazon to order a copy.

Be happy,

Dave.