What Can You Learn From Einstein’s Mind?
by Dr. Denise A. Trudeau Poskas
The brain is brilliant. And you being one that has a brain then can contend that you have access to this brilliance. This key to unlocking your brain’s potential is truly understanding how it is designed, developed, and activated.
One of the most famous brains studied many times was Albert Einstein. Perhaps the most pivotal study completed was in 1999 by Neuroscientist Dr. Sandra Witelson. Dr. Witelson was given a portion of Einstein’s brain to do a comparative study it. Comparing it to 35 male brains and 56 female brains with average IQs of 116 (above average) she wanted to see if indeed his brain was unique. Previous studies had shown his brain weighed the normal 2.2 pounds and looked effectively like a normal brain. Upon first examination, there was no physical or neuropathology differences noticed. However, what she found is that the Sylvian fissure in Einstein’s brain was very small. The Sylvian fissure separates the parietal lobe into two distinct compartments, and without this dividing line, Einstein's parietal lobe was 15 percent wider than the average brain (Witelson, et. Al, 1999).
Significantly, the parietal lobe is responsible for skills such as mathematical ability, spatial reasoning and three-dimensional visualization. This seemed to fit in perfectly with how Einstein described his own thought process: "Words do not seem to play any roles," he once said. "(They are) more or less clear images" [source: Wilson].
What does this mean?
Einstein demonstrated the ability to access left and right portions of his brain readily. He was known to figure out the Theory of Relativity by imagining riding on a beam of light through space. He saw his ideas in pictures and then found the language to define them. Neuroscience, Dr. Daniel Siegal discusses integrations of the consciousness. He found that we through “mindsight”, mindfulness and coaching techniques we can also achieve an effect called Horizontal Integration which is integration between the left and right hemisphere of the mind. So in essence, we can utilize a stronger connection of visualizing new ideas, innovations or decisions while also being able to articulate them.
How might you utilize this?
One way you can learn more about this either by reading Dr. Siegal’s book Mindsight: The New Science of Personal Transformation. Another way, is to practice mindfulness activities.
Take an audit of your calendar and create a 15 minute space to practice mindfulness
Choose to take time for yourself with no errands or activities on the weekend to read more about mindfulness or meditation.
When considering a decision or developing an idea, draw pictures of possible ideas. Create 3-4 pictures. Then look for what one has energy, out of the box thinking, and curiosity.
Challenge your inner critic. The inner critic stops creativity.
Sign up for one of my courses offered through a wonderful nonprofit called SynoVation Valley Leadership Academy at SynoVationLeadership.org. They offer 6 month programs for a fraction of typical costs. Either explore SVLA: Level 1 - Transforming Your Possibilities or EQ Edge for business and organizational leaders
Finally, you can reach out to me and learn more about these processes at Denise@BlueEggLeadership.com.
Sources
Chalmers, D.J.: The Conscious Mind—in Search of a Fundamental Theory. Oxford University Press, New York (1996)
Edmonds, M. (2021 Feb 12) How Albert Einsteins’ brain worked. Howstuffworks. Retrieved at https://science.howstuffworks.com/life/inside-the-mind/human-brain/einsteins-brain.htm#pt3
Witelson, S, Kigar, D. and Harvey, D. (1999) The Exceptional Brain of Albert Einstein. Department of Medical History. Lancet (353) 2149-53
Copyright © 2021 Dr. Denise A. Trudeau Poskas of Blue Egg Leadership, LLC. All rights reserved.
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