Transient Hypofrontality

Transient Hypofrontality: means that for a while, under certain conditions, the focussed thinking part of the brain gets a rest which allows other parts and functions of our brain to become more predominant.

This hypothesis explains how running/(74Core) can alter our consciousness

Transient means temporary. “Hypo” is a prefix meaning “less”

Frontality refers to the frontal lobes of our brains (the prefrontal cortex), the location of much of our decisions making

Transient Hypofrontality, then, means that for a while, under certain conditions, the focussed part of our brain gets a rest which allows other parts and functions of our brain to become more predominant

Physical activity “forces” the brain to redistribute brain resources (a process known as down-regulation).

If you’re engaged in competitive sport, you need to make a variety of complex decisions. Those will involve the prefrontal cortex. But if you’re on a long distance run in a beautiful park, your mind let’s go of that prefrontal engagement and you may experience an alteration in consciousness

The beneficial effects of exercise on mental health also offers an insight into the alteration of consciousness known as the runners high.

Some of the unique features of this state such include timelessness, living in the here and now, reduced awareness of one’s surroundings, peacefulness (being less analytical), and floating

Even abstruse feelings such as unity with the self and/or nature might be more explicable, considering that the prefrontal cortex is the very structure that provides us with the ability to analyse the environment

Once you’ve tapped into this experience, you can attend to it - MAYBE EVEN EVOKE IT

This experience IS SOMETHING YOU CAN CULTIVATE/CREATE and will increase the likelihood of experiencing this altered state of consciousness

Like lucid dreaming, you might set out on a run, or another vigorous activity andask yourself an important question then put it aside and just notice if an internal response shows up

The authors “more mystical” view is that Transient Hyporfrontality is the part of you that has the capacity to fully understand your self and “knows” what it is that is most central to your being. (Inner Voice/God)

I, George Palmer, believe

I experienced this state whilst trialling Kundalini Yoga in Melbourne and it is why I now try to meditate for 10 minutes after all exercise to allow thoughts to flood through whilst in this transient state

Www.theperformingedge.com

Www.psychologytoday.com