Calling all wild, non-linear thinkers

PSA: Our brains aren't robots

Hey there,

DD HQ here. Have you ever zigged when everyone zagged?

Felt like a round-peg trying to fit into a square hole?

Been told your ideas are too wild, too ‘out there’, too ‘unrealistic’?

We know the feeling. And, if we’re being honest - everyone has. We all possess the ability to think in a non-linear, creative manner. It’s a cognitive capability that’s built into the human brain. But, in a world that values logic and organization, we’re taught to fit into the straight and narrow.

Now, how’s this for a mind-trip 💭: Even though the current status quo prizes logic, creativity is still seen as ‘magical’ thinking. Because we can’t see the connections on the surface, we call non-linear thinkers geniuses or rule-breakers. We celebrate them and aspire to be like them. Even more - we think that it’s skill that us mere mortals don’t possess.

In reality, that couldn’t be further from the truth.

For all our brain’s complexity, cognition is pretty simple. It comes down to two thought patterns - convergent and divergent. This visual just about sums it up:

Convergent, linear thinking is process. It’s getting from point A to F in a sequential order. It’s logic. And, it’s a necessary component of daily decision-making.

But, in our view divergent, non-linear doesn’t get enough attention. This is that magical thought-space where we make connections between disparate ideas. It’s the stuff that comes to you in the shower, or in a brainstorm session. It happens when we enter idea-generation mode and allow our brains to flow freely. In turn, it helps us make connections between ideas that, on the surface, shouldn’t make sense.

Just think about the last time you had a crazy, wild idea. It may have came about when you dazed off into a daydream for a moment, and jolted back into the present with a thought that started with: “What if…”

That’s your naturally creative brain at work. When your congruent thought patterns paused for a moment, your brain began to flow.

Some researchers say that certain people are able to access their non-linear brain more easily than others. For example, those who are neurodivergent, or even those who are more in tune with their emotions can make creative leaps without much effort.

But, at Daydreamers - we know that divergent, non-linear thinking is a part of being human; and something we can all access more often. All it takes is practice.

A long time ago, Steve Jobs said: “Those who think differently are the creative spirits in the world who are here to change it. While some may see them as the crazy ones, we see genius.”

At DD, we think of it differently: instead of genius, we see human. To be human is to be creative. So, for all of our round pegs trying to fit into square holes: your brain is here to change the world. Let’s unleash it, together.

Katina + Dupi

and the entire team @ DD HQ

ready to unleash your wild, creative brain? respond to this email with your wildest idea + jump the line to join Daydreamers Early Access

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An idea to noodle on 💭

Non-linear thinking is the starting point for creativity

THINK ON THIS: You can strengthen your divergent-thinking abilities over time. Making spontaneous thinking into a habit is shown to increase mental flexibility and, in turn, creative ‘output.’ Yes, mind-wandering has a purpose!

…MAYBE NOT THAT: Divergent thinking isn’t random. Even though the basis of non-linear thinking is spontaneity, problem-solving and creativity, it often takes a similar pattern. Think of your divergent ideas like branches of a tree spreading from its trunk, rather than moving in a straight line.

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Inside our brains at DD HQ  🧠

Our DD Discord channel was popping off about this Ted Talk about the power of creativity (it might be our favorite of all time). Neurodiversity and thinking differently is a super-power, but not everyone sees it that way. Speaking of mental flexibility, here are some science-backed ways to cultivate it. Woah - this installment visualizes life as an uninterrupted flow of energy. Want to be a good person without annoying everyone? Same.

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Ideas from the DD Crew 🛸

Daydreamers was featured in mindbodygreen this week! Read a piece from our co-founder and Chief Well-being Officer, Katina, about creative flow and why it’s the most radical choice we can make in our robotic, burned out world.