 Let’s continue our exploration of Denslow Brown’s Processing Modalities. If you need a refresher on this concept, read my previous post Discover Your Unique Modalities and How They Shape Your Perception. Today we look at the verbal modality. Brown states “This modality is about language and involves the language centers of the brain.” The verbal modality includes both oral and written language expression. VERBAL: Oral (Speaking & Listening), Written (Reading & Writing) When I think of all the ways that humans have invented to communicate our thoughts to others it’s astounding! We have speech, writing, gestures, and intonation. When needing to communicate at a distance we invented smoke signals, Morse code, telephones, and the internet. This wide array of methods highlights our intrinsic desire to connect with others through language in all its forms. People have such varied preferences when it comes to language and communication. For some, discussing a problem with a friend can be incredibly beneficial. This conversational approach allows them to articulate their thoughts and feelings out loud, gaining immediate feedback and emotional support. The act of verbalizing their concerns helps them process and understand the issue more clearly. Others find solace in writing about their challenges in a journal. For these people, putting pen to paper provides a different kind of clarity. Writing allows them to reflect deeply, organize their thoughts, and explore solutions in a more private and introspective way. Although these are different methods, both involve strong verbal modality abilities and are examples of what Brown calls the Processing Modality Strength Continuum, which can range from weak to tolerant to gifted.  The verbal modality also has variations in sensitivity. For some individuals, verbal processing can be notably taxing. This is particularly evident in situations where they are exposed to constant streams of verbal information, such as lengthy conferences or endless Zoom meetings. For these people, an overload of verbal content can lead to mental fatigue, stress, or headaches. For other people, when they are focused on something they enjoy they can tune out the world and not hear a word that is said, much to their family members dismay! Brown’s concept of the Processing Modality Sensitivity Continuum provides a framework for understanding these variations in sensitivity which range from hyposensitive (unaware) to competent to hypersensitive (very aware).  How do you prefer to express yourself? Are you more at ease in large gatherings or one-on-one interactions? Do you enjoy using language, either verbally or in writing? If so, are there ways to incorporate language into your life in new and supportive ways? You could consider trying a daily mantra or giving yourself a weekly writing prompt. Next up is the Emotional modality! Look for it soon. Learn about all nine Processing Modalities: VISUAL The Power of Sight: Engaging with Your Surroundings Using the Visual Modality AUDITORY The Art of Listening: How Sound and Silence Influence Our Productivity KINESTHETIC Build Focus with Movement: Understanding the Mind-Body Connection TACTILE Feeling the Difference: How Touch Affects Your Space and Mood TASTE & SMELL Elevate Your Workspace: Using Taste & Smell for a More Inspiring Environment VERBAL Verbal Processing Modalities: How Language Shapes Our Experience EMOTIONAL Stay tuned COGNITIVE Stay tuned INTUITIVE Stay tuned © 2013 Denslow Brown. From the book, The Processing Modalities Guide by Denslow Brown Hickory Guild Press, 2012 $25 www.OrganizerCoach.co  Let’s continue our exploration of Denslow Brown’s Processing Modalities. If you need a refresher on this concept, read my previous post Discover Your Unique Modalities and How They Shape Your Perception. Today we look at the modalities of taste & smell which are so interrelated they are presented together. Brown describes this as a response to “odor or taste through the nose, mouth and olfactory center of the brain.” TASTE & SMELL Do smells or tastes take you back to childhood? Maybe the taste of a certain dish your grandmother made or the scent of your dad’s aftershave? Many of us can attest to the fact that odor and memory are intricately linked. Of course, taste and smell also enhance our daily life. When I'm feeling stressed, I often put eucalyptus essential oil in a diffuser to help me relax. The scent of eucalyptus reminds me of walking in the park by my house with its huge eucalyptus trees. The scent of certain essential oils has an immediate calming effect on me. It’s remarkable! This love of certain scents is an example of what Brown calls the Processing Modality Strength Continuum, which can range from weak to tolerant to gifted.  