With my commitment to lifelong learning I am continually searching and finding thought leaders that spark fresh insights and generate new knowledge in my mind. Having discovered the field of interpersonal neurobiology a couple of years ago, I have recently been excited to learn more about the brilliant work of Daniel J. Siegel PhD.
In Mindsight, Dr. Siegel speaks eloquently about the practice of mindsight as a potent skill that is the basis of social and emotional intelligence. In the framework of the Triangle of Wellness, which comprises of the mind, the brain and relationships, Dr. Siegel explains how the flow of information and energy in the mind can actually shapes the brain through neuroplasticity. Along with its richness of content this most readable book also concludes on a point that converges with one of the main themes at the heart of my book Living Forward, Giving Back; that we are inextricably connected in the human family to which we all belong. You may see more info about my book in the bookstore of my website.
Of particular relevance to the field of personal transformation, Dr. Siegel speaks of processes of integration that enhance the connectedness between different parts of our brain and our body and bridge the past to our present and future. In my work as a life transition coach I sometimes hear people say that they want to forget about their past as they strive to create a better future. But in reality, true liberation from the past is better accomplished by integrating its determining moments and drawing meaning from them. What’s more, in the process of shifting difficult experiences of our past out of our implicit memory, we become better able to make conscious choices. We are then freer to lead our lives with clear intentions, creativity and responsiveness rather than being trapped in auto-pilot reactivity to emotionally loaded past events that reside below the surface of our awareness.
