The highest levels of creativity happen when using an integration of both sides of the brain - both the non-linear "flow" of the right, and linear "structure" of the left.
Harvard neuroanatomist, Jill Bolte Taylor, suffered a stroke n 1996. She then used her own brain as her "lab" over the next several years. In an 18-minute video of her speech at the last TED conference, she recounts the details of her stroke and the insights she cultivated as a result . She explores the differences between the left and right sides of the brain, and how by losing use of the left (sequential processing) side, she fully experienced the right (parallel processing) side - and the euphoria, transcendence, and consciousness that came with that. After 8 years, she regained full use fo both sides, and now it as choice which side to use when and how.
It is worth watching through to the end. See the video here:
When-a-brain-scientist-suffers-a-stroke video
Fascinating article! I did my doctorate in psychology during the Decade of the Brain, and took every neuroscience course offered in my program, so have an affinity for all things brain related. It's amazing to hear stories like that of Jill Bolte Taylor, which underscore the incredible plasticity of even the adult brain. It's encouraging to hear that we're never too old to grow and learn!
On a completely different note, I wanted to pass along a blog meme to you. If you have the time and the inclination, it would be great if you could join in. I realize that it may not fit with the theme of your blog, so I will not be offended if you choose not to perpetuate it. Mainly, it was a way to let my readers know about your rich and interesting blog!
For specifics, please see the post: http://stellarself.typepad.com/becoming_your_stellarself/2008/04/pass-it-along.html
Posted by: mary kearns | April 02, 2008 at 02:39 PM