Yes, we have two brains communicating through a narrow channel called the corpus callosum. These two brains can operate independently, as was shown by operations for epilepsy where the corpus callosum was cut. In fact we can live with only one of our brains! So why do we have two brains when one will suffice (to a degree)? Although our two brains are structurally similar by all accounts, they function quite differently and this is what makes us a multidimensional human being. We are familiar with arguing with ourselves. Literally our two brains can act like two people in one body.
Many children with dyslexia, dyspraxia or reading problems and even Aspergers syndrome do not exercise both sides of their brains equally. Geniuses have both brains highly developed. When one brain dominates over the other, many disjunctions arise. The education system is most guilty of exercising only one brain, the left brain. The earlier this begins in a child’s life, the harder it is for the right brain to exert itself. It is not only the education system, it is also parents who wish their children to succeed in an increasingly left brain world that unwittingly do the same.
So why do we need both brains functioning well?
Each brain serves a purpose. The left brain controls the right side of the body and logic. It loves numbers and names, and analytical thinking. Sensitivity to sound is dominant and talking is highly developed, as is a sense of order and attention to detail. Hyperactivity lives here too. Reading, logic, mathematics and writing live predominantly in the left brain.
The right brain in contrast controls the left side of the body, and tends to see wholes rather than parts and connections between things. Imagination is dominant and dreaminess a feature. A sense for colour and emotional sensitivity and intuition and rhythm have their place here. These children live inwardly.
To be a whole human being with all faculties developed, there is a need to exercise BOTH brains. Each brain on their own is limited in scope. the one brain enhances the deficits of the other or calms the exaggerations of the other. So how do we go about balancing these two brains so that they work together and in harmony? Its also important that the two brains communicate with each other too. A blockage here may lead to alternating conditions that also cause confusion.
Well, its quite simple in one way. Because we know that the left brain controls the right side of the body and the right side controls the left side of the body, there are a host of exercises that can be done to “exercise” the less dominant side:
- These can be simple physical exercises known as Brain Gymnastics. Important here is crossing the body’s mid line so that the sides start talking to each other. These exercises help both with reading, writing and mathematics
- Much of the education today involves sitting for long hours. Simple ways to break this unnatural posture can make a world of difference
- Excessive watching at school and on devices with little creative input can be addressed through crafts and other exciting activities
- Bringing creative activities into a child’s domain with Art therapy addresses a dominant left sided child who may be hyperactive and unable to focus.
- Playing a musical instrument helps bring creativity and discipline together. The choice of instrument is important to their therapy. Singing brings creative action
- Drama helps with expression in a self conscious child, but should never be pushed onto them.
- Being outside and breathing clean air while adventuring in a guided way helps children come back to normal existence in an accepting way.
- Children need mentors that they can imitate and communicate with while parents are absent that show them how to exercise both sides of the brain. this may be as simple as literally baking a cake together!
Gentlepath has a data base of tested and skilled therapists in many fields that can be tailored to the needs of an unbalanced child or person. We adjust this to the needs identified in the initial In-depth interview. We guide you along a more convoluted but more healing path. Give your family the space to heal and come together with our gentle guidance.