The power of the state of presence and the DNM

Working on presence

Dr. Paret's emphasizes awareness of gravity and bodily sensations as a therapeutic tool. This practice aligns with recent scientific findings that shed light on how such mindfulness practices can influence brain activity and cognitive processes.

The key to understand it is the Default Mode Network. The intricate relationship between mindful attention to physical sensations, the deactivation of the Default Mode Network (DMN), and the facilitation of executive functions in the mind presents a fascinating area of study.

 Mindful presence, characterized by focused attention on physical sensations and the gravitational pull on the body, plays a crucial role in modulating the activity of the DMN. 

The DMN is 

a network of brain regions that becomes active during rest and is associated with self-referential thoughts and mind-wandering, 

and 

has been shown to deactivate during tasks requiring focused attention. 

This deactivation is significant because the DMN's overactivity is often linked to various psychological disorders, including anxiety and depression, and can hinder the brain's ability to engage in executive tasks that require concentration and cognitive control.

The process of paying attention to bodily sensations, such as the feeling of gravity, can ground individuals in the present moment, pulling their minds away from the habitual patterns of rumination and self-referential thinking that the DMN facilitates. This shift in focus not only reduces DMN activity but also allows the brain's executive networks to assume control, enhancing cognitive functions such as decision-making, problem-solving, and planning.

Moreover, the practice of focusing on physical sensations and gravity can lead to a state of embodied awareness, where individuals become more attuned to their bodily states and less absorbed in the narrative constructs of their minds. This embodied presence has therapeutic implications, as it fosters a sense of calm and centeredness, reducing stress and improving emotional regulation.

Scientific studies support the therapeutic benefits of mindfulness and body awareness practices. Research has demonstrated that such practices can lead to structural and functional changes in the brain, including increased gray matter density in areas associated with attention, sensory processing, and emotional regulation, and enhanced connectivity between the DMN and executive control networks, facilitating a more efficient transition from self-referential processing to task-focused processing.

In conclusion, the interplay between mindful attention to bodily sensations, the deactivation of the DMN, and the enhancement of executive functions underscores the importance of embodied practices in cognitive and emotional well-being. 

Dr. Paret's focus on gravity and physical sensations as a cornerstone of therapeutic intervention even if related also to ancient traditions is grounded also in a growing body of neuroscientific evidence that highlights the transformative potential of such practices in promoting mental health and cognitive efficiency.