04/16/2024
THE SECRET TO INSPIRATION AND
INSANE CREATIVITY - IN THE ZONE - is PRACTICE RELENTLESSLY THEN LET GO…..
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Excerpts from the article in NEUROSCIENCE magazine::
A new study involving Philadelphia-area jazz guitarists, has explored the brain processes that enable creative flow. The research reveals that achieving flow requires a solid foundation of expertise, after which one must learn to relax conscious control to allow creativity to flourish.
By measuring brain activity and performance quality during improvisation, the study shows that experienced musicians entering flow exhibit less frontal lobe activity, which is associated with executive functions, and more in sensory processing areas.
These findings suggest that mastering and then mentally releasing one’s craft is key to achieving the high creativity and productivity associated with flow states.
Key Facts:
1. The study demonstrated that high levels of expertise and the ability to reduce cognitive control are crucial for achieving flowm
3. The findings underscore the importance of both intensive practice and the ability to “let go” to reach the optimal creative state known as flow.
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Flow, or being “in the zone,” is a state of amped-up creativity, enhanced productivity and blissful consciousness that, some psychologists believe, is also the secret to happiness. It’s considered the brain’s fast track to success in business, the arts or any other field.
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But in order to achieve flow, a person must first develop a strong foundation of expertise in their craft. That’s according to a new neuroimaging study from Drexel University’s Creativity Research Lab, which recruited Philly-area jazz guitarists to better understand the key brain processes that underlie flow. Once expertise is attained, the study found, this knowledge must be unleashed and not overthought in order for flow to be reached.
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One theory proposes that flow is a state of intensive hyperfocus on a task. The other theory hypothesizes that flow involves relaxing one’s focus or conscious control.
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Train intensively, then surrender
As jazz great Charlie Parker is said to have advised, “You’ve got to learn your instrument, then, you practice, practice, practice. And then, when you finally get up there on the bandstand, forget all that and just wail.”
A new study involving Philadelphia-area jazz guitarists, has explored the brain processes that enable creative flow.