Nothing has meaning in life, except the meaning we give it....
I've been reading and learning about the mind, specifically, the default mode network (DMN) of our brain and how it activates during our unconscious, wondering mind. It's that feeling when we have been driving on a common road and tune out. Suddenly, we "wake up" and can't recall the last stretch of miles we just passed. During this time, we day dream about the future or reminisce about our past. We simulate what if scenarios about our life, decision, goals, and regrets. This DMN builds our notion of self, reinforcing our belief in ego, by connecting our individualism with our identity over time . Often the critical voice in our head, which wonders what we could have done better. Or, the seemingly harmless daydream projecting our desires.
On the other hand, when deeply focused, our brain switches to the Task Positive Network (TPM) which highlights the outside world -- the task before us. Here we work with our hands or focus our minds. We are connected to the many sights immediately before us, the background noises that we often dismiss, and the feel of the sunshine on our faces. Essentially, we are connected to our senses. Mediation develops TPM as we practice mindfulness by focusing on the breath. Meditation rebuilds the mind through neural plasticity to strengthen the TPM, which turns off the DMN, as only one network can be active at one time.
I have also been fascinated with Michael Pollan's book, "How to Change Your Mind". Through this book, I enjoy the stimulus and awakening of my quarter cup of coffee each morning. At night, I have also tried a mild edible, which, I feel, diminishes my DMN and relaxes my mind.
I can think of 3 active mental states. The morning coffee when I am writing or coding, focused on the task before me. The mindful meditation when I focus on my senses and rich happenings before me. The relaxed state, after an edible, with a deep calmness, when I passively allow life to pass through without trying to hold onto it, as when I grasp it, it slips through my fingers -- similar to the feeling of falling asleep.
What I seek to avoid are the unnecessary anxiety about the future or regrets of the past. To replace these day dreams with that sense of being connected to people, to this world, and to all living beings.
