Creativity and the Brain, Part 2
Hello! Good morning, Brainiacs!
Yesterday, we defined some of the functions of each hemisphere of the brain based on my notes from Optimizing Brain Fitness by The Great Courses. If you are just joining me now, you might want to start with the first post. This topic of creativity intrigues me to the point of utter exhilaration, so be prepared to have part 3, part 4, and beyond!
Today we will dig into how to avoid the “interference effect,” which is when the hemisphere functions interfere with each other if activated together. We can increase efficiency by activating different brain areas. Here’s an example: It is a lot easier if someone brings you a note while you’re on the phone than if someone talks to you. (How do you like the sketch of the fellow on the phone receiving a message? I threw the topic out to my son just before bed last night and since I’m always interested in the process, I thought I’d share a glimpse of it with you..)
Don’t you love to see what motivates and inspires your kids?
Anyway, did you know that creativity is based on 3 thinking patterns? It’s true! Here they are:
- verbal – language (unwarranted assumptions can trip us up, such as riddles)
- music – math (dependent on knowing the fundamentals, specialized training)
- visual thinking (often the key to creative thinking by envisioning and manipulating information)
I know this information be seem fairly abstract, but as we continue, you will understand how they are pieces to a bigger picture, and you’ll see how to apply them when guiding your children.
Next week I’ll post on what happens in the brain when coming up with a creative solution, and the part that daydreaming plays in it all.
So, what do you think? Have you gained a nugget or two this week as we’ve begun looking into the brain?
Have a good one!