Access Your Right Brain by Doodling

Writers are familiar with the two-mode right brain/ left brain nature of the mind. (Although this is only a theory, it’s a good way to think about your mind, because it allows you to switch mind states at will.)

According to this theory, your mind has two district parts, and modes of operation — left brain, and right brain.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Visual_thinking

Your right brain "thinks" in images. It’s the creative part of your mind, and is non-verbal.

If I’m not sure about something in my writing, I grab a box of colored pens and pencils, and doodle on either a large sheet of paper, or in a large hardcover notebook with blank pages. I use the notebook if I want to keep the doodle, and think that I might add to the doodle at some stage.

Then I remind myself of my current challenge, and just start to draw, aimlessly. I draw shapes, letters, little sketches. Although I’m a poor artist, this is oddly satisfying. Occasionally, I’ll find myself doodling words, but I don’t pay attention to them. I use colored pencils, and inks, and make a real mess.

If you own an iOS device, like an iPhone or iPad, there are many doodling apps you can buy. I own several of them, but for "serious" doodling, I prefer to use pen and paper.

Results of your doodles will vary
Doodle for ten minutes, holding your challenge lightly in mind. When you’re done, you may find:

*    You feel lighter, about the problem;

*    You’ve developed a solution;

*    You know what to do next;

*    You decide to do nothing about the problem, because it will resolve itself;

*    You have a couple of great ideas for a new project, or a current project.

You’ll always get a result of some kind from your doodles.

Exercise 10. Doodle for ten minutes

Grab a sheet of paper — blank paper if you have it. Lined paper can be a little distracting.

Grab some colored pencils and pens.

Set a time for ten minutes.

Doodle!

When the timer sounds, write down the results you achieved. Also, write down your mood.

Doodling is fun, and easy. Try it.