two contrasting brain networks  when the brain is not task-focused, it tends to fall back into a ‘rest state’ characterized by mind-wandering, often involving verbal and memory processes  when attention becomes more focused this takes up brain ‘processing power’ – imaging shows inhibition of the default mind-wandering areas of the brain Raichle, M. E., A. M. MacLeod, et al. (2001). "A default mode of brain function." Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 98(2): Fox, M. D., A. Z. Snyder, et al. (2005). "The human brain is intrinsically organized into dynamic, anticorrelated functional networks." Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 102(27): functional MRI examination of the brain:

a default day dreaming network  mind-wandering involves brain activity in a default network of at least 7 areas in the cortex e.g. cingulate gyrus, etc  many of these brain areas have been linked with ‘verbal processing’ activity  there also seems a connection between some of these areas and memory Vincent, J. L., A. Z. Snyder, et al. (2006). "Coherent spontaneous activity identifies a hippocampal-parietal memory network." J Neurophysiol 96(6): Mason, M. F., M. I. Norton, et al. (2007). "Wandering minds: the default network and stimulus-independent thought." Science 315(5810):

mind-wandering: benefits & costs  benefits  benefits: memories (both happy & tip-of-tongue); occasional creativity; some humour; maybe other currently unrecognized functions  costs  costs: short term: short term: poor attention to outer environment reduces safety, learning & effectiveness; lower sense of autonomy & control; indecision; worse moment-to-moment mood medium term: medium term: increased severity & duration of low mood & worry; diminished ‘flow’ experiences long term: long term: low ‘engagement’ in life associated with poorer overall life satisfaction

the attention directing network  imaging studies highlight two components of the attention directing network  one is a deliberate, task-focused system involving bilateral, dorsal parts of the brain  the other re-orientates attention to relevant sensory input via a right-sided ventral system  if neither of these systems is active the brain defaults to the mind-wandering ‘rest’ state Fox, M. D., M. Corbetta, et al. (2006). "Spontaneous neuronal activity distinguishes human dorsal and ventral attention systems." Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 103(26):

deliberate attention: a forest track  so to reduce mind-wandering, it makes great sense to activate the deliberate dorsal attention directing system  this keeps us on track and brings us out of the mind-wandering ‘underbrush’  ‘richer’, more demanding tasks are likely to quieten the mind more effectively – feel deeply into experience  attitude too is important – like a good parent – accepting, encouraging, kind McKiernan, K. A., J. N. Kaufman, et al. (2003). "A Parametric Manipulation of Factors Affecting Task-induced Deactivation in Functional Neuroimaging." J Cogn Neurosci 15(3):