Friday, August 31, 2007
Ilchi Lee on Your Child’s Confidence
If we are to instill genuine confidence in our children, we must first have confidence in them. I truly believe that every child’s brain has extraordinary potential to create health, happiness, and peace in the world. Don’t underestimate and limit your children’s potential with typical preconceptions and judgments. Greatness is not limited to those who perform well on standardized tests or to those who know how to sit still at age eight. Learn to see your children’s struggles and difficulties as part of the natural process of becoming the uniquely talented people they are meant to become. Always believe in your children and help them to trust and respect themselves. Help them to discover the great gifts hidden beneath the surface. Let them know that they have great power to choose the conditions and circumstances of their lives. Remind them often that they can do anything that they choose to do.
Why children must move
The body is essentially the brain’s connection to the outside world. A person’s brain can have little effect on the surrounding environment if the rest of the body lacks strength and stamina. And, the condition of the body drastically affects the functioning of the brain. A sluggish, tired body usually equates with a sluggish, tired brain. A strong, vibrant body generally houses a strong, vibrant brain.
For that reason, the goal of strengthening the body should go hand in hand with the goal to strengthen the brain. Sitting behind a desk studying a book is a great way to gather piles of facts and figures, but it will do little to create new and stronger connections in the brain. Rather, this happens through overcoming physical challenges and developing new skills.
Make physical exercise a normal and natural part of your child’s daily routine. Children who spend the day watching TV or sitting in front of a computer monitor are being deprived of the chance to develop brain connections that will be much harder to develop later in life. Also, the sense of confidence and accomplishment that comes with physical strengthening will be invaluable to them in many areas of life.
For that reason, the goal of strengthening the body should go hand in hand with the goal to strengthen the brain. Sitting behind a desk studying a book is a great way to gather piles of facts and figures, but it will do little to create new and stronger connections in the brain. Rather, this happens through overcoming physical challenges and developing new skills.
Make physical exercise a normal and natural part of your child’s daily routine. Children who spend the day watching TV or sitting in front of a computer monitor are being deprived of the chance to develop brain connections that will be much harder to develop later in life. Also, the sense of confidence and accomplishment that comes with physical strengthening will be invaluable to them in many areas of life.
12 HT Maxims for Authentic Living
1. Return to your breath and body as tools for your health.
2. Breathe slowly, deeply and lightly, especially when you are upset.
3. Keep afire in the belly and a cool head.
4. Celebrate your sexuality with purpose and responsibility.
5. Listen for the voice of your soul until you find your passionate life purpose.
6. Embrace suffering and emptiness as the foundation of enlightenment.
7. Live as your soul directs with honesty, integrity, and diligence.
8. Train your body so that change feels better than habit.
9. Smile and be at peace for no reason.
10. Recognize that you are what you choose and what you act.
11. When you need an answer, ask your brain.
12. Remember to exhale at the moment of death.
2. Breathe slowly, deeply and lightly, especially when you are upset.
3. Keep afire in the belly and a cool head.
4. Celebrate your sexuality with purpose and responsibility.
5. Listen for the voice of your soul until you find your passionate life purpose.
6. Embrace suffering and emptiness as the foundation of enlightenment.
7. Live as your soul directs with honesty, integrity, and diligence.
8. Train your body so that change feels better than habit.
9. Smile and be at peace for no reason.
10. Recognize that you are what you choose and what you act.
11. When you need an answer, ask your brain.
12. Remember to exhale at the moment of death.
The Greatest Common Denominator
Not only our lives, but also our futures depend on how we use our brains. The brain is the greatest common denominator of mankind. If we all use our brain to pursue health, happiness, and peace, the lives we and our offspring experience on earth will become much more meaningful and beautiful.
Ilchi Lee on enlightenment
I often talk about enlightenment. The enlightenment I speak of is not something extraordinary. Creating our own health, happiness, and peace is what I call “enlightenment”; it is creating a desirable environment rather than being controlled by it. When you internalize that the brain is not you but yours, you will finally be able to experience such awakenings in your life.
Thursday, August 30, 2007
Mind Palace
"Always be a fully blossomed flower in the now.
There is no tomorrow, Only now exists.
You have nothing to be afraid of.
So whenever you look at a flower, remember that you want to be a flower that blossoms to its fullest potential.
That is the best way yo live your life."
-Ilchi Lee
There is no tomorrow, Only now exists.
You have nothing to be afraid of.
So whenever you look at a flower, remember that you want to be a flower that blossoms to its fullest potential.
That is the best way yo live your life."
-Ilchi Lee
Water up, Fire Down
When human body is in balance, the cool water energy travels upward toward the head along the back side of the body while the hot fire energy flows down the front side of the body, while the hot fire energt glows down the front side of the body yo yhe lower abdomen. This constitutes a complete cycle of energy circulation. By repeating this circulation, life maintains its balanve and continuity.
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Earth, the Unanimous Choice
From Ilchi Lee’s book Mago’s Dream
We can choose our religion. We can choose our citizenship. We can even choose our gender nowadays. However, we cannot choose the planet we live on. We cannot choose, or not choose, the Earth. We can live without religion, without countries, and even without supermarkets. We cannot live without the Earth.
We can choose our religion. We can choose our citizenship. We can even choose our gender nowadays. However, we cannot choose the planet we live on. We cannot choose, or not choose, the Earth. We can live without religion, without countries, and even without supermarkets. We cannot live without the Earth.
