Theoretical framework of Mind-wandering and Mindfulness
This framework is intended to explain the dichotomic mental states of mind-wandering and mindfulness from a neurophenomenological approach. Specifically, it presents prominent researched theories of mind-wandering and briefly displays researched effects of mindfulness training on attention and distraction at a neurological level.
Neurological explanation-DMN (default mode network association)
Mind- wandering is a state that has been associated with the activation of the default mode network (DMN) and it is characterized by the generation of self-centered thoughts. These thoughts would not be related to the present task or to external sensory stimuli but would only be part of the internal train of thought (Mason et al., 2007). The default mode network (DMN), therefore, would be activated during passive sensory processing and would be attenuated during activities that require high demands on the central executive system (Mason et al., 2007). When the performer falls into a state of automatic instrumental practice, in which there is no concrete and voluntary focus of attention, his mind tends to wander and generate obsessive and self-centered thoughts (Mason et al., 2007).
Mind wandering has been demonstrated to generate reduced responses to external stimuli (Christoff et al., 2009), which can be detrimental to execution of the current activity. More specifically, extensive research, not focused on the musical field, has shown that mind wandering hinders the execution of tasks dependent on working memory (Banks and Boals, 2017; Kane et al., 2007; Levinson et al., 2012; McVay & Kane, 2009, 2012; Robinson and Unsworth, 2017; Stawarczyk et al., 2014; Unsworth and McMillan, 2013). Hypothetically, musician's attention during practice, which relies on the use of working memory (Brown & Palmer, 2013), would also be impaired by the intrusion of unrelated thoughts or mind-wandering.
Mindfulness from a Neurological Side.
In the last twenty years, newly implemented neuro-scanning techniques have helped mindfulness researchers corroborate previous putative benefits of mindfulness at a neurological level (Lutz et al., 2009, Brewer et al., 2011, Garrison, 2013). Interestingly, regarding the dichotomy between mind-wandering and mindfulness, some authors have found that entering one state or the other depends on the activation or deactivation of the PCC (posterior cingulate cortex).
Lutz et al. (2009) used electroencephalography was employed to visualize the effects of mindfulness meditation at a neurological level. It was demonstrated that three months of intensive training in FA (focused of attention) mindfulness meditation enhanced attentional stability with a reduction in time response (p <. 05) when performing a task of detecting deviant tones. The results also showed that the mindfulness training reduced task effort and reducing cortical engagement (stress) (p <. 05). Through the use of MRI (magnetic resonance image), Brewer et al. (2011) assessed brain activation during both a resting state and a meditation period in twelve individuals with > 10 years of mindfulness meditation experience and 13 controls. They found that the two primary nodes of the default mode network (the posterior cingulate cortex , and the medial prefrontal cortex) were less active in meditators than controls, suggesting that meditators experience less moments of rumination. The authors suggest that the the posterior cingulate cortex could be temporally linked to self-control regions such that when mind-wandering emerges, control regions may coactivate to monitor and dampen this process.
Corroborating Brewer et al. (2011) results, Garrison (2013) found that, for meditators, the subjective experiences of letting go, undistracted awareness, concentration, observing sensory experience, effortless doing, observing sensory experience, no effort and contentment, corresponded with a deactivation of the posterior cingulate cortex. On the other hand, the subjective experiences of effortful concentration, reactivity to mental content or thought, desire or aversion towards mental content and ruminative thinking or getting caught up in the narrative corresponded with an activation of the same circuit.
Evidence collected by Lutz et al. (2009), Brewer et al. (2011), Garrison (2013) highlights the importance of meditation as a possible psychological tool that may help musicians cope better with the distracting, effortful and reactive mode featuring mind-wandering by developing a greater awareness and sustained focus on the task at hand.
