What is the brain's 'default network', and how does it influence our state of being?
Following on from our last newsletter, it is no secret that mindfulness practices are helpful in the treatment of depression. Therapeutic communities, and secular media have been publishing the overwhelmingly positive results of intensive research on this subject for over a decade.
We know that it works…but why and how, can a person’s mood be so altered by practicing mindfulness?
We find an answer to this when we look deeper into the structures of the brain and how they operate. One particular brain network has come to light as the culprit of self-focused rumination; a type of 'mental chatter' and a cause of much depression. This brain system is known as the Default Mode System. Research by Farb et Al, (2007) isolated the system using neural imaging. The Default Mode system is active when an individual is awake and not focused on external awareness. While it may seem that the brain is not active, it is not the case at all. The brain is engaged in mind wandering, imagining the future and thoughts and ruminations about self. It may be surprising to know that when we are seemingly at rest, our brain can be so active!
Have you ever found yourself in distressing circular rumination that lowers your mood? You will be locked into default mode. The information that you are drawing upon in this mode is based on past experiences instead of the rich and creative range of knowing that is available when in the experiential mode of mindfulness. Mindfulness sets you free from Default Mode suffering!
Mindful Meditation teaches us to tune out distractions
People who meditate may be able to use their brain in ways others can't to tune out distractions and focus on the task at hand.
A new study shows that experienced meditators may have less activity in parts of the brain associated with daydreaming and distraction while meditating and in their day-to-day lives. Brewer found that people who meditate are able to link up other parts of their
brains to monitor activity in the default mode network that tell them to get back on task when distractions arise and be present in the moment.
Hans Berger, inventor of the electroencephalogram was one of the first people to theorize that the brain remains perpetually active, even across a wide variety of mental states. Whether we are awake, sleeping, focused or daydreaming our brain is always hard at work.
Obviously there are key differences between these states both physically and subjectively. But how do these differences translate into brain activity? Recent MRI investigations have shown consistent patterns of activations in people's brains when they are awake (but resting) and this has been deemed the "Default Mode" or "Resting State" network. This animation explores some relevant theories, its activations and potential applications of the research.
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IFT Training Series 2016, a Mindfulness Based training series is for counselling professionals: doctors, nurses, social workers or individuals wishing to invest in their personal growth and development. Contact us with any queries...
