Oct 23 2008
Shifting senses and righty lefty
When you take a walk, try shifting your focus from one sense to another. Our normal habit is to rely on the information given to the brain primarily through the eyes. This habit deprives your brain of the chance to develop and maintain your full range of senses throughout life.
So, instead of focusing only on visual information, try focusing on your other senses, one at a time. Try tuning in to your ears, recognizing and isolating as many distinct sounds as you can. Then do the same for your sense of touch—feel the breeze on your skin and the warmth of the sun penetrating your body. And continue with your sense of smell and even taste. Doing so will help to stimulate various parts of your brain and help you to keep your walks interesting and new.
What is more ingrained in the brain than handedness? To really challenge your brain, try doing everything with your nondominant hand, including writing. It may be difficult at first, but you will feel your capacity to use another part of your brain improving as your coordination improves.
CREATIVE SHAPES
Take a look at these shapes. How many different objects do you see? If you think three, look again. Think of things that the shapes remind you of— maybe the square is a TV and the circle is a penny. Draw on the following shapes to turn them into something new.