Knowing Your Mind: Navigating the Cognitive Modality

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 Cognitive Modality which Brown describes as encompassing “The processes of understanding and mental knowing.”
 
COGNITIVE: 
Do you consider yourself highly analytical, logical, or strategic? Do you love looking at a problem from every angel? What about making pro/con lists? If so, you may be considered gifted in the cognitive modality on Brown’s Processing Modality Strength Continuum. 
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Cognitively gifted individuals often use their abilities to solve complex problems and explore issues from multiple perspectives. They may excel in fields like engineering or statistics. Being a deep and complex thinker is a valuable skill that is much needed in today’s world. However, relying too heavily on the cognitive modality can sometimes lead to analysis paralysis, where people get stuck in endless loops of gathering information without making decisions. Those with a weaker cognitive modality may have trouble navigating dilemmas and may find it hard to come to clear decisions.

I have to admit, as I write this, perimenopause immediately comes to mind! Brain fog is a common symptom during this stage, and it can definitely make it feel like our cognitive abilities are compromised at times. Of course, our cognitive function can also be affected by factors like whether we have ADHD, the quality of our sleep, and the amount of stress we're under.

​The cognitive modality also has variations in sensitivity. Some individuals may be unmoved by facts, while others may be overwhelmed by too much information. Brown’s concept of the Processing Modality Sensitivity Continuum provides a framework for understanding these variations in sensitivity which range from hyposensitive (unaware or uninterested)  to competent to hypersensitive (overwhelmed).

How do you relate to the cognitive modality? Do you tend to rely on scientific or logical thinking? If so, how does this impact your life? Are there times when it might be more beneficial to step back from this approach and allow another modality to take the lead for different insights?

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   How Emotions Influence our Bodies and our Ability to Stay Focused
COGNITIVE   Knowing Your Mind: Navigating the Cognitive Modality
INTUITIVE   Cultivating Intuitive Knowing: Learning to Tap into Your Inner Wisdom
 
© 2013 Denslow Brown. From the book, The Processing Modalities Guide by Denslow Brown Hickory Guild Press, 2012 $25 www.OrganizerCoach.com

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