Have you ever wondered why inspiration zaps your brain at certain times? Is it chance? Some scientists think not.
In a 2008 New Yorker article "The Eureka Hunt," Jonah Lehrer describes brain research that seems to explain the why of when insight and inspiration can strike.
"The insight process, as sketched by scientists Jung-Beeman and Kounis, is a delicate balancing act. At first, the brain lavishes the scarce resource of attention on a single problem. But once the brain is sufficiently focused, the cortex needs to relax in order to seek out the more remote association in the right hemisphere, which will provide the insight."
When is this most likely to happen?
"The relaxation phase is crucial. That why so many insights happen during warm showers. Another ideal moment for insights, according to the scientists, is the early morning, right after we wake up. The drowsy brain is unwound and disorganized, open to all sorts of unconventional ideas. The right hemisphere is also unusually active. The problem with the morning, though, is that we're always so rushed and never give ourselves a chance to think. If we're stuck on a difficult problem, it's better to set the alarm clock a few minutes early so that we have time to lie in bed and ruminate. We do some of our best thinking when we're still half asleep."
I have one friend who has always said her best "writing thinking" happens in the shower and I often have new ideas when I wake in the morning. Now we know why.
Do you have "best times" for inspiration?
Thanks for sharing this research, Gale. This so matches my experience! I often get ideas as I'm drifting off to sleep-- another very relaxed time. And that's probably why it can often be easier to think of ideas for a manuscript I'm not actively working on than one that I am. I am much more relaxed about the one that I'm not actively focused on and often ideas just seem to flow.
ReplyDeleteI'll "come out" as the friend who gets ideas in the shower. Also while driving and in those early moments right before shifting from sleep to wakefulness. Now I know why!
ReplyDeleteBrianna and Meg,
ReplyDeleteThanks for taking time to comment. I knew this research fit my experiences and suspected it might ring a bell with others.
Hooray for brain relaxation and the right hemisphere!
Very interesting! Love the picture of the brain, too, Gale. I often get inspired when I'm walking or swimming. It sort of engages the part of me that gets in the way, what the Zen Buddhists call "the monkey mind." And early in the morning is definitely the best time for me to get anything done, especially writing.
ReplyDeleteAriel,
DeleteWalking sometimes works for me also, but I have to remember, while thinking, to watch for uneven sidewalks - lots of those around where I live.
Great to know there's a scientific reason behind the insight process. Sometimes just walking away from the computer is just the thing -- a little relaxation can lead to a spark of insight. Sometimes it hits while I'm driving -- great, but I can't write it down!
ReplyDeleteJulie,
DeleteYes, yes, there have been tons of times I've shut down the computer and within two nanoseconds, I've had a new idea.
This is so interesting. Lately, I've been thinking about my next project. And I purposely try to completely relax and let my thoughts go toward a particular plot point. I don't consciously do anything to figure it out, but rather let the thoughts flow. who knew I was doing it right?
ReplyDeleteGlad a found some research that confirms what your best writing instincts told you. Keep doing what works!
DeleteLOVE this. I get a lot of ideas when I'm driving. I also like to pose a question to my subconscious before I go to sleep and keep a notebook next to the bed...sometimes it works, sometimes nothing...great post, Gale!!
ReplyDelete