Whole Brain Living

About the Author

Jill Bolte Taylor, Ph.D., is a renowned neuroanatomist, celebrated for her profound insights into the workings of the human brain, particularly its emotional and cognitive functions. Her expertise is not just theoretical; it is deeply personal. Taylor's life took a dramatic turn in 1996 when she suffered a stroke that severely impacted the left side of her brain. This experience, rather than marking the end of her career, became the cornerstone of her life's work. Taylor used her recovery journey to explore the intricacies of the human brain, which led her to share her story with the world. Her first book, "My Stroke of Insight," became a bestseller, offering readers a unique perspective on the brain’s capacity for recovery and transformation. In her subsequent work, "Whole Brain Living," Taylor delves even deeper, proposing a revolutionary way to understand the different aspects of our consciousness, helping us lead more balanced and fulfilling lives.

Main Idea

"Whole Brain Living" is built on the premise that the brain is not just divided into two hemispheres—left and right—but also into four distinct modules or "characters," each with its own set of traits, emotions, and thought processes. Taylor argues that these four characters—two in each hemisphere—are at play in our daily lives, influencing how we think, feel, and react. The key to emotional well-being and a fulfilling life, according to Taylor, lies in understanding these characters, recognizing which one is in control at any given moment, and learning how to balance them to achieve harmony within ourselves. Taylor's approach is both scientific and deeply spiritual, encouraging readers to engage with all aspects of their consciousness to live a more integrated and peaceful life.

Table of Contents

1. Understanding the Brain’s Anatomy
2. The Four Characters Within Us
3. Character 1: Left-Side Cerebral Cortex—Structured Thinking
4. Character 2: Left-Side Limbic System—Protective Emotions
5. Character 3: Right-Side Limbic System—Experiential Emotions
6. Character 4: Right-Side Cerebral Cortex—Expansive Thinking
7. The BRAIN Technique: Coordinating Your Characters
8. Applying Whole Brain Living in Daily Life

Understanding the Brain’s Anatomy

Taylor begins by grounding her readers in the anatomy of the brain, explaining how the left and right hemispheres are not just responsible for different functions but house different aspects of our personality. The left hemisphere, often associated with logic, language, and analytical thinking, is divided into two characters: one that focuses on structured, organized thinking (Character 1) and another that deals with emotional responses rooted in past experiences (Character 2). The right hemisphere, known for its creative and holistic processing, also has two characters: one that lives in the moment, full of experiential emotions (Character 3), and another that embodies a sense of expansive, cosmic consciousness (Character 4).

The distinction between these characters is crucial. Taylor explains that the left hemisphere is more about boundaries—defining where we end and the world begins, managing our day-to-day tasks, and keeping us safe by learning from past experiences. The right hemisphere, on the other hand, is about connections—seeing ourselves as part of the bigger picture, feeling a deep sense of belonging to the universe, and experiencing the present moment fully without the constraints of time and ego.

The Four Characters Within Us

Taylor introduces the concept of the "Four Characters" as a way to make the abstract notion of brain functions more relatable. Each character represents a different aspect of our personality, driven by the specific functions of the brain tissue it resides in. These characters are not fixed; they are dynamic, interacting with one another and influencing our behavior in various ways depending on the situation.