No Boundaries
From Ilchi Lee’s book Mago’s Dream
When Earth becomes our collective source of life values, then we will realize that the boundaries that we have set for ourselves are unnecessary, that the endless competition driving our society is juvenile, and that our relentless anxiety arises from denial of our true life. When Earth becomes the center of our values, then politics, economics, and even religion will take their rightful place as tools, not masters, of our lives.
- I love this quote and it helps me a lot!
When Earth becomes our collective source of life values, then we will realize that the boundaries that we have set for ourselves are unnecessary, that the endless competition driving our society is juvenile, and that our relentless anxiety arises from denial of our true life. When Earth becomes the center of our values, then politics, economics, and even religion will take their rightful place as tools, not masters, of our lives.
- I love this quote and it helps me a lot!
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
Your Brain is Your Life
From Ilchi Lee’s upcoming book Principles of Brain Management.
You can look at your brain as a microcosm that contains everything you have been and holds the potential of everything you will become. The brain is unique when compared with other organs because it is the only one that exerts influence on the world outside your body, as well as inside your body. It is also the only organ that can be used to understand itself, and it is the only organ that can modify itself.
You can look at your brain as a microcosm that contains everything you have been and holds the potential of everything you will become. The brain is unique when compared with other organs because it is the only one that exerts influence on the world outside your body, as well as inside your body. It is also the only organ that can be used to understand itself, and it is the only organ that can modify itself.
Ilchi Lee: The Club
From Ilchi Lee’s book Mago’s Dream
Earth is not a private club; it is a universal club. Being born allows you to receive a membership card; you don’t have to do anything else for it. And it is the most beautiful club that you will ever find. Once you have realized that you are a member, don’t you want to keep it clean and comfortable for fellow members to use?
Earth is not a private club; it is a universal club. Being born allows you to receive a membership card; you don’t have to do anything else for it. And it is the most beautiful club that you will ever find. Once you have realized that you are a member, don’t you want to keep it clean and comfortable for fellow members to use?
Ilchi Lee on Information
From Ilchi Lee’s book Mago’s Dream
The value of a human being depends on the quality of information held in his or her brain. Depending on whether that information is positive or negative, destructive or constructive, loving or hateful, the direction and destiny of the person’s life will be determined. However, the most important point, that we must never forget, is that no piece of information is more important than the soul. Even the gods and religions that make up our faith traditions are merely information that has been received into our brains from birth. That information did not create our souls.
The value of a human being depends on the quality of information held in his or her brain. Depending on whether that information is positive or negative, destructive or constructive, loving or hateful, the direction and destiny of the person’s life will be determined. However, the most important point, that we must never forget, is that no piece of information is more important than the soul. Even the gods and religions that make up our faith traditions are merely information that has been received into our brains from birth. That information did not create our souls.
The Cycle of Life
From Ilchi Lee’s book Mago’s Dream
All of life is intimately involved in this cycle. There is no sense in labeling who the giver is or who the taker is. Everybody owes somebody something. I literally owe my life to a plant, tree, or a shrub nearby, not in any metaphysical sense but in a real sense. Ultimately, a tree is a tree, the Earth, and the universe. It is, you, it is me, and it is all of humanity. When we realize this, we will treat each other, and nature, as we ourselves would like to be treated.
All of life is intimately involved in this cycle. There is no sense in labeling who the giver is or who the taker is. Everybody owes somebody something. I literally owe my life to a plant, tree, or a shrub nearby, not in any metaphysical sense but in a real sense. Ultimately, a tree is a tree, the Earth, and the universe. It is, you, it is me, and it is all of humanity. When we realize this, we will treat each other, and nature, as we ourselves would like to be treated.
Ilchi Lee on the Earth
From Ilchi Lee’s book Mago’s Dream
The body of the earth consists of the mountains, seas, rivers, plants, and animals. It is everything that we can see, touch, and feel. Earth is not just a spherical ball of dirt. It includes the atmosphere that surrounds it, the clouds that float above, and the rain that quenches the land. Human beings are, of course, part of the Earth, born and raised by the generosity and the bounty of the Earth. Human beings possess a rational mind, the highest intellectual ability of all animals and plants on earth, gifted with the capability of creating an environment to suit their needs and wants. However, such capability still does not allow human beings to exist outside of the Earth, not even in the foreseeable future.
The body of the earth consists of the mountains, seas, rivers, plants, and animals. It is everything that we can see, touch, and feel. Earth is not just a spherical ball of dirt. It includes the atmosphere that surrounds it, the clouds that float above, and the rain that quenches the land. Human beings are, of course, part of the Earth, born and raised by the generosity and the bounty of the Earth. Human beings possess a rational mind, the highest intellectual ability of all animals and plants on earth, gifted with the capability of creating an environment to suit their needs and wants. However, such capability still does not allow human beings to exist outside of the Earth, not even in the foreseeable future.
Ilchi Lee on Character
From Ilchi Lee’s book Mago’s Dream
The root of your character is in your habits. A once-in-a-blue-moon choice does not speak to your character. A countless number of choices will gel into a habit, out of which the flower of your character will bloom. Good character is a fruit borne by a tree of good habits.
The root of your character is in your habits. A once-in-a-blue-moon choice does not speak to your character. A countless number of choices will gel into a habit, out of which the flower of your character will bloom. Good character is a fruit borne by a tree of good habits.
Earth as Our Central Value
From Ilchi Lee’s book Mago’s Dream
Earth is the common, central value around which we can rally, the root of our existence, the actual reality of our lives. No truth we seek, or any value we live by can exist without the Earth. No gods can exist without the Earth.
Earth is the common, central value around which we can rally, the root of our existence, the actual reality of our lives. No truth we seek, or any value we live by can exist without the Earth. No gods can exist without the Earth.
