Quiet the Default Mode Network and save the world

It has been demonstrated with fMRI that mindfulness meditation and psilocybin (a must read) both decrease activity in the default mode network and both can promote the experience of oneness, a sense of timelessness, a profound sense of sacredness, and can result in an overall decrease in anxiety. These are qualities that are lacking in the present efforts to deal effectively with global issues of terrorism, climate change, and extreme political polarization.

A new article in the journal Cerebral Cortex used fMRIs to measure brain activities in 3 different cultural groups (Chinese, American and Iranian) while they were reacting to narratives that involved core, protected beliefs. Researchers found increased activity in the “default mode network” when these core, protected values were contemplated.

A press release from the University of Southern California details key aspects of the study.  The press release concludes:

It’s not yet clear whether a value either is or is not protected, or whether the sacredness of a value is on a sliding scale. But in a nation where political beliefs are growing more polarized and entrenched, it’s important to understand what biological processes lie at the root of these values, Kaplan said.

“People will often hold political values as protected values and protected values are at the root of many political conflicts around the world, which is why they’re interesting to us,” he said.

Just a reminder, taking psilocybin is not a game.  It must be done for the right reasons and with proper supervision.  Set and Setting are key.

This one has a very chaotic, out of control default mode network and would not be good for world peace.  He also can not spell and has difficulty with complex issues which limits him to derogatory, grade school level one liners. These characteristics remind me of a former President except this one is not as genial.  Early Alzheimer's?

This gentleman has a very quiet default mode network which is reflected in his face, in his eyes.  He does not take himself too seriously and his ego is not an obstacle to world peace.  Yoda's eyes were patterned after Einstein's eyes.