“Don’t leave home without your left hemisphere.”
—Michael Gazzaniga
I came across this quote recently and needed help understanding it. I know no one can really leave half of their brain behind, even if it sometimes seems that way, but what is this quote really about?
It refers to the theory that the brain’s left hemisphere controls logic, reasoning, and analytical tasks, while the right hemisphere is all about creativity, intuition, and emotions.
The quote reminded me of an American Express commercial, the one with Karl Malden warning us, “Don’t leave home without it.” Honestly, I can think of several times I’d have been much better off if I’d left the credit card at home.
Then it occurred to me how much we tend to bring when we leave our homes. No matter where we go, we are all carrying several pounds of “stuff.”
Some of it is necessary; even just for a quick jog, it’s good to have an ID on you. That’s not all, though. Every job has some required gear. You might need a briefcase with a laptop, notebooks, and paperwork, for example.
But more than that, people who are way more organized than I am often fill the trunks of their cars with changes of clothes, hats, mittens, first aid kits, road flares, cases of bottled water, some snacks, blankets, bear repellent, and snake anti-venom. OK, maybe they don’t have bear repellent and snake anti-venom, but they seem prepared for just about anything.
I often see people juggling a tote bag, a large Dunkin’ iced regular, a massive water bottle, a smartphone, earbuds, and so much more. Hydration is essential, but how did we reach a point where we can’t go to the bank or the post office without guzzling 48 ounces of water?
If I ever break down on the side of the road in the middle of nowhere, I’m a goner. My trunk contains a set of pickleball paddles, an extra pair of socks, a protein bar that expired in 2012, and a phone book. Yes, there is an actual phone book in my car, and I have no idea why. I can’t have any more useless crap with me; I’m already at critical mass.
I went to Vermont last week for a family funeral, and with the recent flooding, I did at least pack an extra phone charger, a jug of water, and a bag of chips. I brought my work laptop as well.
When I arrived and pulled it out to catch up, I realized I had forgotten the charger at home. There wasn’t much battery life left, and no one had a charger that matched mine.
Was the universe trying to tell me something? Would it be the end of the world if some of my work had to wait a few days?
Of course not. I made some notes on paper and called it done. I’m grateful to have understanding employers who get that life will throw a curveball from time to time and that the death of a family member often comes without warning.
Maybe it’s time to rethink what we carry with us. Yes, we need the basics and a few safety items, but what’s more important are healthy doses of patience, compassion, and empathy.
Leaving behind my laptop charger didn’t impact my week at all, but the friendship I witnessed, the small acts of kindness that were bigger than life, and the company of precious people made all the difference in the world.
Patience, compassion, and empathy might not fit in a tote bag or live in the left hemisphere, but perhaps it’s the right brain we shouldn’t leave home without, after all.
Brenda Kelley Kim has lived in Marblehead for 50 years, and is an author, freelance writer, and mother of three. Her column appears weekly.