Experience Wonder, Optimize Performance, and Think Differently
Exploring the science of awe, brain network optimization, and different thinking approaches for enhanced performance and creativity.
1) The biology of awe
Have you ever felt a sense of wonder while gazing at a starry sky or standing atop a mountain?
That's awe, and it's not just a fleeting emotion – it has tangible effects on our biology.
Awe is described as an emotion that arises when people encounter vastness and need to accommodate their mental schemas to understand the experience.
It is often triggered by nature, art, music, and collective rituals.
Experiencing awe can lead to a diminished sense of self, promoting a feeling of being part of something larger.
Dacher Keltner's research reveals that experiencing awe, particularly in nature, can significantly impact our nervous system. Particularly, by activating the vagus nerve which plays a role in slowing heart rate, promoting relaxation, and facilitating social engagement.
Awe experiences also trigger the release of oxytocin, often called the "love" hormone, which promotes trust and bonding. The benefits don't stop there.
There's also a unique effect awe has on our perception of time. When we're in awe, time seems to expand. This altered perception can lead to reduced stress levels, as we feel less rushed and more abundant in time.
Interestingly, you don't need grand, majestic experiences to reap these benefits.
Simple acts like taking a walk in a local park or watching a sunset can induce awe.
The benefits also span into cognition and performance by:
- Enhancing critical thinking and promoting openness to new information and perspectives
- Boosting creativity by encouraging people to think outside the box and see the world in new ways
Next time you're feeling overwhelmed, try stepping outside and immersing yourself in nature. This is a easy way to trigger it.
You might just find that a moment of awe can reset your perspective, bring you a sense of calm, or solve some sort of problem on your mind.
2) Balancing DMN and TPN for optimal performance
Our brains are constantly juggling between two major networks: the Default Mode Network (DMN) and the Task Positive Network (TPN).
Understanding and balancing these networks can be key to enhancing our cognitive and emotional health.
The DMN is active during restful states and mind-wandering.
It's responsible for introspection, memory recall, and creativity.
On the flip side, the TPN kicks in during focused, goal-oriented tasks, enabling attention, decision-making, and problem-solving.
Think of these networks as a cognitive seesaw. When one is up, the other is down. The trick is finding the right balance:
- Too much DMN activity can lead to excessive rumination, potentially contributing to anxiety and depression.
- Overreliance on the TPN without adequate rest can result in burnout and stress.
So, how can we maintain this delicate balance?
- Schedule focused deep work sessions: Here, the TPN gets activated and you set yourself up to slip into flow, that optimal state of consciousness where your performance rises, you lose your sense of self, and where time seems to disappear.
- Make time for self-reflection and rumination: Take more walks. Do some chores. Or perhaps, engage in something menial, requiring little to no activity from you to promote healthy rumination. Your subconscious mind will be operating in the background. As a result, you set yourself up to discover and think of insights and solutions to problems. On top, it gives you space and detachment from your work with breaks.
By consciously managing these networks, we can potentially enhance our mental well-being and cognitive performance.
3) Lateral vs. linear thinking
In our problem-solving toolkit, we often rely on linear thinking – a logical, step-by-step approach. But there's another powerful tool at our disposal: lateral thinking.
Lateral thinking is all about approaching problems from unexpected angles.
It's similar to divergent thinking, where we generate multiple creative ideas rather than converging on a single "correct" solution.
Here's how lateral and linear thinking differ:
- Linear thinking follows a straight, logical path
- Lateral thinking takes "sideways" leaps, exploring unconventional connections
By fostering lateral thinking, we can unlock innovative solutions and boost our creative potential. Here are a few techniques to cultivate this skill:
- Challenge assumptions: Question the givens in any situation.
- Random stimulation: Introduce unrelated ideas to spark new connections.
- Reverse thinking: Approach the problem backwards or from an opposite perspective.
- Analogies and metaphors: Use comparisons to gain fresh insights.
- Cross-pollination: Apply concepts from one field or discipline to another, encouraging innovative solutions through unexpected combinations of ideas.
Remember, both linear and lateral thinking have their place.
The key is knowing when to apply each approach.
For routine tasks, linear thinking often suffices. But when you're stuck or need innovative solutions, try shifting into lateral thinking mode.
Embracing both styles of thinking, you'll be better equipped to tackle a wide range of challenges and unleash your full creative potential.
That's all for now! Thanks for reading. (: