For tonight's blog, please watch the following video:
http://www.ted.com/index.php/talks/jill_bolte_taylor_s_powerful_stroke_of_insight.html
Make certain the sound is on.
Next, please share your reactions. Also, discuss whether you think you are more right- or left-brain oriented.
23 comments:
I have always heard of near-death experiences--the tunnel, the light, family and other close ones beckoning one to join them in a wonderfully strange and peaceful unknown...but Jill's tale of what it actually feels like to have a stroke and describe in detail as both an observer and participant reminds me of a book by Oliver Sachs titled the Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat. In this book, I have read similar tales detailing various neurological conditions ranging from Tourette's, epilepsy to anterograde amnesia. It is amazing what the mind is capable of, and the lengths it will take to protect and preserve its being.
I have trouble thinking we can be described in this way: a left brain or right brain dominant person. The fun tests I have taken are split with the slightly higher score leaning to the left. However, we need the left brain to help process and filter information. Are men more right-brained than the less-verbally challenged and left-brained female? Is an autistic more right brained? What of Daniel Tammet and his well-documented synaesthasia? The doctor's story is motivational and despite compelling evidence, I find it hard to categorize individuals in this manner, unless something is developmentally wrong.
It was a great experience hearing the very visual words Jill Bolte Taylor used to describe the feeling of a stroke. Which can really only be truly described through experience. She came really close though. This was truly a stroke of insight; although, in my opinion it makes life a little more difficult. I say this because now instead of thinking with the brain I thought was jus a brain; I think with two parts, which are completely separate and communicate differently. I try to think logically; therefore I consider myself a left brained stud, but everyday something new seems to amaze and confuse me. I can be emotional at times, but I try not to let my right brained emotions interfere with my left brained thoughts; although, when I think about it, in my opinion it isn’t really logical to think without using your emotions. So is it really possible to be one-sided-thinker? Just a question... I think that I think to deep sometimes and I lose half of what I’m really thinking when I write it. Oh well.
I have never been so deeply touched by an experience like Jill's until I saw this video. This totally changed my conception about who we are and the world around us. When she had her stroke, it's seems that Jill is more Left brained because she still had the power to know what's going on around her. Probably most people would surrender. Her energy can still compute information when she knew that she was having a stroke and she needed help. But her body wouldn't let her function correctly. As she has said, It took her 45 minutes to figure out how to use the telephone, but she had a plan of action and finally it worked. This experience sounded cool, but then again a scary situation. Sometimes we have to think if we are important to the world and if we can make a change. Ask yourself if your life is worth living, just like she did. She probably touched many people by her experience.
I think I am more of a right brainer. I remember things better by visualization. I can say that i have an artistic ability and have a good eye of design and structure.
Very enlightning speech. It made me realise how life is really valuable. I have heard of people talk about near death experiences but for some reason when Jill was explaining her experience, it made me believe in it more. I learned some interesting things about our brain as well.
Im with ernie on this one, I too have heard of the near death experiences, the tunnel of light and the warm feeling people say they have felt during this time. Jill on the other hand didnt quite have the same experience, she had "real" and life altering one. It takes a person to be there, to be able to describe it the way she did. Many of you would realize how important life really is, and how fragile it is, and you only get 1 life...You have to make the best of it. I feel that you can dominantly be left or right brained, however, they technically work together all the time, CJ put it the best way when he said "I can be emotional at times, but I try not to let my right brained emotions interfere with my left brained thoughts; although, when I think about it, in my opinion it isn’t really logical to think without using your emotions". That is one hell of a good point. You use more than 1 thing for any other process. I feel im more logical, therefore im left brained, however, I have emotion and many times, they work in synchronous Harmony with one another.
Well she had a real brain in her hand and her story about how she had a stroke. How everything changed when she was going through her stroke was very strong. She was talking about how she could not understand her friend and how he sounded like a golden retriever and she also sounded like one to when she started talking. I am full left brain I am a very logical person. I always like to analyze a lot of things before I do it.
Her Story was very real, very personal. When all is said and done, you only have one life. You should make the most of it. My brother had went through a stroke, and I have to tell you. It is scary, but thankfully, he survived. Her story has taught me to live life, and enjoy every moment. Her outter body experience, is one that I cannot relate too however. I have heard it happen though. In most cases, it is because they are in a coma or they are having surgery, and die for that short period. BUt as seen, miracles happen. As far as whether I am right-brained, or left brained, that is another story, haha. I am serverly right brained. I am a very emotional person. I like to wear my heart on my sleeves. I was in art and band for many years, and I actually miss that. I have always been more of a visual learner rather then a logic one. But I can carry one one hell of a good conversation if one is started. So I guess in all reality I use my full brain everyday.
But still more right brained.
I don't understand how a stroke actually works. I think it's pretty peiculiar how you can suddenly wake up one day and be at a total loss of control of one side of your body. I've heard of a stroke before and I believe my grandfather experienced one. It was kind of weird. I can't remember what he said caused it, but I remember visiting him and seeing the right side of his face all droopy.
