Investigating the ‘problem box’ in the brain using psychedelics

It seems as though every person has the capacity to solve problems. It is, as it were, as if the brain has a specific space and energy to consciously work on problems and challenges, which I call the ‘problem box’. Is there nothing to solve? The brain will invent a problem itself to fill the box, as it mustn’t be left empty.It seems as though every person has the capacity to solve problems. It is, as it were, as if the brain has a specific space and energy to consciously work on problems and challenges, which I call the ‘problem box’. Is there nothing to solve? The brain invents a problem itself to fill the box, because it mustn’t be empty.

In this metaphor, the “problem box” acts as a kind of mental workspace that remains constantly active. As soon as there are no immediate external problems, the brain may start to create internal scenarios: doubts about the past, worries about the future, or ruminating on situations that are actually already over. Not because this is always useful, but because the system seems focused on continuing to ‘work’ with the mental energy available.

What is interesting is that this mental space does not always clearly reveal what is actually an urgent problem and what is primarily a mental construct. As a result, thoughts can build up into complex inner structures, in which feelings and interpretations become closely intertwined. The original cause of the tension is then not always immediately recognisable, whilst the feeling that “there is something that needs to be resolved” remains.

In some cases, a (guided) psychedelic experience temporarily break this dynamic. By relaxing the usual way of thinking, space is created to view the contents of the ‘problem box’ in a different light. Patterns can be seen for what they are – patterns – rather than as absolute truths. This can lead to the realisation that not everything perceived as a problem is actually a problem that needs to be solved.

From that perspective, a shift can also take place: not everything needs to be filled with solving, analysing or checking. Sometimes clarity actually arises when the ‘problem box’ is left empty for a while, creating more space for calm, observation and a more direct experience of what is there.