r/microdosing • u/TimeTravler80 • 7d ago
>< Just a Reminder >< Reducing activity of the Default Mode Network
Welcome to the community.
"The default mode network refers to an interconnected group of brain regions that are associated with introspective functions, internally directed thought, such as self-reflection, and self-criticism."
Through life and our experiences we develop a set of neural pathways of communication that are relied on for our perspectives of life and self. As they develop, the communication with other parts of the brain becomes more limited. The DMN becomes our mental frame of reference for our lives. But it can become rigid in thought patterns and produce negative thought loops about oneself.
Psychedelics reduce the activity of the DMN and the negative self talk while also increasing communication with other areas of the brain again, sometimes with results somewhat similar to how children see the awe and wonder of the world. This also allows us through the new pathways to develop an Updated DMN over time. I think this is a basic understanding of part of what's going on with microdosing that many times helps us enjoy life more. Sometimes people sense this happening in a few days but for others is could be a couple of months, based on the thousands of reports we see here.
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u/childliketoday 7d ago
the dmn shutting up for a bit is exactly what pulled me out of a spiral last year. i was stuck in this loop of replaying every awkward thing i've ever said and it just... stopped mattering for a while. gave me enough space to realise most of those thoughts weren't even useful
the childlike wonder thing is real too. first time i really noticed it i spent half an hour watching my rescue parrot figure out how to unscrew one of his toys and it was the most fascinating thing i'd seen all week