Introducing mid brain activation:

Mental focus is key in sports excellence

Indu Bandara

We have all heard the expressions, 'mind over matter' and 'it's all in the mind' when it comes to achieving success in any area of our lives. But this applies more specifically to sports when one thinks that his or her physical abilities can keep them from achieving success on the basketball court, the rugby field or the cricket pitch.

It is even more crucial for individual sports where a level of concentration and anticipation is needed, in such sports as golf, tennis and martial arts. If the brain is trained to absorb more information and learn more easily, then the body will follow suit and become capable of being stronger and faster, as well as being able to pick up the details of techniques required to excel in the respective sport.

Research has shown that we normally use less than one percent of our mind's vast abilities and it is said that Albert Einstein used only 10 percent of his brain capacity. However, through the use of various mental training techniques, we can tap into this enormous 'sleeping giant' residing inside all of us. Experts say that transformation must always occur on the inner level before any results will ever appear on the outer level; and this is essential to ensure that the benefits remain permanent.

This is where the revolutionary technique of Midbrain Activation comes in. While it is a new concept in most parts of the world, the training program is quickly gaining popularity in schools and educational centers around East and South East Asia.

The science behind this concept of Midbrain Activation is the technique of optimizing the function of our middle brain, which is the 'bridge' between the left and right hemispheres of the brain.

Having this 'bridge' activated allows for the retrieval of information between the left and the right brain, which leads to more efficiency in learning and absorbing information. It also brings out and strengthens characteristics such as creativity, memory, application skills, self-confidence and the ability to concentrate.

These characteristics are especially important in the field of sports and other recreational activities, where concentration and anticipation are key factors in attaining positive and superior results.

Many of us have heard that we are either left-brained or right-brained and have capabilities and qualities that define how we learn and gain knowledge. Therefore, Midbrain Activation allows the brain to function as a whole, rather than only utilizing one part of the brain. The ideal candidates for this training program are children between the ages of 6 and 12 years.

The technique is more successful in young children because their brains are more easily trained and can adapt to new ways of learning. So, as young children show an interest in certain sports, they can receive the training to excel and perform at a higher level.

This training will not only help in sports, but will also give the child an advantage in their academic abilities and allow them to perform better in school and attain better results in exams. By gaining this training at an early age, the child will benefit later in life, as well. Their brain will already be trained to absorb more knowledge and skills, so they can continue to learn more and perform at a higher level in their careers and professions, whether in sports, arts or academics.

Midbrain Activation training holds lifelong benefits. The child will continue to process knowledge and skills by using their entire brain, leading to more success during their present circumstances and well into their futures, as well.

It will basically become a way of life; one which will aid their development and give them the edge to stay above the competition in this ever-changing and uncertain world.

Midbrain Activation is a new concept in Sri Lanka, but parents, educators, coaches and trainers will soon have the opportunity to take advantage of training sessions which will commence in April and be conducted in Colombo by the Midbrain Activation expert, David Ting.

www.midbrainactivation.org.