Brown explains that in addition to our modality preferences, we have varying strengths with each modality, ranging from weak to competent to gifted. We can also be highly sensitive to smells and taste. Some people love the smell of truffles, but others dislike them. Some people love spicy food, but I certainly can’t handle much heat! These are examples of what Brown refers to as the Processing Modality Sensitivity Continuum, which ranges from being hypersensitive (unaware) to competent to hypersensitive (very aware).  We have varying sensitivities across different modalities ranging from hyposensitive (unaware) to tolerant to hypersensitive (very aware). How do you relate to taste and smell? Are there certain smells that improve your mood or focus? Are their tastes that inspire you? Do you have a ritual, such as having a cup of tea while doing the crossword or lighting a scented candle when doing yoga that involves taste or smell? If not, would intentionally creating a ritual like this bring you more sensory joy? Next up is the verbal modality! Look for it soon. Learn about all nine Processing Modalities: VISUAL The Power of Sight: Engaging with Your Surroundings Using the Visual Modality AUDITORY The Art of Listening: How Sound and Silence Influence Our Productivity KINESTHETIC Build Focus with Movement: Understanding the Mind-Body Connection TACTILE Feeling the Difference: How Touch Affects Your Space and Mood TASTE & SMELL Elevate Your Workspace: Using Taste & Smell for a More Inspiring Environment VERBAL Verbal Processing Modalities: How Language Shapes Our Experience EMOTIONAL Stay tuned COGNITIVE Stay tuned INTUITIVE Stay tuned © 2013 Denslow Brown. From the book, The Processing Modalities Guide by Denslow Brown Hickory Guild Press, 2012 $25 www.OrganizerCoach.com  Let’s continue our exploration of Denslow Brown’s Processing Modalities. If you need a refresher on this concept, read my previous post Discover Your Unique Modalities and How They Shape Your Perception. Today we look at the tactile modality. This modality involves the act of touching and the feeling of sensation on your skin. TACTILE: Feeling on the skin I spent the first 15 years of my professional life as a graphic designer. I was a print designer, meaning I designed things that were printed on paper or other materials. I love printed materials, from vintage food packaging to modern stationery, but the kind of printing I love most is letterpress. A letterpress is an old-fashioned kind of printing press that is worked by hand. When used to print something on thick cotton paper, the immense pressure leaves an imprint that you can see and feel. Here’s an example. (If you’re in the Bay Area, check out the San Francisco Center for the Book for letterpress classes - it’s an amazing place!) I love the luxurious feel of letterpress printed paper. To me, it feels like tangible beauty. This strong appreciation of tactility is an example of what Brown calls the Processing Modality Strength Continuum, which can range from weak to tolerant to gifted.  Brown explains that in addition to our modality preferences, we have varying strengths with each modality, ranging from weak to competent to gifted. Not everyone experiences touch in the same way. If someone can’t imagine caring what a letterpress card feels like, this may be an example of hyposensitivity. However, If you’re someone who must cut all the tags out of their t-shirts, there could be tactile hypersensitivity. These are examples of what Brown refers to as the Processing Modality Sensitivity Continuum, which ranges from hypersensitive (unaware) to competent to hypersensitive (very aware).  