Earth, the Unanimous Choice
From Ilchi Lee’s book Mago’s Dream
We can choose our religion. We can choose our citizenship. We can even choose our gender nowadays. However, we cannot choose the planet we live on. We cannot choose, or not choose, the Earth. We can live without religion, without countries, and even without supermarkets. We cannot live without the Earth.
We can choose our religion. We can choose our citizenship. We can even choose our gender nowadays. However, we cannot choose the planet we live on. We cannot choose, or not choose, the Earth. We can live without religion, without countries, and even without supermarkets. We cannot live without the Earth.
Ilchi Lee: Life is a Trip
From Ilchi Lee’s book Mago’s Dream
Life is a trip, not in a metaphorical sense but literally. We are all taking a trip through the universe on a spaceship called, ‘Earth.’ Our souls dropped onto the fertile plains of Earth and we became passengers, not knowing our point of origin or our destination, almost as if we were unwilling and unaware participants in a cosmic bungee jump. What we do know, however, is that this trip is a journey of growth, both for our individual souls and for the collective soul of humanity. These are not separate.
Life is a trip, not in a metaphorical sense but literally. We are all taking a trip through the universe on a spaceship called, ‘Earth.’ Our souls dropped onto the fertile plains of Earth and we became passengers, not knowing our point of origin or our destination, almost as if we were unwilling and unaware participants in a cosmic bungee jump. What we do know, however, is that this trip is a journey of growth, both for our individual souls and for the collective soul of humanity. These are not separate.
A Poem: White Clouds In The Blue Sky
From Ilchi Lee’s book Songs of Enlightenment
I want to be the sky
Embracing all that I see
Clouds, moon, sun, mountains, and rivers
Holding close all that I feel
I want to be the clouds
Bestowing rain where parched
Going where the wind takes me
Flowing freely
I want to be the moon
Listening to the prayers of good people
Cherished as a beautiful memory in the hearts of lovers
A full moon swinging low
On a shimmering black chariot
I want to be the wind
Flowers, birds, trees, and sweating farmers
Caressing, whispering, refreshing all
An invisible hand on the shoulder
Comforting
I want to be the sun
I want to be the stars
No, not any of these
I want to be life itself
Belonging to no one
Being nothing
True self
Clouds roll across the blue sky
Birds chatter noisily in the hills
Waves pound the beaches
Young children play merrily
Across the wide field
And beyond the yonder hills
Sounds the whistle of a train
Drifting in the breeze
Lingering
I want to be the sky
Embracing all that I see
Clouds, moon, sun, mountains, and rivers
Holding close all that I feel
I want to be the clouds
Bestowing rain where parched
Going where the wind takes me
Flowing freely
I want to be the moon
Listening to the prayers of good people
Cherished as a beautiful memory in the hearts of lovers
A full moon swinging low
On a shimmering black chariot
I want to be the wind
Flowers, birds, trees, and sweating farmers
Caressing, whispering, refreshing all
An invisible hand on the shoulder
Comforting
I want to be the sun
I want to be the stars
No, not any of these
I want to be life itself
Belonging to no one
Being nothing
True self
Clouds roll across the blue sky
Birds chatter noisily in the hills
Waves pound the beaches
Young children play merrily
Across the wide field
And beyond the yonder hills
Sounds the whistle of a train
Drifting in the breeze
Lingering
Ilchi Lee Poem: This World is Beautiful
From Ilchi Lee’s book Songs of Enlightenment
World sparkles beautifully
Sun shines warmly
Stars twinkle brightly
Moon glows lovingly
Upon all
Upon everyone
Everything
God’s blessings
Upon us.
Come sadness
Come joy
Come grief
Come happiness
Upon all
Upon everyone
Everything
God’s blessings
Upon us.
Nothing on heaven and earth
Can take away this heart
Filled with love;
Nothing on heaven and earth
Can rend us asunder
From the cosmic energy;
Our vision and hopes
Are our sun, our moon, our stars.
We can do this
We shall do this.
With our eyes and lips shut
Stole over us despair and darkness
But we can now see and speak.
Now we know
What we think as our limitations
Are actually our possibilities
Are certainly our opportunities
To perceive ourselves beyond our present selves.
Now we know that our loved ones
Are waiting for us at the doorstep;
The world of harmony will forever rest
With our loved ones;
For we are the sun, moon, and stars
For we are all One.
I am with my loved ones
We are with our loved ones.
World sparkles beautifully
Sun shines warmly
Stars twinkle brightly
Moon glows lovingly
Upon all
Upon everyone
Everything
God’s blessings
Upon us.
Come sadness
Come joy
Come grief
Come happiness
Upon all
Upon everyone
Everything
God’s blessings
Upon us.
Nothing on heaven and earth
Can take away this heart
Filled with love;
Nothing on heaven and earth
Can rend us asunder
From the cosmic energy;
Our vision and hopes
Are our sun, our moon, our stars.
We can do this
We shall do this.
With our eyes and lips shut
Stole over us despair and darkness
But we can now see and speak.
Now we know
What we think as our limitations
Are actually our possibilities
Are certainly our opportunities
To perceive ourselves beyond our present selves.
Now we know that our loved ones
Are waiting for us at the doorstep;
The world of harmony will forever rest
With our loved ones;
For we are the sun, moon, and stars
For we are all One.
I am with my loved ones
We are with our loved ones.
Along Cosmic Energy, Along Cosmic Mind
From Ilchi Lee’s book Songs of Enlightenment
God plays with the Earth
Children play with hoops
Birds play with the clouds;
What is the difference?
