Life can be simple, yet most of us complicate it.
We can thank our left brain for that.
The part that likes to analyze and overthink.
You know, the side of our personality that craves certainty and plans for every “what if” and worst-case scenario.
It’s the constant need for control that can trap us in a web of our thoughts, preventing us from life’s simplicity and spontaneity.
What if there was a way to break free from this self-imposed left brain dominance?
By tapping into the power of our right brain, the side that thrives on creativity and intuition, we can learn to let go of excessive analysis and surrender to the natural flow of life.
The brain is a sophisticated, interconnected system, with both sides playing unique roles.
Each part works in tandem to create your sense of self, body awareness, and surroundings. Whether it’s reading a book, engaging in a conversation, or traveling behind the wheel, both sides of the brain play a role.
They’re like the perfect team, each contributing in a unique way.
The right brain 🧠 brings a powerful blend of creativity, intuition, and spatial awareness to the table. It empowers our artistic expression, an affinity for music 🎶, and a knack for seeing the bigger picture. It excels in grasping patterns and thinking outside the box. Plus, its specialty is understanding emotions and connecting with others on a deeper level.
The left brain 🧠 is the master of logic and organization. It’s the brain’s personal project manager, rocking language skills and problem-solving like a pro. It thinks in a linear way, diving into details and analysis. It’s the champion of organization and goal setting.
Dr. Iain McGilchrist, psychiatrist, and author of “The Divided Brain and the Making of the Western World”, explains it this way,
“the left brain sees things as good or bad, right or wrong, and wants everything to be certain and structured. The right brain is much better at mindfulness and stilling the monkey mind to appreciate the present moment.”
Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor is living proof of the plasticity of the human mind. Her story is a fascinating one.
As a brain researcher and author of “My Stroke of Insight,” her TED Talk ranks among the most popular ever.
Dr. Taylor’s brother, who struggled with schizophrenia, inspired her to become a brain scientist. At the time of her stroke in 1996, she was a research professor at the Harvard Department of Psychiatry.
Little did she know she would have a rare opportunity to study the brain firsthand. After an eight-year recovery from the stroke that affected the left side of her brain, the life-altering event transformed her life and perspective forever.
With her left brain’s analytical and judgmental functions impaired, she found herself liberated from grief and immersed in a deep sense of peace.
Her heightened sensitivity to the energy and body language of others helped her recognize the importance of managing our emotions and empathizing with others.
She describes her experience as living in “La La” land — a beautiful, euphoric state of awareness where time ceased to exist.
Understanding your mind can help you change the way you think.
Dr. Taylor got a second chance and the opportunity to choose a new version of herself.
During her recovery in the hospital, she was acutely aware of the body language of the people around her.
Without her left brain acting as a filter, her mirror neurons reflected the tenderness or the anxiety of the people around her.
When the staff was gentle and caring, they restored her energy, but if they were anxious or hurried, she felt they depleted what reserves she had left.
Favorite takeaways:
“People need to take responsibility for the energy that they bring to the world. We can make the deliberate choice to control our thoughts and emotional processes. “
“Emotion only lasts in our bodies for about 90 seconds. After that, the physical reaction dissipates, UNLESS our cognitive brain (left brain) kicks in and starts connecting our anger with past events.”
“Different emotions stem from various regions within the brain. We are responsible for selecting our emotional reactions. It’s up to us to decide which parts of our past we wish to leave behind.”
In a world where division seem to constantly widen, it seems a crucial time to bridge the gap and discover ways to strengthen our empathy, connection, and unity.
By strengthening our right-brain abilities, we tap into an unlimited capacity of creativity, intuition, and empathy.
When we achieve an ideal balance between our right and left brains, we can lead a more harmonious and peaceful life.
Thanks for reading.
Love + Wellness to you!
