FriendlyBrain Tip 289: Now I know Kung Fu!

Why Neo from the Matrix may not be the only One who can learn at futuristic speeds…

This week's FriendlyBrain Tip comes to you from Haider Imam of Kaizen Training.

Recently, we’ve been hearing increasing amounts of news about the emergence of so-called ‘nanotechnology’. These are machines or devices that are so small, they work at an atomic or molecular level. They’re so small, they can seamlessly integrate into other materials and have already; suntan cream, stain resistant jeans, cosmetics and non-scratch surfaces are a few of the products that use the tiniest fraction of the capability we’re hearing of. Essentially, you could breathe in a ‘mist’ of nano-devices - finer than steam - that could be absorbed directly into the brain. As they’re so highly advanced, they can receive and send information to and from the brain instantly. Like the scene in the film, ‘The Matrix’ where Neo has advanced Kung Fu capabilities ‘uploaded’ directly into his brain from a mainframe computer! We can only wonder what implications this has for learning… And while we’re not quite there yet, there is a way that you can upload massive quantities of technical information into your learners’ brains using nothing more than  

• your voice and

• their naturally occurring brain waves

 Of course, we’re talking about using the brain’s Alpha State for learning. It’s the state of ‘aware relaxation’, ranging form eight to fourteen cycles per second. This is the state where many of our ‘Aha!” moments are experienced and is generally wonderful for learning and living. By the way, you’ll know this state if you’re quite good at Yoga, meditation, Tai-Chi, Self-Hypnosis or deep breathing techniques. So how do you get your learners into this state? Try these to get started: 

• Play music that’s around 40-60 beats Per minute (Baroque music tends to lend itself well), while learners read through new or familiar information to upload or consolidate

• Use a deliberate voice speed, volume, rhythm and tone to relax the learners as you upload or consolidate learning, either by reading aloud or talking freely

• Do both together!

 This week’s call to action 

If you’re curious, put on some 40-60 BPM music and upload some detail on Nanotechnology at Wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nanotechnology or watch that Matrix scene at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EmEPXXJ4sKw. How much more can you remember afterwards?

Have a go at using the Alpha state in your training room before, during or after a learning session on a particular topic. Let your learners know that you’re trying something new that might help them remember the information more, and be able to use the skills more effectively. Note the results & ask them!

e-mail us for tip sheets on how to use your language to induce an Alpha state in your learners, and also on how to use music in the training room.  directors@kaizen-training.com

 As Morpheus says to Neo: “I’m trying to free your mind, but I can only show you the door: you’re the one that has to walk through it…”