Effective mental function is a basic human survival necessity and in the modern environment of today this is no less true than throughout our evolution. It can be useful to consider the brain as the physical hardware and our mind as the operating system that runs on this hardware. There is considerable overlap in discussing the use of the brain and the use of the mind. Understanding the hardware and its limitations is very insightful for optimal use of our consciousness with our mind.

According to Dr Theo Compernolle the brain is a huge network of networks, with approximately 80 billion neurons, as well as the glial cells that play a role in information processing. After extensive research he has presented his findings inclear and easily readable form that is difficult to put down! This information provides useful insight for those wishing to improve their thinking.

Using the brain effectively

In this episode of “Living outside the Matrix” Dr Compernolle describes the brain as networks of networks of networks, and makes the analogy of three distinct brains or functioning networks and  once we understand the differences between them we can appreciate that multitasking just doesn’t work. Another of the many modern myths exploded!

The Reflex Brain

The oldest part of the brain in evolutionary terms and is said to be about 600 million years old. It deals with sensory input and we share this brain function with all other animals. It is completely focuses in the present moment and deals with all sensory input at lightning speed. It is stimulus orientated.

The reflex brain is the part of our brain that is reactionary, it responds, and it is engaged when we are using information technology such as using the Internet or lost gazing into the world of our smart phone.

The Reflecting (Thinking) Brain

This is a more recently evolved part of the brain and it distinguishes us humans from all other animals because it enables us to conceptualise. This means the ability to see patterns in reality and take out (or abstract) their common features and then integrate these into a concept that represents an infinite number of specific concrete examples. For instance recognising many different tall plants with a single solid stem from the ground and forming the concept – tree.

The reflecting brain can contemplate the past and the future, it can imagine things that are not here, or that do not even exist yet. It can consider a lifetime as a span of years and make plans, it can anticipate, prepare and evaluate. This brain network is goal orientated.

Some apes and even cats and dogs  can reflect to some degree. However, this is more from associational learning and not from any capacity to conceptualise.

Some of the new technologies that are designed to help us multitask actually prevent us from using our reflecting brains effectively. They can end up being an obstacle to conceptual reflection by keeping us locked in the sensory moment. This is why it is so important to be aware of the brains limitations and to therefore use information technology appropriately. That means stay conscious of how we are using it, and keep it in its rightful place. Disconnect to reflect.

The Archiving Brain

The archiving brain is the network in our brain that does exactly that, yet it competes for processing power with the reflecting brain. Contrary to modern myth that we only use 5% of our brains capacity, the processing power is used at 100% and shared between the reflecting and archiving networks. The archiving cannot take place while the reflecting network is active. We have to disconnect and rest (or sleep) for the data storage function to kick in.

Give up multitasking

The reflective brain is an amazing piece of kit but it can only be foc...