Jill Bolte Taylor, PhD ~ Whole Brain Living

Name: Jill Bolte Taylor, PhD ~ Whole Brain Living
Uploaded: 2021-08-14T18:58:17.000Z
Duration: 2 h 6 min 56 s

Introduction

The host introduces the podcast and acknowledges the traditional territories of the Coast Salish peoples. He also talks about Banyan Books, a spiritual and healing resource bookstore in Vancouver.

Introduction to Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor

The host introduces Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor, a Harvard-trained neuroscientist who experienced a severe hemorrhage in her brain in 1996 that caused her to lose many abilities. Her memoir titled "My Stroke of Insight" spent 63 weeks on the New York Times non-fiction bestseller list.

Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor's Background

Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor spends most of her year aboard an 80-foot riverboat in a beautiful cove on a lake in the southeastern United States accompanied by her constant companions Bella and Finley. She is also a dynamic teacher and public speaker who loves educating all age groups academic levels as well as corporations about the beauty of our human brain and its ability to recover from trauma.

TED Talk and Time Magazine Recognition

In 2008, Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor gave the first TED talk that ever went viral on the internet with over 26 million views today. Also, she was chosen as one of Time magazine's 100 most influential people in the world.

Whole Brain Living Book

Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor is here to discuss her new book "Whole Brain Living: The Anatomy of Choice and the Four Characters That Drive Our Life." In this book, she blends neuroanatomy with psychology to show how we can short-circuit emotional reactivity and find our way to peace.

Journey from "My Stroke of Insight" to "Whole Brain Living"

Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor talks about how she wrote her first book, "My Stroke of Insight," and how it grew into a book that not only documented her experience with stroke but also provided advice on recovery. She then discusses what led to the writing of her new book, "Whole Brain Living."

Life-Changing TED Talk

In this section, the speaker talks about how her life changed after giving a TED talk that went viral.

The Impact of Going Viral

The speaker and TED got famous simultaneously.

Over 300,000 people wrote to the speaker asking how they can find inner peace like she did.

It took the speaker 10 years to figure out how to communicate with others about the brain.

Understanding the Brain

In this section, the speaker discusses her journey of understanding how the brain is organized and communicates with others.

Emotional Groups of Cells in Each Hemisphere

People don't realize that we have two halves evenly divided emotional groups of cells in each hemisphere.

There are four distinctively different groups of cells resulting in very predictable subsets of abilities that actually manufacture character profiles.

Left and Right Hemispheres

We have left and right hemispheres, both with emotion and thinking capabilities.

The rational thinking tissue in the left hemisphere is in relationship to the external world.

The right hemisphere is connected to experiential information streaming through our sensory systems.

Emotions in Each Hemisphere

Emotion in the right brain is "right here right now" while emotion in the left hemisphere brings information from our past experiences into our present moment.

The left hemisphere projects our unknown into the future based on past experiences.

Understanding the Left and Right Hemispheres of the Brain

In this section, Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor explains how the left and right hemispheres of the brain work differently.

The Four Characters of the Brain

The left hemisphere has left thinking tissue and left emotional tissue, while the right hemisphere has right emotional tissue and right thinking tissue.

Character one is the left thinking tissue that organizes and likes to control people, places, and things. It communicates in language and likes to organize everything.

Character two is the emotion of our past. It's generally our deepest wound, and it's where we spend a lot of time trying to heal our pain from the past.

Character three is the emotion of the present moment. It's about experiencing what it feels like in this moment without judgment or analysis.

The Four Characters of the Brain

In this section, Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor explains the four unique modules of cells in the brain that result in specific skill sets and characters.

The Four Modules of Cells

There are four unique modules of cells in the brain that result in specific skill sets and characters.

These four modules are responsible for different functions: character one is responsible for our perception of ourselves as individuals, character two is responsible for our perception of time, character three is responsible for our perception of the external world, and character four is responsible for right thinking.

Each module results in a very specific skill set resulting in very specific characters.

