If you’ve been steeped in any mindfulness practices over the years, you probably already know that horizontal thinking is important. Even if you’re not entirely sure what it is.
Then again, you may have never heard the term. Whatever the case, many are left with the question, what is horizontal thinking?
So glad you asked. It’s a strategy that encourages breaking patterns and considering multiple perspectives and possibilities before settling on a solution.
Why Horizontal Thinking Is Important
Horizontal thinking is also known by its alias – lateral thinking. It’s a method that encourages collaboration while thinking outside the box.
This is not always a popular approach. Many of us like the security of solutions that have worked in the past. It’s the whole “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” mentality. And why not? Stepping out and exploring unknown territory can be scary. Even dangerous.
But it’s also where new discoveries dwell. An apropos metaphor here is that of a gold miner. The American gold miners of the mid-19th century that had the most success were those who bucked conventional wisdom. Rather than repeatedly mining one spot, they knew they needed to explore multiple locations and were willing to take the risks that this involved.
When you’re faced with a challenge, it can be tempting to revert to your familiar and rutted paths of thinking. We all do it. But when you apply horizontal thinking instead to come up with a variety of possible solutions, you’re far more likely to tap into the breakthrough idea you’ve been seeking. This could take you in new and creative directions you never imagined.
So if horizontal thinking is so great, then why bother with vertical thinking?
Vertical Thinking Is More Analytical
Vertical thinking differs from horizontal in that it relies on knowledge or ideas that already exist. These ‘tried and true’ solutions have shown success in the past. It makes sense to want to use them again. And sometimes, vertical thinking is precisely what’s required.
Researchers use vertical thinking when they need a sequential process using logical steps to reach a conclusion. They turn to articles, case histories, white papers, and other documents to gather facts when working toward a solution.
Solutions come faster through vertical thinking because the path has already been traveled. Returning to the gold mine analogy, seeking gold through vertical thinking would involve mining an existing seam but going deeper into that known space. It’s safer, sure. But it’s unlikely to expose much, if any, gold.
The Melding of Vertical and Horizontal Thinking
Although horizontal thinking is important, its value does not supersede its more logical sibling vertical thinking. It’s just that it’s not as automatic because it’s riskier.
In reality, it’s not a matter of horizontal vs. vertical thinking. The two forms dance quite well together. In fact, where vertical and horizontal thinking work together so brilliantly is in problem-solving situations where vertical thinking is utilized to gather information, then horizontal thinking is incorporated when it’s time to brainstorm solutions. This way, all of the bases are covered.
People who regularly practice meditation often report seeking awareness of how much time they spend in vertical and horizontal thinking, and then noticing where the two intersect in the present moment. They’re able to see the value of each and notice how these seemingly opposite ways of thinking support their lives in unique ways.
Do They Differ from Vertical and Horizontal TIME?
Even if you haven’t heard of vertical and horizontal thinking, you may have familiarity with vertical and horizontal time. Are they related to vertical and horizontal thinking in some way?
There’s no simple answer to this, as time is an abstract concept.
Horizontal time is chronological. It starts when we’re born, continues through childhood, adolescence, adulthood, and on and on until we cease to be. Horizontal time is about memories of the past and notions of our future – neither of which is real.
In mindfulness practices like yoga and meditation, there is a focus on the present moment. This means letting go of these memories and notions and staying in the now. The present is vertical time. There is no before or after. It’s just ‘here.’
So in a way, horizontal time follows a clear, logical, and lateral path in the same way that vertical thinking relies on an analytical sequence. Yet, memories and notions are not real, while facts are.
Meanwhile, vertical time is more abstract. It’s the room you’re in, the body you occupy, the breath you take… right now. It’s more expansive in that regard – much like horizontal thinking. Yet, it’s much more physical than mental.
Whatever the case, mindfulness practices will give you a new way of looking at thinking, time, and life in general!
Would You Like More Mindfulness In Your Life?
Now that you understand that horizontal thinking is important, perhaps you’re ready to explore deeper.
Contact us today to find out how yoga, meditation, life coaching, and other mindfulness practices can help you discover a more expansive way of thinking.
Through our virtual and on-site classes, you’ll discover ways to change your perspective that will open you up to new possibilities.