When Jill began describing from her experience the pain and akwardness she began experiencing that early morning, I felt as if I was able to better understand what my grandfather and Jill had gone through. You never realize what you have till you lose it and I feel the same concept applies here. The brain is a powerful part of the body and no one truly knows how it works.
From Jill's story I thought I used both the left and right, but I would have to say that I am more left brain dominant. I do everything for a reason and believe that with a good method of doing things that you will good results. However, I have horrible memory, but I think i can remember things better by picturing what I saw, or where I saw it.
Today I watched a video (http://www.ted.com/index.php/talks/jill_bolte_taylor_s_powerful_stroke_of_insight.html)about a lady that lived her life as a neuroscientist. However at the age of 37 she woke up one morning and discovered after some time of disorientating behavior that she herself was having a stroke. Now the stroke almost killed her and when she awoke she had regressed mentally all the way back to about the same intelligence level of an infant. the stroke happened in 1996 and she recorded the video recently and was able to tell a very moving story of the incident. At the end she posed a question to the audience " would you rather be right brained (creative, free, spontaneous, joy full) or would you rather be left brained (linear, structured, little emotions, etc...)?" Well i gave a lot of thought to the question And came up with the answer that I would definitely wanna think from the left side of my brain. Some people may think I am nuts but I can't see myself living in a make believe land of freeness and everlasting joy. I have things to do and people to look after. I need to be thinking about the future not just the here and now! I need a Plan. I need structure. I need to make sure that my family can have the luxury of big dreams and hopes. But as for me if I was stuck in fairy tale land I would never get anything done. For Christ sake I have been their and done that, when i was young. Smoking pot, taking acid, drinking all the time man how FREE can you get than that. Guess what my life is much better now that I can think straight and plan for the future.
Thanks,
Big Dummy
Jill Bolte Taylor's feelings of having a stroke really helped me know what a stroke would feel like if it happened to me. How she tells the story of the stroke really felt like I was there at that time.
Listening to Jill Bolte Taylor recounting the experience which could have easily been the final moments of her life, I was completely taken aback. Though the story seemed to me a bit sad, I was amazed by the sheer serendipity of it all. What are the chances of being a brain scientist and having the opportunity to witness what happens when the brain shuts down, step by painful step? What are the chances of living to share such a life-changing story with the world? It's just phenomenal.
Jill Taylor's story puts much focus on the right and left hemispheres of the brain and the very different functions of each. The left side of the brain thinks in words and relies on logic, breaking everything down into linear processes, while the right side of the brain associates using pictures and is heavily reliant on feelings. The right brain is subjective; the left brain is objective. Taking all of this into consideration, I believe I am an almost equal mix of right- and left-brained thinking, right being a bit more dominant.
Though I'm an emotional being, I have learned over the years to separate feelings from logic in order to make myself a stronger person. Emotions are inherently illogical, so this seems like fairly good practice. I love words and pictures equally, but I'm not a big fan of numbers. Numbers aren't passionate and although you can roll them off the tip of your tongue, I find it hard to see beauty in the numeral system. It's not that I'm bad with numbers, I just prefer not to associate with them unless I absolutely have to. I do, however, associate with my little friend logic fairly often. Mathematical or otherwise, logic isn't the friend you just want to tag along; you want this guy right at your side, helping you through even the most difficult decisions. (Also, a glass of Pinot Grigio is a great choice for your other side.)
This video had me look at the human brain in a different angle. Her experience was too extraordiary to not share. The two sides of the brain work in different ways while at the same time I understand they are both equaly important. Understanding the way the brain works is logical to take intrest in as well as this life changing experience for her. I would have to say that I use my left brain being that I'm a logical person. I seem to understand many people so Im sure both sides of my brain never rest.
I have never understood the schizophrenia or anything dealing with bipolar. These topics are something that I must look up and be more knowledgeable in both subjects. My grandmother had several strokes and never took the time to do any research.
As far as seeing the light, the tunnel and any other of those outer body experiences is something that I never believed in. With my biblical backgrounds, I go to the Holy Bible, preachers, and teachers of the Word of God to get full understand of what to expect when a person dies. Also, when people speak of these aspects of light, tunnel and outer body experiences I tune them out.
Ms. Taylor was excellent in her telling her story of what happened to her when she experienced pain on her left side of her brain. I must look further of how the left-side and the right-side of the brain works. Something for me to think about at another level.
After watching this video, I was amazed at how deep the story was and amazing the brain actually works, and how gross the brain really looks out of our body! Lol. I've never actually thought or did the research on a person's brain. I think it's also amazing how she went on to study the human brain because of her brothers disorder and she was able to experience how her brain actually works.
