Why Our Minds Wander: Understand the Science and Learn How to Focus Your Thoughts

by Arnaud Delorme

We all daydream; we've all experienced that moment when we suddenly realise that instead of paying attention in a meeting or reading a book, our mind has wandered. In that moment our conscious mind has detached from the current task at hand and drifted elsewhere. Our attention is a powerful lens which allows us to pick out and filter relevant details from the vast amounts of information our brains receive – so how does our brain decide where to go when it wanders, why does it focus on one thing over another? How important is daydreaming and why do we do it? Traditionally daydreaming was considered to be a single state of mind. However, recent research has shown that not only are there different states of daydreaming, these states are actually governed by different neurological pathways, meaning not all mind wandering is the same! Here, Arnaud Delorme PhD examines the science and theory behind why we daydream, examining its potential purpose. He shows you how to tame your 'monkey mind' and offers easy techniques that will enable you to develop the skill of mind wandering to improve your mood and foster greater creativity.

224 pages, Paperback

Published December 19, 2023

Reviews

[Leili Delorme · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting read, definitely more scientific and slightly on the boring side. Was helpful in understanding thought process

[Tom · Rating 2 out of 5]

I found this to be quite disappointing.

As someone who struggles a lot with their unconscious mind (strange dreams, intrusive thoughts, persistent mind wandering etc), I went into this book full of hope that it would shed a new light on it all. For me, I feel like the book focussed far too much on explaining the scientific reasons behind the mind wandering, rather than outlining new and exciting ways for it to be curbed.

There was no eureka moment for me.

What did I learn from this book?

1. You are not your thoughts. Consciousness is separate from your thoughts and identifying with them, both good and bad, pulls you away from the present.

2. It’s better to mind wander about the future rather than the past.

Nothing else for me to say really.