Is it left, right or straight down the middle?

I am right and rear-brain dominant, what are you? Brain profiling teach you about you. And many would suggest that it is more accurate and insightful than psychometric testing.

But let’s focus on the brain. Is it an organ like any other? Yes and no and the reasons for this conclusion should be obvious. Organs - the whole body - require to be exercised to ensure successful and consistent mental and physical performance. This is only partly true, though.

According to Manus du Toit from Performance Boosters, optimum brain performance is achieved by a balanced multi-element approach which includes, among others: diet, exercise, stress release techniques, attitude and correct sleeping patterns.

At a recent workshop he illustrated some physical exercises which one can do to stimulate left and right brain function and equilibrium. The audience was invited to participate and well, some got themselves into a twist - but it did illustrate the point. Synchronicity between the two halves of the brain can be improved upon and stimulated.

It is important to remember that stress often shuts down either the left or the right brain depending on your dominance. This leads to incapacity - even if only for a brief period or moment which, in itself creates even more stress and anxiety. If you experience these moments - drink water and breathe deep and slow.

Connecting with nature - and barefoot if you can - offers wonderful relieve from the disconnection that we often experience as a result of demanding life styles - priorities that are not prioritised and the belief that multitasking is the best thing since peanut butter. The latter is completely counterproductive. And if you don't believe this - Google it, like the millennials will tell you.

Every brain cell - not unlike the other cells in one’s body - is interconnected and negativity builds barriers (inhibitors) between the cells. Doing that which makes you feel alive and invigorated, builds neuron transmitters which allow for the sharing of serotonin and dopamine chemicals between cells. This enhances physical health.

I studied lymphology and it is suggested that one generates 50 000+ thoughts per day - every one generates a physiological response in the body and every thought or intention that is not fully executed, dumps toxic chemicals into one's system. This then becomes a source of disease and dis-ease. Exercise, and in particular, rebounding on a small trampoline, balances the right and left hemispheres of the brain and clears the body of toxins because it generates G-force (acceleration/deceleration and weightlessness) which squeezes every cell in the body. Read more on www.reboundsa.co.za.

The brains behind the Performance Booster program: Cobus and Melody Tomlinson and Manus du Toit 

And then, concluded Manus: "Be clear about, and set goals (small, medium and long term goals), visualise success and reward yourself every time you achieve a goal - step out of your comfort zone - socialise more - develop a positive attitude about your positive attitude and remember that 60 per cent of success depends on your attitude and nothing but! And that is the truth …

And of course, if you intentionally align the above mentioned elements, the universe will conspire to support you.

Racism and disrespect - two sides of the same coin

When one consult the dictionary, the definition of racism and or disrespect will always synchronise to some extent with these definitions. Racism is defined as the belief that all members of each race possess characteristics, abilities, or qualities specific to that race, especially so as to distinguish it as inferior or superior to another race or races. Disrespect is defined as Rude - impolite and or offensive behaviour. The latter is often motivated by a sense of superiority.

The constant bickering in the public space about the above is leaving all of us a tad frustrated and gatvol. And, I am not about to add to your frustration with an academic or political discussion on the issue.

I am of the opinion that both words address exactly the same issue or behaviour.  The word racism is, for political purposes, a powerful baton to beat each other up with. It is in-humane and aggressive. I wonder what will happen if we were to replace it with the word disrespect whenever we are about to use it.

Each word carries a totally different energy and intention. Shout at someone that they are a racist. Then repeat it but replace racist with disrespectful and feel the difference.

I look at nature and how all her processes and methodologies synchronise - seemingly by themselves.

I consider the design and workings of my body and how much we, despite all the advances in science and technology, still do not understand. Thus I have to acknowledge the superiority of the architect/creator and I choose to refer to him/her/it as God.

We have been created in the image and likeness of God. This by implication means that each and every one is a holy and divine being and needs to be treated with respect despite any visual, physical, culture, age or intellectual differences.

It is quite simple actually – don’t you think?

Serious disrespect and verbal abuse can probably and legally be considered Crimen Injuria and so too can racism – we don’t need any more laws to manage it. We need for all involved to step up to the challenge of providing and applying ourselves to decent and quality education and upbringing of our children and well, disrespectful adults.

Then we will respect everyone. And the opposite of respect is not racism – it is disrespect.