Childhood Environment Critically Shapes Brain's "Relaxedness" Through Default Mode Network, Analyst Suggests

Prominent venture capitalist Dovey Wan recently shared insights on social media regarding "松弛感" (relaxedness or effortless feeling), positing that this quality is deeply rooted in the developmental trajectory of the brain's Default Mode Network (DMN). According to Wan, the DMN, a brain region most active during states of "daydreaming, mind-wandering, and free association," plays a crucial role in weaving fragmented memories into a coherent personal narrative, defining one's identity and direction. Her commentary emphasizes that a child's early environment profoundly influences whether an individual cultivates this essential "松弛感" into adulthood.

Research indicates that the Default Mode Network undergoes significant development throughout childhood and adolescence, with its functional organization maturing over time. Early life experiences, including parental interactions and environmental stimulation, are known to influence this developmental trajectory, as confirmed by studies on neurodevelopment. Wan's analysis suggests that two critical feedback pathways during childhood determine the DMN's healthy development and, consequently, an individual's capacity for "松弛感."

One key pathway involves the "tolerance for mistakes" within a child's environment. Wan stated in her tweet, "> 若外界的反馈让孩子把错误视为威胁和危险信号, 长期处在威胁检测的自证循环中，DMN被压抑，想象力匮乏的同时大脑永远处在错误修正的无线循环里, 一生都在“防御性优化”中生存." This translates to a suppression of the DMN when mistakes are perceived as threats, leading to a lifelong cycle of "defensive optimization" and limited imagination. The continuous vigilance against errors prevents the DMN from engaging in its natural, exploratory functions.

The second crucial factor is the "allowance for 'useless time'." If a child is not permitted to experience time without a perceived "meaningful" purpose—often defined by adults—the DMN can also be inhibited. Wan explained that this leads individuals to become overly alert, quick to execute tasks, and constantly driven to prove they are "not wasting time," thus preventing the DMN from fostering creativity and self-reflection. Such individuals may become highly efficient "task machines" but struggle to build anything larger than themselves.

Ultimately, Wan concludes that "松弛感" is fundamentally a form of neurological safety, allowing individuals the freedom to "waste" time and make mistakes. She asserted, "> 正如confidence coming from being comfortable. 是因为我们知道, 真正的成长往往就藏在那些“看似无用”的时刻里, 真正的精进来自于无数次被人群嘲的试错." This perspective highlights that genuine growth and mastery often emerge from seemingly unproductive moments and numerous trials and errors, underscoring the importance of a secure and accepting upbringing for fostering a resilient and creative mind.