Dahn Yoga

Center Yourself

Several studies have shown that very specific, concrete things happen in the brain when you meditate. During meditation brain waves resemble those seen when someone is asleep and dreaming. But, unlike when you are asleep, you are fully conscious when you meditate. You could look at meditation as a kind of waking sleep, a time when you have consciously and purposely allowed your brain to rest and relax deeply.
Meditation could be described as happiness training.
Dr. Richard Davidson of the University of Wisconsin theorizes that meditation increases activity in the left prefrontal cortex, which is associated with feelings of contentment and joy. The more you practice meditation, the more your brain will gain the habit of using these regions of the brain. Also, scientists
have noted that meditation calms activity in the amygdala, which is responsible for fear and stress responses.
Research confirms that meditation has surprisingly profound effects on the structure and function of the brain. In one study of Buddhist monks, who usually meditate for many hours a day, the cortical regions of the monks’ brains were found to be much thicker than average, suggesting a much greater capacity for deep concentration. Furthermore, the monks showed greater activity in the areas of the brain associated
with happiness, something we all want for our lives.

“Brain Management” by Ilchi Lee

Posted: September 30th, 2008 under Brain Education, Dahn Yoga.
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The Gift of a Child’s Brain

If you know my work at all, you know I have great passion for the potential of the human brain. I have great belief in the ultimate goodness that is inherent in every person’s brain, but there is no greater gift on the planet, in my view, than the brain of a child.

It is cliché to say, “Our children are our future,” but it really is true and an important thing to consider. In particular, our children’s brains will determine the fate of humanity and the planet. A child’s brain is like a work of art in progress, and every experience that a child has affects the final result. This is why we must think very carefully about how we educate our children’s brains, not only through our traditional educational systems, but through all the information we impart to them through cultural and parental example.

In many ways, our current educational system does not do justice to our children’s brains. The traditional foundations of education are the “three R’s: reading, writing, and ‘rithmetic.” All of these follow the left-brain dominance that our society seems to reward. I believe that the brain hides many other creative and intuitive gifts that will become increasingly important in the modern world.

This past week, the Fourth Annual Brain HSP Olympiad was held in the United Nations building in New York City. The Olympiad exists as a true celebration of the vast abilities of the human brain. Here, children and adults can show talents that are rarely appreciated in typical academic competitions.

For me, the event brings great hope with it. The United Nations represents humanity’s enduring desire to come to come together in peaceful unity, so it is very meaningful to me to see it held there. So far, our highly developed analytical minds have done little to ensure a peaceful world. But as I watch these children, I have no reason to despair whatsoever, and many reasons to hope.

Posted: September 26th, 2008 under Brain Education, Dahn Yoga.
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8 Weeks to A Younger You: A Guide for Improving Your Mind and Body

In their book, In Full Bloom: A Brain Education Guide for Successful Aging, Ilchi Lee and Dr. Jessie Jones write: “The truth about the aging brain is simple but extraordinary: you can have a fit brain at age 60, 70, 80 and beyond. It’s simply a matter of choice.”

This guide, “Eight weeks to a younger you,” has been developed to help you with these small choices—to give you the foundation from which you can build a healthier mind and body.

The guide is based upon Ilchi Lee’s Brain Education System Training (BEST), a five-step mind-body training program that helps unlock the brain’s true potential, and it will take you through the five levels of BEST:

1. Brain sensitizing
2. Brain versatilizing
3. Brain refreshing
4. Brain integrating
5. Brain mastering

As you work your way through this program, you will begin to notice changes to your mind and body. You will begin to discover your Ki, your life energy, and gain a greater connection with yourself. At the conclusion of this program, you will have established a pattern of healthy mind-body exercise that can benefit you everyday of your life.

The only catch is this: it is your choice…rather your series of choices, and it is up to you to make the right ones.

You can do it!

Posted: September 24th, 2008 under Brain Education, Dahn Healing System, Dahn Yoga.
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Growth and completion

Many people say they want to grow . When I first heard a grown-up said she wanted to grow, I felt a bit weird. "Does she want to grow more at her 50s? What does she mean by growing ? Getting even taller?" Later I read a Ilchi Lee’s book at my Dahn Yoga Center and I found out what she meant by it. I also found out that there were many people who want to grow. I also want to grow now, since I know what growth means for my life.

Ilchi Lee gives a message Toward Completion . I am very inspired by a word he used.  It is "completion." I am very inspired by the fact that there is a state of completion in life. And in the path of completion, we should not hope pain disappear. We shall ride on the pain. Life is in itself suffering. All human beings are to die someday. If we think about death all the time, life will be very depressing and fearful. Let’s not hide from fear but ride on the fear.

Posted: August 6th, 2008 under Dahn Yoga.
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