Stillness and the Default Mode Network

One of the most powerful therapeutic tools we have is Stillness. And yet we struggle to describe it, to make space for it, to understand its value.
In its absence our work becomes cacophonous, blundering, detuned from the real needs of the person in our care. We go through motions without any underlying change.
What is Stillness, from a brain network perspective? How might it bring about changes in states of interoception, well-being, and chronic pain?
Here's a throwback to one of our first livestreams (Month 1 of Pandemic! Whoa.) where we explore a contemporary model of Stillness, as a behavior of the brain's Default Mode Network (DMN).
Please enjoy, and please consider joining us this weekend for the online / in-person class, Craniosacral for Skeptics! bit.ly/2BAbqXN
Craniosacral for Skeptics
Phenomenology & Mechanisms
Sat, Dec 3 (all times Pacific)
In-person class 11a-5p: 6hrs/$130
Access to online materials (live 11a-1p or on your own time): 3hrs/$60.
For more info & to sign up: bit.ly/2BAbqXN
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REFERENCES AND RELATED LINKS
-- Overview on Brain's Default Mode Network (DMN)
en.wikipedia.o....
-- Michael Pollan's video discussion of the DMN:
• Michael Pollan | Disso...
-- The DMN and Chronic Pain:
www.sciencedir...
-- On the DMN's involvement in connecting Pleasure (Hedonia) and Well-Being (Eudaimonia):
www.sciencedir...
-- John Cage's piece 4'33'':
""There's no such thing as silence. What they thought was silence, because they didn't know how to listen, was full of accidental sounds."-John Cage"
• 4'33" by John Cage
-- Erling Kagge's book 'Silence in the Age of Noise':
g.co/kgs/i5JxWv

[@SURENITY]

Thank you for reminding me something that I used to practice, and have been suffering without. Stillness is the birth of insight and self awareness. 🌅

[@psyfiles7351]

so beautifully expressed thank you

[@milanclefas6916]

Wow dude. Your content is extremely insightful and very well-articulated. I can't believe you have such few subscribers because I feel like you definitely deserve a lot more recognition.

[@krissifadwa]

Thank you ❤

[@milesmorris6315]

@TheRealMikeHamm does stillness include a deactivation of the DMN?

[@staceypollack6526]

Yes!!!! This is why I hate going to certain therapists. They further traumatize me with their fear mongrel I need more money attitudes.