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In 1984, I took an Apple Macintosh 128k for a test drive. Since then I have purchased two dozen or more models. Each more powerful than its predecessor. The MacBook Pro I'm using to write these words has well over a hundred thousand times the RAM of that first primitive Macintosh. Because of its meager operating memory, my first Macintosh was incapable of running more than one application at a time, incapable of opening more than one document at a time.
In contrast, my brain has enjoyed multitasking processing power since its introduction in September of 1959. I can brush my teeth and read a book and remain conscious of my environs, all at the same time. While doing deep knee bends. Some of these operations require conscious attention, while others are processed "in the background."
Incubate, the second phase of the creative process, depends upon our brain's ability to operate in the background. In the first phase, Investigate, we remain curious, ask questions, explore connections. In the second phase, we take a walk; we take a rest; we take a test drive. We engage our mind and body in any activity other than seeking solution to our creative quandary. This activity forces the mind to work on the problem in the background, in the subconscious.
The conscious mind does an extraordinary job gathering information in the first phase of creativity. But it's a bit predisposed to process and store the data in the same literal, linear ways. The subconscious mind is not much of a gatherer. But it quietly works in the background, discovering patterns and parallels and perspectives, leading to solutions previously unknown.
Next time you're stuck, give your conscious mind a break from the heavy lifting. Invite your subconscious in for the Incubate phase and get ready for the birth of a new idea.
Have you been trying to force your conscious mind to come to a creative resolution? Stop it.
How might you distract your mind and body, and thus invite your subconscious mind into the creative process?
Do you have toys? Tactile toys such as blocks and puzzles can be great activities to distract and relax your conscious mind.
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