rehearsing discourse

I have this new theory, that human discourse and self-talk or internal dialog is so dominant within human consciousness because it was the last thing to develop and thus takes the greatest amount of cognitive energy and focus. This is based on Piano/MRI research which suggests that as a pianist develops greater skill in his or her hands, less cognitive energy and fewer cognitive resources are required to perform the piece. It has been surmised by researchers the brain functioning adapts for greater efficiency, neural shortcuts are formed between cells, thus requiring fewer cells to perform a given skilled task. To get words just right can take an incredible amount of energy, particularly when the outcome is extraordinarily important to us, when either the subject or relationship is important to our lives. We know that words and language can be spewed and spilled on overdrive, but there are times when our use of language must be as carefully crafted as a dovetailed joint.

I had a fitful night, with many things on my mind. Some things involved design on the cabinet I'm making. Those were the fun things allowing me to think in pictures and the ways things fit together. Then there is another thing nagging my mind that needs to be discussed that has to do with asking a foundation for support for Clear Spring School. Those words need to be well crafted, and believe me, it takes greater energy and is less fun. So, would it be any surprise that internal dialog might seem so dominant within the conscious mind?

Today, I'll be making some effort to communicate based on words that were crafted in the night. In the shop, I'll drill some pilot holes for assembly of things... holes that must be drilled before further shaping takes place.

In the poll at right, now closed, you can see that most of my readers are visual or tactile learners or learn best when all their senses are engaged. 100% of respondents identify themselves as other than primarily "auditory learners." One can thus see the problems inherent in telling each other things. Yackity-yack is not particularly effective, in schooling, inside the brain, or in life. Instead, let's utilize the strategic engagement of the hands. Make, fix, create.