Which way is the dancer spinning... clockwise or counter-clockwise?

Most people will see her turning counter-clockwise, which apparently means you're more left brained (logical). I see her spinning that way, and it's at first almost impossible to imagine her going clockwise. But it happens, usually by focusing or when something unexpectedly alters your perception.

Here's the typical run down on left versus right brain:

LEFT BRAIN FUNCTIONS

uses logic

detail oriented

facts rule

words and language

present and past

math and science

can comprehend

knowing

acknowledges

order/pattern perception

knows object name

reality based

forms strategies

practical

safe

RIGHT BRAIN FUNCTIONS

uses feeling

"big picture" oriented

imagination rules

symbols and images

present and future

philosophy & religion

can "get it" (i.e. meaning)

believes

appreciates

spatial perception

knows object function

fantasy based

presents possibilities

impetuous

risk taking

Many people associate the right brain with creativity and lateral thinking, and there's certainly something to that. Our left brains create structures that can act as barriers to alternative solutions and perspectives.

But your left brain plays a crucial role in creativity as well. Seeing logical associations between seemingly unrelated things is a hallmark of creativity. And the critical-thinking skills necessary to tell a good idea from a bad one are pretty important to.

So... tell us which way your dancer spins for you in the comments. And weigh in with your opinion about the right brain versus left brain for creativity... isn't it a really a "whole mind" thing?

About the Author: Brian Clark is a new media entrepreneur and co-founder of Lateral Action. Subscribe today to get free updates by email or RSS.

The post Which Way Do You Spin… Left Brain or Right Brain? appeared first on Mark McGuinness | Creative Coach.