Can we really control our thoughts? A PLoS ONE paper is looking into neural correlates of distraction by comparing 12 Zen meditators and 12 control subjects that were offered a “real English word” or “not a real English word” while resting in a 3 Tesla Siemens Magnetom. Outcome has been the time of refocusing attention to the breathing. The results are quite convincing (and not really unexpected) that the Zen meditators showed a reduced duration of their neural response to distraction probably by cutting down emotional self-reflectance and other associations coming up. I would be happy to participate also in a trial where somebody could record my EEG while driving on the of these new 185 kW Tesla roadsters.