Reviewed by E.B. Heath
We have two minds.
One thinks, the other knows.
Forrest Hayes
Steve Biddulph has revolutionized the left-brain (analytical and verbal) vs. right-brain (creative, emotional and non-verbal) paradigm by asserting that it is more accurately described as left mind, right mind, so giving some credence to the well-worn saying regarding indecision – ‘I’m in two minds’. Apparently, we actually have two separate minds. And, sadly, ignoring the wiser of the two. Wild Creature Mind is all about getting in touch with the right hemisphere mind. It is not an airy-fairy self-help book just extending the 1970s left and right brain dichotomy; rather it presents radical findings from neuroscience, neuro-imaging, and psychiatry to back up some very interesting claims.
The theory is that the right hemisphere of the brain, although non-verbal, is grounded in a more holistic reality, and is capable of managing subtle ambiguity. Both minds working in harmony provides the best outcome. This is how all animals live but humans have relied more on logical attributes. Given the animal reference, he has named the right hemisphere mind as a Wild Creature Mind. Personally, I think Clever Creature Mind more apt, particularly as being in harmony with this aspect of our biology brings peace, manages anxiety and other mental illness problems. But I digress… what follows is a snippet from a comprehensive guide.
Via a diagram it is shown that the right brain is strongly connected to the vagus nerve which travels widely throughout the body, this explains why the non-verbal right mind communicates through bodily signals. Biddulph explains in detail how the right mind works and how to ‘hear’ its non-verbals signals. When experiencing disturbing emotions, or just a feeling of unease, saying aloud the phrase ‘there is something in me’ sets off a process of recognition. By giving it attention, that is acknowledging its presence, while repeating ‘there is something in me’ has a remarkable effect on the brain. Noticing and responding to signals sent from the right hemisphere mind starts the process of synchronising the two hemispheres. Biddulph provides detailed exercises on further techniques: focusing, tremoring, and understanding how the right hemisphere mind communicates through dreams. The exercises are quite detailed, reading and practising simultaneously produces best result.
Biddulph details the neuroscience research and researchers that have been working on these new theories. Particularly, the work of Dr. Iain McGilchrist, who gained prominence as a literary scholar at Oxford, before studying medicine and specialising in psychiatry. He became the clinical director of the Maudsley Hospital in London, acclaimed for its work in psychiatry. While conducting research on schizophrenia and other disorders of the brain, McGilchrist became involved in neuro-imaging. Biddulph’s enthusiasm is clear:
McGilchrist argued – or demonstrated – that there was a reason we have a divided brain, and that healing depends on restoring the relationship between the two sides, and even more boldly, putting the better side in charge.
Reading Biddulph’s precise of McGilchrist’s work, readers might find themselves caught up in his ‘let’s save the world’ enthusiasm. However, there are other researchers of note, to name but a few: Albert Einstein, Ann Weiser Cornell and Eugene Gendlin’s work on ‘focusing’, Peter Levine’s Somatic Experiencing Therapy and Dr. Leslie Ellis, in the area of dream and nightmare treatment, and many more. All of whom give weight to the theories in Wild Creature Mind.
Biddulph keeps a bit of vital information until the end (p.290), where he discusses his experience at a meditation camp.
What meditation is, at its very heart, is a journey into Wild Creature Mind. To learn to be there for brief moments, and then slightly longer, and then one day, almost all the time. In Buddhism this is called ‘embodiment’ and it acknowledges that all we have to do to escape the traps of ego and endless monkey-mind in to be aware of our own inner and outer sensations, as they arise, and our thoughts will gradually quieten and become steady and calm.
I’m glad he included that, albeit briefly. It seems to be a vital technique, along with the above, supporting left and right hemisphere co-operation.
A most interesting book providing practical ways to enhance human intelligence and well-being, a valuable teaching tool for young and old alike.
Highly Recommended.
by Steve Biddulph
(2024)
Pan Macmillan Australia
Paperback
ISBN: 978 176156 078 1
$36.99; 320pp