We have varying sensitivities across different modalities ranging from hyposensitive (unaware) to tolerant to hypersensitive (very aware). Think about how your sense of touch influences your interactions with your surroundings. Do you relish writing your to-do list with an ink pen and beautiful paper? Do you need to have a cozy sweater on to settle into reading a book? Are there tactile changes you can make to create a more supportive environment for yourself? Next up is the Taste & Smell modality! Look for it soon. Learn about all nine Processing Modalities: VISUAL The Power of Sight: Engaging with Your Surroundings Using the Visual Modality AUDITORY The Art of Listening: How Sound and Silence Influence Our Productivity KINESTHETIC Build Focus with Movement: Understanding the Mind-Body Connection TACTILE Feeling the Difference: How Touch Affects Your Space and Mood TASTE & SMELL Elevate Your Workspace: Using Taste & Smell for a More Inspiring Environment VERBAL Verbal Processing Modalities: How Language Shapes Our Experience EMOTIONAL Stay tuned COGNITIVE Stay tuned INTUITIVE Stay tuned © 2013 Denslow Brown. From the book, The Processing Modalities Guide by Denslow Brown Hickory Guild Press, 2012 $25 www.OrganizerCoach.com  Let's continue our exploration of Denslow Brown’s Processing Modalities. If you need a refresher on this concept, read my previous post Discover Your Unique Modalities and How They Shape Your Perception. Today we look at the kinesthetic modality. Brown states “The kinesthetic modality involves moving and engaging the body and sensing the body in space.” KINESTHETIC: Movement of the body I’ve never thought of myself as particularly kinesthetic. I used to dread working out and avoided going to the gym, but at this phase of my life, getting exercise isn’t optional. I find the days I get up and move are the days I feel the best. My current favorite workout is this one on YouTube. I start slowly - reluctantly even - and then notice at about the 15-minute mark a shift has happened and I am loving it! Maybe I’m more kinesthetic than I thought. When I’m working with clients, their kinesthetic language often jumps out at me. Hearing “I had a great morning, I went to a ballet class!” or “I do my best thinking when I’m walking” give me a sense that movement is important to them. They interact with the world through their body more than most and this kinesthetic sense is often a doorway to something larger for them. These are examples of what Brown calls the Processing Modality Strength Continuum, which can range from week to tolerant to gifted.  Brown explains that in addition to our modality preferences, we have varying strengths with each modality, ranging from weak to competent to gifted. Some people may not realize how their bodies are affected by their environment. Sitting in an uncomfortable chair for hours before noticing it's causing back pain could be a sign of kinesthetic hyposensitivity. On the other hand, someone who is struggles to be in spaces that are warmer or colder than they prefer may be hypersensitive. These are examples of what Brown refers to as the Processing Modality Sensitivity Continuum, which ranges from being hypersensitive (unaware) to competent to hypersensitive (very aware).  We have varying sensitivities across different modalities ranging from hyposensitive (unaware) to tolerant to hypersensitive (very aware). How do you relate to the movement of your body? Does movement support your ability to focus? Are there kinesthetic challenges (a tiny office) or sources of inspiration (a walk at lunch) that alter your mood or improve your productivity? Next up is the Tactile modality! Look for it soon. Learn about all nine Processing Modalities: VISUAL The Power of Sight: Engaging with Your Surroundings Using the Visual Modality AUDITORY The Art of Listening: How Sound and Silence Influence Our Productivity KINESTHETIC Build Focus with Movement: Understanding the Mind-Body Connection TACTILE Feeling the Difference: How Touch Affects Your Space and Mood TASTE & SMELL Elevate Your Workspace: Using Taste & Smell for a More Inspiring Environment VERBAL Verbal Processing Modalities: How Language Shapes Our Experience EMOTIONAL Stay tuned COGNITIVE Stay tuned INTUITIVE Stay tuned © 2013 Denslow Brown. From the book, The Processing Modalities Guide by Denslow Brown Hickory Guild Press, 2012 $25 www.OrganizerCoach.com  Don't miss my newsletter, Find Your Focus. It’s full of useful and practical ways to bridge the gap between knowing and doing to help you reach your goals. Newsletter subscribers also receive special discounts and first access to upcoming group coaching offers and memberships.
