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.
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
Comments (12)
I bought her book immediately and love that the entire world is simply a figment of my imagination. Left brain keeps the illusion alive and well and when Byron Katie says there's nothing here she means that literally! I've been doing the work extensively and exclusively on the concept "I am a person" I have absolutely no proof of that. I even made a list of body parts trying to prove it and it's simply not true. I am whatever my left brain tells me I am and my parents are the ones who told me who I was-all untrue
Posted by Carla Jo Wilson | February 1, 2009 8:18 AM
Posted on February 1, 2009 08:18
Isn't it a wonderful feeling that comes to us as we discover that we always have the choice of feeling connection or feeling separation with others, depending on which path is most joyful at the time?
Posted by Turil | June 3, 2008 6:42 AM
Posted on June 3, 2008 06:42
Thank you for that. Jill Bolte Taylor's My Stroke of Insight is one of the most incredible stories I've heard in a long time. Her TEDTalk video blew my mind wide open to new possibilities. On the one hand, there's what she went through and how she emerged from it. On the other hand, there's what she can teach all of us.
I saw the 4 part Oprah interview on Oprah dot com Soul Series and I did learn a lot from that, but I'd like to find our more of how to do what Dr. Taylor did, without having a stroke of course!
Thin how many of us are living too much in the head, and not the heart. And of course, you can't get more left brain than a Harvard Brain Scientist. Isn't it ironic that she should be the one to have the stroke and transform from the quintessential left brainer into this ""seen the light"" disciple of finding inner peace?
I hope this movement keeps going. Maybe there will be My Stroke of Insight classes where we can practice what Jill Bolte Taylor is preaching.
Posted by Marilyn | June 2, 2008 1:28 AM
Posted on June 2, 2008 01:28
Jill: Thank you for sharing your story and now your life's work. I am a professional that has found herself in a similar situation. I had a stroke at 48 and it has been 3 years. I have recovered and back in my professional career but I know my life has changed completely but yet, I haven't quite found the answer yet. I find myself often outside me as a person and you begin to question what is the real reality.
Shelly
Posted by shelly | April 29, 2008 11:06 AM
Posted on April 29, 2008 11:06
Wow- I must say this blows my mind. Or rather, minds!
Thanks for enlightening us, KT!
Posted by Jason T | April 19, 2008 5:07 PM
Posted on April 19, 2008 17:07
thats an amazing story,i always had the idea that the sides of the brain had to merge to be whole,but i think it works both ways,like when inquiry is started,then the brain responds and starts to physically merge,leaving a whole being,and a whole brain.
Posted by lloyd | April 19, 2008 7:12 AM
Posted on April 19, 2008 07:12
I've had similar problems in the past but they were not severe. It was a feeling of something pricking my heart. when I find myself in that situation I'd close my eyes and think as if my whole body is made out of steel (like in the Terminator movie)suddenly there is a perception shift
and I recover quickly.
I know not everyone can use this but you can try it for minor ailments Just for the records I haven't walked in to a hospital for the past 6 years.
Posted by Rame | April 19, 2008 12:46 AM
Posted on April 19, 2008 00:46
I am astounded at the fast rate (not really) all professions are mering into one in their work when one becomes awake.
Katie, you picked me out of a group to do the work in 1997 in Houston. I sat with you, angry and resentful turning around all judgments on my mother. I have kept the original work sheet. Of course I will never forget that day and my profound shift. I have yet to attend your school but I can say that the work
NEVER left me. I say the work does me most of the time. I have been an assistant district attorney for 19 years and I can report that as a result of the work.. I can obviously see through all the issues and facilitate a just result as well as point victims to your web site. What used to be a stessful job is
well..Joy. For years people have been asking me whats my secret for staying so calm through major life changes(divorce)
or big criminal trials etc. Its always been the work or Byron Katie or eckhard tolle.
I live in Austin, Tx now its time for you to come back to Texas don't ya think?
Is it true? YES!!!!!!
Love to see you again, this email is 11 years overdue.
Kathy Holton
Posted by Kathy Holton | April 18, 2008 9:04 PM
Posted on April 18, 2008 21:04
Dear Katie...just watched the video. Oh*my*Goddess...moving, touching, inspiring all at once but basically:
"beyond words".
THANK YOU so much for sharing this with us!!!
Walk in Magic & Beauty,
Nicole
PS: Belated thanx for an awesome event in Berlin last summer ;o)
Posted by Nicole | April 16, 2008 11:12 AM
Posted on April 16, 2008 11:12
Katie...
Thank you for sharing this. I cannot express how grateful I am to have watched the video. Up until tonight, I didn't know how to conceive of the concept of Oneness. Having heard Dr. Taylor's description of the self being way too large to contain in her tiny body, I felt a surge of appreciation and understanding for all that is, and all that lies within (and outside of) me.
Peace and appreciation,
Lauren
Posted by Lauren | April 15, 2008 9:28 PM
Posted on April 15, 2008 21:28
Thank you Katie, for this and everything. It was so moving watching this video. Choosing the right hemisphere, maybe it doesn't have to be so confusing, but why is this hard to understand much of the time?
Love,
Mac
Posted by Mac | April 15, 2008 11:36 AM
Posted on April 15, 2008 11:36
Katie - thanks for sharing this. What a great video! Her experience is a wonderful example. I learned so much by it. Thanks again.
Posted by Dave | April 15, 2008 5:37 AM
Posted on April 15, 2008 05:37