Did you say “Super Brain”? Get a Super Brain? Count m
e in!
But Super Brain Yoga sounds like a whole routine… Maybe there’s a DVD or a book to buy? No. And no.
In fact, what I’m going to share with you for FREE could have cost you as much as $352.07!
Granted, there are less expensive versions, but it all boils down to doing one simple thing. That information might justify $2.07. The rest of it must be $350.00 worth of history.
The effect of doing this one thing, however, may be priceless!
In fact, doing “Super Brain Yoga” melds right into a power pose that I wrote about last year for the online magazine, Excellence; so, for me, the benefits are doubled.
We’ll look at Super Brain Yoga first; then I’ll explain how this can morph into a power pose that will also set you up for a day of balance, positive self-worth, and forward motion.
Super Brain Yoga and Power Pose may just be the trick for your whole family to do together each morning.
If I were still teaching in the classroom, this is how we would start each day! There are TV news articles about teachers doing Super Brain Yoga daily with amazing results for better attention and performance by the students. Can I get an “Amen!”?
As always, we need to turn to a bit of anatomy and physiology first to help understand why this Super Brain Yoga technique has value. Our brain is divided into two hemispheres. The right brain controls the left side of the body, and the left brain controls the right side of the body. There are also acupressure points in the ear lobe that when gently squeezed activate brain pathways.
In everything we do, signals are being ‘pinged’ back and forth between the two hemispheres through special nerve pathways between them. This simple technique helps balance the two hemispheres’ activities (as revealed through before and after MRIs), and strengthens mental focus and clarity.
In a moment, you can see our FIRST EVER video which will demonstrate the simple steps for Super Brain Yoga as follows
- Stand with feet shoulder width apart facing north if you are a ‘senior’; or facing east for ‘non-seniors.’
- Keep the tip of your tongue touching the roof of your mouth.
- Gently squeeze your RIGHT ear lobe using the thumb and index
finger of your LEFT hand. The index finger goes on back of the ear lobe and the thumb goes on the front.
- Gently squeeze your LEFT ear lobe using the thumb and index finger of your RIGHT hand. The index finger goes on the back of the ear lobe and the thumb goes on the front.
- Gradually bend your knees into a squat position while inhaling.
- Gradually straighten your knees to come out of the squat while exhaling.
- Repeat at least 14 more times
That’s it!
Practicing this simple move each day helps to connect and re-energize the nerve pathways between the two brain hemispheres. Don’t worry about doing deep squats, this is more of a brain thing than a physical exercise. Increasing the number of repetitions over time until you are doing this a few minutes, will definitely, “Do your body good!”
What have I noticed doing this each day?
I feel more physically balanced. I am measuring this by the ease in 
which I stand on one foot while brushing my teeth. As mentioned in the exercise chapter of my book, Toolkit for Wellness, I do a painless “habit-stacking” balance exercise each time I brush my teeth. I divide the 2 minutes of tooth brushing into two 1-minute segments in which I alternate between standing/balancing on one foot, then the other. Since doing Super Brain Yoga, my “wobble-factor” has vanished.
Am I ready to sign up for that genius quiz show? Not yet, but when combined with the Power Poses I will describe next, AND my daily cup of Power Coffee, (see last week’s post), I am most definitely:
- balanced in mind, body, and spirit
- ready to meet the day with confidence and resolve, and
- feel energized yet calm
So, what are Power Poses? Let me explain by introducing you to Amy Cuddy.
Amy Cuddy’s book, Presence, puts science into what I’ve known all along. While we have long been stoked in the ‘mind-over-matter’ dogma – which is certainly well-documented – and I know can work miracles. Cuddy’s proven approach, however, shows that the body can LEAD the mind.
Her tale of personal transformation is also beautifully told in her *TED talk, which is the 2nd most viewed TED talk and can be found here: TED
In her book, Cuddy shares studies she and others have conducted, as she gently peels away each application of how we view ourselves, present ourselves, and how others perceive us as a result of our ‘presence.’
As she methodically builds her case for the ‘body over mind’ path to 
a stronger, more positive personal presence, she shares the famous quote of William James (1842-1910), who was a renowned psychologist at Harvard: “I don’t sing because I am happy. I am happy because I sing.”
The very act of smiling and standing with confidence redirects the body’s chemistry to a positive flow. Why not boost your confidence by holding a power pose for 2 minutes at the start of the day?
The studies Cuddy shares demonstrate that body positions of strength (i.e. Wonder Woman, Superman) – that have a more expansive sitting position with arms away from the body and legs not intertwined – result not only in a mindset of strength, but actually produce positive brain chemistry changes.
The ‘victory stance’ is genetically ingrained. People around the world, across cultures, and even the blind, who have never seen a ‘victory stance’ naturally, assume that pose after great personal accomplishments. Feet apart, chin slightly elevated, hands thrown up in the air outstretched.
It’s universal!
Looking forward to a challenging day? In private, assume your Victory Stance and hold it for two minutes. Claiming that victory – in advance – helps assure a more positive approach on your part and sets up those you are working with or influencing to see you as a person of strength.
Victory Stance pre-event poses do not supplant being prepared for a speech, proposal, or interview. Being well-prepared for life’s challenges is still a must. In fact, as you prepare to put yourself in front of others, precede even your preparations with a Victory Stance each time you practice.
Do note, however, that showing up in front of others looking like Superman may be off putting. This do in private before the presentation.
No speeches to give? We carry our ‘presence’ everywhere we go. It colors how we look at the day, and how the world views and receives us.
Practice unfolding those self-hugging arms, stooped shoulders, and 
minimalist postures trying to make yourself disappear. Practice in private to be ‘bigger’ to take more space. Hold that chin up, open up your chest, and thrust your arms skyward.
Create a more positive and balanced YOU before you start the day by doing Super Brain Yoga followed by a couple of Victory Power Poses!
Let’s roll the video, Sheree! Watch below as I demonstrate the proper procedure for Super Brain Yoga and for the natural unfolding to two Victory Power Poses:
Wow! That was our FIRST online video for foodtalk4you! Hurray!
A big part of personal satisfaction is stretching and growing beyond our comfort zones.
Online video? Check!
All of my mornings start this way. Super Brain Yoga, Power Poses, and Power Coffee!
2017 is looking up!
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(*) TED is a nonprofit devoted to “Ideas Worth Spreading.” It was conceived in 1984 as a conference devoted to bringing people together from the three worlds of Technology, Entertainment and Design.
In health,
Deidre