How much brain power do we really have? According to K.H. Pribram, a neuro-scientist, the brain processes information in wave-frequency patterns (an extremely efficient method), holding unimaginable quantities of data—more than 280 quintillion (280,000,000,000,000,000,000) bits of information in its database. This amount of information is what constitutes the average adult human’s memory accumulated over a lifetime. So our brain is a miraculous storehouse, composed of an amazing amount of data, as memories. Our subconscious mind moves through this storehouse, pulling up memories as though they are happening now because it doesn’t operate on a timeline of past or future. Then, the brain processes the subconscious mind’s interpretations and directs the conscious mind to make choices and take action; yielding and creating events in our outer world.
How can you increase your brain’s power? First let’s take a look at the processes of both hemispheres of the brain. A great deal of research has been conducted for decades on what has come to be called “Brain Dominance Theory,” also known as split-brain research. The findings of this research indicate that each hemisphere of the brain tends to specialize in and preside over different functions, process different kinds of information, and deal with different kinds of problems. Here are some differences between the two hemispheres.
The Left Hemisphere· Uses logic & reason |
The Right Hemisphere· Uses intuition & emotions |
While our birthright is the natural ability to operate simultaneously out of both sides of the brain, life experiences often trigger a dominance of one side over the other when responding to specific situations. Our goal is to increase “cross talk” between the two brain hemispheres, thereby achieving a more whole-brained state, which will increase our own brain’s power.
Within the brain, between the two hemispheres is a broad, thick band, consisting of millions and millions of nerve fibers called the Corpus Callosum. This portion of the physical brain is the connector that facilitates or transfers communication between both hemispheres. It is an important site where all of the nerves come into the brain as receptors and interpreters of information. Studies show that the more dense this area of the brain is, the more complete the connection is between left and right hemispheres. This is also the only part of the brain where new nerve cells can grow and multiply. Being in a whole-brain state more often during each day stimulates this area of the brain to become denser with more nerve and cells, thus creating a greater capacity for communication between both hemispheres. Greater communication between both hemispheres means greater access and use of the stored information in both of the hemispheres of your brain, therefore greater brain power!
The process of ‘cross crawling’ was first introduced by Paul Dennison in his Educational Kinesiology program designed to help children with learning disabilities. Dennison discovered that by simply crossing the center point of the body with arms and legs causes the nerves in the Corpus Callosum to fire, thus stimulating this central area of the brain, creating greater more energized and balanced connection between left and right brain hemispheres. Whole-brain exercises, like the one shown in the drawings below take only a few seconds and can be done anywhere, easily. Whole brain thinking, an outcome of doing a simple exercise, increases one’s ability to accomplish and achieve increased brain power by causing both sides of the brain to function in an expanded, more energized and balanced state.
Stand up and march in place, alternately touching each elbow to the opposite knee. Do this activity 10-15 times. Because "Cross Crawls" cross our center body midline, they activate both the left and right brain simultaneously.
Cross crawls are an ideal warm-up for all skills, especially academic skills like, reading, writing, spelling and comprehension. They improve right/left coordination as well as increase spatial awareness.
Be creative and discover ways that you enjoy while doing this easy exercise to increase your brain’s capabilities. You may even reach behind the body to touch the opposite foot. Just remember the only rule is to cross the center midline of your body.
References: The Field; The Quest for the Secret Force of the Universe by Lynn McTaggart. The Missing Peace in Your Life! By Robert M. Williams, MA. The Wealthy Mind by Laurie Handlan, JoBeth Eckerman, & Dhebi DeWitz-Jensen.