Character Four: Right Thinking

In this section, Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor discusses how gratitude leads to right thinking and how it helps us tap into our compassion, openness, love, and gratitude.

Gratitude Leads to Right Thinking

Deep gratitude leads to right thinking.

When we feel deep gratitude, character four comes online.

Our sense of gratitude helps us tap into our compassion, openness, love, and gratitude.

Recovering from Stroke

In this section, Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor talks about her experience recovering from a stroke and making a vow to herself to recover as much as she had to recover for the rest of humanity to perceive her as normal by definition.

Making a Vow to Recover

After experiencing a stroke, Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor made a vow to herself that she would only recover as much as she had to recover for the rest of humanity to perceive her as normal by definition.

She made the decision to recover because there was no point in her having this experience with stroke and God if she was not going to come back and share it.

Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor's suffering of what she had to give up was worth trying to help others find their way out of the suffering that they are caught in.

Tapping into Our Compassion, Openness, Love, and Gratitude

In this section, Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor talks about how we can tap into our compassion, openness, love, and gratitude.

Tapping into Our Compassion

Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor felt that if she could communicate to her fellow human beings that we are wired for peace and it is a part of our brain and it is always there and it is always turned on like that blue sky regardless of what clouds may come through it as these other consciousnesses build on top of us and distract us from that perception of being at one with all that is.

If more people understood that we can tap into our compassion, openness, love, our gratitude then we can have a whole different experience on this planet than the one we're currently having.

Operating from Character 4

In this section, the speaker discusses how to operate more from Character 4 and the process of doing so. The emotional systems in our brain are discussed, including the amygdala and hippocampus. Trauma is also mentioned as a factor that can affect our reactions.

Emotional Systems in Our Brain

The amygdala and hippocampus are both emotional systems in our brain.

They are designed to help us recognize danger sooner rather than later.

Trauma can be encoded in our cells to protect us from similar experiences happening again.

Alarm Alert System

The alarm alert system is activated when we encounter something that triggers a past traumatic experience.

This system can cause us to react with fear, anger, or other physiological responses.

These responses typically last for less than 90 seconds.

Brain Huddle

In this section, the speaker introduces the concept of the Brain Huddle as a tool for managing our emotions. The acronym BRAIN is used to describe each step of the process.

Introduction to Brain Huddle

The Brain Huddle is a tool for managing emotions.

It involves bringing together all four characters in our brain to communicate about what comes next.

B - Breath

B stands for breath, which is an important part of the huddle process.

Taking deep breaths helps calm down our nervous system and prepare us for communication with all four characters.

R - Recognize

R stands for recognize, which involves recognizing what each character is feeling and thinking.

This step helps us understand why we might be feeling certain emotions or having certain thoughts.

A - Acceptance

A stands for acceptance, which involves accepting each character's feelings and thoughts without judgment.

This step helps us avoid getting stuck in negative thought patterns.

I - Investigation

I stands for investigation, which involves investigating the root cause of our emotions and thoughts.

This step helps us understand why we might be feeling a certain way and what we can do to address it.

N - Non-Identification

N stands for non-identification, which involves not identifying with any one character or emotion.

This step helps us maintain a sense of balance and perspective.

The Brain Huddle

In this section, Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor introduces the concept of the "Brain Huddle," a technique for bringing all four parts of our brain into conscious decision-making.

The Brain Huddle Technique

B stands for Breath. Focusing on our breath brings us to the present moment.

R stands for Recognize. We recognize which of the four characters in our brain called the huddle in the first place.

A stands for Appreciate. We appreciate that all four parts of our brain are present and in the present moment.

I stands for Inquire. We inquire about what we want to do next and which part of our brain should take action.

N stands for Navigate. We navigate through each moment with conscious decision-making.

Example Scenario

When walking into a room where a couple is fighting, character one may offer assistance, character two may feel uncomfortable, character three may suggest humor, and character four may offer support.

There are always four choices available to us in every situation.

