Understanding the Roles of Brain, Mind and Personality

Every individual possess a unique blend of biological functions and cognitive processes that constitute one's personality. The brain represents the physical structure of neural tissue, while the mind is an energy-based phenomenon that operates on different frequencies derived from the brain. Personality can be likened to software that runs in the mind, guiding its functions and behaviors.

The mind and brain work harmoniously in the self, where the body is a part of the mind. Understanding this relationship provides insight into the intricate workings of our mental processes and their impact on creativity.

The Driving Force of Creativity

Creativity is driven by the person's thoughts, opinions, biases, beliefs, and subjective thinking. These thought processes are a part of the personality – the operating software in the mind. When we refer to creativity, we are essentially speaking about the manifestation of these cognitive activities.

When we delve into the relationship between intuition and creativity, we uncover a unique facet of the mind that complements these cognitive processes.

Exploring Intuition and Its Role in Creativity

Intuition is another form of thinking that operates within us. It is distinguished from verbal thinking (silent self-talk) and image-making in the mind. Intuition is a sense of knowing, a feeling of right or wrong that arises from within without the need for logical reasoning. It is also consistent with sudden, insightful realizations that seem to come from nowhere, connecting us to our unconscious brain-mind.

From a neurological perspective, intuition is primarily sourced from the right hemisphere of the brain. When the brain is in a state of silence and most active left side (responsible for verbal thinking) is reposed, the right hemisphere, known for its creative and intuitive abilities, takes the lead.

During this silent period, conscious awareness – a form of silent observation – emerges. It is this state of conscious awareness that generates intuition and insight. It is akin to stepping away from the logical processing of the left hemisphere to allow the more creative and intuitive functions of the right hemisphere to come to the fore.

Real-Life Examples of Intuition in Creativity

There have been numerous instances in history where intuition has played a pivotal role in creative breakthroughs. For example, Paul McCartney, a celebrated musician, claimed that the melody for his song "Yesterday" came to him while he was in a state of reverie. Similarly, scientific discoveries often owe their inception to intuitive leaps that arise from a state of relaxed, undistracted thinking.

To enhance the use of intuition in your creative endeavors, consider the following steps:

Create conditions for the brain to enter a state of silence through mindfulness or relaxation techniques. Allow time for your mind to wander freely, reducing the cognitive load of conscious thinking. Trust your inner voice and act on the moments of clarity and insight that come through intuition.

Conclusion

Intuition and creativity are closely intertwined, with intuition serving as a powerful catalyst in the creative process. By understanding the functions of the brain, mind, and personality, we can better harness these cognitive processes to unlock our creative potential. Embracing intuitive thinking can lead to innovative ideas and breakthroughs in both personal and professional domains.

References: Maier, S.F. (1931). Motivation and Problem Solving. Psychological Review, 38(2), 87-95. Runco, M.A. (1991). Defining creativity. Creative Education, 32(1-2), 24-32. Dobbs, D. (2009). Aha! The moments of inspiration. MIT Press.