by Cindy VanDyke
We have the left and right side of our brains, and they need to integrate to promote balance in our thought process.
The left side of our brain is responsible for the right side of our body and tasks involving logic, numbers, or science. It is a masculine force that is assertive, controlling, analytical, aggressive, organizing, and rushing. This force has its root in our minds.
The right side of our brain is responsible for the left side of our body and tasks involving creativity and art. It is a feminine force that is intuitive, nurturing, and receptive. It is the feeling part of us that knows without explanation. It has roots that reach deep into our hearts.
If we experience a stroke, it can affect either side of our brain, and this could compromise our bodies balance, our thought processes, and/or our daily functions.
The balance of our brain is important for many reasons. The two parts of our brain (left & right) need to be integrated so the masculine, or left side, can do, and the feminine, or right side, can be. The best way to integrate these two hemispheres is by performing a breath known as the, nadi shodhana, or the balance breath. We learned how to do this breath in a previous post titled: Gaining Energy & Clarity Through Breathing. This breath not only balances the body, but also calms the mind which is needed for balance.
When people experience anxiety, they usually have a lot more activity on the right side, or feeling side, of their brains. The physical consequence of this can be a leftward trajectory or veering to the left when one is attempting to walk straight ahead.
If we have a weaker side due to illness, an accident, or repetitive work, we may end up leaning to one side. Again, we need to strengthen the weak side. Stretch the stronger side and do the balance breath.
Visual Influences Affect Our Mental Balance
We also need visual balance. The colours we wear and paint our walls can influence us immensely.
For example, if everything around us was red we would eventually feel aggressive and angry because the masculine part of our brain would feel stimulated by this color. Whereas red as an accent colour, balanced with a less dominant colour, can promote positive attitudes such as courage, strength, and spirit.
There are many things to learn about colour and how it can balance our emotions. Colour therapy is an amazing tool to use. For example, in colour therapy green is known as the balance colour and is used to balance emotions. In yoga, the heart center is associated with the colour green, which is one of the seven major chakras, or energy centers, in our body.
There are three chakras above the heart and three chakras below the heart. The heart chakra is our balance chakra. Our energy needs to flow up and down. The three chakras below the heart are associated with warm colours: red, orange, and yellow. The three chakras above the heart are associated with cool colours: blue, indigo, and violet. Energy from the above the heart flows down, while the energy from the below the heart rises, and they both balance in the heart chakra. This is the area of give and receive, and we all need this balance to nurture ourselves and our relationships in a healthy manner.
Spiritual Balance
I’ve addressed balance of the body and the mind. Now let’s address the spirit.
We all have one. So, what do we need to balance our spirit?
- Some private, peaceful moments.
- Fresh flowers.
- A walk-through nature.
- Time to pray or meditate.
- A conversation with a close friend.
- A retreat.
- Creating in solace.
We have now covered focus, physical balance, mental balance, energetic balance in the heart, and balance of the spirit. All these things when acknowledged or worked on integrate parts of us together to reflect a life of balance; physically, mentally, and spiritually.
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Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in blog entries are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Heart Niagara.