Carpe diem
In every culture, there are one-liners about enjoying the moment and not worrying too much about tomorrow. Every mindfulness training or guru will tell you the same thing: there is nothing but the eternal now. "Seize the day," "YOLO," and "be here now" are wisdoms that point us to enjoying the here and now more and worrying less about the future.
Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, but today is a gift. That is why it is called the “present.
In English, today, the present, can also be translated as gift.
Everyday is a gift, so live it
Hurricane lyrics by Ran-D
And put your all into it
You got one chance to do this
Trust your faith and don't you lose it
When darkness comes, bring the light
Look inside your heart, get through the night
Feel the thunder rise inside
It's time for the fire to reignite
The elements of life can hit you like a freight train
It's a mind game, in a time frame
Face it and take it
Just believe you can make it
Gotta roar like a lion and choose the path of a champion
You're fucking indestructible
Knowing is different from doing
Many clients with anxiety-related complaints are excessively focused on the future to feel safe. It's a learned pattern that doesn't provide safety, but rather creates anxiety. These learned patterns, combined with lower levels of neurotransmitters in the brain (GABA, serotonin), create a negative spiral. Despite knowing there's a better way, these people can't escape their anxiety. They're too preoccupied with things other than living in the present moment.
Default Mode Network
The Default Mode Network (DMN) encompasses areas of the cortex normally active during rest and is involved in event recall, social and emotional judgment, and future planning. Reducing DMN activity leads to a loss of sense of time and a greater focus on the here and now. This means that worries and fears about the future are absent.
Decreasing DMN activity
To be more present in the here and now, you need to reduce the (over)activity of the DMN, and you can do this in several ways. Experiencing new things and receiving new impressions reduces DMN activity. Anything that requires your full attention also deactivates the DMN. Think of strength training, sprinting, social activities, forms of meditation, and traveling.
Good sleep and healthy food
Good sleep and a healthy diet reduce stress. This indirectly reduces activity in the DMN. Therefore, any diet that reduces depression and anxiety will help when combined with other techniques.
Recommended diet for depression and anxiety
Psychedelics and the DMN
Psychedelics are now known to drastically reduce DMN activity, while simultaneously allowing new brain connections to be formed. This could mean that these new connections outside the DMN take over activity outside of the psychedelic state. In this way, psychedelics can reduce anxiety and stress in the long term. At higher doses, the entire sense of time and ego disappear. Currently, psychedelics are the most potent means of turning off the DMN.
Less DMN activity means more living in the now
Give yourself the greatest gift there is and enjoy the here and now. Embrace life with both hands. Life isn't just about surviving, it's about experiencing it. Reduce your DMN activity by making as many healthy choices as possible. Kickstart your life by using our support in healthy choices and a guided psychedelic session.