Helping Each Other Thrive In A Left Hemisphere Dominant Culture
How did the last blog sit with you?
Perhaps you were able to sit with uncertainty, lean into some difficult emotions or perhaps you wanted to find a quick and easy solution or turn away from reading.
Our current culture has shifted to viewing the world primarily through the left hemisphere of the brain, with a focus on tasks over relationships.
This approach is blind (perhaps with protective function) to our fundamental human need for connection. This social need is so basic that we suffer, and even fail to thrive, without it.
So while this might get things done and look like progress - where is the purpose and deeper meaning? How do we thrive in a culture which is resulting in disconnection?
The left might seem easier - less feeling of deep and uncomfortable emotions, and more certainty. But at the price of ranking, isolation, and closing off to the mysteries of life.
The shift to the left could do with some of the right hemisphere's compassion, empathy, and beauty.
Hand by Jeff Kubina
The right hemisphere way is of being, feeling, exploring the unknown, opening, being with the process, receiving and trusting.
For optimal functioning, the right hemisphere leads with the left acting as a kind of secretary - making those plans for the grand vision, taking action for the benefit of our communities, creating structures to channel our energies and potential.
To thrive, we can cultivate the very best of the right hemisphere qualities:
- being with the moment, and not trying to change whatever that is
- seeking others who we can be safe with
- learning to be in our bodies, tuning into our sensations
- healing our wounds with compassion
- being with our experiences, and so being able to be with others
- listening deeply and cultivating empathy
- opening to uncertainty, mystery and duality
- flowing from one moment to the next
And then drawing on the support and resources of the left hemisphere, as needed in each unique moment.
The left hemisphere dominance in the culture is held deeply in our systems, so be mindful that there may be a need to push, to move quickly, to fix or to apply 'tried and tested' techniques. Everyone's process is unique, so honour yours as it wishes to emerge.
And there may be a sense that you need to do it alone. Remember that the right is relational, and we are wired to be with each other. Together, we can re-shift our minds... and so the culture.
Find your way back to your right hemisphere sense of presence, openness and trust with bryony@creativesoultherapies.com