A Stroke of Insight

In the summer 2010, my Dad had a stroke. I was on the phone with him when it happened.  Of course, I didn't know it at the time and he probably didn't either.  He began to repeat his words and seemed to not be able to say anything else.  A few hours later he was in the hospital a getting the help he needed.  Months later, after a long recovery, he ultimately recovered much of his speech.  I was with Dad during much of his initial time in the hospital and recovery. One of the things that struck me the most was how he had changed after his recovery.  He was more peaceful.  It was as though his personality had changed temporarily as a result of this.  Although much of his cognitive functioning was compromised as he recovered, this aspect of his stroke seemed like a positive change.  I asked him one day what he felt in his mind regarding his memory, cognitive function and this change in his countenance.  Regarding his change in countenance, his said something to the effect of... I am more content in just being.

Take a moment to watch this beautiful and emotional description by Jill Bolte Taylor, as she describes her experience of having a stroke.  At the end she describes that we all have a choice to choose between right brain and left brain activity...and when. I believe this is true. Her experience is so similar to my personal experience in many ways and others I have read about.  I think there must be a way we can all learn to access the positive insights that she describes.  (..without having a stroke!!)

Her Book is My Stroke of Insight.


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