Glenn Stewart Coles, 9251 Yonge Street, Suite 8-924, Richmond Hill, Ontario, Canada, L4C 9T3

Text Box: I was playing cards with some friends, and the woman on my left started to deal. Instead of dealing one card per person in a clockwise circle, she began dealing two cards per person in the opposite direction. Upon observing her actions, I immediately thought she was doing it wrong. However, instead of speaking up, I observed her actions and my feelings. I discovered that simply ignoring unwritten rules allowed alteration of behavioral patterns.

Within our brain, synaptic processes occur that retrieve memories, process information, and return results. When stimulus enters the mind, we begin a series of steps. We compare the information to what we have previously experienced. New information must be identified and categorized, and thought processes are simplified by learning consistent responses to a variety of stimuli. Habitual responses are strengthened with repetition, and eventually the majority of our responses are controlled by our belief system.

Whenever information comes in that is inconsistent with expectations, confusion results. Analytical processes awaken, determining the cause of the inconsistency, equating its potential effect, and calculating several possible responses. In the situation with the playing cards, I noticed a difference, calculated whether the difference changed the randomness of the deal, and decided to accept the deal without question. 

In order to address any new situation, additional synaptic pathways must be formed. Every piece of new information initiates brain cell growth. Every unique thought and solution creates new pathways, enhancing innovative capabilities. Once creativity takes over, synaptic pathways grow exponentially. The more we learn, the more we are capable of learning.

Left-brain thinking tends to be logical, analytical, rational, sequential, objective, and looks at parts. These are the masculine characteristics, since left-brain activities manage the right-hand side of a person. Right-brain thinking, which influences the left or feminine side of the body, contains thoughts that are random, intuitive, holistic, subjective, and look at the whole.

For much of our lives, aspects of self are emphasized dependent upon which elements of brain are dominant, and which areas are active in any particular moment. When a man is convinced that logical solutions are acceptable and intuitive solutions are not, decision-making is affected. Our gender characteristics often result from imbalanced usage of thinking style, and many people predominantly use one mode of thinking.

What would happen if we consciously attempt to merge our left and right brain? Increasing awareness of thought development enhances the process. Whenever one mode of thinking tends to dominate, intentionally introduce a different mode of thinking. If you are stuck on the details of a decision, switch to a holistic view. If your intuition seems uncertain, switch to logical analysis. By blending the best aspects of each way of thinking, synaptic pathways between left and right brain are increased and overall performance is enhanced.

While undergoing this process, it is important to remember that contrasts may awaken judgment. Sometimes greater contrasts result in greater resistance, and our desires are often more apparent by identifying what we don’t want. When you find yourself searching for an answer or confused about a situation, step back and allow a new perception to form. Change your expectations. Put yourself in someone else’s shoes. See through new eyes and perceive with senses that you have never experienced before. In a world of creativity, everything is new.
   



© Copyright Glenn Stewart Coles, 2006


First Published November 19, 2006

Head Games

 

 

The majority of our responses are controlled by our belief system.