Mindfulness practice has measurable effects on the brain and on the way the networks we already discussed can function.

Mindfulness is related to better suppression of the Default Network marked by reduced mind wandering and self-focus. Attention is allocated to other objects (like what the body is feeling in the moment, what thoughts and feeling may be present) which become more salient. They can be explored more objectively and with greater curiosity. We get less stuck in our own heads.

Mindfulness practice also improves our ability to focus attention on things outside us, like external tasks or the needs of others, leading to greater cognitive control and self-regulation.