Catching up with my network, I came across this blog posting by James Michie which talked about thinking spaces. It is a very good and interesting read, which resonated with some reading which I came across recently. Having had quite a bit of free-time recently, and having purchased an Amazon Kindle for our holiday, I came across a fascinating book by Richard Watson called ‘Future Minds: How the Digital Age is Changing Our Minds, Why This Matters and What We Can Do About It’ (Kindle link).
In his book, Watson also asks the reader to think about where you do your thinking, as the digital age is changing our minds, and how it is important to keep a grasp on what is real. Being distracted by e-mail, twitter and other social media sites (not to mention the relationship we build up with our mobile phones) rarely gives us time to stop and think. This book made me stop and think. I am guilty of not allowing myself time to stop and think as much as I should do…especially at a deep thinking level. When coming back from holiday, I was able to sit next to the window (a rare treat when you have children), and just gazing out of the window at the world (and clouds) below allows the mind to tune into this deeper level. So that is what this is about. Not just thinking, but getting your mind tuned into a deeper level. We should allow ourselves time to get into this state of mind (is it a part of meditation?) without feeling guilty about neglecting our duties and responsibilities (so long as they are well cared for), for an agreed amount of time. Some people will get into this state of mind during different instances, such as running, bike-riding, walking, listening to music, the quiet of a church, a bath, early in the morning, late at night etc. But it is important to find what works for you, and to go with it.
To my shock, I have noticed that some of my most rational, deep thinking has happened whilst talking to someone I trust, who is able to ask probing questions about my thinking. We are social beings, and we must not always stay insular with our thoughts, feelings and fears. I do quite a lot of thinking whilst driving – on my way to work, my mind is focused about the challenges that may lay ahead; on the way home, I will think about certain instances during the day, ensuring that when I arrive home I am ready to be dad/husband. Watson discusses ways to create deep thinking spaces, of which I will explore:
- Clear your mind of the rubbish that does not need to be there;
- Water helps! The noise of water can dilute a cluttered mind;
- Movement helps – I can tune into deep thinking whilst gazing out of a train or plane window, for example;
- Indoor thinking – A window to the outdoors can help thinking, watching the clouds skirt across the sky;
- Gardening – apparently! OK, I admit, I enjoy mowing the grass, and this helps me escape into my own little world;
- Sleep – I have the most amazing thoughts at 4 in the morning!
- Paper – time to go analogue! Write it down.
- Having a lie down – not so good in the middle of a busy day at work, but some companies are allowing staff to relax and think in this way!
- Socialise – Don’t become a hermit! Expand beyond your digital world.
- Talking – Having a conversation with someone emotionally close is a great way to develop your thinking.
How to relate this to the youth of today, who are emerged in a digital world of smart phones, social media and constant text messaging? Do we, as educators, need to teach youngsters ‘how to think’, rather than letting the digital resources available to them do the thinking for them? I need to allow myself some further ‘deep thinking’ to try and get to a possible answer…but I know I am on the right path.
chilledteaching 