Functional connectivity within the default mode network (DMN) and visual network was higher in control participants than in long-term mindfulness meditators. Meditators showed increased connectivity between the DMN and visual networks compared to controls. During meditation, connectivity both within and between these networks decreased relative to resting-state. A significant negative correlation existed between DMN connectivity and meditation expertise, indicating that more experienced meditators had lower DMN connectivity.
Long-term mindfulness meditation practitioners show opposite changes in two brain networks compared to non-meditators: heightened spontaneous fluctuations in the visual cortex and reduced fluctuations in the default mode network (DMN) during rest. During a visual recognition memory task, meditators had stronger visual cortex responses and weaker negative responses in the DMN, and they performed the task significantly faster. These findings support the spontaneous trait reactivation hypothesis, which proposes that resting-state brain activity patterns can reflect individual differences in personality, talents, and lifestyles.