Archive for the ‘Brain Education’ Category

Humans interact with each other through connection to Heaven and Earth

Monday, March 21st, 2011

Though many do not realize it, humans are inextricably linked to both Heaven and the Earth. It surrounds everyone and plays a part in all they do. Ilchi Lee says that, given this connection, it is important to respect the planet and strive for peace.

The Korean phrase in-jung-chun-ji-il reflects this concept. Translated, it means Heaven and Earth become one in humans. Through the food individuals eat they are consuming the Earth. The breath they breathe comes directly from the heavens. Within the human frame is contained an amalgamation of all these sources.

Yet, despite this connection, some individuals continue to disrespect the planet. They fail to properly take care of its natural resources and consume at unsustainable levels. This also leads to conflict and occasionally violence.

In-jung-chun-ji-il can remind individuals that they owe their existence to both Heaven and the Earth. This may lead to a feeling of connectedness, not just to the bodies of the cosmos, but to their fellow humans, who are also formulations of Heaven and Earth.

An empty mind may reveal a truer self

Friday, March 18th, 2011

Most people come to define their life based on the things that they are attached to. Their friends and family dictate their identity, the music they listen to helps them identify with a certain group or the clothes they wear indicate their personality.

However, these attachments can also bring with them a false sense of identity. Rather than displaying a person’s true self, they merely serve to obscure and cover up. When this begins to happen, it may be time to remember the Korean phrase gong-shim.

This term means empty mind, and is used to refer to state in which a person has freed themselves from attachments and is living a more authentic and honest existence. Ilchi Lee has said that this kind of sincere life is one of the keys to spiritual healing.

It is impossible to go through life pretending to be someone else and to still have any sense of integrity. Individuals must shed themselves of these false identities before they can bask in the glow of spiritual growth.

Through meditation and other forms of brain education, it may be possible for individuals to rid themselves of attachments that only serve to obfuscate their true identity.

A “right brain” can help individuals let go of negativity

Thursday, March 17th, 2011

For individuals who participate in brain education exercises, the world is likely to be a clearer place. It will become easier for individuals to perceive its variety of forms and functions and to understand their place in this planet.

The Korean phrase Chun-shim reflects this idea. Translated, it literally means heart of Heaven. In context, it is used to refer to the fact that wisdom generally springs from having the “right mind.”

This implies that by ridding the brain of all the unnecessary and negative thoughts that accumulate throughout the day, it becomes possible to see the world in all of its natural beauty more easily. Differences in objects become clear without having to think too much about them.

Brain training programs, which may include meditation or yoga, can help individuals achieve this right mind. They teach students methods of clearing their mind of negativity and otherwise useless burdens. By learning how to live more in the present, it becomes possible to let go of worries and concerns that have little relevance in the moment.

Ilchi Lee has championed brain education exercises like this for a number of years. He says that they are among the best methods for living a more fulfilling life.

Without the Earth there could be no life purpose

Wednesday, March 16th, 2011

Human beings are not so different than the planet Earth. People often think that there is a stark line drawn between themselves and nature, but in fact, the species is closely tied with the Earth and shares many of the same characteristics.

For example, the Korean phrase Chunjimaeum refers to the cosmic consciousness that is shared by all things in creation, including the Earth. This gives the planet awareness, heart and soul, much in the same way that humans possess these things.

However, the Earth has the heart and soul of a mother, one who is caring and giving. This nurturing desire is what allowed the rise of life on the planet. All of the fish swimming in Earth's oceans and all of the creatures walking her shores owe their existence to her heart and soul.

Given this indebtedness, it is no wonder many groups today are working to clean up the planet and reduce the effects of pollution. Ilchi Lee has said that that the health of humanity is closely tied to the fate of the Earth, making these efforts vital.
 

Korean phrase explains importance of life energy

Tuesday, March 15th, 2011

These days, there is a lot of discussion of environmental concerns. It may seem as though people only recently became aware of their connection to the fate of the planet. However, humans have long been cognizant of their interconnectedness with the Earth, as evinced by an old Korean phrase.

Chun-ji-ki-un refers to the universal life energy that flows around everything. It has been referred to as an invisible sea of energy, its waves breaking over everything in existence, giving it sustenance.

Human beings' connection to this energy is mediated by the Earth. The planet continuously issues forth tremendous amounts of its own energy, which was derived from the cosmic energy. It is this sustaining force that humans interact with at all moments of the day.

With every breath, people are absorbing this energy. Without the Earth to provide this sustaining force, life would be impossible. This is why many of the teachings of Ilchi Lee focus on becoming aware of the energy that surrounds everything and learning how to take advantage of this powerful force.
 

