Reading and Meditation are must-haves for brain development!

The more we understand human behaviour complexity, the more we can explore. It is one of those studies that never ends. Learning about human behaviour is one part of study, and going deeper into how human behaviour evolves is another.

Brain’s Well, All’s Well

We read different generations of books. Needless to say, those books are filled with marvellous insights and subtle experiences. It is undeniable that books have a profound impact on our personality. Today I listened to one of Jay Shetty’s podcasts. I heard from his guest/ master/ guru, Gauranga Das Prabhu ji (an IIT engineer turned monk, leadership consultant, corporate coach, inspirational speaker, environment leader, social reformer, spiritual leader, teacher, academician) about “Without a disc, computers are useless. If the disc gets deteriorated, there is no use for that computer no matter how beautiful the screen looks from the front. In the same way, our brain is equivalent to that disc in our body. Until the brain works well, everything will eventually fall into its place.” 

Nurturing a healthy brain is an ongoing journey

There is no temporary solution to how the brain functions properly. Like flowers and plants need continuous monitoring and care, our brain needs care too. It’s just that we nurture our brain with healthy thoughts. It takes effort, time, discipline and above all intention and self responsibility to cultivate a positive mental attitude. There will be days when we lose focus, fall out of routine. Despite having been through all of this, there must be a sense of responsibility to come back and repeat that momentum. Haven’t we learned from nature that when a gardner doesn’t pay attention to gardening on time, the garden doesn’t grow as it ought to. This is until the gardner starts paying attention and giving what the plants need on time whether it be proper shade or water? 

The Brain and Activities

There is no separation between us and nature. Everything has a cycle, a process. How people work or nurture their brains can be different for different people. I guess there is no one way to work on that. Meditation, reading, and surrounding yourself with like-minded people are all part of brain growth. Having said that, where life gets busy, you may find yourself in places where you can’t sit in a proper meditation pose. This might happen, for example on a train. In cases like this, reading is a meditation. 

Although I have heard from influential motivational speakers such as Sandeep Maheswari that observing your surroundings is also a part of meditation. Being attentive and conscious, observing every subtle moment around you, within you, leads to brain strengthening. 

Everything is important for brain work. Again as Sir Sandeep Maheswari has mentioned in many of his speeches, “Working on brain and working through brain are two different processes. Working on brain is as equally vital as working through brain, if not more”. 

Needless to say, working through the brain becomes more logical and practical when one works on the brain. After all, a peaceful and calm mind can deliver a better life. I love the concept so much mentioned in the Bhagavad Gita that “It’s not when your surroundings become peaceful, you become peaceful, but when you become peaceful, your surroundings become peaceful.”

Where meditation gives space in your head for fresh ideas and thoughts, reading helps fill that space with good thoughts. 

Boost your brainpower with a healthy dose of books

It’s great to read books, not any book, but books that teach you important life lessons, that help you develop your brain power. All that reading stuff is worth considering. 

Reading is something that should be considered not only as a normal daily routine, but also as an activity for self-love. Here is a list of some great books that I have found to be so powerful and full of wisdom if you are unsure what to choose. 

“How to Stop Worrying and Start Living”, by Dale Carnegie (How can I get it?)

“7 Habits of Highly Effective People”, by Stephen R. Covey (How can I get it?)

“The Miracles of Your Mind”, by Joseph Murphy (How can I get it?)

“The Power of Your Subconscious Mind”, by Dr Joseph Murphy (How can I get it?)

“Shrimad Bhagavad Geeta” (How can I get it?)

“Mr Barack Obama’s Biography” (How can I get it?)

“Start with Why”, by Simon Sinek (How can I get it?)

“Think like a Monk”, by Jay Shetty (How can I get it?)

“8 Rules of LOVE” by Jay Shetty (How can I get it?)

“Man’s Search for Meaning”, by Viktor E. Frankal (How can I get it?)

“Wherever you go, there you are”, by Jon Kabat-Zinn (How can I get it?)

“The Law of Success”, by Napoleon Hill (How can I get it?)

“Rich Dad, Poor Dad”, by Robert T. Kiyoski (How can I get it?)

“Think and Grow Rich”, by Napoleon Hill (How can I get it?)

The list of good books is endless. These are just a few, but some of the best editions in a good book read list. Stay tuned and I’ll keep you posted on new insights, new thoughts, and inspiring books!