Turn Left. Turn Right.

O.k., so we have learned that we human beings have a brain that has divided functions. And one of the generalized division of functions (that is shared by different parts of brain) is between what has been labeled the 'rational' brain (left side) and the emotional brain (right side.)

Also, we human beings are faced with making decisions on a regular basis - simple, easy, non-serious such as whether to have black tea or green tea for lunch or as life altering as whether to marry that foreign guy and move to Singapore for the rest of our lives.

Decisions can be very logical and rational or they can be made under the intense sway of emotions.

So, how to know what to base decisions on - the logical approach or the emotional approach.

Now, some say to 'trust your gut'. Yes, I agree to that to some extent BUT it has also been proven that sometimes our instincts (read gut) stem from past events that create unconscious/subconscious reactions that may not be that healthy.

Those of us in therapy have learned that some of our dysfunctions are rooted in long-time past experiences.

But, if we depend on only logical analysis to make decisions we may not be attending to important emotional needs that we carry within us.

So, how does one negotiate the rocky terrain between the rational brain and the emotional brain? How does one know whether to turn left or turn right?

I've learned when I am reacting emotionally to something, to take the time to work backward from that emotion to find the thoughts that are driving that emotion. That way I can decide whether my emotions are based on rational thinking or if they aren't and work from there. Generally, the stronger and more intense the emotional reaction, the more irrational the thinking behind that reaction is (for me anyway).

Do I manage this successfully every time? Heck no! But it is something I keep working on and it does help when I can manage it successfully.

Dr Phil calls it being old enough to see around corners. To be able to predict with some certainty how things are going to turn out, and be able to live with that vision, i.e., not deny its veracity?

I list the consequences, pro and con

before long it becomes very apparent whether emo or rational brain are giving out sound advice or not.

I don't think I've ever regretted a decision I made after doing this. it works....

I don't see it as black and white. I find it helpful to take input from both the logical and emotional parts of the brain. I have certainly seen examples where I relied too much on one or the other so I strive now for balance. In general, I have in the past relied too much on the rational and logical. Therapy has helped me respect and try to integrate the emotional side. I am still learning and make mistakes, but I am doing better than I was before when I overemphasized the rational. I don't have a special method for using both types of input. Just respecting that each has value and not trying to be all one or the other.

I approach it like people generally make the best decisions they can with the information they have at the time of the decision. That can include using both real information and emotional.

When you say "left or right brain", I say "head or heart". Your way is more accurate anatomically, but I prefer metaphors. I'm assuming we mean the same thing.

For decades, I have always led with my head, but I am coming to realise that the heart is not stupid and is worth listening to.

The heart is the seat of values and desires. Without values and desires, what's the point of choosing?

So I say, let the heart tell me where I want to go and the head will get me there.

Fashion! Turn to the left
Fashion! Turn to the right
Oooh, fashion!
We are the goon squad
And we're coming to town
Beep-beep
Beep-beep

I have a rule to never follow my heart, because it always messes me up. I do much better with logical decisions. H is emotive though, so if I work with him on big decisions it goes well.