 Today we continue our exploration of Denslow Brown’s Processing Modalities. If you need a refresher on this concept, read my previous post Discover Your Unique Modalities and How They Shape Your Perception. Today we look at the auditory modality. Brown states “This modality, the act of hearing, is experienced through the ears, the brain’s auditory processing center, and the language areas of the brain.” AUDITORY: Hearing I recently bought some noise-canceling headphones. I wear them at home while doing chores or writing. Wearing them creates a different headspace for me, one in which the world seems to retreat and I can focus on the task at hand. When I take them off, I notice that the sudden burst of noise from the outside world is overwhelming. Sound and silence can be so powerful. My husband and daughter live in a world defined by music. They are constantly listening to it, interacting with it, and sharing it. My husband plays the guitar and my daughter is always making a new Spotify playlist. Enjoying music is an integral part of who they are and this strength is an example of what Brown calls the Processing Modality Strength Continuum, which can range from weak to tolerant to gifted.  Brown explains that in addition to our modality preferences, we have varying strengths with each modality, ranging from weak to competent to gifted. I also enjoy listening to quiet music when I work, but it can't have any lyrics. If someone turns on the TV or talk radio in the room next door, my brain just shuts down. It's incredible how paralyzing it is for me! This is an example of what Brown calls the Processing Modality Sensitivity Continuum, which can range from Hyposensitive (oblivious) to competent to Hypersensitive (very aware). My high sensitivity in the audio modality isn't always easy for my music-loving family members, but we work it out.  We have varying sensitivities across different modalities ranging from hyposensitive (unaware) to tolerant to hypersensitive (very aware). Think about how your auditory strengths and sensitivities influence your productivity. Does the sound or silence in your workspace support your productivity? Are there auditory distractions (a loud co-worker) or sources of inspiration (twittering birds)? Is there a change you can make to create a more supportive environment for yourself? Learn about all nine Processing Modalities: VISUAL The Power of Sight: Engaging with Your Surroundings Using the Visual Modality AUDITORY The Art of Listening: How Sound and Silence Influence Our Productivity KINESTHETIC Build Focus with Movement: Understanding the Mind-Body Connection TACTILE Feeling the Difference: How Touch Affects Your Space and Mood TASTE & SMELL Elevate Your Workspace: Using Taste & Smell for a More Inspiring Environment VERBAL Verbal Processing Modalities: How Language Shapes Our Experience EMOTIONAL Stay tuned COGNITIVE Stay tuned INTUITIVE Stay tuned © 2013 Denslow Brown. From the book, The Processing Modalities Guide by Denslow Brown Hickory Guild Press, 2012 $25 www.OrganizerCoach.com  If you're new to coaching and not sure if it's right for you, take the free, quick Coachability Self Test to determine if coaching with me is a fit for you at this time.
 In this post, we dive more deeply into Denslow Brown’s Processing Modalities. If you need a refresher on this concept, take a look at my previous post, Discover Your Unique Modalities and How They Shape Your Perception. In this post, we look at the modality that many of us rely on the most, our visual sense. VISUAL: Seeing The visual processing modality is experienced through the eyes and visual perception. I recently read An Immense World: How Animal Senses Reveal the Hidden Realms Around Us by Ed Yong. This book tells us how the creatures around us sense the world through vibrations, smells, and electromagnetic fields. It’s an astonishing book and I highly recommend it! Yong tells us that, unlike many other animals, humans have evolved to be highly visual creatures. I imagine many of us would agree that our visual sense is one we greatly value. I was a graphic designer for many years, and visual aesthetics and design have always been important to me. I have always treasured this strong visual sense, but in the last few years, I have noticed that my color perception is slightly shifting, and I don’t see colors as I used to. Both my strong visual sense and my changing color perception are examples of what Brown calls the Processing Modality Strength Continuum, which can range from weak to competent to gifted. My experience shows we can be weak in some areas of a modality and strong in other ways and this affects how we interact with the world.  Brown explains that in addition to our modality preferences, we have varying strengths with each modality, ranging from weak to competent to gifted. Our vision also affects how we approach tasks and interact with our surroundings. This is something I have clearly seen in my work as a professional organizer. One person functions well in a space filled with objects, while another needs everything out of sight. One person does not care (or even notice) that they have no artwork on their walls, while another actively curates their space like a museum. These are examples of what Brown calls the Processing Modality Sensitivity Continuum, which can range from Hyposensitive (oblivious) to competent to Hypersensitive (very aware).  We have varying sensitivities across different modalities ranging from hyposensitive (unaware) to tolerant to hypersensitive (very aware). Consider how your visual strengths and sensitivities impact your work environment. Does the space you work in support your productivity? What do you visually see in your work space (whether it’s an office, a coffee shop, or the kitchen table)? Is there visual distraction (the dishes in the sink) or inspiration (a vision board or expansive view)? How do you feel when you’re working in this space? What contributes to that feeling? Are there simple things you can do to help this space be a visually more supportive environment? Is it time to change things up and try working in another space? If you are someone who is highly visual, it’s valuable to spend some time exploring how you interact with your surroundings. Creating a visually supportive environment can increase your productivity and your general joy in life! Look for future posts where I dive into the other modalities, how your strength and sensitivities in each can show up, and how this can affect focus and productivity. Learn about all nine Processing Modalities: VISUAL The Power of Sight: Engaging with Your Surroundings Using the Visual Modality AUDITORY The Art of Listening: How Sound and Silence Influence Our Productivity KINESTHETIC Build Focus with Movement: Understanding the Mind-Body Connection TACTILE Feeling the Difference: How Touch Affects Your Space and Mood TASTE & SMELL Elevate Your Workspace: Using Taste & Smell for a More Inspiring Environment VERBAL Verbal Processing Modalities: How Language Shapes Our Experience EMOTIONAL Stay tuned COGNITIVE Stay tuned INTUITIVE Stay tuned © 2013 Denslow Brown. From the book, The Processing Modalities Guide by Denslow Brown Hickory Guild Press, 2012 $25 www.OrganizerCoach.com  Don't miss my newsletter, Find Your Focus. It’s full of useful and practical ways to bridge the gap between knowing and doing to help you reach your goals. Newsletter subscribers also receive special discounts and first access to upcoming group coaching offers and memberships.
