In his previous article,
RAVI VENKATESAN introduced the concept
of changing the “observer” or the innovator, in order to get exponential
shifts in results. He also outlined 4 key aspects of the “inner state”
that we want to fine-tune. In this article, he explores the role of the
intellect and how it plays into innovation.
Let’s take an example of a specific innovation: Portraying 3-dimensional
imagery in 2-dimensional media. This is what makes amazing visual feasts
like the Avengers movies or Star Wars come alive. If we trace the origins
of this innovation, it leads us to the discovery and mastery of what is
called “linear perspective” by a famous architect of the Renaissance
period, Filippo Brunelleschi. He systematically studied exactly how and
why objects, buildings, and landscapes change and lines appear to change
shape when seen from a distance or from different angles. He then used
this to develop a system of depicting them in paintings with striking
similarity. The application of the intellect is obvious in this example.
What is more interesting is how he came upon this idea to begin with. He
seems to have not only applied his intellect in an intelligent manner, but
also intuitively understood the impact his hypothesis could have.
Let’s take some other examples. Archimedes observed the level of water in
a tub rising as he got in, and converted this observation to experiments
that became the foundations of many innovations, like the Archimedes
screw, still used for pumping liquids. Newton’s innovation of using
reflecting mirrors rather than refracting lenses led to smaller telescopes
and clearer images. Marie Curie’s innovation in using mobile X-ray
machines during World War I saved many lives.
In all of these cases, there was a shift in the intellect, somehow
leading it to a refined or developed state. There is no doubt that these
were intelligent women and men, but what drove them to be able to “sense”
something that others could not? What led to that “eureka” or “aha” moment
for them? In some cases, many of these moments?
If we study some of their habits, a few clues emerge. Einstein would
sleep for 10 hours a day (1.5 times the average person today). Newton
would isolate himself in retreats, including one where he discovered
gravity.
Somehow, allowing a state of deep relaxation to set in seems to allow the
intellect to shift into intelligence, and open to become intuition. In
modern times, many companies have started meditation programs to allow
employees to combat stress and relax. An interesting side effect is that
the companies like Google, Microsoft, Salesforce etc., which have such
programs, seem to also be some of the most innovative companies. Is this a
coincidence, or is there more to it?
Allowing a state of deep relaxation to set in seems to allow the
intellect to shift into intelligence, and open to become intuition.
The proof of the pudding is always in the eating. So, let’s try this
experiment. Over the next few days, reserve five to ten minutes every
evening to simply relax. You can use a routine like the Heartfulness
Relaxation, available on the
heartfulness.org
website to guide you through this. Recall and park any problems you have
prior to starting this. At the end of the relaxation see if any new,
innovative ideas emerge. You will start developing the habit of refining
your intellect and allowing intuition to emerge more effortlessly.
The big prize in refining the intellect is beyond intuition. It is
“wisdom,” which allows not just clever innovations to emerge, but
innovations that are beneficial to humanity. This state comes through the
repeated practice of refining the intellect through meditative practices
like Heartfulness. The transformation of the intellect into wisdom is one
of the natural results of such a practice. Intelligence and intuition are
shifts that happen along the way.
In subsequent articles we’ll explore shifts in other key aspects of our
inner state that contribute to innovation.
Article by RAVI VENKATESAN
