Episode 4, part 3 of a 5 part mini-series. In this episode we explore one of several possibilities that may have contributed to Western cultures becoming left-brain dominant. The rigidity of left-brain dominant cultures may well lead to the demise of said cultures, such as the demise of the United States as a global power, and the gradual disintegration of the EU that we are witnessing today.

Could the left/right brain imbalance in Western society be—at least in part—genetic?

Episode 4 is a mini-series broken up over 4 parts. This is part 1 of 4, in which we recap previous episodes, summarizing the nature of left/right brain hemisphere imbalance, and its impact on the individual and society as a whole.

We then introduce some ideas as to what forces might be at play to cause a society to become left-brain dominant (such as the USA and most Western countries). Here we explore the possibility of genetic flaws and possible cultural forces, such as institutional degradation and religion.

In this episode, episode 4 part 1, we present an overview. Parts 2 through 4 will explore each factor in more detail.

In this episode we explore the connection between the active flow state, as first described by psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi.

and what we refer to as "passive flow", a state typically characterized by an abundance of alpha and theta brain wave activity.

Sadly, We Live in an Unbalanced Society

Most neuroscientists agree that most western societies have become “unbalanced” with the left brain dominating the right. This has led to many of the social ills we are experiencing today.

In this episode, we interview artist and inventor James Wilson, inventor of the Flow Machine. We discuss the effects of hemispheric imbalance on the individual and on our society as a whole.

Sadly, We Live in a Highly Unbalanced Society

Many neuroscientists agree that most western societies have become “unbalanced” with the left brain becoming dominant over the right. This can lead to many of the social ills we are experiencing today.

This episode discusses an experiment that was performed at the Nova University biofeedback labs. This study showed that the group watching "The Flow Machine" had their right brain hemisphere stimulated and subsequently recovered from stressors significantly faster than those in the control group. It also explores possible applications, not just for stress reduction but also potentially for increasing ones capacity for creativity and empathy.