Scientific studies from Harvard, the Max Planck Institute of Human Brain Sciences in Germany and other neuroscience institutions have shown that meditation can help to relief stress and develop a positive mindset. In addition, meditation has also been linked to enhanced brain cortexes development, increased brain functioning and improved social intelligence. Certain meditation methods enhance different brain areas. The Max Planck Institute studied presence/focus-awareness, affect/loving-kindness/metta and perspective/mindfulness/open-monitoring meditation effects. Why is that important? A nurtured social intelligence can help one to become more empathetic and allow for differences in personal perspectives and beliefs which are more important in our increasingly diverse and sometimes divisive national and global societies.