 Do you prefer silence, music, or a humming café while working on your computer? When making a big decision, do you listen to your gut, consult a friend, or research all options? Do you learn a new game by reading the instructions, watching a video, or asking someone to teach you? Each approach to working, decision-making, and learning represents a distinct processing modality. The concept that people process information differently is not new; many of us identify as visual or auditory learners. However, Denslow Brown’s book, The Processing Modalities Guide, takes this idea a step further. I first encountered this valuable concept in her Strengths-Based Coaching class, and it has helped me better understand my own and my clients' experiences. Brown's identifies nine ways to process information:  Modality Strength Continuum Brown explains that in addition to our modality preferences, we also have varying strengths across different modalities, ranging from weak to gifted. For example, someone may have poor vision, an exceptional sense of smell, and arthritis in their joints affecting their movement. These physical differences can greatly influence their perception of the world and the extent to which they rely on each modality.  Brown explains that in addition to our modality preferences, we have varying strengths with each modality, ranging from weak to competent to gifted. Modality Sensitivity Continuum Brown also identifies that individuals have varying sensitivities across the modalities, ranging from hyposensitive (oblivious) to hypersensitive (very aware). For example, someone may have a hard time concentrating when their partner is on the phone in the next room (hypersensitive auditory modality) or they may not notice a huge new painting in the living room (hyposensitive visual modality). These sensitivities affect what we notice and how we rely on the different modalities.  We have varying sensitivities across different modalities ranging from hyposensitive (unaware) to tolerant to hypersensitive (very aware). It makes sense to pay attention to these strengths and sensitivities because our awareness of them helps us design environments and actions that draw on our strengths. This is an overview of the processing modalities. Over the next few months, I will be going more deeply into each of the modalities and how your strength and sensitivities in each can show up in your daily life. Stay tuned! Learn about all nine Processing Modalities: VISUAL The Power of Sight: Engaging with Your Surroundings Using the Visual Modality AUDITORY The Art of Listening: How Sound and Silence Influence Our Productivity KINESTHETIC Build Focus with Movement: Understanding the Mind-Body Connection TACTILE Feeling the Difference: How Touch Affects Your Space and Mood TASTE & SMELL Elevate Your Workspace: Using Taste & Smell for a More Inspiring Environment VERBAL Verbal Processing Modalities: How Language Shapes Our Experience EMOTIONAL Stay tuned COGNITIVE Stay tuned INTUITIVE Stay tuned © 2013 Denslow Brown. From the book, The Processing Modalities Guide by Denslow Brown Hickory Guild Press, 2012 $25 www.OrganizerCoach.com  If you’re ready to discover the power of coaching schedule a complimentary Clarity Call today.
