Marry Left and Right Modes

The greatest scientists are artists as well ― Albert Einstein

Using both modes of thinking

Left mode and right mode designate two ways of knowing and seeing – the verbal, analytical mode and the visual, perceptual mode – no matter where they are located in the individual brain.

Left mode is a step-by-step style of thinking, using words, numbers and other symbols. Left mode strings things out in sequences, like words in a sentence.

Right mode on the other hand, uses visual information and processes, not step-by-step, but all at once, non-sequential way of perceiving, like when we recognise the face of a friend.

Left Mode                  Right Mode

Analysis                                      Rhythm
Logic                                          Size
Linearity                                     Spatial Awareness
Lists                                          Colour
Numbers                                     Daydreaming
Words                                         Wholeness
Verbal                                         Imagination
Reductive                                   Non-verbal
Rational                                      Intuitive
Sequence                                    Patterns
Serial                                         Pictures

“You have two brains: a left and a right. Modern brain scientists now know that your left brain is your verbal and rational brain; it thinks serially and reduces its thoughts to numbers, letters and words…  Your right brain is your non-verbal and intuitive brain; it thinks in patterns, or pictures, composed of ‘whole things,’ and does not comprehend reductions, either numbers, letters, or words.”    From The Fabric of Mind, by scientist and neurosurgeon, Richard Bergland.

Most activities we are occupied with require both modes, each contributing its special function, only a few activities require mainly one mode, without engaging the other. Drawing is one such activity.

Simply, in learning to draw, we need to make a mental shift from left mode thinking to right mode thinking. In a sense our logical left needs to be quieted, while our spatial, pattern perceiving right mode takes over. Our left mode which has to name and make critical judgements needs to sleep, while we freely play in the world of lines and patterns, shades and colour.  This everyone can learn.

We are all usually either left mode or right mode dominant. Whichever is our preferred mode, this is where we will generally find how we consider ourseves to be. If we are left mode dominant we often find ourselves in jobs that require order and diligence, structure and accuracy etc. If we are right mode dominant we will find ourselves in jobs and engaged in activities that give us a sense of fluidity, freedom and movement.

The process of creating (bringing our ideas into reality) requires a marrying or combining both our left and right modes of expression.

This balance most great creative’s have achieved to a lesser or greater degree. Creative individuals are remarkable for their ability to adapt and make the most of any situation, because they are able to move between both modes, and tend to make do with whatever is at hand to reach their goals.

It is not either or it is both!

Left Mode AND Right Mode

Discipline  AND  Playfulness and amiability
Responsibility  AND   Freedom
Doggedness and tenacious  AND  Light-hearted and bright
Endurance  AND  Playfully light attitude
Perseverance  AND  Cheerfully optimistic
Structured time management Sense of timelessness
Logical and reasoned  AND  Imagination and fantasy
Rooted sense of reality  AND  Go beyond what is consider real
Consistent factual base  AND  Creates new expressions of reality
Fixed and unchanging  AND  Changeable
Reliability   AND  Flexible and variable
Ordered approach  AND  Casual approach
Precise and accurate  AND  Fluid and spontaneous
Focus on current challenges  AND  Focus on future projects

Masculine or Active Left Mode Expressions

• Outward, directive, forceful, rigid, dominant

Feminine or Receptive Right Mode Expressions

• Inward, responsive, receptive, sensitive, nurturing, unguarded, open

Regardless of gender, truly creative individuals are more likely to have not only the strengths of their own gender but those of the other too, which in effect doubles their repertoire of responses.

It is possible to develop our non-dominant mode, if we can allow ourselves to venture in to that “unfamiliar territory” in order to balance our modes of thinking. There are techniques that encourage the opening and encorporating the these modes mode. Suzanne can help you to find the tools and techniques that are right for you.