'Brain Doodling' is the Easiest Way to Release Creativity and Solve Problems

GEELONG, Australia - Jan. 27, 2014 - PRLog -- "Scientists believe that accessing your left brain opens thought processes otherwise locked down by your more logic-thinking right brain," says Barbara Grace from the School of Modern Psychology.

What is Brain Doodling?

"We use a seven-step process and begin by deconstructing a complex image by first identifying key shapes and patterns", says Barbara. "Essentially we're working from the 'big picture' to the smaller details. This is a similar process to how we solve problems - we look at the global issue before considering the smaller contributing factors."

"It's about holding a problem you're wanting to solve or an idea you're aiming to explore in your mind, then accessing your creative side to reveal the minutiae which are often more elusive to uncover," says Barbara.

Why is Brain Doodling effective?

"If asked why we doodle, most of us couldn’t say – it’s just a place where our minds can wander and free associate," says Barbara.

"A few personality quizzes claiming to interpret the meaning behind random doodles exist online, but they possibly draw more from reflection than evidence."

"Yet research does suggest that doodling promotes perception and enhances memory through visual association."

"It's an exciting field, and later this year we'll be offering courses on graphic note-taking to help expand thinking by creating connections between often unrelated ideas. This strategy also assists with recall as visual imagery taps into many people’s dominant way of gathering information."

"These tools are excellent for educators, sales people, students, parents - in fact anyone needing to tap into inspiration and creativity to solve problems, which is an area that most of us can continue developing skills in."

How Can I Brain Doodle?

We use a simple seven-step process:

1. Find an image of a landscape/river/dam with strong differences in colour (eg light and dark)
2. Identify 5 to 7 strong lines eg vertical/horizontal/oblique that form the structure of the image
3. Transpose those strong lines onto a sheet of paper
4. Now the large overrall structural concept is captured, look for smaller patterns and shapes that you can place within your line sketch. Keep the patterns simple using curved lines, circles, spirals and loops.
5. Change your pen/pencil from your preferred hand to your non-preferred hand and continue ‘doodling’ while asking yourself a question that you would like resolved. It may be an issue you’re currently dealing with or an idea you're wanting to explore further.
6. Continue using your non-preferred hand and as words/phrases come into your mind, write them around the image you’re creating. Continue this for between 3 to 5 minutes.
7. On another sheet of paper and using your preferred hand now, start free-writing – the only rule is not to take your hand off the page for five minutes.

Try it. You’ll be amazed at what surfaces from your subconscious.

Want to see a real-example?

As part of the art-journaling e-course being run by the School of Modern Psychology, the School uses ‘Brain Doodling’ to tap into the more creative side of your thinking and to relax the often over-worked logical side. The results speak for themselves with those doing the exercises describing the activity as ‘one of the most relaxing things they’ve ever done’.

Think of it as ‘massage’ for the brain – a great way of loosening up all that pent-up emotional stress you may be carrying around. It’s no different to going to a massage therapist – except you'll come out inspired – as well as relaxed through easing yourself into left brain thinking.

You can find out more about the School's program by going to: www.schoolofmodernpsychology.com.au/be-inspiring