I find the notion of the "default network" connected with this research interesting. The brain has an "external network" that activates when folks are engaged in external activities, which is in the outer brain area, but when they are not externally occupied, the external network becomes inactive, but then the default network, located beneath the external network, becomes active. This default network seems associated with self-referential thoughts, the sort of internal dialogue that arises when one becomes distracted while engaged in an external activity. In one kind of "oneness" meditation, where meditators simply maintain awareness of whatever is going on inside or outside them, meditators' brains seem to be equally active in both areas. Fascinating! I wish I was a neuroscientist! I would love designing these experiments.
I find the notion of the "default network" connected with this research interesting. The brain has an "external network" that activates when folks are engaged in external activities, which is in the outer brain area, but when they are not externally occupied, the external network becomes inactive, but then the default network, located beneath the external network, becomes active. This default network seems associated with self-referential thoughts, the sort of internal dialogue that arises when one becomes distracted while engaged in an external activity. In one kind of "oneness" meditation, where meditators simply maintain awareness of whatever is going on inside or outside them, meditators' brains seem to be equally active in both areas. Fascinating! I wish I was a neuroscientist! I would love designing these experiments.
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