Between God and the children
Between God and the birds;
Clouds turn into rain and snow to wet the ground
Leaves flutter and fog retreats against the wind;
Flowers turn into fruits
Fruits become the trees;
Children turn into adults
Adults are reborn as children;
Winds howl outside the window
In the sky above
Along the paths of the wind and the rain
So go the clouds
So goes my heart.
God plays with the Earth
Children play with hoops
Birds play with the clouds;
What is the difference?
Between God and the children
Between God and the birds;
Clouds turn into rain and snow to wet the ground
Leaves flutter and fog retreats against the wind;
Flowers turn into fruits
Fruits become the trees;
Children turn into adults
Adults are reborn as children;
Winds howl outside the window
In the sky above
Along the paths of the wind and the rain
So go the clouds
So goes my heart.
Ilchi Lee Poem: Divinity
From Ilchi Lee’s book Songs of Enlightenment
A night filled with inky blackness
A star whispers in my ears
Twinkling with merriment and delight;
The stars you see above
You see only with ears.
I had thought so once
That it was I who saw an your eyes;
The raindrops pinging on the windows
You hear only with your d heard
The stars and the rains;
Now that I truly open my eyes and ears
I realize that I am myself the stars and the rain;
A bright light sweeps through me
Then I am neither the star nor the rain;
Truly realizing myself and everything else
Life everlasting and whole
That cannot be placed into words.
Heavens, stars continue to twinkle
Heavens, raindrops continue to fall.
A night filled with inky blackness
A star whispers in my ears
Twinkling with merriment and delight;
The stars you see above
You see only with ears.
I had thought so once
That it was I who saw an your eyes;
The raindrops pinging on the windows
You hear only with your d heard
The stars and the rains;
Now that I truly open my eyes and ears
I realize that I am myself the stars and the rain;
A bright light sweeps through me
Then I am neither the star nor the rain;
Truly realizing myself and everything else
Life everlasting and whole
That cannot be placed into words.
Heavens, stars continue to twinkle
Heavens, raindrops continue to fall.
Ilchi Lee on Developing Greatness
From Ilchi Lee’s book BEST 5 Handbook
You possess greatness within you and you must believe that in order to manifest it. By creating a lifestyle that is geared toward contributing positively to humanity, you will come to feel your own divine nature very naturally. If you live your life this way, you will develop great respect for yourself, along with an iron will and a passionate, generous heart.
You possess greatness within you and you must believe that in order to manifest it. By creating a lifestyle that is geared toward contributing positively to humanity, you will come to feel your own divine nature very naturally. If you live your life this way, you will develop great respect for yourself, along with an iron will and a passionate, generous heart.
Ilchi Lee on Ki (Chi) Energy
From Ilchi Lee’s upcoming book Principles of Brain Management
Even though ki(Chi) may not be as tangible as other biological functions, it is helpful to see energy as the mediator between mind and body. Doing so will help you gain some sense of connection between the two, and it can help you coordinate your body more completely with your brain. And when visualizing the brain, it is helpful to think in terms of energy, since the entire nervous system does incontrovertibly rely on electrochemical impulses to send and receive its messages.
Even though ki(Chi) may not be as tangible as other biological functions, it is helpful to see energy as the mediator between mind and body. Doing so will help you gain some sense of connection between the two, and it can help you coordinate your body more completely with your brain. And when visualizing the brain, it is helpful to think in terms of energy, since the entire nervous system does incontrovertibly rely on electrochemical impulses to send and receive its messages.
The Brain and Spirituality
From Ilchi Lee’s book BEST 5 Handbook
Look at your brain as an instrument that can connect to the spiritual plane. You could think of it as a radio antenna that can be “tuned” to receive spiritual messages and guidance. These spiritual messages are already within you and ready to access. How do you “tune in”? You can start by “tuning out” the static in your brain. The “static” is the information that gets in the way of your connection with your True Self, which is already in touch with the highest spiritual principles. This “bad” information includes any information that leads you to place limits on yourself or on others. Essentially, spiritual static is the by-product of the ego, which is often bogged down in emotion and negative thinking. Unfortunately, our culture creates all sorts of spiritual static by feeding the desires of the ego, telling it that it needs more stuff and more status to be loved. So, if you can train your brain to move beyond these petty desires and limiting preconceptions, you will open your brain to the spiritual messages it is already designed to receive.
Look at your brain as an instrument that can connect to the spiritual plane. You could think of it as a radio antenna that can be “tuned” to receive spiritual messages and guidance. These spiritual messages are already within you and ready to access. How do you “tune in”? You can start by “tuning out” the static in your brain. The “static” is the information that gets in the way of your connection with your True Self, which is already in touch with the highest spiritual principles. This “bad” information includes any information that leads you to place limits on yourself or on others. Essentially, spiritual static is the by-product of the ego, which is often bogged down in emotion and negative thinking. Unfortunately, our culture creates all sorts of spiritual static by feeding the desires of the ego, telling it that it needs more stuff and more status to be loved. So, if you can train your brain to move beyond these petty desires and limiting preconceptions, you will open your brain to the spiritual messages it is already designed to receive.
The Definition of a Spiritual Person
From Ilchi Lee’s book BEST 5 Handbook
A spiritual person is anyone who conscientiously tries to live according to his or her highest spiritual values. This definition could apply to anyone and is not limited to those who follow a particular religious faith. Being spiritual means to consistently seek truth and meaning for your life and to do your best to live according to the principles that you discover.