Q&A Session

In this section, Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor answers questions from viewers about implementing the Brain Huddle technique.

Habitual Use of Brain Huddle

It varies from person to person how long it takes to make using the Brain Huddle habitual.

Awareness is key to starting the process.

Physiology of Brain Huddle

The Brain Huddle brings our brain into the present moment and focuses on different parts of ourselves.

Every ability, thought, emotion, and physiological response is performed by cells in our brain.

The Power of the Huddle

In this section, Jim Kwik talks about how our brain is constantly shifting and changing, and how practicing certain habits can strengthen neural circuits. He introduces the concept of "the huddle," which is a way to manage different parts of our personality in order to reduce anxiety and increase productivity.

The Importance of Practicing Habits

Neurons and circuits become stronger with practice.

Practicing good habits can help us manage different parts of our personality more effectively.

Introducing "The Huddle"

"The huddle" is a way to manage different parts of our personality.

It involves checking in with each part of ourselves and making decisions as a group.

By doing this, we can reduce anxiety and increase productivity.

How "The Huddle" Works

Jim Kwik uses his own characters (Helen, Pigpen, etc.) to illustrate how "the huddle" works.

Each character gets a vote in decision-making.

By doing this, we can reduce conflict between different parts of ourselves.

Applying "The Huddle" to Relationships

In this section, Jim Kwik discusses how we can apply the concept of "the huddle" to our relationships. He explains that there are eight characters involved in every relationship (four from each person), and that understanding these characters can help us build better relationships.

Understanding Our Characters

There are eight characters involved in every relationship (four from each person).

We get along best with people who have complementary character profiles.

Matching Up Characters in Relationships

Different characters match up well with each other in relationships.

For example, character ones (rational and organized) tend to match up well with other structured and organized people.

Applying "The Huddle" to Relationships

We can use "the huddle" to improve our relationships by understanding our own characters and those of the people we are in a relationship with.

By doing this, we can reduce conflict and build stronger connections.

Understanding the Four Characters

In this section, the speaker explains how each person has four characters and how they interact with each other.

The Four Characters

Each person has four characters: character one, character two, character three, and character four.

Character one is organized and structured while character three is an adrenaline junkie who likes to do exciting things.

A person can have a strong character one but also have a strong character three.

It's important to know your own characters and respect all four in each of us.

Communication between Couples

When couples have different characters, it can lead to misunderstandings.

Effective communication requires understanding each other's characters.

Couples can use their knowledge of their own characters to communicate better with each other.

Making Decisions when Character Two is Triggered

In this section, the speaker explains how to make important decisions when character two has been triggered and taken control.

Emotional Reactivity

When character two is triggered, emotional reactivity takes over.

Soothing your own character two is your responsibility.

Brain Huddle Technique

Use the brain huddle technique to train the relationship between the four characters in your brain.

When feeling anxious or angry due to being pushed by someone who triggers you, take 90 seconds break before making any decision.

Bring yourself to the present moment and breathe.

Honoring Our Crazy

In this section, Dr. Jill talks about how we all have a bit of "crazy" in us and that it's important to honor and respect that part of ourselves without making decisions based solely on that character.

Embracing Our Crazy

We all have a bit of "crazy" in us.

It's important to honor and respect that part of ourselves.

We shouldn't make decisions based solely on our "crazy" character.

Balancing Spirituality and Functionality

In this section, Dr. Jill clarifies the misconception that one has to give up their connection to the love of the universe to be a functioning human being. She explains how whole brain living allows for all characters to be present at any moment in time.

Whole Brain Living

One doesn't have to sacrifice their spirituality for functionality.

Whole brain living allows for all characters to be present at any moment in time.

To be a functional human being, it requires using all parts of oneself.

Archetypes Corresponding to Characters

In this section, Dr. Jill answers a question about which archetypes correspond with each character from Young's four archetypes.

Corresponding Archetypes

The shadow corresponds with character two.

The self corresponds with character one (the ego).

The anima/animus corresponds with character three.

