why Cognition & Creativity
- Rachel Jeong
- Jun 2, 2023
- 4 min read
Updated: Jul 19, 2023
PSYCHOLOGY, NEUROSCIENCE
As you are becoming familiar with Cognition & Creativity at Word for Thought, you may be wondering what the point of this even is. It is not just an art portfolio; it is a resource. It is also expression; it documents a coming-of-age story. It is a tool, used by me and other writer/photographers, and you too. How, though?
This article will seek to exactly address this question by examining another article by the UNHCR, which shares the meaningful journey of Syrian refugees in therapeutic writing, reading, and storytelling. I recommend taking a look at the article.
The leading psychologist, David Yeager, conducted "research with U.S. high school students [and it] is showing how light narrative therapy exercises associated with reading and writing are effective coping tools for stressed students. His narrative interventions involve students accessing knowledge about how change is possible; then students..." (Connecting).
...write personal stories about overcoming stressful situations for younger students to read. The intervention’s data shows reduced cortisol levels and cardiovascular reactivity compared to the study’s control group."
Cortisol is the hormone (see "a mirror into a teen's heart.") that sends signals causing stress.
Obviously, Cognition & Creativity and its articles are a whole different world from becoming a refugee; they cannot be compared. However, by observing the neurobiological effects of this storytelling, we can identify a general pattern of this coping mechanism, regardless of the severity of initial factors.
Pointedly, the structure the scientists used for the Syrian refugees was
"Mental observation and self-discovery
Actively reclaiming control of narrative by writing/drawing/media literacy
Unleashing me to we through peer to peer sharing, active listening, digital storytelling" (Connecting).
By writing and creating our own physical narratives, we become aware of our present and pent-up thoughts and emotions: "After doing a free write, participants are then encouraged to formulate one action they can take to help bring the future one step closer to the present" (Connecting). As we become closer to this and continually show up for ourselves in this way of self-respect, the more we are able to achieve those positive effects talked about above.
“'Neuroscience research shows that the only we can change the way we feel is by becoming aware of our inner experience, and to befriend what is going on inside ourselves.'” (Van der Kolk)
The positive effects were easily seen: "'In my own life, I have never been so courageous,' one female participant says. She is astonished by herself and what she was able to unleash and record. While she admits she is uncomfortable watching her ‘Power of Why’ video blog till this day, she still references and watches her ‘Future to Present’ video blog from 10 months ago as a motivator and reminder of the goal-setting
narrative she began to craft for her life’s story'" (Connecting).
The exhilarating process of writing and creating for Cognition & Creativity follows these three principles observed in this experiment. Writing creatively gives me a sense of awareness of my inner world, awe of my own undiscovered capabilities, and especially, control over my own life. It reminds me I have the power to create my own life in the present moment if I choose to control my mind. This is a powerful mindset shift. In this way, Cognition & Creativity is a tool. It helps both me, and gives you the resources to help reach your maximum abilities. This addresses both 1 and 2 of the planned model of the experiment. Cognition & Creativity is synonymous of the 3rd, storytelling.
The article continues, "We are increasingly observing how refugee youth can ripple positive change in their communities if youth are given access to the right knowledge, followed up with safe opportunities to exercise this knowledge, specifically when it comes to accessing: the science of trauma and stress and its impact on the body; how the brain works and how it reacts to language and stories; the role of language and communication healing and change-making" (Connecting).
For reference, our mission statement located on the Home page is the following:
"At Word for Thought, we believe understanding in psychology and the human experience is vital in a high quality of life and achieving one's maximum potential. Word for Thought is a resource-hub that aims to ensure digestible access to teens on cognitive science through art and conversation. Through magazines and organized seminars, we explore the various fields of cognitive science--research on neurology and psychology through our magazine, philosophy through organized seminars, and observing humankind as a whole through artistic expression."
Like the article describes, the right knowledge on how the human brain cognitively functions paves way for opportunity to manipulate it to prevent negative reactions and ensure a positive human experience. We believe strongly in this.
So be open-minded to positive potential. A Dr. Yuval Harir spells out, "'The survival of objective reality now depends on the
grace of imagined realities'" (Connecting).
It really is all in your head.
Plus, a Dr. Daniel Amen explains, "We can change our brains. You are not stuck with the brain you were born with” (Connecting). Believe in change. Because here at Word for Thought we believe this, we created Cognition & Creativity.
Eventually, the result of all of this is the increased ability to be connected with our own selves and explore our depth. The more we expand this ability, the more capable we are of doing the same with others. This is crucial. To be connected with others and to hold meaningful relationships our counterparts—to share the universal language of emotions in life, and to hold profound connections—is a cardinal part of feeling human, of survival, in a civilized society.
The UNHCR's article supports this: "There is also the widely held theory that what has kept our species alive has been our unique ability to form networks for social cooperation, which most likely would not have been possible without our ability to imagine shared experiences and transcendent purposes that unite a people" (Connecting).
This is Word for Thought's goal—to better one's understanding of themself, improve their relationship with the self, and therefore ultimately, others.
Love,
The Founder
Source:
*Pictures by Wix Media.
Copyright © 2023 Rachel Jeong. All rights reserved.
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