Of Two Minds

Neuroanatomist Jill Bolte Taylor had an opportunity few brain scientists would wish for: one morning, she realized she was having a massive stroke.

As it happened—as she felt her brain functions slip away one by one, speech, movement, understanding— she studied and remembered every moment. Her explanation about how our brains define us and connect us to the world and to one another is amazing.

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UyyjU8fzEYU&hl=en]

Of course we don’t all have to have a stroke to understand the beauty of things exactly as they are. The four questions and turnarounds are enough. You can end your own your suffering.

After watching this video, I emailed Dr. Jill:

Dear Dr. Jill,

When I saw the video of your wonderful description of your stroke of insight, I recognized your experience immediately. Although I didn’t have a stroke or other physical triggering event, one morning in 1986 I died as a suffering 43-yr-old woman and woke up in a state of joy that has never left me. At first there was only laughter, as a wordless inquiry burned up every concept that I had lived by. I no longer believed my thoughts-or, as you might say it, the output of my left brain lost its hold on me forever.

In time the inquiry took a form that allows me to offer it to others and, when I saw that it’s possible for anyone to live as I do, it became my full-time job to facilitate the process of what I call The Work. I have written about this in several bestselling books, and I would love it if you could visit my website, www.thework.com, where there are videos that show me doing The Work with a variety of people. I’m curious to know your reaction and hope we can meet in person someday.

Loving what is, and that would be you,
Katie

Her reply:

Dear Katie, thank you for this kind message.

I love The Work and the message you have given the world. I read Loving What Is a couple of years ago and started giving your book to everyone I knew who needed a shift in perception. I created a Brain/Body/Mind curriculum for Indiana University and your book was on the reading list. That course was before its time at the university and never ran, but I think it will one day in the future.

I really appreciate your reaching out to me. As you can imagine I am receiving over 100 emails a day and trying to keep my head above the flood. All kinds of doors are opening to me. If you have any advice I would love to speak with you. You have been on this wild ride and I value your opinion! I wish you all the best, and I am sure that one day we will stand in the presence of one another and be at one with all that is!

Thank you again for your kindness and the gift you have given our planet.

Jill