Sep 21 2008
Brain Respiration and Brain Science
Past and current brain research has tended to concentrate on anatomical and physiological aspects of the brain. Medical science has advanced enough so that we can, in real time, examine and chart the chemical and physical changes that the brain undergoes when exposed to different stimuli. However, although the brain is the site of various biological functions including hormonal production, neural activity, and blood flow it is also the seat of consciousness where contemplation, analysis, deduction, and creativity are somehow manifested. Consciousness defines the essence of what it means to be a human being, yet explaining consciousness has been one of the most challenging goals of all scientific study of the brain. As an experiential study of the human brain, Brain Respiration also purports to provide a complete understanding of consciousness.
Dr. Ilchi Lee writes in his book that all of our emotions, thoughts, and actions are the result of brain activity. Personality, habits, and characteristics that define “me” are expressions of the information stored in the brain. To understand the brain is to understand the human, and to explain the brain is to explain the human.
Anatomical research has long been the objective of traditional science, while the study of human consciousness has traditionally been the domain of religion and psychology. In order to form a complete and comprehensive picture of a human being, we must now bring the two aspects of brain exploration together. To understand human beings, we must understand the human brain. Our collective future depends on our ability to understand ourselves by understanding our brain. How can we utilize our brains to optimize health and happiness, to raise the collective human consciousness, and to lead more peaceful and creative lives? These important questions await our research efforts.
In Yoga Studio Brain Respiration, the three main tools used for the enhancement of brain power are energy, message, and action. Energy refers to Ki, or life energy flow. Message refers to the information we are subjected to, and action refers to movement, or physical exercise. First, Brain Respiration utilizes the flow of energy to restore the energy balance of the body. This creates conditions for optimal health of the brain. Second, by developing the discerning, processing, and generating ability of the brain, Brain Respiration provides the brain with the ability to supply itself with a steadv flow of “good” information. Third, in order to awaken the whole brain, Brain Respiration offers a five-step system of special exercises designed to challenge and stimulate various parts of the brain.
Industrialized nations of the world are spending billions of dollars to research the brain. However, in order for brain research to become truly useful to society, we need to develop a comprehensive approach that includes all three avenues, the physical, the energetic, and the informational, which lead to transformation of the brain. We especially need to research the nature and effect of energy on the body and mind. When we have gained a deeper and wider understanding of ourselves, on more than just the physical plane, we will have taken that first step to understanding a larger picture of life.
[...] This exercise is designed to strengthen, rejuvenate, and energize the body. [...]