Uniting the Four Brain Model with the Four Elements: A Path to Personal Development and Higher Consciousness
Introduction
We are creators by nature, weaving the elements of conscious awareness into and out of the basic elements of nature. This includes the densest type of matter and the most fleeting dimensions. We are souls playing in the physical universe. Our creative nature is rooted in these aspects of the intellect, experience, and expression.
By utilizing both the elements of our consciousness and the creative elements of earth, our minds can play in the realm of possibilities, probabilities, and potential.
The relationship between the four components of conscious experience and the four main brain functions is explored in this post. We will see, in their correlation that mental processes and our phenomenological experiences (expressed in our intuitions, feelings, senses, and thoughts) find synchronicity, balance, flow, and creativity. Here, the working of the mind and conscious experience and expression correlate.
The Four Brain Model
Our brain is an incredibly complex organ with various regions responsible for different functions. For the purpose of this discussion, we’ll focus on four primary areas as discussed in the Four Brain Model:
1. Left Prefrontal Cortex Functioning- Analytical Intelligence
2. Right Prefrontal Cortex Functioning- Creative Intelligence
3. Right Hemispheric Functioning- Relational “Emotional” Intelligence
4. Left Hemispheric Functioning- Operational Intelligence
The Four Elements
In many spiritual and philosophical traditions around the world and throughout recorded history, human experience is divided into four elements that represent different aspects of reality. These elements are:
- Air: Intellectual, relational, communication, rational, reasoning, systems thinking.
2. Fire: Intuitive, creative, visionary, projective, innovative, energetic, spiritual.
3. Water: Emotional, feelings, inner meaning, depth, inner truth, psyche, subconscious.
4. Earth: Sensible, sensory-oriented, organized, process-oriented, systems design, creative, grounded, rooted, resourceful.
Uniting the Four Brain Model with the Four Elements
By uniting the four brain model with the four elements, we can create a powerful framework for personal development, shamanic consciousness, and higher consciousness. This integration helps us understand our cognitive and emotional experiences more holistically and offers a way to align our inner and outer worlds for maximum growth.
1. Air and Left Prefrontal Cortex Functioning
The left prefrontal cortex, associated with logical reasoning, decision making, and planning, corresponds with the Air element. By honing our Air-related skills, we can develop our ability to communicate effectively, form meaningful relationships, and think systemically.
Embracing the Air element means cultivating a sharp, analytical mind that can identify patterns, evaluate situations, and plan for the future.
2. Fire and Right Prefrontal Cortex Functioning
The right prefrontal cortex, linked to creativity, intuition, and innovation, aligns with the Fire element. By tapping into our Fire-related abilities, we can ignite our inner visionary, harness our spiritual energy, and bring our most creative ideas to life.
Embracing the Fire element means stepping into our personal power, taking risks, and exploring the realm of “what if.”
3. Water and Right Hemispheric Functioning
The right hemisphere, responsible for processing emotions and understanding the bigger picture, resonates with the Water element. By embracing our Water-related qualities, we can delve into our emotional depths, uncover our inner truths, and foster personal transformation.
Embracing the Water element means learning to navigate our subconscious mind, develop emotional intelligence, and understand the underlying motivations behind our actions and choices.
4. Earth and Left Hemispheric Functioning
The left hemisphere, associated with sensory perception, organization, and practical problem-solving, aligns with the Earth element. By developing our Earth-related skills, we can create a solid foundation for our lives, improve our ability to manage resources, and design effective systems for achieving our goals. Embracing the Earth element means staying grounded, connecting with our senses, and maintaining a strong connection to the physical world.
Spiraling into Our Center of Awareness
As we integrate the four brain model with the four elements, we can create a powerful spiral of self-awareness and personal growth. By understanding the interconnected nature of our cognitive and emotional processes, we can develop a more balanced, holistic approach to personal development and higher consciousness.
To engage with this spiral of growth, consider the following steps:
1. Reflect: Take time to explore your thoughts, emotions, and experiences in relation to the four brain model and the four elements. Identify areas where you feel strong and areas where you may need further development.
2. Cultivate: Focus on developing the skills and qualities associated with each brain region and element. For example, practice mindfulness meditation to improve left prefrontal cortex functioning, or engage in creative activities to strengthen right prefrontal cortex functioning.
3. Balance: Ensure that you are giving equal attention to all four brain regions and elements in your personal development journey. Strive for balance between logic and intuition, practicality and creativity, and emotional depth and intellectual clarity.
4. Integrate: Recognize the interconnected nature of your cognitive and emotional processes and seek to create harmony between the four brain regions and elements. This can be achieved through activities such as journaling, art therapy, or engaging in holistic practices like yoga or tai chi.
5. Expand: As you become more attuned to the four brain model and the four elements, expand your awareness to encompass not only your personal growth but also your impact on the world around you. Consider how you can use your newfound understanding to contribute positively to your community, environment, and the collective consciousness.
Uniting the four brain model with the four elements offers a unique and transformative approach to personal development, shamanic consciousness, and higher consciousness.
By understanding and embracing the qualities associated with each brain region and element, we can create a dynamic and balanced approach to self-growth and self-awareness.
This integration helps us spiral into our center of awareness, fostering a deeper connection with ourselves and the world around us, and empowering us to spiral out into the world to create a more fulfilling, purpose-driven life.
