Training the embodied self in its impermanence: meditators evidence neurophysiological markers of death acceptance

Neuroscience of Consciousness, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 2025(1)

Published: Jan. 1, 2025

Human predictive capacity underlies its adaptive strength but also the potential for existential terror. Grounded in processing framework of brain function, we recently showed using a magnetoencephalogram visual mismatch-response (vMMR) paradigm that prediction-based self-specific neural mechanisms shield self from threat-at level perception-by attributing death to 'other' (nonself). Here test preregistered hypothesis insight meditation grounded on mindful awareness is associated with reduction brain's defensiveness toward mortality. In addition, examine whether these neurophysiological markers death-denial are phenomenology meditative self-dissolution (embodied training impermanence). Thirty-eight meditators pooled previous project investigating neurophenomenology underwent vMMR task, as well self-report measures mental health, and afterlife beliefs. Results were previously-reported phenomenological dimensions self-dissolution. Meditators' brains responded coupling self-stimuli manner indicating acceptance rather than denial, corresponding increased self-reported well-being. Additionally, degree predicted positively valenced meditation-induced experiences, thus shedding light possible underlying wholesome vs. pathological disruptions self-consciousness. The findings provide empirical support human tendency avoid not hard-wired amenable training, one which linked meditating experience embodied self's impermanence. results highlight importance assessing addressing mortality concerns when implementing psychopharmacological or contemplative interventions inducing radical

Language: Английский

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Intrinsic neural timescales exhibit different lengths in distinct meditation techniques

NeuroImage, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 297, P. 120745 - 120745

Published: July 27, 2024

Meditation encompasses a range of practices employing diverse induction techniques, each characterized by distinct attentional focus. In Mantra meditation, for instance, practitioners direct their attention narrowly to given sentence that is recursively repeated, while other forms meditation such as Shoonya are induced wider Here we aimed identify the neural underpinnings and correlates associated with this spectrum foci. To accomplish this, used EEG data estimate brain's intrinsic timescales (INTs), is, its temporal windows activity, calculating Autocorrelation Window (ACW) signal. The autocorrelation function measures similarity timeseries time-lagged version itself correlating signal on different time lags, consequently providing an estimation INTs length. Therefore, through using ACW metric, our objective was explore whether there correspondence between length activity width scope during various techniques. This performed three groups highly proficient belonging traditions, well meditation-naïve control group. Our results indicated focus, like exhibit longer durations compared requiring narrower or body-scanning Vipassana meditation. Together, demonstrated techniques varying widths foci unique in INTs. may suggest relates corresponds activity. research uncovered mechanisms underpin We revealed featured widths, lengths (INTs) within brain, measured function. finding bridge gap (subjective) (objective) offering new understanding how cognitive processes related other. work holds significant implications, especially context increasing use mental health well-being interventions. By elucidating foundations aims pave way developing more tailored effective meditation-based treatments.

Language: Английский

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Neuroscience-based relational art therapy and deep brain reorienting in the treatment of dissociative identity disorder

Frontiers in Psychology, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 16

Published: Feb. 28, 2025

Art therapy (AT) has been proposed as a treatment for post-traumatic conditions, potentially by providing somatic sensory input that can (i) enhance the client’s sense of self and embodiment, (ii) modulate arousal, (iii) aid in rethinking reframing traumatic memories. However, evidence supporting AT dissociative disorders remains limited. The theoretical basis efficacy is discussed relation to findings regarding traumatized person’s brain mindset, well its altered functional network connectivity. It crucial consider specific alterations networks associated with trauma, particularly those occurring deep regions, which include midbrain, brainstem, cerebellum. hypothesis suggests early or severe trauma impair brain’s higher regulatory functions, explained cascade theory. This theory explains how diverse activation patterns within midbrain’s periaqueductal gray (PAG) midbrain influence limbic system cortices, thereby modulating states being behavior. Phase-specific, resource-oriented, long-term complexly individuals benefit from novel insights neuroimaging studies inform therapeutic methods. illustrated clinical vignette client diagnosed identity disorder (DID), where reorienting (DBR) was combined relational AT. component hypothesized have facilitated grounding present moment enhanced access her neurophenomenological self. Moreover, changes may occurred at implicit non-verbal levels. DBR believed helped remain previously avoided unbearable internal experience. To validate these assumptions, second author conducted semi-structured interview focused on experiences psychotherapy , including effect when introduced after were articulated through thematic analysis interview, yielded following themes: Loneliness, getting help moving towards togetherness . Further research development methods neuroplasticity necessary highly clients change heal are recommended.

Language: Английский

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Introduction to the Special Issue on Cognitive Neuroscience of Mindfulness

Biological Psychiatry Cognitive Neuroscience and Neuroimaging, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 10(4), P. 337 - 341

Published: April 1, 2025

Language: Английский

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