The Power of the Mind
(1.)The human brain is a highly essential and powerful part of the human body. It is considered one of
the largest and most complex organs of the body. Voytek (2013) estimates that there are 86 billion
neurons in the human brain. It is the processing center of different signals and information,
communicating over a trillion connections through the synapses. Its basic parts include the following:
1. (7.)Brainstem – connects the brain to the spinal cord and the rest of the body. It controls autonomic
processes of the body which includes breathing, digestion, and heart rate.
2. Cerebellum or Hindbrain – involved in cognitive functions such as attention, language, emotional
function (fear and pleasure response regulation) and the processing of procedural memories.
3. Cerebrum or Forebrain – the largest and uppermost portion of the brain which makes about 75% of
the brain’s total volume and 85% of its weight. It is divided into two separate hemispheres – the left and
right hemispheres. (Insert picture)
(5.)The Whole Brain Model
This model, developed by (3.)Ned Hermann, known as the “father of brain dominance technology”,
states that the brain is divided into four metaphoric quadrants. This also refers to your preferred modes
of thinking, learning, and working. It further acknowledges your capacities by nature which can be
nurtured and enhanced. (Insert picture)
The Characteristics of the Four Quadrants
1. (2.)Logical Rational/Analytical Thinking – This refers to the logical, analytical, linear thinking,
quantitative, and the “here and now” aspects and capacities of the brain.
Preferred Activities: collecting data, listening to informational lectures; reading textbooks; judging ideas
based on facts, criteria, and logical reasoning.
2. (4.)Organized Planned/Sequential Thinking – This refers to the organized, sequential, safekeeping,
planned, and detailed capacities.
Preferred Activities: following directions, doing repetitive detailed homework problems, managing time
and schedules.
3. Interpersonal Feelings/Interpersonal Thinking – This refers to the interpersonal, feeling-oriented,
intuitive, and communicative capacities.
Preferred Activities: listening to and sharing ideas, looking for personal meaning, giving sensory input,
and joining group studies.
4. Big Picture Creative/Imaginative Thinking – This refers to the creative, innovative, holistic,
synthesizing, and visionary capacities.
Preferred Activities: looking at the big picture, taking initiative, simulations (what-if questions), visual
aids, brainstorming.
(6.)The Right and Left Brain Theory
According to the theory of right-brain or left-brain dominance, each side of the brain has its designated
function and each person has his/her own preference as to which side is mostly used. A person who
is“right-brained” is said to be more intuitive, thoughtful, and subjective. The “left-brained” person, on
the other hand, is logical, analytical, and objective.
How to Use Both Sides of the Brain If You Are Left-Brained
(for the logical person)
1. Balance mind and heart when you communicate or engage in activities.
2. Use images and visualization exercises.
3. Listen to music. Find any interest or hobby that awakens and challenges your creativity.
4. try to break your daily routine, schedule, and plans and engage in unplanned trips or activities.
How to Use Both Sides of the Brain If You Are Right-Brained
(for the emotional person)
1. Engage yourself deeper into getting facts and details.
2. Engage in planning activities or exercises. You may join youth organizations that provide you the
opportunity to do this.
3. Play complex games that interest you like chess or any board games.
4. Work with numbers and explore or study any mathematical topics.
Mind Mapping for Right- and Left-Brained
Right-Brained – Given the nature of a right-brained dominant adolescent, you would expect a mind that
entertains and is attracted easily to any topic that captures expressions of creativity, emotion, music,
colors and images, intuition, and the like. The main characteristic of the map would reflect a free
exploration without being really very conscious of rules to follow in creating one. (Insert sample picture)
Left-Brained – Given the nature of a left-brained dominant adolescent, you would expect a mind that
entertains and is easily attracted to any topic that involves tasks related to language, logic, critical
thinking, numbers, and reasoning. The main characteristic of the map is formal and straightforward with
conscious adherence to the rules in creating one. (Insert sample picture)
