Our ability to rationally consider concepts using our logic can be an advantage. With this ability, we can reflect objectively and come to conclusions that allow us to solve problems and anticipate future outcomes. Rational thinking, logic and calculations are commonly attributed to the left side of the brain. The right brain, on the other hand, facilitates abilities such as creativity, imagination and emotional intelligence. Since the dawn of the age of enlightenment and the famous words of Rene Descartes, “I think, therefore I am.” the left brain functions seem to have gained a lot of respect and credibility. What about the part of us beyond the rational thinking mind?
In a recent conversation with a journalist, we were discussing coaching and she told me that she just wasn’t convinced of the benefits of being coached. Having had professional coaching in the past, she felt she would have made the same choices on her own without going through this process. The coaching processes she tried didn’t appeal to her. “It just isn’t me” she explained, emphasising that she preferred a more logical, rational approach to life. However, a few years earlier, after her coaching, she made a major career change and overcame years of anxiety and difficulty sleeping. Maybe she could have achieved this without coaching but does that sound like a completely logical conclusion?’ Regardless of intelligence or education, anyone can convince themselves of erroneous beliefs. What seems like logic may be a rationalisation based on our personal bias, assumptions and mental models.
I am not trying to make a case for coaching. Instead, I want to point out that many of us may feel confident in our rational abilities because they are tangible and in some ways observable. However, most people lack the awareness of what happens below the level of conscious awareness and the impact this has on what we think, feel and believe. If we look at our psychology we are like an iceberg with the portion above the surface of our awareness making up a small fraction of the mind. Below the surface, we house our experiences, stories, emotions, biases, traumas, dreams, and values. It is important not to underestimate the value and importance of this part of who we are. More importantly, when we ignore or repress the communication from this part of us in the form of feelings, we risk mental and physical health issues.
We are complex beings and cannot solve all our problems or come to a better understanding of life only through rational thought. If we try to understand ourselves purely through reductionism we will only gain a superficial knowledge of our nature. You are so much more than the thoughts you think and what you see in the mirror. There are many different ways to tap into what is below the surface. I encourage everyone to explore more deeply who they are by whatever method suits them. To do so you will need to go beyond the rational thinking mind.
There was a time when I too thought like the journalist who I have described. Trying to be very logical gave me a greater sense of control. I also tried to explain away how I was feeling. Back then I didn’t take seriously the tools and processes that would later change my life. However, as I opened my mind and challenged my own biases I embraced the skills and habits that led to change. I am still a work in progress, as we all our. At times I trust my logic over my intuition only to find I was wrong. Other times my emotions lead to irrational actions, but I now have the tools to bring me back into balance. If we can find a balance between the rational and emotional elements of who we are we can embrace our full potential. In doing so we will also find more moments of authentic happiness.
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