Daydreaming

Scientists have begun exploring “Aha” moments, those flashes of insight typified by Archimedes’ purported insights acquired during long, leisurely baths. Most humans at least occasionally have such moments in which new insights about relationships, problems, or life suddenly surface in one’s consciousness.

Daydreaming, often considered a waste of time, represents about one third of a human’s waking moments. Brain studies report that daydreaming, contrary to popular opinion, is a time of intense mental activity when measured by EKGs and other modern techniques. Unlike analytical problem solving that engages the conscious mind, daydreaming employs brain processes not directly accessible to consciousness. (“A Wandering Mind Heads Toward Insight,” Wall Street Journal, June 19, 2009) Scientists now hypothesize a direct link between daydreaming and “Aha” moments.

Spiritual seekers and other pilgrims should find this research encouraging. Time spent in reflection, meditation, and being open to the Spirit may be among the most creative endeavors available to a human. Now I understand better why boredom, which I’ve long known to be vital for my own creative processes, is so important. The time I spend daydreaming frees brain processes to engage in thinking processes ignored or short-changed when one leads too hectic a life.

Explaining that one is hard at work daydreaming may not satisfy a demanding boss, teacher, or other person who claims some of our time. However, spending insufficient time daydreaming certainly shortchanges one’s self and probably diminishes one’s awareness of God.