The eye have power. In our hypnotherapeutic practice we could observe how sustained gaze could practically "block the mind" of our subjects.
Here below you will read more about what probably happens.
Do you know why fascination is so strong?
The most probale cause is that it deactivates the DMN
The Default Mode Network (DMN), often referred to as our brain's "sentinel," plays a crucial role in our inner mental life and readiness to interact with the external world. This network is part of the broader resting-state networks, which remain active even in the absence of specific tasks, indicating the brain's continuous background activity.
The DMN is intricately structured into three primary modules, each serving a unique function:
Generation of Spontaneous Thoughts: This module is responsible for the flow of thoughts that occur without deliberate intention, such as daydreaming or mind-wandering. These spontaneous thoughts are a fundamental aspect of creativity and problem-solving.
Inner Maintenance and Manipulation of Information: This aspect of the DMN is involved in the internal rehearsal and manipulation of information, aiding in memory consolidation, future planning, and the simulation of scenarios. It's like a mental workspace where past experiences and future possibilities are woven together.
Cognitive Control and Switching Activity: This module allows for the switching between different states of mind and cognitive processes. It plays a vital role in self-regulation, decision-making, and the ability to adapt to new information or switch tasks as needed.
On the other hand, the extrinsic system, which contrasts with the DMN, includes two modules focused on processing external sensory information:
One module integrates primary somatosensory and auditory areas along with the dorsal attentional network, crucial for direct interaction with our physical environment.
The other encompasses the visual areas, highlighting the importance of visual processing in our interaction with the outside world. This last point is very important. When we do fascination we will get in fact two results a) deactivate the DMN and b) activate an important area of the extrinsec system. Fascination accompanied by magnetic passes (and may be also some sounds) will completely change the perception
Neurological Regions
Notably, the DMN encompasses regions like the posterior cingulate cortex (PCC), anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), middle temporal gyrus, inferior parietal cortex, medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), and hippocampus. These areas are linked with high-order functions that are generally independent of external stimuli, supporting self-referential processes such as memory organization, future simulation, and imagination.
The concept of the DMN acting as a "sentinel" underscores its role in maintaining a broad, low-level focus of attention. This continuous monitoring of the external environment for unexpected events ensures that we are prepared to respond to the world around us, seamlessly integrating our internal mental landscape with external demands (Doucet, Naveau, Petit, et al., June 2011). This sentinel-like function of the DMN highlights its importance not only in our inner mental life but also in how we engage with and respond to the external world, balancing introspection with readiness for action.
The brain's Default Mode Network (DMN) is a group of interconnected brain regions that show increased activity when a person is at rest, not focused on the outside world, but engaged in internal tasks such as daydreaming, recalling memories, envisioning the future, and considering others' perspectives. The components you mentioned have specific roles within this network:
Posterior Cingulate Cortex (PCC): This area is involved in self-referential thought processes, such as thinking about one's own thoughts and feelings. It plays a role in internally directed thought and is believed to be a central node in the DMN, connecting various parts of the network.
Anterior Cingulate Cortex (ACC): The ACC is involved in a wide array of cognitive functions, including emotion, decision-making, and autonomic function. Within the context of the DMN, it's thought to contribute to self-referential thought and emotional regulation.
Middle Temporal Gyrus: This region is involved in the processing of language and semantic memory, which includes general knowledge and facts about the world. It contributes to the generation and understanding of narratives during introspective thought.
Inferior Parietal Cortex: This area is important for integrating sensory information and has been implicated in attentional processes and the theory of mind—the ability to understand others' perspectives and mental states.
Medial Prefrontal Cortex (mPFC): The mPFC is associated with self-referential processing, decision-making, and social cognitive functions. It plays a crucial role in thinking about oneself and others, making it a key component of the DMN.
Hippocampus: Traditionally known for its critical role in memory formation and spatial navigation, the hippocampus is involved in memory retrieval and the construction of future scenarios when part of the DMN.
The concept of the DMN as a "sentinel" suggests that even when the brain is not engaged in specific external tasks, the DMN is monitoring the internal and external environment to prepare for possible future actions. This involves simulating future events, considering potential outcomes, and maintaining a low-level, broad focus of attention that can shift when something significant occurs in the external environment.
For scientific references, seminal papers and reviews on the DMN include:
Raichle, M.E., et al. (2001). "A default mode of brain function." Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 98(2), 676-682.
Buckner, R.L., Andrews-Hanna, J.R., & Schacter, D.L. (2008). "The brain's default network: Anatomy, function, and relevance to disease." Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, 1124, 1-38.
Greicius, M.D., et al. (2003). "Functional connectivity in the resting brain: A network analysis of the default mode hypothesis." Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 100(1), 253-258.
These references provide foundational insights into the components, functions, and significance of the DMN in human cognition and behavior.