A spiritual person is anyone who conscientiously tries to live according to his or her highest spiritual values. This definition could apply to anyone and is not limited to those who follow a particular religious faith. Being spiritual means to consistently seek truth and meaning for your life and to do your best to live according to the principles that you discover.
Ilchi Lee: The Brain and the Self
From Ilchi Lee’s book BEST 5 Handbook
We have to realize that there is an unlimited self in our brain whom we know nothing about. The brain knows both the self we know and the self we are not aware of. All life experiences are stored in the brain, but these are not all we are. The existence of self is not limited to our memories, experiences, or information. We do not yet know everything about the brain, but we are certain that the self is not something that only we know or remember.
We have to realize that there is an unlimited self in our brain whom we know nothing about. The brain knows both the self we know and the self we are not aware of. All life experiences are stored in the brain, but these are not all we are. The existence of self is not limited to our memories, experiences, or information. We do not yet know everything about the brain, but we are certain that the self is not something that only we know or remember.
Brain Connection
From Ilchi Lee’s book BEST 5 Handbook
Personally, I believe that the brain does work on a plane that is much vaster than meets the eye, that its workings are much grander than a simple biomechanical machine. This is why we use the concept of energy in training; this is the element that connects and binds all things together. Even the most scientific mind will confirm that the brain works to some degree through energy; it is not difficult at all to measure the fluctuations of electromagnetic energy in the brain. But I think there is also an energy field that goes beyond that contained within the individual brain. This is the life energy that connects all things. When we tap into this source of energy, we tap into something greater and more immutable that the limitations of our own lives.
Personally, I believe that the brain does work on a plane that is much vaster than meets the eye, that its workings are much grander than a simple biomechanical machine. This is why we use the concept of energy in training; this is the element that connects and binds all things together. Even the most scientific mind will confirm that the brain works to some degree through energy; it is not difficult at all to measure the fluctuations of electromagnetic energy in the brain. But I think there is also an energy field that goes beyond that contained within the individual brain. This is the life energy that connects all things. When we tap into this source of energy, we tap into something greater and more immutable that the limitations of our own lives.
Ilchi Lee on the Ego and Creativity
From Ilchi Lee’s book BEST 5 Handbook
It is your ego that prevents you from creating what you truly want. Your ego says to you, “I am this” or “I should be that,” which often prevents you from creating what you want in your life. For example, you may really want to learn to sing well, but your ego says, “I don’t have talent” or “I will embarrass myself.” These things are usually rooted in your past experiences, times when you were hurt by others or were discouraged in some way.
So, to become more creative, begin to watch the internal conversations you have with yourself. How are you limited and boxed in by your current thinking about yourself? How does it stop you from doing what you really want to do? What emotional patterns prevent you from pursuing your dreams?
It is your ego that prevents you from creating what you truly want. Your ego says to you, “I am this” or “I should be that,” which often prevents you from creating what you want in your life. For example, you may really want to learn to sing well, but your ego says, “I don’t have talent” or “I will embarrass myself.” These things are usually rooted in your past experiences, times when you were hurt by others or were discouraged in some way.
So, to become more creative, begin to watch the internal conversations you have with yourself. How are you limited and boxed in by your current thinking about yourself? How does it stop you from doing what you really want to do? What emotional patterns prevent you from pursuing your dreams?
Creative People
From Ilchi Lee’s book BEST 5 Handbook
Everyone is a creative person. Sometimes we give only musicians and actors and other “artistic types” credit for being creative. This is very unfortunate because creativity is a gift given to every human being, not just a talented few. In actuality, you are creating all the time, whether you know it or not.
It is wonderful to create beautiful paintings or inspiring poems, but true creativity is about creating something far more important than these. The most important thing you create is your life itself. It is critical that you empower yourself to create the life you want. Many people ignore their own creative genius in this regard, and turn over the creation of their lives to others. Instead of deliberately creating the life they would like to live, they simply follow the expectations of society, family, or some other influence.
Everyone is a creative person. Sometimes we give only musicians and actors and other “artistic types” credit for being creative. This is very unfortunate because creativity is a gift given to every human being, not just a talented few. In actuality, you are creating all the time, whether you know it or not.
It is wonderful to create beautiful paintings or inspiring poems, but true creativity is about creating something far more important than these. The most important thing you create is your life itself. It is critical that you empower yourself to create the life you want. Many people ignore their own creative genius in this regard, and turn over the creation of their lives to others. Instead of deliberately creating the life they would like to live, they simply follow the expectations of society, family, or some other influence.
Using 100% of the Brain
From Ilchi Lee’s book BEST 5 Handbook
When I speak of using 100% of the brain, I am not talking about using all the physical parts of the brain. I am talking about accessing 100% of its full potential. I would contend that although most people are using all the parts of their brains, very few are using 100% of its full potential. I believe your brain’s abilities may exceed your expectations.
Think of your brain as similar in some ways to a muscle in the body. If you lift a fifty pound weight with your right arm, there is no doubt that 100% of your bicep muscle will be used. All of the muscle fibers will be engaged in the task of keeping that weight in the air. But does this mean 100% of that muscle’s potential is being used? With training, the muscle may be able to lift 100 or 200 pounds, or perhaps even more.
When I speak of using 100% of the brain, I am not talking about using all the physical parts of the brain. I am talking about accessing 100% of its full potential. I would contend that although most people are using all the parts of their brains, very few are using 100% of its full potential. I believe your brain’s abilities may exceed your expectations.
