Jonah Lehrer led off the Illahee Lecture Series last night with an engaging, entertaining, and thought-provoking lecture. The first part of his talk touched on how the hard-wiring in our brains that has sustained us for thousands of years is, now, hindering our ability to deal with the complexities emerging before us. The latter half danced around creativity and its close connection to context. Key Learnings:
The Power of Stories: Data and scientific studies are dandy but a well-told story is quicker. We are hard wired to learn from and be moved by stories. Good stories stir emotions. Emotions accentuate meaning and illuminate decisions. Data drives analysis and helps us “feel good” about what we choose. Emotions seal the deal.
No Time Like the Present…or Not: temporal discounting. We are programmed for immediate action and decisions. Long-term planning still does not suit us. Ten dollars now or twelve dollars next week? Many opt for the quick cash. Sacrifice now or later? Most of us feel more comfortable putting off the pain. Even if that “later” is only a few weeks.
Context, Context, Context: It’s not just who we are, it’s where we are that counts. Dodging traffic and working in a drab gray cubicle just don’t cut it. Creativity comes from connection, innovation emerges from inspiration. Wellness depends upon resonance with our environment. You want to change minds, catalyze innovation, stimulate creative solutions? Change place. Hint: Plants trump concrete every time.
The Alpha Wave Muse: Creative solutions come often come from a brain grooving on alpha waves. Alpha waves and their potent cousin theta waves allow meaning, connections, and solutions to emerge, flow. When we’re there we’re non-linear, relaxed and calm, engaged. Now, go hit those quarterly targets!
So, how can we apply these lessons of neuroscience to enhancing sustainable approaches to business, planning and design?
- Sustainability stories. Not calls to action, no pleading or lecturing, thinly-disguised anecdotes or examples. Stories. Relevant, resonant narratives.
- Abundance. If change is needed now how can I benefit now? How can we benefit later? Focus on more good. What’s that about attracting more flies with honey…?
- Place. We all want to live somewhere beautiful. We all want stimulating, inspiring work and lives. We all want good neighbors. Focus on making where you are where you want to be. Focus on making where we are where we want to be.
- Replace crisis with communion. Problems are problems. Urgent is urgent. That doesn’t mean we need to be the problem or become agitated and hurried. Research shows we are at our best when we’re in the flow. All hands on deck does not mean all hands freak out. Come together, right now, intentionally. And, bring your best self along.
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