The big ass self corresponds with character four.

Evolution of the Human Being

In this section, Dr. Jill talks about the evolution of the human being and how it involves working out the kinks between emotion and thinking tissue in each hemisphere.

Working Out Kinks

The evolution of the human being involves working out the kinks between emotion and thinking tissue in each hemisphere.

Ultimately, we go back home to that consciousness of character four (the big ass self).

Our thought patterns can change at any age.

The Importance of Novel Stimulation for Brain Recovery

In this section, the speaker emphasizes the importance of providing new and interesting data to the brain as we age in order to keep it growing. She explains that if we start routinizing and minimizing our actions, we essentially tell our brain that we don't need it to do all these things again, which leads to a decrease in ability.

Keeping the Brain Vibrant

The brain loves novel stimulation.

To keep the brain vibrant, one should keep teaching it and learning new things.

Trying new things such as paddleboarding or learning a new language can help bring in new stimulation.

Traveling requires being present in the moment and constantly bringing in new stimulation.

Identifying Different Parts of Yourself

In this section, the speaker answers a question about how to know if you are truly engaging with different parts of your brain. She explains that by paying attention to specific questions at the end of each chapter on each character from her book, you can identify different parts of yourself.

Engaging with Different Parts of Your Brain

When experiencing a belly laugh or awe-inspired sense of gratitude, trust that it's your character 4 coming out.

By going through specific questions at the end of each chapter on each character from her book, you can identify different parts of yourself.

If you cannot identify certain parts of yourself, ask people who know you if they can identify those parts.

If you're not allowing yourself to be creative and open, it may be because your character 1 is constantly ridiculing that part of you.

Rebuilding the Brain After Trauma

In this section, the speaker answers a question about how to increase collaboration between different characters in the brain after experiencing trauma. She emphasizes the importance of neuroplasticity and rebuilding the brain after trauma.

Increasing Collaboration Between Different Characters in the Brain

Neuroplasticity allows for recovery after trauma.

Stabilization after trauma allows for observation of oneself differently.

By observing oneself differently, one can start rebuilding their brain and increasing collaboration between different characters.

Rebuilding the brain involves building new connections between different parts of the brain.

Identifying Missing Parts of the Brain

Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor discusses how to identify missing parts of the brain and retrain them to regain specific abilities.

Identifying Missing Parts of the Brain

People may have difficulty with certain abilities due to missing cells in a specific part of their brain.

If trauma has damaged cells, it may not be possible to recover function, but comparable cells in the opposite hemisphere can be retrained.

The brain is a collection of cells and circuits that result in different thoughts, emotions, experiences, and behaviors.

Identify what is missing and explore what it will take to regain that ability. Never give up on your brain.

Reality as Perceived by the Brain

Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor discusses her experience with reality after losing function in one hemisphere of her brain.

Perception of Reality

Losing function in one hemisphere allowed Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor's right hemisphere to perceive reality differently.

Quantum mechanics and physics are beginning to open our minds to looking at science differently.

Different parts of the brain allow for different ways of perceiving things.

Whole-brain living allows us to know all aspects of reality and find our most peaceful selves.

Implications for Whole Brain Living

Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor discusses how whole-brain living can lead to a more peaceful world.

Power Over Our Minds

We have more power over what's going on inside our heads than we've been taught.

Whole-brain living is a tool to find our most peaceful selves.

Pushing more peace out into the world as individuals can lead to a more peaceful planet.

Acknowledgements

In this section, the speaker expresses gratitude to everyone who supported and kept the Banyan community going.

Thanking the Banyan Community

The speaker thanks everyone at the shop at Banyan Books and Colin, the owner of Banyan Books, for keeping it alive for 50 years.

The speaker expresses gratitude to the Banyan community for their support.

Conclusion

In this section, the speaker concludes their talk.

Concluding Remarks

The speaker thanks everyone again.

Music

This section contains only music and no relevant content.

End of Transcript

This section marks the end of the transcript.