Default mode network

Definition

The default mode network (DMN) is a network of brain regions that shows increased activity when a person is at rest and not focused on the external environment, often linked to self-referential thought, memory retrieval, and envisioning the future. This network plays a key role in various cognitive functions, such as reflecting on personal experiences and processing information about oneself and others. The DMN is particularly relevant in understanding transpersonal psychology and mystical experiences, as it may be involved in altered states of consciousness and the subjective feelings associated with such experiences.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The default mode network is primarily composed of regions like the medial prefrontal cortex, posterior cingulate cortex, and angular gyrus.
2. Research suggests that the DMN is less active during focused tasks but becomes more active during daydreaming or recalling personal memories.
3. In mystical experiences, the DMN may show abnormal patterns of connectivity, indicating how brain activity shifts during transcendent states.
4. The DMN's role in self-referential thought suggests that it is crucial for the subjective experience of self during meditative and spiritual practices.
5. Studies have indicated that practices like mindfulness meditation can modulate DMN activity, potentially leading to deeper spiritual or transpersonal insights.

Review Questions

• How does the default mode network relate to self-referential thought in the context of transpersonal psychology?
  • The default mode network is closely linked to self-referential thought processes, which are essential in transpersonal psychology. When individuals engage in introspection or reflect on their personal experiences, the DMN becomes active, allowing them to connect with their sense of self. This connection can deepen during mystical experiences when the sense of self may expand or dissolve, highlighting how the DMN's functioning can influence one's perception of identity in spiritual contexts.
• Discuss how altered states of consciousness affect the activity of the default mode network during mystical experiences.
  • During altered states of consciousness, such as those experienced in deep meditation or psychedelics, the default mode network often shows distinct changes in activity. This includes both decreased connectivity within the DMN and altered communication with other brain networks. Such shifts can lead to a profound sense of unity or interconnectedness experienced in mystical states, suggesting that alterations in DMN activity are pivotal for experiencing transcendent moments beyond ordinary perception.
• Evaluate the implications of mindfulness practices on the functioning of the default mode network and their significance for transpersonal experiences.
  • Mindfulness practices have been shown to modulate activity in the default mode network, resulting in reduced self-referential processing and greater present-moment awareness. This shift not only enhances emotional regulation but also promotes a deeper connection to spiritual experiences. By calming the DMN's typical patterns of operation, practitioners can access altered states that facilitate transcendent insights and a more profound understanding of themselves within a larger context. This relationship highlights how training attention through mindfulness can significantly impact one's transpersonal journey.

Related terms

Altered States of Consciousness: States of consciousness that differ significantly from normal waking consciousness, often including mystical experiences, deep meditation, or psychedelic states.

Meditation: A practice where an individual uses techniques such as mindfulness or concentration to train attention and awareness, often leading to altered states of consciousness.

Self-Referential Processing: Cognitive processes that involve thinking about oneself, one's thoughts, feelings, and experiences, which are often associated with activity in the default mode network.