Allowing Your Mind To Wander Fosters Effective Reflection
As we prepare for the new school year, a few thoughts on reflection.
When I read my wife says I spend more time staring off into the distance than reading the written words on the page in front of me. She looks over and I am rubbing my chin, deep in thought, rather than flipping page after page.
My wife is right. One of the reasons I enjoy reading is the process. The interacting with the words, thoughts, ideas, and then allowing my mind to wander to similar or not so similar ideas.
Sometimes I read books at a steady clip. The book is finished within a day or two and I move on to the next one. Other times, it is a varied drip like process. My bookmark gradually makes its way through the book. It depends on the type of book, initiated thoughts, and my environment.
I might read a novel that took place in California in the early 1900’s, and I imagine what it would be like to live in that place during that time period.
Or I read a nonfiction book about the process of re-thinking, and I contemplate how I could apply the lessons learned to my specific context.
Or I find my favorite park bench, and read an explorer’s biography. As I consider their adventures I get distracted by the birds and squirrels navigating a nearby tree.
I enjoy the process of reading, thinking, and allowing my wind to wander. However, I also feel a sense of guilt when I get caught up in a thought and return to my book fifteen minutes later. I feel as though I did something wrong. I wasn’t as productive as I could have been. I was not staying focused on my intended task of reading.
On the contrary, guilt should be the farthest thing when my wind begins to wander. My mind wandering experiences and academic research are showing there are key benefits to allowing the mind to wander while reading and during other thought filled experiences.
Specifically, there are 3 ways mind wandering assists reflective practices.
Mind wandering allows space to make connections
Johann Hari (2022) points out that “having enough mental space to roam is essential for you to be able to understand a book” (p. 96). When we read a book it isn’t done in isolation. It connects to other material we have read, lectures listened to, or thoughts we have written down. If we don’t provide space, the thoughts will not have a chance to connect.
Another connection mind wandering fosters is with solving problems. It is common for problems to be solved when one steps away from direct focus on the problem at hand. There is great benefit to sleeping on it, going for a walk, taking an extended shower, or allowing the mind to wander. The French mathematician Henri Poincare was struggling with a difficult problem. The solution came when he stepped away from the problem, and went on vacation (Hari, 2022, p. 96).
A third benefit mind wandering produces is a connection to the future. By allowing the mind to wander and consider future possibilities it begins preparing the mind for what might happen. It helps the person deal with impending change, new ideas, or a difficult dilemma. The mind wandering frees your mind to make unique and helpful connections in preparation for the future (Hari, 2022, p. 97).
Mind wandering prioritizes depth over breadth
As our minds wander, it causes us to pause and consider specific thoughts in greater detail. It prevents us from speed reading or listening to an abundance of podcasts at increased speed. Mind wandering counteracts the efficiency mindset by allowing the mind to stop and consider areas of intrigue. This process encourages deep thinking as opposed to a surface level understanding. It causes the reader or listener to pause and think about specific details in greater depth instead of attempting to get through as much material as possible.
Mind wandering emphasizes original thought over consumption
It is easier than ever to consume. There are podcasts, youtube channels, and streaming services all fighting for our attention. With the simple click of a button we can get wrapped up in a plethora of engaging media platforms. And if you want to read books, you can borrow one from your local library via digital platforms or purchase a digital copy from Amazon. You don’t need to wait for the book to arrive through the mail or visit the library in person.
Mind wandering puts a halt to consumption. By pausing to think, it restricts the amount of information we are able to consume. Creating space for reflection in this manner helps produce original thought in response to information learned. It encourages one to consider how the information applies to them as well as their own unique take on a topic.
Mind wandering offers significant benefits when reflecting. Embrace mind wandering and the benefits. Fight any guilt you might feel when your mind wanders a bit while reading a book or listening to a podcast. Instead, learn to foster those wandering thoughts into original ideas that make connections in a deep way.
This article’s reading list:
Johann Hari (2022)- Stolen Focus: Why you can’t pay attention and how to think deeply again
Thanks,
Matt