| SLEEPING ON A
PROBLEM
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| If machines are not properly
maintained and are made to run for days and nights, the critical components in them wear
out and soon every component - the gears, belts or shafts may come to a standstill. Work comes to a halt. The same thing can happen to the
human mind - repeatedly hammering away at a problem at the wrong angle or at the wrong
position will only cause the problem to collapse on you. Have you ever wondered how
creative ideas make their journeys to people like Einstein or Bertrand Russell? Is there
something we can learn from these people? If a problem
cannot be solved at the present moment, does the solution come to you a day or a week
later? If it does, then you have slept on the problem. Ideas
are incubated - awaiting the hour when they will be transformed into a sudden insight.
Bertrand Russell cultivated the incubation process through
pleasurable activities like boat-rowing and walking. After struggling with a subject for a
few hours or days, he would tell himself that the work was to proceed underground. Do you
think he arrived at the solution sooner by worrying about his problem or by engaging in
some other pursuits?
A bit of prior knowledge can be of help in solving a
problem. Books can be a source of inspiration, filling you
with ideas that help you find new connections. But what do you do if you are still groping
for a solution, when questions visit and revisit your mind like the waves of an ocean and
the solution seems to slip away from your grasp like an eel?
Leave the problem for a period of time. Do not bother if you
still cannot find a solution. Take a break - you need to sever your rigid line of
thinking. Let your subconscious mind do the task of solving the problem. A change of
surroundings is good. Expose your senses to relaxing stimuli. Listen to classical music
like Für Elise or Rondo Alla Turca. Take a walk or a nap. A warm bath can relax your
muscles and improve blood circulation, making you more alert. Other ideas may emerge.
Record these ideas before they vaporize.
A solution may suddenly dawn on you as you look at the same
problem from a different perspective. |
STIMULATE YOUR CREATIVE JUICES!
The following is an uncompleted story. Read it
and complete the missing portions.
"I saw a maggot emerge from Geornica's heart," said the cat.
A butterfly replied, "Do you think I can do anything at all that a caterpillar may
come forth instead?"
"I've swept the entire house," Geornica said to herself. "That's good, but
are there not other things in you that need to be swept away?" said the broom.
The mirror said to Geornica, "Is there
anything wrong that I have failed to pinpoint to you?"
The perfume said, "How can I give you a
fragrance that pleases the heart and not the nose?"
Every night the pillow said, "I can hear
your thoughts."
The bed groaned, "I have not had a wink of sleep. Your constant tossing and turning
is causing me to suffocate. Nevertheless, I will strive to endure all these as I know you
are beginning to be awakened now."
As soon as the butterfly emerged, a bird went
after it.
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