Consider a stringed instrument. Tighten the strings too much – poor sound. Too loose – poor sound. There is a need to be not too tight, not too loose. Well tuned.
In meditation we often use this analogy to remind ourselves to concentrate in the same way. Not so intense we end up with a headache. Not so slack we fall asleep. Just right...
Now research in neuroscience is pointing to this same need for optimal brain function – not too much activity, not too little; and this has significance for how we think, how we contemplate and how we meditate.
So this week we investigate the fascinating world of the critical brain hypothesis. And a gentle warning, the brain criticality hypothesis is one of the most focused and controversial topics in current neuroscience and biophysics; and also, it may be one of the more useful ones, but first
Thought for the day
In an age of constant movement
Nothing is so urgent
As sitting still
Pico Iyer
Notice what happens with your thoughts.
Some seem inconsequential and come and go with no lasting memory or consequence. Effectively, we could say they just die out.
Other thoughts can be so strong they precipitate an avalanche of mental activity. When this happens we can feel overwhelmed. When this hyper-activity persists, we could easily get into over-thinking and head towards anxiety, or start to feel overloaded, burnout and drop into depression.
The critical brain hypothesis suggests the brain operates at its best in that place of balance between order and chaos, between under and over activity. In this critical state, neural networks balance on a fine line—activity does not simply fade into nothing, nor does it spiral into uncontrolled excitation. In this state of being “in tune”, our mind is in the ideal state to maximize its capacity to process, store, and transmit information.
In this ideal state, our mind:
1. Is poised to maintain the widest range or stable states that are vital for both short-term memory and complex computation.
2. Enables different parts of the brain to communicate and synchronize.
3. Is suitably sensitive and responsive to new sensory inputs without getting bogged down by locked-in, rigid states.
Scientists suggest this critical balance is maintained by the delicate tug-of-war between excitation (neurons turning each other on) and inhibition (neurons turning each other off). Through mechanisms like synaptic plasticity and homeostasis, the brain naturally tunes its connectivity to hover right in the "sweet spot".
Modern neuroimaging models confirm the healthy brain maintains a state of near-criticality, subtly shifting its exact tuning depending on cognitive demands like perception and rest.
However, for full disclosure, while current evidence does support it, the critical brain hypothesis may yet prove to be wrong, or incomplete. Either way, the understanding it provides is generating an avalanche of questions and answers that tell us much more about the brain — and computing generally — than we knew before.
So what does this theory imply for our thinking, contemplation and meditation?
For optimal value, we need to think in a calm, clear manner. Obviously... Not too excited. Not too deadened. Yet amidst all the pressures of modern life, amidst all the noise and distractions, how to manage being calm and clear.
And when it comes to our meditation practice, this exciting new research confirms the age old wisdom, we need to focus in a way that is not too tight, not too loose.
Remember the injunction: 25% mindfulness, 25% awareness, 50% spaciousness. It makes good sense!
And for our contemplation, this hypothesis adds more credence to the basic principle: think actively for a while on the question you are contemplating.
Investigate the question actively with your thinking mind.
Then let go of all effort and allow the space for insight to dawn. Then repeat. Focus. And let go. Focus. And let go. And repeat. The balance between effort and effortlessness.
My guess is we will be hearing more and more about this Critical Brain Hypothesis. It is wonderful (at least for those with a fixation on the need for “evidence”) when modern scientific research and theory aligns with age old wisdom. And hopefully interesting for all of us... Enjoy your practice. May it ever deepen...
3 Day Meditation Immersion with Ian Gawler
NOVEMBER 2026 – Friday 6th to Saturday the 8th - Yarra Junction
These days, many people have had some introduction to meditation and the power of the mind. Soon comes the realisation of the extraordinary depth and breadth of it all. And often we get a sense there is more to it ….. More to experience ..…
So while this retreat will include ample instruction, the focus will be upon direct experience; finding and immersing ourselves in the deep inner peace, the regenerative power and the clarity of our own stillness. And the balance between doing and being...
This process will be enhanced by being in the wonderful, peaceful and majestic forests of the Upper Yarra Valley, by being supported by the staff and amenities of the Gawler Foundation’s Living Centre, and guided by Ian and Ruth Gawler.
For details CLICK HERE
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