| Abstract/Results: | ABSTRACT:
In this study, for the frst time, we explored a dataset of functional magnetic resonance images collected during focused attention and open monitoring meditation before and after a fve-day psilocybin-assisted meditation retreat using a recently established approach, based on the Mapper algorithm from topological data analysis. After generating subject-specifc maps for two groups
(psilocybin vs. placebo, 18 subjects/group) of experienced meditators, organizational principles were uncovered using graph topological tools, including the optimal transport (OT) distance, a geometrically rich measure of similarity between brain activity patterns. This revealed characteristics of the topology (i.e. shape) in space (i.e. abstract space of voxels) and time dimension of wholebrain activity patterns during diferent styles of meditation and psilocybin-induced alterations. Most interestingly, we found that (psilocybin-induced) positive derealization, which fosters insightfulness specifcally when accompanied by enhanced open-monitoring meditation, was linked to the OT distance between open-monitoring and resting state. Our fndings suggest that enhanced meta-awareness through meditation practice in experienced meditators combined with potential psilocybin-induced positive alterations in perception mediate insightfulness. Together, these fndings provide a novel perspective on meditation and psychedelics that may reveal potential novel brain markers for positive synergistic efects between mindfulness practices and psilocybin.i
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