Think of your brain as similar in some ways to a muscle in the body. If you lift a fifty pound weight with your right arm, there is no doubt that 100% of your bicep muscle will be used. All of the muscle fibers will be engaged in the task of keeping that weight in the air. But does this mean 100% of that muscle’s potential is being used? With training, the muscle may be able to lift 100 or 200 pounds, or perhaps even more.
The Brain Contains the Answers
From Ilchi Lee’s book BEST 5 Handbook
All of the answers to life’s challenges reside in the brain. If we can release that potential, I believe that humanity can solve many of the world’s difficult challenges. This is also true for you on a personal level. Do you have too much stress in your life? Relaxing your brain waves can have a profound effect on the stress reaction in your body. Do you have relationship problems? Examining the addictive emotional patterns established in your brain will help you begin to change them, which will in turn change your interactions with others. Every human problem is created in the brain, and so is every solution. Through better understanding and care of our brain, we gain greater confidence and capacity for mastering all our life skills.
All of the answers to life’s challenges reside in the brain. If we can release that potential, I believe that humanity can solve many of the world’s difficult challenges. This is also true for you on a personal level. Do you have too much stress in your life? Relaxing your brain waves can have a profound effect on the stress reaction in your body. Do you have relationship problems? Examining the addictive emotional patterns established in your brain will help you begin to change them, which will in turn change your interactions with others. Every human problem is created in the brain, and so is every solution. Through better understanding and care of our brain, we gain greater confidence and capacity for mastering all our life skills.
Ilchi Lee: When You Look in the Mirror
From Ilchi Lee’s book BEST 5 Handbook
What did you see in the mirror this morning? Your face, age, emotions? These are not everything you are. If a person were concerned only with what is visible to the eye and spent an entire life laughing and crying because of these concerns, wouldn’t it truly be heartbreaking? When you look in the mirror, do not look at your body. Instead, close your eyes and try to see yourself.
What did you see in the mirror this morning? Your face, age, emotions? These are not everything you are. If a person were concerned only with what is visible to the eye and spent an entire life laughing and crying because of these concerns, wouldn’t it truly be heartbreaking? When you look in the mirror, do not look at your body. Instead, close your eyes and try to see yourself.
Facing Problems
From Ilchi Lee’s book BEST 5 Handbook
No matter what problem I encounter in my life, the problem is not me, but mine, and thus, I can face the problem directly and solve it. If you think the circumstance you are facing is yourself, there is no way of confronting or ameliorating it. A difficulty of any kind is no more than “an obstacle” – it is not me. It is rather like a temporary, unwanted guest. When you develop such awareness, you will be able to face the barrier and manage to overcome it. If we understand our brain, this idea will become common sense.
No matter what problem I encounter in my life, the problem is not me, but mine, and thus, I can face the problem directly and solve it. If you think the circumstance you are facing is yourself, there is no way of confronting or ameliorating it. A difficulty of any kind is no more than “an obstacle” – it is not me. It is rather like a temporary, unwanted guest. When you develop such awareness, you will be able to face the barrier and manage to overcome it. If we understand our brain, this idea will become common sense.
The Greatest Common Denominator
From Ilchi Lee’s book BEST 5 Handbook
Not only our lives, but also our futures depend on how we use our brains. The brain is the greatest common denominator of mankind. If we all use our brain to pursue health, happiness, and peace, the lives we and our offspring experience on earth will become much more meaningful and beautiful.
Not only our lives, but also our futures depend on how we use our brains. The brain is the greatest common denominator of mankind. If we all use our brain to pursue health, happiness, and peace, the lives we and our offspring experience on earth will become much more meaningful and beautiful.
Ilchi Lee on Enlightenment
From Ilchi Lee’s book BEST 5 Handbook
I often talk about enlightenment. The enlightenment I speak of is not something extraordinary. Creating our own health, happiness, and peace is what I call “enlightenment”; it is creating a desirable environment rather than being controlled by it. When you internalize that the brain is not you but yours, you will finally be able to experience such awakenings in your life.
I often talk about enlightenment. The enlightenment I speak of is not something extraordinary. Creating our own health, happiness, and peace is what I call “enlightenment”; it is creating a desirable environment rather than being controlled by it. When you internalize that the brain is not you but yours, you will finally be able to experience such awakenings in your life.
The Next Generation
From Ilchi Lee’s book Power Brain Kids
Technology has caused the world to effectively “shrink.” As a result, children will have to deal with a large variety of cultures and people in their lifetimes. The artificial barriers of political boundaries are breaking down in light of the communication age. In fact, the younger generation may be the first in the history of humanity to identify themselves as citizens of earth, rather than with a single nation.
Technology has caused the world to effectively “shrink.” As a result, children will have to deal with a large variety of cultures and people in their lifetimes. The artificial barriers of political boundaries are breaking down in light of the communication age. In fact, the younger generation may be the first in the history of humanity to identify themselves as citizens of earth, rather than with a single nation.
Children and the Question of Character
From Ilchi Lee’s book Power Brain Kids
One of the most common questions adults ask kids is, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” The answer is often something like, “a fireman” or “a doctor.” Kids seem to instinctively know that we are asking about future career choice, reflecting our notion that the quality of “being” is inextricably linked to how you earn a living. Perhaps the question, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” should also be asked in a deeper and more meaningful sense. Maybe we should also ask, “What sort of character would you like to have? How do you want to feel about yourself? How do you want to treat other people?” These may seem like overly deep, almost burdensome questions to ask a child, but in fact children are making these decisions, whether we ask them directly or not. The child’s character and emotional habits are being formed in every encounter and experience. It is on the playground that we decide to live by the fists or by conscience. It is through play that we learn how to keep friends and make enemies.
