Lateral thinking: Creativity Step by Step
By Edward De Bono (1970)
Edward de Bono proposes his idea of lateral thinking as complement to traditional education methods which, he says, “emphasises vertical thinking which is effective but incomplete.” The conventional, standard ways of thinking sees creativity as “vertical.” It is the straight logical method that we learn to solve problems. But lateral thinking challenges us to “think outside the box” and approach problems in an indirect, creative manner and even with a sense of humour.. Lateral thinking focuses on the “movement value” of ideas; that is, the thinker is able to use the method to move from one known idea to new ones. The unexpected and fresh approaches to problem-solving provide moments of surprise, laughter and new insight, facilitating the ability to see a pattern of thought which may not be obvious in the beginning.
Lateral thinking means to apply our imagination to approach a problem in a fresh way and find new and more effective solutions. This involves a set of techniques that stimulate imagination. Our brain could be trained in this way. Lateral thinking is effectively applicable in private and professional life.
According to De Bono, there are four methods involved. – awareness, random stimulation, alternatives and alteration. Awareness means to train ourselves to be aware of how the mind works with problem solving. This helps to set aside conventional patterns and develop innovation. The problem-solving method adopted by King Solomon when two women claim a child is cited as an example of lateral thinking. De Bono defines four types of thinking tools: 1. idea-generating tools used to conventional thinking patterns 2. Focus tools that help to broaden areas to search for new ideas 3. Harvest tools that are meant to ensure value enrichment received from idea generating output 4. Treatment tools that help to look at real-world constraints, resources, and support. The author provides interesting examples of how the lateral thinking methods are worked out.
De Bono’s ideas have a wide range of applications – from education to various forms of leadership.
Healing Power of Words: Learn to Heal Yourself
by Rev J Martin (2018).
Rev J Martin speaks from his experience as a spiritual counselor and pastor how our words can heal us and those around us. When life is comfortable, everything seems easy. When life is difficult, everything seems hard. The question is how to get out of the “all bad” faster, next time we get trapped in this mindset. We can help ourselves and others by learning the healing power of words. Words have great power. Healing words can come in many different forms; you can say them, read them, or have them said to you. This book discusses each of the three with anecdotes from the author’s experience and also magnifies them in light of the Gospels. The ideal way as the author has known from experience is “to pray more intensely, read motivational books, cultivate solitude.” These help to look into methods that help to get out of negativism. When we are unable to get out of a negative mood, it helps to write down so that it gets out. The author’s favourite quote is “This too will pass.” Words of appreciation should always come out of us, starting with our own family members. Such words boost self-confidence, restore lost spirit, cultivate and strengthen relationships. Doing God’s work does not need special skills or training. The philosophy of the healer means healing people with our words, encouraging, motivating and enlightening them, and letting everyone know that you care. This means a lot in the context of modern society, filled with negativity spread through the media. People of all ages need healing words more than ever. We should speak blessings to people around us every day so that they will now what they mean to you that you care for them and let them know what they can achieve. Such words are the essential nourishment that we can give and help people grow. Instead of saying hurtful things we need to consciously cultivate the habit of good words.
Prof Gigy Joseph
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