It is hard to believe that we are nearing the end of 2020, which has probably been the most challenging year for a while, so let’s hope we can look forward to a brighter 2021. In this newsletter we have some news updates, latest discussions and a personal message from Dr McGilchrist to share with you.
Dr McGilchrist and Oxford University’s Silence Hub Reading Group November 2020
In November, Dr McGilchrist took part in an online event with TORCH, The Oxford Research Centre in the Humanities. Dr McGilchrist read some passages from The Master and His Emissary which were then discussed. This event was chaired by Willem Kuyken, Ribtlat Professor of Mindfulness and Psychological Science at the University of Oxford and the reading group is produced by the Silence Hub at the University of Oxford, whose co-convenors are Professor Kate McLoughlin, Professor Willem Kuyken and Dr Meryem Kalayci, and which is funded by The Oxford Centre for Research in the Humanities. You can watch the full video here.
Imaginal Inspirations podcast with Dr David Lorimer – Dr McGilchrist on spaciousness, Wordsworth and the soul
Imaginal Inspirations is hosted by David Lorimer, Programme Director of the Scientific and Medical Network and Chair of the Galileo Commission, an academic movement dedicated to expanding the evidence base of a science of consciousness.
Imaginal cells are responsible for the metamorphosis of the caterpillar into a butterfly, the Greek symbol for the soul. These cells are dormant in the caterpillar but at a critical point of development they create the new form and structure which becomes the butterfly.
In the podcast series Imaginal Inspirations, David Lorimer talks to transformational authors and scientists about the experiences, people and books that have shaped their life and work.In this podcast, David talks to Dr McGilchrist about spaciousness, Wordsworth and the soul. You can listen to the podcast here.
Have you been having obsessive thoughts? It could be a by-product of lockdown – Andrew Duncan’s article in the Telegraph
“So our brain structure gives obsessions an in-built importance. But why do they also get ‘stuck’ – and endlessly repeat? I believe that the answer lies in neuroscientist Professor Iain McGilchrist’s groundbreaking work.
In 2010 he published The Master and His Emissary. It made existing brain theory look superficial by showing that left and right hemispheres pay attention to the world in fundamentally different ways – in effect, our different ‘personalities’. He looked at how they worked, instead of what they did…” Real full article here.
And finally, a personal message of thanks and hope from Dr McGilchrist.
“I just want to thank you for subscribing to this newsletter and for taking an interest in Channel McGilchrist. The response to the launching of the Channel less than six months ago has been very heartening: and although this year has been a testing time for all of us, I believe some good may come of it, if we can just keep an open mind. Meanwhile I hope you may look forward to being able find ways to celebrate Christmas and the New Year with your family and loved ones.”
With warm wishes,
Iain McGilchrist