One of the most common questions adults ask kids is, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” The answer is often something like, “a fireman” or “a doctor.” Kids seem to instinctively know that we are asking about future career choice, reflecting our notion that the quality of “being” is inextricably linked to how you earn a living. Perhaps the question, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” should also be asked in a deeper and more meaningful sense. Maybe we should also ask, “What sort of character would you like to have? How do you want to feel about yourself? How do you want to treat other people?” These may seem like overly deep, almost burdensome questions to ask a child, but in fact children are making these decisions, whether we ask them directly or not. The child’s character and emotional habits are being formed in every encounter and experience. It is on the playground that we decide to live by the fists or by conscience. It is through play that we learn how to keep friends and make enemies.
Why Children Must Move
From Ilchi Lee’s book Power Brain Kids
The body is essentially the brain’s connection to the outside world. A person’s brain can have little effect on the surrounding environment if the rest of the body lacks strength and stamina. And, the condition of the body drastically affects the functioning of the brain. A sluggish, tired body usually equates with a sluggish, tired brain. A strong, vibrant body generally houses a strong, vibrant brain.
For that reason, the goal of strengthening the body should go hand in hand with the goal to strengthen the brain. Sitting behind a desk studying a book is a great way to gather piles of facts and figures, but it will do little to create new and stronger connections in the brain. Rather, this happens through overcoming physical challenges and developing new skills.
Make physical exercise a normal and natural part of your child’s daily routine. Children who spend the day watching TV or sitting in front of a computer monitor are being deprived of the chance to develop brain connections that will be much harder to develop later in life. Also, the sense of confidence and accomplishment that comes with physical strengthening will be invaluable to them in many areas of life.
The body is essentially the brain’s connection to the outside world. A person’s brain can have little effect on the surrounding environment if the rest of the body lacks strength and stamina. And, the condition of the body drastically affects the functioning of the brain. A sluggish, tired body usually equates with a sluggish, tired brain. A strong, vibrant body generally houses a strong, vibrant brain.
For that reason, the goal of strengthening the body should go hand in hand with the goal to strengthen the brain. Sitting behind a desk studying a book is a great way to gather piles of facts and figures, but it will do little to create new and stronger connections in the brain. Rather, this happens through overcoming physical challenges and developing new skills.
Make physical exercise a normal and natural part of your child’s daily routine. Children who spend the day watching TV or sitting in front of a computer monitor are being deprived of the chance to develop brain connections that will be much harder to develop later in life. Also, the sense of confidence and accomplishment that comes with physical strengthening will be invaluable to them in many areas of life.
Ilchi Lee on Your Child’s Confidence
From Ilchi Lee’s book Power Brain Kids
If we are to instill genuine confidence in our children, we must first have confidence in them. I truly believe that every child’s brain has extraordinary potential to create health, happiness, and peace in the world. Don’t underestimate and limit your children’s potential with typical preconceptions and judgments. Greatness is not limited to those who perform well on standardized tests or to those who know how to sit still at age eight. Learn to see your children’s struggles and difficulties as part of the natural process of becoming the uniquely talented people they are meant to become. Always believe in your children and help them to trust and respect themselves. Help them to discover the great gifts hidden beneath the surface. Let them know that they have great power to choose the conditions and circumstances of their lives. Remind them often that they can do anything that they choose to do.
If we are to instill genuine confidence in our children, we must first have confidence in them. I truly believe that every child’s brain has extraordinary potential to create health, happiness, and peace in the world. Don’t underestimate and limit your children’s potential with typical preconceptions and judgments. Greatness is not limited to those who perform well on standardized tests or to those who know how to sit still at age eight. Learn to see your children’s struggles and difficulties as part of the natural process of becoming the uniquely talented people they are meant to become. Always believe in your children and help them to trust and respect themselves. Help them to discover the great gifts hidden beneath the surface. Let them know that they have great power to choose the conditions and circumstances of their lives. Remind them often that they can do anything that they choose to do.
The Amazing Human Brain
From Ilchi Lee’s book Power Brain Kids
The human brain is an amazing organ. It is in charge of all of our physical functions, and it is the source of all our emotions and thoughts. All human creations--our art, our architecture, our technologies--begin with the brain. Our brains, in fact, are what make us essentially human. The unique abilities of the human brain are what most clearly separate us from mere apes, and it is our brain, not brawn, that has established our predominate role on the planet. Our physical bodies, while amazing in their own right, are relatively weak. We have no fangs or talons, and even the most developed human musculature pales compared to that of a grizzly or an ox. Nevertheless, we thrive as no other animal has thrived upon this planet. Why? Because the brain has allowed us to control and adapt the environment to suit our needs, delivering us from many of the harsher realities of nature.
The human brain is an amazing organ. It is in charge of all of our physical functions, and it is the source of all our emotions and thoughts. All human creations--our art, our architecture, our technologies--begin with the brain. Our brains, in fact, are what make us essentially human. The unique abilities of the human brain are what most clearly separate us from mere apes, and it is our brain, not brawn, that has established our predominate role on the planet. Our physical bodies, while amazing in their own right, are relatively weak. We have no fangs or talons, and even the most developed human musculature pales compared to that of a grizzly or an ox. Nevertheless, we thrive as no other animal has thrived upon this planet. Why? Because the brain has allowed us to control and adapt the environment to suit our needs, delivering us from many of the harsher realities of nature.
