Thinking Requires Mind And Body?

Picture talking to your boss at work; your primary goal is to figure out the meaning
of his words and ideas. Wait – your brain is also predicting what he/she is going
to say next. And you are consciously analyzing the intention of the speaker.

But wait – there is more happening. You are negotiating the order of who speaks
next, and who listens. There are two other weird things that occur in a conversation:
both parties tend to use the same speech accent, and both their body movements become coordinated and synchronized.

If you were a fly on the wall, you would notice both parties scratch their nose
at the same time. It is like a tennis match.

Google: Journal: Psychological Science 18 (5), 407-413, D.C. Richardson, Aug. 10,
2007.

Eye Movements

If you take away one major idea from this article, let it be that Eye Movement can
improve problem solving, and clarity of thinking. First, eye movements reflect WHAT we are thinking, and influence HOW we think.

There are strategies (schemas) to direct your eye movements with the result of enhanced ability to solve the problem you are working on. The essence is that
the latest neuroscience research demonstrates that eye movement are not just
a function of cognition (thinking), but improve how we think and analyze.

Google: Journal: Psychonomic Bulletin and Review, August, 2007, Lleras &
Thomas, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

The research proved for the first time that eye movements are actually influencing
brain power (thinking) with the evidence to prove it. Try this on for size: our brain
uses the same structures (neurocircuits) when we are thinking about doing
something (the idea), as you would use to actually accomplishing that task.

The Eyes have it.

The Body Partnership

What does the term Embodied Cognition? When you test your brain on a crossword
puzzle, read the same page three times because you just don’t get it, or lose your
car keys, what you do with your body determines how long it takes to solve the
problem.

There is a difference if you are standing or sitting, pace around the room,
gesture with either or both hands, your facial expression, mind set, and how you
move your eyes.

So what? The latest neuroscientific research offers positive evidence we think and
solve problems with our brain, with a lot of help from our friend – the body.
Example: elementary students can solve math problem better and faster, if they are
told to use hands to gesture during problem solving.

Here is an example for adults: if you want long-term memory and to persuade
yourself and others of your ideas, Nod your head in confirmation, or Shake your
head to confirm you disagree with the existing beliefs.

Facial expressions indicating agreement or denial, together with gestures of
approval or disapproval, are like an exclamation point in writing and reading.
Call it Body Language with an attitude, but it reinforces you will power to your
ideas.

Embodied Cognition

Body movement and simulation can be as important as reading, writing and reciting
in school. Some scientists are suggesting there is no difference between reason and
instinct, brain is body and vice versa, and thinking is the opposite side of acting.

Embodied thinking means you must check out your body in its environment, in
addition to your brain. Forget – I-Think-Therefore-I Am (Renee Descartes), for
the more scientific – I-Act-Therefore-I Think. See: < Latin: Ago Ergo Cogito.

Darwin And Evolution

We are hardwired to pursue Pleasure and avoid Pain. Homo sapiens are Reward
seekers. Did our brains evolve to permit humans to function is various environments?

Our function is to survive (move through) our specific environment and accomplish
two things: find food and avoid predators. Our prime directive is not to sit behind
a computer eight hours daily, nor sit in a school room and listen. We are made to
A-c-t, including reproducing our species.

Google: Shaun Gallagher, University of Central Florida, Cognitive Science Department. What is going on in the brain depends on what is going on in the body as a whole, and how that body is situated in its environment.

Endwords

Would you be more competitive in your career with the skill to read three (3)
books, articles and reports in the time your peers can hardly finish one?
How about the skill to double (2x) your long-term memory, while others have difficulty remembering the own address? Finally, are you aware of the stress in
your life, and the affect it has on your health and longevity?

We reside in the Knowledge Economy and that economy is hurting. Those with
powerful, unique personal skills will survive and thrive. Speed Reading, Speed
Memory, and Stressbusting are three permanent skills to advance your career.

Ask us how.

Speed Read

See ya.

copyright 2009
H. Bernard Wechsler
www.speedlearning.org
hbw@speedlearning.org
toll-free 1-877-567-2500
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Author's Bio: 

Author of Speed Reading For Professionals, published by Barron's;
business partner of Evelyn Woods, creator or speed reading,
graduating 2 million including the White House staffs of
four U.S. Presidents.