 Image: Willian Justen de Vasconcellos Unsplash If you’re new to coaching you may be wondering what it’s all about. Maybe it sounds interesting and helpful, but a bit vague. If you're thinking about engaging a coach, here are some helpful things to consider. For coaching to be productive, it’s important to be open to learning more about yourself and having reflective conversations. We aim to set aside self-judgment and bring curiosity to your experience. Through our conversations, we’re looking for your insights and uncovering your expertise about yourself. It may sound strange, but your answers are much more powerful and relevant to your life than my suggestions are (neuroscience backs this up). Working together, we can uncover the answers and actions that will help you move forward.  One succinct explanation of coaching comes from Cameron Gott (my teacher and mentor) who describes it as “an experiential learning model.” At its heart, it’s a partnership between coach and client designed to bring about new awareness and perspective shifts for the client using an Awareness > Action > Learning process  My role as a Certified Coach is to be your reflective thinking partner, to help you approach challenges with curiosity and accountability. When we repeatedly engage in the Awareness > Action > Learning process, what follows are “aha” moments that inspire you on the path to change. We all get stuck at times and working with a coach is a great way to move forward. To better understand how coaching differs from other supportive work like consulting or therapy, take a look at my post What Coaching Is and Is Not.  Don't miss my newsletter, Find Your Focus. It’s full of useful and practical ways to bridge the gap between knowing and doing to help you reach your goals. Newsletter subscribers also receive special discounts and first access to upcoming group coaching offers and memberships.
 . “5 Best Tricks for productivity!” “Organizing Hacks from a Pro!” “10 Tips to Streamline Your Email!” Do these types of headlines grab your attention? They’re meant to. As life moves at a quicker pace with increased complexity, we want quick answers to our dilemmas so we can move on to “more important” stuff. I feel like we’re living in a tips and tricks world as a result. Social media is full of tips for being more productive, focused, and organized. Sometimes these ideas can be a useful springboard, but I also see how people get stuck in a cycle of trying one hack after another looking for the “perfect” productivity or organizing tool. I’ve seen too many abandoned systems to think there is an organizing silver bullet. The hard truth is that it’s not the system, but the maintenance of the system, that really makes or breaks it. And maintenance takes time. When clients come to me looking for tips and tricks for their time and space challenges, I often have to resist my own desire to give them answers. In those moments I have to take a breath and instead find out more about their particular challenge and (even better) what they are seeking rather than the outcome they are trying to avoid. Only then can we brainstorm ideas that could work for their life. I'm not a big fan of tips and tricks, but they can be beneficial if the focus is on positive habit development rather than the perfect tool or hack. For example, creating space in your schedule for the reality of paperwork, email, and other “adult stuff” is essential. The best trick is not getting too caught up in someone else's ideas. When we get curious about how you function best and what supports your activation, we can start to create an intuitive process for you. Anything that helps you reflect on your experience and gain new awareness is positive in my book. If you like this post then you may like We are Each Naturally Creative Resourceful and Whole (NCRW).  If you’re ready to discover the power of coaching schedule a complimentary Clarity Call today.
 A few years ago I did a wonderful day of letterpress printing at my friend Thea Sizemore's studio (Kavamore Press) in Oakland. I was a graphic designer for 15 years and absolutely love everything about letterpress printing — setting the type, mixing the ink, the physicality of cranking a Vandercook press, and the tactile nature of the final product.
Thea asked that I bring some text to print and I instantly thought of this Mary Oliver quote. I’ve loved it ever since I first heard it. Whenever I come across this quote it takes me back to the fleeting preciousness of life. How, when we allow it to be, it can be glorious and filled with wonder. When I hear this quote it makes me think about how I’m approaching my day. Am I just checking things off my list or am I tapping into something bigger? Getting things done is great, but sitting in a field in the sun can also be a perfect way to spend the day. Mary Oliver’s full poem The Summer Day is below. Enjoy. The Summer Day Who made the world? Who made the swan, and the black bear? Who made the grasshopper? This grasshopper, I mean -- the one who has flung herself out of the grass, the one who is eating sugar out of my hand, who is moving her jaws back and forth instead of up and down -- who is gazing around with her enormous and complicated eyes. Now she lifts her pale forearms and thoroughly washes her face. Now she snaps her wings open, and floats away. I don't know exactly what a prayer is. I do know how to pay attention, how to fall down into the grass, how to kneel down in the grass, how to be idle and blessed, how to stroll through the fields, which is what I have been doing all day. Tell me, what else should I have done? Doesn't everything die at last, and too soon? Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life? - Mary Oliver |
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