ENLIGHTENMENT IN THE BATHROOM

When we have a problem, we think about it for hours, days, sometimes weeks, and even months. We search for a solution, analyze it thoroughly, and explore every angle. We feed our minds with all the data we have, stretch our memory, and weigh the information on our mental scale. We add, subtract, and sometimes reach out to friends and family for advice. In the evening, we think, "Alright, I’ve got it," and go to bed, only to wake up in the morning feeling helpless, asking ourselves, "What should I do?" We think we've internalized it, we rise to take action, but just when we're about to act, we freeze. But then comes a moment when, in our desperation, we leave the bathroom with clarity, enlightened. Later, we find ourselves thinking, "Why didn’t I think of this earlier?"

Don’t be angry. I’m about to talk to you about a brain network. Learn about this network. When you have a problem and can’t seem to find a way out, leave the solution to your brain without overthinking it. Don’t dive into worries. Because the solution doesn’t come when you dive into it; it comes when you step away from it—when you stop thinking, not when you keep thinking. This network is called the Default Mode Network (DMN).

This network in our brain acts like a filter, closing off thoughts and information that don’t align with the mental patterns we’ve previously developed, and it works when the brain is at rest. It protects us from drowning in irrelevant or unhelpful thoughts and keeps us from getting overwhelmed by too much information. At the same time, it helps us by sending us useful, internal information that leads us to a solution. This network works with internal information, not external input, and often brings us the answer when we least expect it.

The Default Mode Network is a brain network that includes the prefrontal cortex, posterior parietal cortex, posterior cingulate cortex, and angular gyrus. It becomes active when the person is not focused on the outside world. When our mind turns inward—such as during meditation, daydreaming, prayer, or self-reflection—this network activates. It is linked to our ability to understand and become aware of our own mental processes. Self-awareness, understanding and making sense of our thoughts, emotions, and mind is connected to this network.

I’ve spoken about it as a very good network, but this is the brain! One must be careful and balanced; otherwise, the balance can easily go awry. That’s why we shouldn’t overwork this network. When it becomes too active, it can lead the person’s attention to drift too much toward inner thoughts, potentially causing mental fluctuations and distraction. For instance, you might be in a gathering with friends, enjoying the conversation, and then someone asks for your opinion on something, and you share your thoughts. Later, you feel ignored and start a negative self-talk spiral in your mind. You may even think you’re stupid. The negative self-criticism doesn’t stop. The reason for this is the DMN being too active. When this network is overly active, negative thoughts can keep repeating, trapping the person in them. Be cautious. Life is within us, and we are within life. The balance should be everywhere: both inside and outside. We shouldn’t only turn inward, we shouldn’t disconnect from the outer world, nor should we lose ourselves to the external world. We must maintain the balance to hear our inner voices and see what’s coming from within, so we can find the solution.