Understanding Conditioned Mind
It is certainly empowering to know that the central nervous system, particularly the brain, has the innate plasticity to adapt in response to the demands of life and more importantly that we have a say in how it evolves by consciously paying attention to how the mind is using the brain. In the decades following the advent of fMRI technology (1990s) in addition to EEG and MEG from the preceding era, various studies in neuroscience have confirmed that we can stimulate and augment neural networks that are advantageous to our mental health by training inward attention in specific ways. However, for many of us, who have been stuck in unhealthy core beliefs (low self-efficacy, poor self-concept, shattered worldview), ingrained patterns of emotional reactivity, and autopilot behaviors for a very long time, it may be difficult to envision that such change is possible and may continue to feel powerless. Before learning more about contemplative neuro-psychotherapy (a.k.a. mindfulness-based treatment) and how to develop inward attention for metacognition, it may be useful to understand how our so-called conditioned mind was created in the first place and why it can be so challenging to divert the inertia of habit force (automaticity) when a sled is sliding down the snow-covered hill.
Some of the well-established neural pathways (routinized thoughts and behaviors) might have been useful in the past, but quite possibly, became obsolete at some point and are now holding us back. The main purposes of nurturing mindful insight are to become intimately familiar with the inertia of habitual mind-brain interactions, to decommission the pathways that are no longer serving us, and to pave new ways of conducting our lives with genuine self-compassion. This is one way to explain the conditioned mind and how mindfulness-based treatment can gradually replace the outdated patterns of thought processes and behaviors with healthier ones by taking advantage of neuroplasticity.
When we are too certain, we stop paying attention and repeat mis-takes. Mindfulness awareness keeps us in a healthy state of uncertainty and stimulates genuine curiosity, which is essential for discoveries about self and others and for preventing us from distorting what is in front of us to fit into the existing mental models (schemata) and jumping to premature conclusions. Presumptuous knowingness can be a significant barrier to those of us seeking change.
Certainly, there is more than one way to achieve the fresh-snowfall effect. Depending on the available resources and opportunities, we may take a vacation on a remote island or try something adventurous, but we still have to deal with the same one’s self upon return. Some of us might be inclined to try a little more controversial approach such as micro-dosing of LSD or psilocybin. MDMA-assisted psychotherapy and ketamine infusion therapy are also gradually mainstreamed in recent years. Despite the limited access due to its prohibitive time commitment (5 days/week x 6 weeks) and cost (limited approval by HMO), transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) seems to be gaining some traction as a viable alternative to ECT (electroconvulsive therapy) for the treatment of severe depression. Reportedly, it is effective in improving hypofrontality by targeting the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), which is closely associated with our affect regulations. Interestingly, DLPFC is one of the primary regions known to be activated by mindfulness meditation, and there is a significant overlap between the clinical rationale for TMS and contemplative neuro-psychotherapy. While mindfulness practice takes a relatively slow, tilt & nudge approach through the gradual cultivation of inward attention and awareness, it is virtually risk-free and meditation does not incur any cost.
All Rights Reserved ©2022 W. Okada
