Mindsight • Miniseries • Unkategorisiert

Horizontal integration – logical and networked thinking

Martin Rehker

As described in another article, in “Mindsight” Daniel J. Siegel looks at how different levels of our body and brain interact with each other. Or not.

Based on decades of therapy experience, Siegel observed that people are not “in the flow” precisely when they are not “integrated” within themselves, for example when there are inner conflicts. inner conflicts.

One type of “integration” is the so-called horizontal integration between the right and left hemispheres of the brain:

  • Our right hemisphere is responsible for networked thinking, images, symbols, non-verbal communication and so on. This hemisphere develops first in our childhood. It supports creativity and innovation, and provides enjoyment and energy in life.
  • In contrast, the left hemisphere of the brain is responsible for linear thinking, logic, language, etc. It develops later, with language, in adolescence, at work. It provides structure, order and focus in life. This hemisphere often dominates in our customers from adolescence onwards.

If we are not horizontally integrated, we find it more difficult to access emotions (ours and those around us) and may come across as unsympathetic, unemotional and “hard-nosed rational”. We are often quick to judge and evaluate. Sometimes we feel empty, without a soul, the world is gray-on-gray. However, a longing for more color in life, which is often difficult to grasp, is somehow within us.

What can you do? The first step is to become more mindful of yourself, to track your thoughts, logic and decisions (left brain) as well as the images, energies and feelings within you. Mindfulness exercises (e.g. meditation) help tremendously here.

In coaching, we help you to focus your attention on non-verbal, descriptive aspects, images, etc. You strengthen non-verbal perception and communication. You may use daily exercises, such as a diary, to strengthen your awareness of non-verbal things – and to verbalize your observations. This verbalization is one of the ways to make your left and right brain hemispheres “vibrate” more strongly together again.

Our experience: experience shows that “right-brain” strengthening and horizontal integration brings a lot of energy and vitality into your life. It is worth it. For you and for your environment.

Feel inside yourself – how well are you “horizontally integrated”? Is there a longing for more? To be whole and grow? We would be happy to accompany you!

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