Left- and Right-Brain Hemisphere modes of relating to the world

In Western society we have been addressing many aspects of our lives through the part of the spectrum of reality that is restricted to the hue of logic/ reason/ linear deductions based on assumptions that are comfortable to our prevalent belief systems. Conversely, we have excluded from mainstream focus those parts of the spectrum that are colored by heart/ feelings/ intuition – declaring them to be illogical, unreasonable and unreliable. Note that in these criticisms we are simply saying that they are not logical/ reasonable/ linear in their processes. In the pejoratively negative connotations we have come to assign to anything that does not fit the left-brain hemisphere model of reality, we discourage ourselves and others from exploring and validating these right-brain hemisphere aspects of reality.

Each of us has a right and left hemisphere. Approximately every 90 to 120 minutes there is a shift from dominance of one to dominance of the other. This is called an ultradian rhythm. These shifts in the dominance of left and right cerebral hemispheres, reflected in corresponding shifts in nasal lateral dominance.  If one's left nostril is more open at a given moment than the right, then the opposite cerebral hemisphere is more active.  These rhythms vary from about 90 to 120 minutes in different people.  At the point of shift from dominance of one side to the other, people are more highly suggestible.  It is as though they go into a hypnotic trance for that brief period of time.

Here are some of the functions of each hemisphere.

 
Western society systematically discourages us from validating our right-hemispehric functions. This is part of the effect of masculine dominance in our society. Most men, through the influence of their genetic and hormonal endowments, are stronger in left-brain functions and weaker in right-brain awarenesses and capabilities.

Look at Table 2. Then look back at the first one. Which feels more comfortable to you?

 
I'd be interested to know if you sense any differences.

WHEE helps to integrate right and left hemispheres through right and left body stimulation as we recite our focusing affirmations.

More on this in my next blog entry.

Blessings

Dan Benor – WHEE MD