Kindness is critical when seeking personal growth

Friday, March 11th, 2011

On the road to personal growth, interactions with others can play a large role in determining the success or failure of the pursuit. It does no good for an individual to strive to eliminate negativity from their life if they treat other people with disrespect and forget about their role as an Earth Citizen.

Rabbi Harold Kushner has written extensively about these ideas, according to the Gloucester Times. He says that forgiving others and always being kind are paramount when it comes to personal growth and should not be forgotten.

These words echo Ilchi Lee’s thoughts on personal growth. While it is important for individuals to work to improve themselves, they must never forget that they are part of a larger whole and that any self-improvement should be sought while keeping the good of the wider community in mind.

This may result not only in better outcomes for the individual, but also stronger communities and a more peaceful world. For these reasons, it is important when seeking personal growth to treat others kindly and with respect.

Korean phrase inspires balance

Thursday, March 10th, 2011

There is a Korean expression that goes Chun-ji-in, which essentially means Heaven, Earth and Human. It is intended to remind individuals of their place in the Universe and to help them channel their life energy to get the most meaning they possibly can out of their existence.

The reference to Heaven is intended to inspire individuals to have a large, open heart. The heavens above are empty and accepting of all things. They are also able to detach themselves the smaller things that may only bring worry and trouble.

By reflecting on Earth, students can learn what it means to be stable and supportive of others. The Earth gives birth and provides sustenance to all things in creation. When people incorporate these feelings into their daily lives, they may become less reactionary and more reflective.

The final piece of the phrase is Human. This is meant to remind individuals that they are spiritual beings and that their physical frame only serves to connect them to the larger soul of humanity.

Ilchi Lee says that Chung-ji-in can help those who are seeking spiritual growth to balance their mind-body-spirit connection, which can lead to positivity and happiness.

Unemployment may present opportunities for personal growth

Thursday, March 10th, 2011

Currently millions of people are unemployed and looking for a new job is a tedious struggle. However, rather than viewing the time as a black hole in their lives, individuals may do better to look at it as an opportunity to pursue personal growth.

Looking for a job is not expected to get easier any time soon. The National Association for Business Economics recently released a new report that predicts continued high employment throughout the remainder of this year, according to Market Watch.

While the traditional image of an unemployed person is of someone who watches a lot of daytime TV and rarely leaves the house, this doesn’t have to be the case. Aside from the time spent looking for a new job, the unemployed may use their time to do many of the things that they never had time to before.

This could include everything from taking some classes at the local community college to learning how to meditate. During this journey of personal growth, it is important reflect on positive experiences and use them to make changes in negative thought patterns.

While no one would wish to be without a job, it is important to look on the bright side of things. Ilchi Lee says that personal growth is important, and free time can help individuals accomplish this.

Daily challenges can encourage personal growth

Tuesday, March 8th, 2011

As a parent, it can often be difficult to balance the challenges of a full-time career and family responsibilities. At times, the stress of this may push moms and dads to what seems like their breaking points. However, it is important to remember in times like these that challenges of yield rewards, such as personal growth.

Colleen Neutra, a self-employed graphic designer and mother, recently recounted her struggles with striking a good family-work balance in the Needham Patch. She wrote that it can be difficult when her daughter is home to get much work done. This adds a lot of stress to her days.

However, it can at times also help her rediscover things about her daughter and herself that may have gone unnoticed in the day-to-day business of life. She wrote that this is an important part of her quest for personal growth.

Ilchi Lee agrees that a search for personal development is rarely easy. It can involve plenty of challenges. However, these experiences are not meant to detract from joys of life. Rather, they make the reward that much sweeter.

Personal growth is a matter of global importance

Monday, March 7th, 2011

One of the keys to living a happy, fulfilling life is to constantly pursue personal growth. Many people get wrapped up in their day-to-day lives and forget to think about our spiritual well-being. However, this may have broader consequences than just an empty individual.

E. Stanley Jones wrote in his book, Growing Spiritually, that the process of self improvement plays a key role in developing fully-functioning societies that are capable of taking care of their individual members, according to the Victoria Advocate.

“The necessity for spiritual growth is not merely our personal problem, it is our world problem,” he said, according to the news source.

These sentiments closely echo Ilchi Lee’s thoughts on personal growth. There are certainly benefits to individuals that come in the way of greater happiness and fulfillment. However, given the fact that everyone is part of the larger whole of humanity, enlightened and spiritually active individuals are particularly important.

Pursuing personal growth is an important part of realizing membership in the community of the Earth and making the planet a more peaceful, just place.