Of course we use both sides of our brain but I personally believe that I am more left brained because I am always thinking about my past and worrying about my future. I have always been the type of person to pick details like she conveys so that I can use those details for future happenings (reminders for the day). I think that being more right brained means that you are more confident (when she stated "we are brothers/sisters, we are beautiful, and we are whole").
When she spoke about her spirit surrendering, that was just amazing. Her way of conveying how she felt before, during and after her stroke was right on point. I think that many people would not actually feel nirvana unless they actually come upon a traumatic experience like Jill has.
Moreover, I think after listening to this video a few times I continue to believe that I am more left brained but I am still an emotional being alot. I guess I could be 50/50 but when she stated at the end that she stepped into her left hemisphere and she said she is "Single individual, a solid, seperate from the flow" I believe that is a description of myself.
"We have the power to choose who and how we want to be in the world" was a very motivating statement nonetheless.
I found it to be highly emotional and at the same time comical. I wonder how long did it take her to recall all those details on how the stroke came to be and how she felt every moment of it. Her story was remarkable and gives hope that you can recover from stroke. I believe that though the left and right brain are separate they complement each other and work in unison to make it all make sense. I believe I am a bit more left brained than right brained. I am more of a thinker.
This was a very interesting lecture. Its makes you think about your own body and if you would be able to stay calm in the middle of a sudden life threatening situation. I took from this the concept of our brain function and how important just a part of the brain is. Not just the whole brain.who couldn't take away her experience with them. I think I'm a mixture of both right and left brained oriented. But more right brained oriented I believe. I'm a very visual person and analyze alot of info from that.From the left brained point of view, I think out of the box. the "what if?" factor or "how?". The future?
Does anyone need to be told how fragile life Is, how one day everything is alright and then something happen to change everything as we know it. For me although I use both portion of my brain I know that I am more right brain then left. Things have order for me, a step by step process to a conclusion.
This video was very touching and enlighten me on many things that I had not known before. I Sometimes wonder if I can make a change in this world at all. I myself have never had a stroke, but my father had one a couple of years ago. It was a very scary situation to see him like that. I know that by him having this stroke that it really interfered with his brain. Me myself I am very emotional and this situation change me, but change me for good. this video was very interesting and informational. I do believe myself that I am a more logical person, therefore I feel that I am left brained, however I do believe that I use my entire brain on a daily basis.
After viewing the video and reading some of the responses that others have posted I think that experiences like this are real and seem to happen during "near death" experiences but I don't think that they are only linked to death. People have had "out of body" experiences during times of heightened joy and pleasure as well. There is no way to know for sure that it is what all or most experience while dying because of course those who actually pass don't speak about it.
In terms of being left or right brain dominant I don't feel that I am either but split down the middle. I do not poses any artistic ability of my own yet I am heavy into music and fashion. I think very logically in most cases yet my sense of humor can sometimes contain some not so logical moments.
While, I have heard of near death experiences, I am not sure I truly believe that Dr. Taylor could be as cognizant of what was actually happening in her brain as she claims to be. I mean would she be able to remember what happened during the stroke once the stroke was over. If so, her experience should make her a leader in brain research. If she could teach people how to use the right side of the brain to become one with the universe and life, she could possibly cure many of the world’s ills. I believe, as humans, it is difficult to be one with the universe and life. We are animals but we are superior to all other animals because of the brain that we have, right and left. Then again, could our world survive if we were all one with the universe? I think not. Logic and reasoning are basic to survival needs, but I guess one could say if we were all one with the universe, we wouldn’t have to survive individually because we are all as one. Seems very philosophical to me but then I am definitely a left-brain thinker.
I was amazed at how clearly she was able to describe and define her feelings throughout the actual stroke. It is very surprising that she lived considering the amount of time that passed before she was able to get help.
Logic and reasoning are what drive me. Worry and stress are with me everyday of my life, I don’t know what it would be like to live in the right here and right now. I’ve learned to survive as a left-brained person, we adjust
Well..i was flabbergasted i suppose. I never really put two and two together when it came to meditation or how you were supposed to quiet your mind, its kind of funny every time i tried it seemed that some thought or the other clamored for attention and the more i tried to quiet the thoughts the louder they became...Maybe Jill has a point maybe the only way to achieve inner peace is to shut off the distraction that is being constantly provided by the left hemisphere of our minds, but as it stands the only way to do that is to be lucky (or is that unlucky) enough to develop a small hemorrhage in the left side of your brain. the only other alternative it seems is to have patience and develop a strong sense of inner discipline. Heh maybe true spiritual enlightenment is found in book but in people, not in ceremony itself but the connection it enables in a group...heh or maybe I'm just rambling.
I've gotta say that this video was a big eye opener. It was amazing how descriptive she felt that I could almost feel it too. The experience she went through really shows how something the size of a golf ball can affect so much.
I would say that I am more of a left-brain because I always think about the past and then mix it with the future. I've gone through a lot of experiences in the past and it has really shaped up how my future is becoming.
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