Information Processing Style
Each of us has a dominant way of processing information. You have either a visual, auditory, or kinesthetic approach to processing information. Most, if not all, of us learn in a combination of these styles, however, one is primarily dominant in order to information to be processed and retained effectively. In education, these different processing styles are known as learning styles. The premise is this: for a student to effectively learn, information must be presented in a format that meshes with the student’s learning or processing style. This is important for our Transformational Organizational process as your processing style influences how your home environment supports your nervous system. Another aspect to consider regarding learning styles, is how you decorate your home. Auditory people will most likely need some mild background noise in order to feel ‘at home’ in their home. Chaotic noise is counter productive so most require soothing noises in their homes in order to stay focused. I have a water garden adjacent to my desk while I write this blog so that the soothing sound helps to keep my mind focused on sharing this information with you. Of course we all are aware of my pet parakeets as they add too much background noise to many of my videos.
Visual people generally prefer interest instead of serenity. Color is also very important to visual learners. Visually dominant people like to see their things and are mostly “things out” clients. Their environment might seem cluttered and overwhelming but visual people like the interest collections and colors provide.
Kinesthetic folks need to have movement in their homes and items that represent activity. Texture and feel of the home is critical to a kinesthetic learners comfort level. Soft fabrics, touchables and comfortable seating are vital to help a kinesthetic person to feel at home.
Here are some suggestions on how you can support your processing style during the Transformational Organizational process as well as add more comfort to your home and family.
Auditory Processors
If you are an auditory person, music is a great way to energize yourself. Utilize your audio resources such as your favorite playlist, audio equipment, phone, or vinyl collection to stimlulate your auditory senses. If you still have some CD’s around the house, gather all that you can find and group them together. Vintage Vinyl might be your preference. For now, put all but a few of your favorites CDs or records in a box for temporary storage. We’ll get to them later. The few that you selected as your favorites should go into a basket or box to take with you when you are working. Select your favorite and listen to it during your first transformational task. This accomplishes three goals. You are using music to energize yourself while you are working as well as using the music that you have purchased. Moreover, the music in the background helps your brain to focus on your goals. Furthermore, your music tastes may have changed and this is a good way to revisit some of your music to decide whether you want to clean some of these out.
Living sounds also serve as a stabilizing source of sound and focus. Birds, aquariums, waterfalls, soft chimes, clocks, and sound machines offer calming background noise to facilitate connection to your environment.
Visual Processors
Visual people may feel the need to see their things. Visual learners feel authentic when engaged in visual activities. Often visual learners are artists, graphic designers, photographers etc. Visual people are compelled to include color, visual arts, items of interest and dramatic elements in order to feel at home in their home. If organizational tasks are portable such as drawers or paperwork, create a space in your home that is relaxing and visually soothing so that you can focus more intently on the organizational process. Find a spot with adequate lighting and work where you feel most at peace. Of course, persons with visual processing dominance may also enjoy music so create your own Transformational atmosphere in which to work. However, keep in mind that the visual clutter can diminish energy so create a calm and visually zen work space. You will later begin to create this atmosphere throughout your home.
Kinesthetic Processors
Kinesthetic people are comfortable in surroundings that convey comfort. Soft fabrics, seating, carpets, curtains etc are essential for kinesthetic folks to be able to relax in their space. Soft linens, skin soothing fabrics, comfy pillows and throws sing to the soul of the kinesthetic person. Kinesthetic folks need comfortable fabrics and less cumbersome clothing to continue to feel engaged and energized.
Nurture your Processing Style
When you are working on the process of organizing, cleaning and engaging in any of the Transformational Organization activities, nurture your processing style by providing the stimulation your brain needs. It will help you to remain focused and productive and will also enhance your contentment while working. Keep your processing style in mind as you redecorate or reorganize your living spaces. It is important for you to stimulate your brain through your processing style to increase your harmony and peace in your home and life.
