The left (masculine) and right (feminine) hemispheres of the brain work together to give us a full range of our human functions. We coordinate the right side of our bodies and tap into our logical selves when using the left brain. We coordinate the left side of our bodies and creative selves using the right brain.
Left Brain Functions:
Leads with logic
Fact based
Math
Science
Language
Reality
Problem Solving
Right Brain Functions:
Leads with feelings
Uses imagination
Intuitive
Use of symbols
Visualization
Takes Risks
Honors big picture without details
It’s crucial to our personal success that we are able to balance both left (digital) and right (analog) brain function to stay sharp. Here are three ways to practice using the left and right brain together in your day to day!
Learn how to play a musical instrument:
Learning to play a musical instrument connects us to our right brain by calling us to be creative in our musical arrangements, exploring with sound and creating harmony with other instruments. We use our left brain by learning notes, sounds and reading music.
Do a puzzle:
Puzzles require us to use both the visual (right brain) and strategic (left brain) components of our brains function to complete them. Games like chess, checkers and crossword puzzles are also great left and right brain activities.
Practice Nadi Shodhana:
Nadi Shodhana Pranayama is a breathing technique that cleanses the subtle energy channels and relaxes the mind and energy between the left and right sides of the body (the Ida and Pingala nadis). It is known for its ability to effectively bring ease to the nervous system in high stress situations and can be practiced alone or with an Asana practice. To practice Nadi Shodhana with me click here!