Lacking attention, the child mind is easily confused and quickly distracted.

The mature mind has the capacity to focus, concentrate and work intently on a problem.

Our A.D.D.-driven world—emails, texts, IMs, Twitter and other social networks—feeds the child mind. Information overload reinforces the primitive aspects of our brain.

The “animal brain” associated with our limbic system is constantly surveying, sensing, detecting and evaluating in an effort to survive.

Notice how your eyes always go to what’s moving. Sit in an airport and your gaze is naturally averted to the streaming news on the ceiling monitors—whether you want them to or not. When we are in front of our email program—or worse yet, a Twitter application—our eyes instinctively go to the newest message. (That’s why it’s not a good idea to keep your email program or Twitter application open while you’re trying to focus on a task.)

The child mind hops from moment to moment dictated by the demands of the world.

Sitting and staring into nothingness nurtures and supports the mature mind, guided by our Higher Self. The mature mind can contemplate a single thought, holding it in mind for an extended length of time. This more evolved aspect of the mind can observe the bigger picture and can evaluate information from multiple perspectives.

You can’t feed them both minds simultaneously. At any moment you are either feeding the child mind or the mature mind. Which one will rule your destiny?

Related posts:

1. Try Mind Mapping
2. The Illusion of Urgency
3. Mastering Technology, Mastering the Mind

Anything you can do to activate both brain hemispheres simultaneously is likely to stimulate creative flow.

Juggling is one way to integrate both brain hemispheres. But you’ll likely irritate your co-workers if you walk around the office tossing balls in the air.

Mind mapping is another option. Originally developed by Tony Buzan, author of The Mind Mapping Book, mind mapping is a process of free association with words and images. Mind mapping helps link the creative and analytic sides of your brain to facilitate creative work.

To draw a mind map, first determine the purpose of your map (e.g., brainstorm solutions to a business problem, make a difficult decision or plan a big event).

Then:

1. Start by drawing a central image or word in the center of a blank page or whiteboard.
2. Begin freely associating words and drawing images stemming from the central idea.
3. Use different colors and make imaginative drawings (don’t be a boring adult—play like a kid).

Give it a try. It’s a lot of fun and can be highly effective for brainstorming alone or with a team.

Here are some examples of mind maps from around the web.

Related posts:

1. Child Mind versus Mature Mind
2. Eight Creative Problem-Solving Techniques
3. Allowing Ideas to Enter Your Mind