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Brain gym to boost 'untapped genius'It's time to turn on your brainpower and get ahead, say the experts. Einstein developed a whole theory about it but most of us can't even understand the principle of relativity. If Einstein's brain was human like the rest of us, does that mean we are all lagging behind or that there is untapped genius in each of us? The answer, it seems, is yes on both counts. We are potential geniuses but some of us lag behind because we haven't learnt how to switch on our brains. We need to switch on our brainpower and use our brains to full capacity, especially if we want to get ahead in the knowledge economy that we are becoming. Brainpower, it is said, will be the dominant resource of the 21st century. "We need to learn to tap into our higher intelligence and to deal with stress, emotions and personal circumstances that may hinder our intellectual performance," says Mark Jansen, motivational speaker and presenter of Brain Power seminars. Delegates from leading organisations such as Absa, Sasol and McDonalds SA have attended these seminars. Jansen, who has a background in IT, has been researching the brain for the past 12 years. Due to personal circumstances, he started studying the phenomenon of stress, its causes and how to best deal with it. "I discovered that stress is an enemy of thinking," he says. "And that set the ball rolling, I had to know more about this wonderful source of infinite power that we call the brain." The brain can be divided into three sections, Jansen explains. There is the emotional brain that controls our emotions, the higher thinking brain or neocortex that enables us to learn and create, and the brain stem that controls survival functions. "Due to the stressful lives we lead, most of us use the brain stem or lower thinking brain the most," he points out. "That is why we remain in survival mode." To reach higher levels of performance and enjoy happier lives, we need to go beyond survival. A basic understanding of the functioning of the brain makes it easier to make the necessary transition from survival to thrive mode and by applying simple techniques we can improve the efficiency of our brains. "The economic recession and overall negative mood traps us into survival thinking," says Jansen. "A creative brain will seek positive solutions rather than stagnate on problems. It will be magic when we can all switch on our higher thinking brain. Einstein went from high school drop-out to being one of the greatest minds of the 20th century - and so can each of us reach higher levels in our work and personal lives." He suggests the following tips to unleash brainpower:
Once you can do the above, you should discover a new calmness and creativity… an indication that your higher thinking brain has been activated. You need to practice those steps for as long as you want your brain to think freely and productively. Rita Edwards, a Brain Gym consultant, agrees that your brain needs constant stimulation. "Brain Gym techniques stimulate the brain, allowing all its parts to integrate for better performance," she says. "The movements can be done whenever you need them. In times of stress which leads to unclear thinking, the techniques allow you to deal with the stress right away." When you're about to give a speech or write an exam, you can use Brain Gym techniques to put you in the "right" zone. "We teach you to use your whole brain and to listen to your body," says Edwards. "Then you can work more effectively, be more creative, be healthier and have more energy. Edwards, who travels the world to teach other Brain Gym instructors, believes that Brain Gym offers good career options for those interested in complimentary health modalities. "As a consultant you can be self-employed and offer your services to school learners, tertiary students, working people and anyone who wants to train their brain to perform at their personal best," she says. For more on Brain Gym contact Rita Edwards on edukafrica@iafrica.com See also: |
