Brain Education for Human Development & One Dollar Project
Brain Education for Human Development
& One Dollar Project
“I think I can, I think I can”. It seems as though this commonly known mantra has more power than we realize. According to the Brain Education Center of New York City - the brain does more than help you to put one foot in front of the other - the brain is a powerhouse of potential and kinetic energy that when mastered can make anything manifest. So how does one go about mastering their brain and harnessing their full brain potential? To answer this question and questions such as this, as well as, to spread awareness and educate, the potential of the human development through Brain Education on Thursday, March 19th hosted a 2-hour presentation on Brain Education and the services provided by the Korea Institute of Brain Science, the International Brain Education Association(IBREA). The ‘Brain Education for Human Development’ workshop was held in celebration of ‘Brain Awareness Week’ in partnership with the Dana Foundation. The event was also held in celebration of the launching of the “Brain World” magazine. This educational and interactive event was held at the United Nations in New York City with an array of guests ranging from UN staff to graduate students.
Moderated by Ms. Katie Brisley-Logue, a Brain Education instructor at the Brain Education Center of New York City, the event got underway with a reading of the Prayer of Peace, written by Brain Education founder Ilchi Lee, to illustrate the context in which Brain Education is positioned. Followed by this reading, an overview was given of the origin of Brain Education and the background on how Brain Education made its way to New York City. To lay the foundation for the significance of Brain Education, the event then turned to the expertise of New York University professor and researcher, Elkhonon Goldberg, Ph.D., ABPP to explain the structure and function of the brain. With enticing 3-D images and digestible lay terms, Dr. Goldberg conveyed the operational importance of the brain not only in our daily physical tasks, but our innate thoughts and emotions. It is from this understanding of how each region of the brain facilitates our physical, emotion, and cognitive well being, that Brain Education is established. Passion Jun, M.D. and Jennifer Sherwood, Ph.D. candidate further elaborated on Dr. Goldberg’s presentation by elucidating on and connecting the functions of the brain to what Brain Education is and the goals of Brain Education.
The purpose of Brain Education is to maximize ones full brain potential not only for oneself, but also for Human Development. The enhancement of our own potential and that of others through Human Development creates a space in which all can achieve their full potential, building on human capabilities to attain global peace of humankind. To address this purpose, five (5) steps or goals are set within Brain Education: 1. Brain Sensitizing; 2. Brain Versatilizing; 3. Brain Refreshing; 4. Brain Integrating; 5. Brain Mastering. It is through these five steps that one can channel their full brain potential, witnessing within themselves such things as improved motor and sensory skills, concentration, enhanced creative power and adaptability, and a greater spirit for others. In essence, the well-being of the individual and collective requires a balance of these functions.
To conclude the presentation and demonstrate how Brain Education implements these five steps, Ju Eun Shin, conducted a brief Brain Education exercise. Standing in the center of the room, Ms.Shin invited all of the attendees to get a sense of what the Brain Education Center has to offer individuals in assisting them to master their full brain potential. Ms. Shin lead the group through several relaxation stretches, which included reaching for your toes, stretching your sides, back and arms. Ms. Shin also led the group in abdominal warming and energy sensing exercises. While going through these she explained the purpose of the exercises and how relaxation and stretching activates the brain. Those who participate in these exercises on a regular basis can experience a wide range of benefits. These benefits include having more energy and stamina, enhanced memory and creativity, improved digestion and a deeper sense of peace.
At the end of the event, participants heard about IBREA’s new ‘$1 Project’ and its philosophy that each citizen of the earth has a responsibility to take care of their home and its inhabitants. For more information about One Dollar Project: www.ibrea.org/earth_citizen/one_dollar_project
To delve further into to the benefits of Brain Education and broaden attendee’s perspectives, a resource table overflowing with Brain Education materials such as various magazines, pamphlets and books to take home, offered additional information. Overall, the presentation hosted by IBREA on Brain Education left those that attended with a sense of more than “I think I can”, but “I know I can”.