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| ©2013 Erin K. Nolan "What Happened to the Honey Bees?" |
While reading an article
by Ann Holm I recognized a description of my creative hum. It is called a synchronous brain state–where
all regions of the brain are working together in harmony and at maximum
amplitude. The mind is both focused and relaxed and is shown as blue on an EEG.
This state is often achieved when a person is engaged in an
area of expertise; however, it is also reached when grappling with an
unfamiliar problem or envisioning the future. The entire brain is activated in
order to realize an answer. This
answer is many times a fully-actualized, complex solution; yet how the person
arrived at this solution is difficult to discern or verbalize.
So, why would one want to achieve this state? Through personal experience, I find that I am
more creative, have enhanced problem-solving abilities, am productive, focused,
happy, and can work on a single project for longer periods of time. Left-brain,
right-brain theory agrees.
Now that we are “living in the future,” there are devices such
as NeuroSky which
teach a Blue Zen Brain state through biofeedback. The device, which is worn like a set of
headphones, monitors when a mind is simultaneously alert and calm–just the
right state of mind to learn mathematics or a new language. There are brain
wave sensor products for gaming, academic, business and medical applications as
well.
In my life, working on my artwork activates this altered
state of consciousness, but others find that repetitive tasks, music, or simply
daydreaming takes them there.
What activities do you participate in which activate your Blue
Zen Brain? Let me know!
