“How is a logical question.” (Osho)
This is the line of questioning we’ve been trained to pursue since childhood.
“How do I get from point A to point B?”
“How can I get rich?”
“How do I solve this problem that’s causing me stress?”
This is the logical mind. The “logical left.”
The left hemisphere of the brain has been so thoroughly trained and uniquely promoted by societal institutions that many of us walk around in perpetual calculation mode.
I include myself in the mix. This constant line of thinking has caused me stress and anxiety throughout my life.
The constant rumination. Going over every detail to “ensure” the ideal outcome.
You’re in your head “planning” so much that you forget to live and enjoy life.
Life is not some dazzling future event.
Life is now.
Zen in the “Random Right”
When asked about Zen, Goso Hoyen (d.1104) would say, “Zen is like the art of burglary” and then proceed to tell a story.
A burglar was on the verge of retirement and his son was eager to learn the craft. So one night, the father broke into a house with his son.
They found a large chest and as soon as the boy climbed inside, the father locked the chest, made a ton of noise, and left.
The boy was angry. But without time to wallow in emotion, he began imitating the gnawing of a rat.
When a maid opened the chest, the boy jumped out and ran outside. Pursued by the owners of the house, he threw a large stone into a well and hid in the darkness.
While the people searched the well, the boy returned home. When he furiously confronted his father, the seasoned burglar calmly stated, “there you are, you have learned the art.”
When you’re in danger and your life is on the line, there’s no time to think logically. You can’t analyze potential solutions or detail a plan of action.
You’re intensely present and aware of your situation.
You commit to an action triggered by the “random right.”
The intuitive right hemisphere of the brain rejects details, goals, plans, and outcomes.
Intuition is pure awareness.
It’s Time for the Left to Share With the Right
“What happened in that moment the boy was inside the chest? In such a danger you cannot be sleepy, in such a danger your consciousness becomes sharp — has to. Life is at stake. You are totally awake.” (Osho)
You can harness this aliveness and alertness without experiencing a life-threatening situation.
In daily life, you can consciously choose to switch from the left to right.
All you have to do is remain present, stay attentive, and allow yourself to receive incredible insights from the universe.
The times when I’ve made this switch, it’s led me to life-changing events and extraordinary mental tranquility.
I’m not saying you should rip up your to-do list, burn your weekly schedule, and live a “fuck it” lifestyle 100% of the time.
All I’m saying is give the left side of your brain a breather. The right side is ready to hit the gas.
I’d love to hear your thoughts! Please comment below.
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Much Love & Be Well