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Blogs by Donelle Knudsen
Eureka or That Aha Moment 8/5/2008 2:59:00 PM
How does the creative side of the brain work and how can we tap into it? I just finished reading an article in the July 28 New Yorker magazine called, "The Eureka Hunt" by Jonah Lehrer. It was a fascinating article about how the brain processes sudden insight (right brain) and analytical (left brain) thoughts and ideas. Joy Bhattacharya, a psychologist at Goldsmiths, University of London, discovered from subject studies that alpha waves emitted from the right hemisphere typically correlate with a state of relaxation; hence relaxation makes the brain more receptive to new and creative ideas.
Following that train of thought (no pun intended) one of the best times for creative thought is just before you awaken, when you're half asleep - fuzzy-headed. So keep a pen and tablet on your bedside table. Also, more studies by other experts support the notion that in order to solve a problem, it might be beneficial to take a walk, break away, or just let your mind wander.
I've been known to do this when I'm writing and am STUCK, hit a wall - have a bad case of writer's block. For instance, a while back I was struck by a particularly good idea when I was walking in the desert. As I glanced up and saw those awesome hills looming ahead, I had a sudden "brilliant" idea for a story. I didn't realize what I had done was just what my brain needed - to be in a different place with nothing in particular to think about.
So - don't feel guilty if you stop writing to clean out the lint filter in your dryer, or make a cup of tea or watch the squirrels run up the trunk of the pine tree in your back yard. You may get inspiration for the next great novel or for an invention that could change our lives forever.
