I love TED talks, and this one changed how I think about the right side of the brain. The reason I love them is because they are short and sweet. Even though they are short and sweet, they are packed so full of new information! This one blew me away. Jill Bolte Taylor, is a Harvard-trained neuroanatomist (a scientist who specializes in how the brain works). Jill had a massive stroke, and watched as her brain functions of motion, speech, self-awareness, all shut down one by one. Many of these skills, like language, are led by the left side of the brain. As these things were shutting down, her brain then started functioning only from the right side. She describes how life looked and felt from the right side’s perspective. It is so fascinating, and only about 18 minutes long.
The Left and Right Side of the Brain
While both sides are important and have a job to do, she explains why we should all start functioning more from the right side. The left side tends to be way too dominant in this world. This helps give an understanding of why you may want to start paying attention to and let that right side take the lead. Life is all about balance right? Start to balance your left and right hemispheres so they can work better together, and you can lead a more balanced life.
One of the easiest ways to start activating that right side is with music. Music is the food for the right side. Music is easily accessible and something we listen to every day. The type of music is what matters. Take a look at what her experience taught her:
What the Right Side of the Brain Brings Us
The left side loves lists, details, words, time and logic. It is the part of us that plans, judges and worries about the past and the future. The right side of the brain lives in the present moment. It sees the big picture, feels connection, and is where so much of our creativity, intuition and peace come from. Scientists now know that both sides work together all the time, but Jill’s story shows how different life feels when we let that peaceful, connected side lead for a while.
Signs Your Left Brain Is Running the Show
Do you find yourself always thinking about your to-do list? Do you replay conversations over and over, or worry about what might happen next week? Is it hard to sit still without picking up your phone? These are all signs the left side is in charge. It is not bad, it is just out of balance. When the right side of the brain gets more time, you may notice you feel calmer, more creative, more patient with your kids and more connected to the people around you. You might even find you sleep better and laugh more. It is such a simple shift, and it can change the whole feeling of your day.
5 Simple Ways to Give the Right Side of Your Brain Some Love
- Music. Turn on music that lifts you up. Here are 15 amazing benefits of music to inspire you.
- Creating. Paint, color, cook, garden or build something with your hands.
- Dancing. Move your body without thinking about how it looks. Read about the spiritual side of dancing.
- Meditation. Even a few minutes of quiet breathing helps you drop into the present. Here is how to meditate.
- Nature. Take a walk outside and just notice the colors, sounds and smells around you.
You can watch Jill’s full talk, My Stroke of Insight, on TED. Balance is the goal. Let your left side keep you organized, and let your right side remind you how connected and loved you are.
