Brain Network Battle

A Strategy Game of Mental Mastery

Your mind is a dynamic battlefield where different brain networks act as distinct characters, each with its own strengths, weaknesses, and energy mechanics. To make the mind optimally work for you, you must learn when to deploy each network, when to let one rest, and how to train them for mastery.

The Main Characters: Brain Networks & Playstyles

The Executive Control Network (ECN) is the Strategist, bringing order and a plan of action. It is the most energy intensive, but also the most logical, rational and intelligent.

The Task Positive Network (TPN) is the Hunter, executing with precision when deployed properly. ECN along with TPN when locked into the right groove is responsible for focused work and flow states.

The Default Mode Network (DMN) is usually the most active due to its energy efficiency. It is linked to creative thinking, but also tends to be a Trickster. That same creative energy when uncontrolled can result in ruminating mental loops.

The Salience Network (SN) is the Shotcaller - sort of like a switchboard, deciding when to deploy ECN or DMN.

There are a lot more networks and complex systems involved, but here we focus on these four and their interactions.

The Core Gameplay: How the Networks Interact

The SN determines who gets deployed, and the networks either work together or compete for dominance depending on the situation.

1️⃣ SN is the Director 👁️

• It scans the environment (internal & external) and decides which network should take control.
• If SN detects a crisis, it hands control to ECN (for problem-solving) or DMN (for emotional response).
• If SN detects a goal, it activates TPN (to focus) or ECN (to plan).

2️⃣ ECN is the Mastermind 🛡

• When deployed, ECN enforces order, making rational decisions and filtering distractions.
• However, it consumes a lot of energy and can’t stay active indefinitely.

3️⃣ DMN is the Unpredictable Trickster 🎭

• When ECN is offline, DMN runs free—this can lead to creative ideas or mental spirals.
• A healthy DMN leads to insightful reflection, but an overactive DMN leads to mind-wandering or rumination.

4️⃣ TPN is the Precision Executioner 🎯

• When ECN sets clear goals, TPN executes them with focus.
• However, if SN doesn’t assign the right target, TPN may focus on irrelevant tasks (deep focus on unimportant work).

Insights:

• Optimal gameplay = Fluidly switching between networks based on the situation.
• Mastery = Knowing when to bring ECN in for control, when to let DMN run free, and when to deploy TPN for deep execution.

Mastering Combat: Network Deployment in Different Situations

The following parts might seem impossible or even mystical, however they are very much attainable with a regular ongoing and a disciplined meditation practice—especially one that focuses on stillness and concentration (like samadhi or jhana based practices).

1️⃣ Focused Work (High Efficiency Mode)

Objective: Maintain deep concentration, execute tasks with precision.

Winning Strategy: Deploy TPN (Sharpshooter) with ECN (General) assisting

How to Play:

• SN assigns TPN to lock onto a goal.
• ECN filters distractions to keep execution clean.
• DMN is kept inactive to prevent wandering.

Potential Threats:

❌ If SN misfires, TPN may focus on irrelevant tasks (deep focus on busywork).

❌ If ECN is too strict, work becomes exhausting and rigid.

2️⃣ Creative Brainstorming (Generating New Ideas)

Objective: Unlock fresh insights, make new connections.

Winning Strategy: Deploy DMN (Dreamer) as the main operator, with ECN (Strategist) as a filter

How to Play:

• SN hands control to DMN to let free-association and creativity flourish.
• ECN monitors the process, gently filtering impractical ideas.

Potential Threats:

❌ If ECN is too strict, it suppresses creative thought (rigid thinking).

❌ If DMN overpowers ECN, ideas become too scattered (disorganized thinking).

3️⃣ Handling Stressful Situations (Crisis Mode)

Objective: Make smart decisions under pressure.

Winning Strategy: Deploy ECN (Strategist) to take control, with SN (Shotcaller) moderating

How to Play:

• SN detects stress signals and activates ECN.
• ECN keeps DMN in check, preventing emotional spirals.
• TPN can be used to execute necessary actions.

Potential Threats:

❌ If SN misfires, DMN takes control, leading to panic or rumination.

❌ If ECN is too forceful, stress increases rather than decreasing.

4️⃣ Relaxation & Recovery (Healing Mode)

Objective: Allow the mind to reset and recover.

Winning Strategy: Deploy DMN (Dreamer) in a structured way, allowing SN to guide the balance.

How to Play:

• SN allows DMN to take over but keeps it from spiraling.
• ECN reduces effortful thinking and lets DMN run without judgment.

Potential Threats:

❌ If ECN stays active, relaxation is impossible.

❌ If DMN overpowers SN, self-referential loops can make relaxation feel unproductive.

Playing the Game with Mastery

• SN is the true shotcaller—train it to deploy the right network at the right time.
• ECN is the mastermind but must be used sparingly—it’s powerful but energy-intensive.
• DMN is the creative wildcard—train it for productive idea generation, not overthinking.
• TPN is the executor—use it when deep work or action is needed.

References

• Salience Network
• Default Mode Network
• Dorsal Attention Network
• Frontoparietal Network
• The Mind Illuminated - Culadasa
• Seeing That Frees - Rob Burbea

Disclosure

ChatGPT-4o was used for the purposes of formatting and phrasing. Proofreading, verification and corrections were done manually on top. The networks, terminology and functional systems are well established and researched. These are not a creation of the AI.

This representation of brain networks is a creative analogy—intended to support intuitive insight rather than serve as a formally rigorous explanation.