Kids Need Body Awareness
From Ilchi Lee’s book Power Brain Kids
While it is true that the brain is “in charge” of the human body, it can also be said that the brain is useless without the body. Our brain gives the orders, but it is the body that puts these orders into action. Sometimes, we are not in conscious control of these actions--as in the beating of the heart or breathing while we sleep-- but for the most part we have conscious control over our body’s movement. We can control our bodies because we can control our brain.
It is important, therefore, that children have a good basic understanding of the body and its functions. It is helpful to speak of the various organs of the body as “little brains,” organs that are in charge of specialized functions within the body. Through familiarity with various organs and their connection to the brain, children gain the ability to take charge of the body and its overall state of health.
While it is true that the brain is “in charge” of the human body, it can also be said that the brain is useless without the body. Our brain gives the orders, but it is the body that puts these orders into action. Sometimes, we are not in conscious control of these actions--as in the beating of the heart or breathing while we sleep-- but for the most part we have conscious control over our body’s movement. We can control our bodies because we can control our brain.
It is important, therefore, that children have a good basic understanding of the body and its functions. It is helpful to speak of the various organs of the body as “little brains,” organs that are in charge of specialized functions within the body. Through familiarity with various organs and their connection to the brain, children gain the ability to take charge of the body and its overall state of health.
Become Your Child’s Stress Management Coach
From Ilchi Lee’s book Power Brain Kids
Adults sometimes mistakenly think that kids have no experience of stress and tension. This is far from the truth. Kids are under a lot of pressure to compete in school, to maintain a desirable status with their peers, and to live up to parental expectations. To top it off, family situations are often unstable, leaving them with little sense of foundation and centeredness. Doctors report that the incidence of serious anxiety disorders is on the rise, and that now as many as 10 percent of children suffer from these problems.
It is a mistake to wait until adulthood to begin teaching stress-management. By this time, negative habits may be very deeply ingrained. As a parent, you might think of yourself as your child’s stress-management coach. Very naturally, your child will look to you for ways to cope with the many difficult issues that are part of life.
So, first become a good role model to your children. The ways you choose to handle stress in your own life are likely to be mimicked by your children. If you need to, change the ways you react to stress and find ways to release stress, such as breathing and meditation. If you incorporate these things into your daily life, your children will consider them a normal and natural part of life.
Also, watch your children carefully for signs of stress. Children often lack the words needed to verbalize the stress they feel and their physical and emotional symptoms may be very different than an adult’s. Physically, children will often manifest stomach aches and head aches in response to stress, or they may have trouble sleeping. Emotionally, they may be prone to outbursts about seemingly petty tings, situations unrelated to the actual cause of stress. Also, you may find that they have become very suddenly shy or introverted.
As with so many human problems, communication offers many solutions for stress. Make it clear to your children that they can talk to you about any problem freely and openly. No matter how small a problem may seem to your adult ears, listen with openness and acceptance. A child may hide a problem if he or she feels it will disappoint you. So, demonstrate to your child that your love is unconditional, and that you are honored to help your child in this way. Make it clear that no problem is too small or too embarrassing to be dealt with honestly and sincerely.
Adults sometimes mistakenly think that kids have no experience of stress and tension. This is far from the truth. Kids are under a lot of pressure to compete in school, to maintain a desirable status with their peers, and to live up to parental expectations. To top it off, family situations are often unstable, leaving them with little sense of foundation and centeredness. Doctors report that the incidence of serious anxiety disorders is on the rise, and that now as many as 10 percent of children suffer from these problems.
It is a mistake to wait until adulthood to begin teaching stress-management. By this time, negative habits may be very deeply ingrained. As a parent, you might think of yourself as your child’s stress-management coach. Very naturally, your child will look to you for ways to cope with the many difficult issues that are part of life.
So, first become a good role model to your children. The ways you choose to handle stress in your own life are likely to be mimicked by your children. If you need to, change the ways you react to stress and find ways to release stress, such as breathing and meditation. If you incorporate these things into your daily life, your children will consider them a normal and natural part of life.
Also, watch your children carefully for signs of stress. Children often lack the words needed to verbalize the stress they feel and their physical and emotional symptoms may be very different than an adult’s. Physically, children will often manifest stomach aches and head aches in response to stress, or they may have trouble sleeping. Emotionally, they may be prone to outbursts about seemingly petty tings, situations unrelated to the actual cause of stress. Also, you may find that they have become very suddenly shy or introverted.
As with so many human problems, communication offers many solutions for stress. Make it clear to your children that they can talk to you about any problem freely and openly. No matter how small a problem may seem to your adult ears, listen with openness and acceptance. A child may hide a problem if he or she feels it will disappoint you. So, demonstrate to your child that your love is unconditional, and that you are honored to help your child in this way. Make it clear that no problem is too small or too embarrassing to be dealt with honestly and sincerely.
Ilchi Lee's Power Brain Kids
Have you seen Ilchi Lee's latest book about Brain Education? It is a bright, colorful book called Power Brain Kids that can help parents introduce basic concepts of Brain Education to their children. It combines stretching, breathing, and balancing exercises with a bunch of fun brain-development games. This is a great book for kids who are struggling to focus and control their emotions. Although the book is directed to parents, it is also very colorful and appealing for kids. The kids who demonstrate the activities are absolutely adorable. If you think kids today need some help managing stress and information overload, please check this book out. You'll love it.
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
Ilchi Lee - Healing Society
Ilchi Lee’s first book released in English reached #1 in amazon.com overall sales ranking within a month of publication. The author emphasizes throughout the book that enlightenment is not just for a select few, but available to everyone. This book includes stories of the author’s personal experiences in his quest to find the meaning of life.
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