Easily Amazed

I’m currently reading The Mindful Brain by Daniel Siegel. Last night I was reading about the functions of the left and right hemispheres of the brain. I’ll share what I learned with you in case you’re curious and then below are some fo my morning reflections.

Right hemisphere functions

• better at seeing context and the whole picture
• holistic
• nonverbal
• visuospacial
• integrated map of the whole body
• autobiographical memory
• raw, spontaneous emotion
• initial empathic nonverbal response
• stress modulation
• mediate distress and uncomfortable emotions
• nonverbal imagery
• somatic sensations

Left hemisphere functions

• linguistics
• linearity
• logic
• literal thinking
• detail oriented, detail monitoring
• in-depth
• analytic
• problem focused
• fact accumulating process
• mediate positive affective emotions
• conceptual facts

According to Siegel, creativity is the integration of the functions of the two hemispheres.

“With the left and right hemisphere physically separated and functionally differentiated, we have the opportunity to achieve more adaptive function if we come to integrate them into a whole. This is how, I believe, creativity emerges not from one side or another, but from their integration.”

At them moment I’m curious about the interplay between my “integrated map of the whole body” and “in depth, analytic, problem focused” awareness.

From this morning’s writing: As I sense into my body right now, my attention goes to all of the places that ‘aren’t right‘. The soreness of my neck and back from sleeping with a pillow that’s too big, blemishes on my face that I don’t know how they’re forming (and it concerns me that they are), etc. As I listen deeper, I feel other areas of my body, but without judgment. I notice strongly the areas that are not in balance but I don’t seem to register with emphasis the areas that are in balance. So I wonder:

How do I invite my attention to notice and feel the places that are alive, fluid, healthy?
What does aliveness feel like in moments within my self?”

I would love to hear any personal stories that you have to share on this:
What is your sensing feeling of your body like?
Do you notice patterns around what you do or don’t register in your body?
How do you recognize health, wellness, aliveness, clarity, congruency within your self?
Is it different on the physical plane than in emotional, spiritual, social, or intellectual realms?

Thanks… curious as ever….