How to Increase Creativity through Lateral Thinking
“There is no doubt that creativity is the most important human resource of all. Without creativity, there would be no progress, and we would be forever repeating the same patterns.”
How lateral Thinking Encourages Creativity
Lateral thinking is a problem-solving approach and a term coined by Edward de Bono, a psychologist and creativity expert. It involves tackling problems and generating creative solutions from unconventional and non-linear perspectives. Unlike traditional "vertical" or logical thinking, which follows a step-by-step, linear process, lateral thinking encourages individuals to break away from established patterns and think beyond the obvious.
In lateral thinking, one may explore various tangents, unrelated concepts, and alternative viewpoints to arrive at unexpected solutions. It often involves using techniques like brainstorming, random stimulation, analogies, and reframing to challenge assumptions and spark new ideas.
The goal of lateral thinking is to encourage innovation and creativity by considering multiple possibilities and approaching problems from fresh angles. It can be particularly useful in situations where traditional approaches have been exhausted or are not yielding satisfactory results. Lateral thinking can lead to unique and original solutions that may not have been apparent using conventional reasoning methods.
In vertical thinking, you stay focused and head in a logical direction towards a solution. You avoid distractions and irrelevant ideas. The thinking is usually sequential and logical. (Schools tend to emphasize this way of thinking more.
In lateral thinking, you are encouraged to generate many ideas including the "wrong" irrelevant ones. This encourages creativity and helps us to get away from specific outcomes and be open to all possibilities.
Art Making Encourages Mental Flexibility
In all of our art making workshops, for individuals or groups, that part of our brain that does not get exercised enough in our goal oriented society, gets to come to the fore. The Art Process encourages participants to explore solutions in a “lateral” way. It is actually more fun, challenging and stimulating. We get to stretch our imaginations and make connections that in our everyday lives get pushed aside.
“You cannot look in a new direction by looking harder in the same direction.”
Do you need to be an artist to create art?
If we follow the reasoning above, it follows that ANYONE can be creative and make art given the right stimulation and circumstance. That is why The Art Process Method is so successful. It encourages and exercises that creative muscle, taking the self criticism out of the picture (a sure way to deaden creativity!) By incorporating meditation and self inquiry into the creative process, it opens the doorways to your unique vision and self expression!
