You parked your car. Come out of the store. Do you remember where it was? Chances are you do if you were focused on that when it occurred and weren’t either distracted by something else or not focused at all. This is a basic lesson that could be taught to all people who forget things. The difference is presence v absence of Mind.
At first blush you’d like to encourage everyone to be present at any moment. Yet presence of mind turns out to be exhausting, and not much wished for. It’s a fact that the majority of time we spend awake is unfocussed. We call that Vague unfocussed waking state the Default Mode network. It turns out there are two states in the fully functional normal awake brain. Which alternate with each other. The distinction between these two waking states is focus.
In the hustle and bustle of the 21st century, many of us find ourselves in a state of passive disengagement known as the Default Mode. This vague, undirected lack of awareness or complacency becomes our default setting during most of our waking hours.
After a long and tiring workday, many people seek solace in passive activities as a way to unwind and relax. They may mindlessly watch television, scroll through their phones, or lounge in a chair, absorbing their surroundings without truly engaging with them. While enjoying a cold beer or glass of wine, their minds often remain idle, devoid of focus or purpose. The desire to avoid taking on additional tasks after a long day is understandable, but this passive disengagement can have unintended consequences.
While some individuals channel their energy into hobbies, pursue higher education, or engage in passionate pursuits such as relationships, the vast majority of us do not. Instead, we tend to drift into a state of disengagement, allowing our minds to wander without purpose or direction. This lack of engagement not only prevents us from fully experiencing the present moment but also hinders our ability to grow and learn.
Furthermore, the Default Mode can lead to feelings of boredom, restlessness, and dissatisfaction. When our minds are not actively engaged, we are more likely to experience negative emotions and engage in unhealthy behaviors such as overeating, substance abuse, or excessive screen time.
To combat the Default Mode and reclaim our sense of purpose and fulfillment, it is essential to actively engage our minds and challenge ourselves. This can be achieved through various means, such as:
- Practicing mindfulness and meditation to cultivate present moment awareness and reduce mental chatter.
- Engaging in hobbies or activities that require focus, concentration, and creativity, such as painting, playing an instrument, or learning a new language.
- Pursuing higher education or taking online courses to expand our knowledge and skills.
- Setting personal goals and working towards them, whether it’s improving our physical health, strengthening relationships, or achieving financial stability.
- Volunteering or engaging in community service to connect with others and make a positive impact on society.
By actively engaging our minds and seeking out meaningful experiences, we can break free from the clutches of the Default Mode and cultivate a life filled with purpose, passion, and fulfillment.
Below is fMRI of the Default Mode Network which is active brain when a subject is absentmindedly unfocused. These images are from Wikipedia. I shall have more to say about Mindfulness in later offerings.
