Food for Thought

        "*Sometimes the brain is hungry. Just as the body needs food, the brain needs nourishment and enrichment. Very seldom does anyone actually think of the brain, just how much has to be crammed into it! We're very aware when it isn't working well or there are states of amnesia or forgetfulness or other abnormalities. Yet how often do we think of actually helping the brain to work well? It is, after all, a necessary part of growth.

        The brain is the control center, the busy area of the body, the constant activity, and yes, even in sleep it is busy. It is like a house with many rooms and much activity. When the rooms get too full and overloaded then the system breaks down. We all put too much in our 'rooms'. Too much chatter and too much needless information or chatter that clutters things. Now just as it would not do to have empty 'rooms,' there must be a balance. The brain is like a training ground. It takes in information and exercises its processes to sift through the bulk of data and stores it. It analyzes and sorts and catalogs and memorizes and observes and absorbs. For the most part, it runs like smooth machinery unless there is illness or undue stress.

        How can we change the brain? How can we make it more functional? And should we? Are we ready to ingest more or are we satisfied with where we are at the present time? The mind is a powerful model of efficiency. It is seldom used in a way that it can reach its full potential. As in any evolvement, there must be time given and steps taken to allow for change. In future lessons, we will attempt to expand the working ability of the brain. For now, we would suggest that you become somewhat aware of what you are actually putting into your mind. How are you filling up your 'rooms'? And how often do you take a look and mentally sort things out?

        It is important to relax the body, and relax the brain. There are those who must push at times at full capacity because of various studies, but even then, there must be a time of rest, a mind break, if you will, just as people take a snack break. In the break time, it is a good idea to observe beauty or something that gives pleasure. Not beauty in the sense of physical, but beauty in nature, in a person's face, a smile, in art, in whatever gives a shift in consciousness and a shift in awareness. Music can rest and relax if it is a particularly soothing type. When you feel your 'rooms' getting heavy with thoughts, take a few minutes of rest. Close your eyes and slow your breathing. You will find your mind responds well to these breaks, and please be careful that you do not say there is no time, or not enough time. These little breaks are essential for balanced health. It will increase your abilities and strengthen your mind."