Before you get all tangled up....

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Try using a brain-friendly rhythm when you're learning.

Many of us Boomers who are going deeper into the Internet are facing monster learning curves. But we are facing them, and reaping benefits. I keep hearing stories from people who say the demands of learning this technology seem to get them excited, kind of hyped-up. Makes sense to me, the brain is very stimulated by the expansive communication and connection. Web 55.0 is a pretty amazing place.

The brain is also running full time while you learn and explore. Food for thought: There’s a way to orchestrate the uptake of a bunch of unfamiliar information. There’s a rhythm that is comfortable for the brain. The brain can’t keep up with a pure torrent indefinitely, although that capacity does increase as pathways awaken and some familiarity begins to grow.  

In my online classes over at Great Adaptations, I suggest a conscious learning rhythm of listening, integrating, and action.

Listen -
New information triggers “synaptic streams” as the brain runs along its dendritic pathways, finding familiar pieces to attach to the new info. After an influx of information, the dendrites are reaching and growing and they are using a LOT of energy.

Integrate -
Integration time helps with the brain’s physiological and psychological process. Relaxing in the absence of stimulating images and sounds (turn off the TV, play soothing music), and meditation are good for integration time. Even a five minute break can boost the brain’s capacity to continue learning. Sitting quietly, and allowing the imagination to make pictures of brain connections, such as long neurons touching at the tip, is an interesting way to foster integration.

Act -
The next action you take should be tied closely to the material you are learning. If you’re a note-taker, try using color and images or doodles to provide brain candy. This is the time to push yourself a notch or two past your comfort zone. Focus on the material, then find an action that is more demanding than what you have done before. If you make a mistake, all the better. That means you got out of your zone, and your brain cells are stretching as you try to understand the process.

No matter which learning curve you are now approaching, if you allow your brain its natural rhythms, you’ll find yourself doing things you never thought you could.

Keep breathing,
Suzanna