The Wonders of The World

In college, I learned a unique definition of communication; that communication "is the cement that holds society together". Without communication, the society will fall apart. For businesses, "Communication is a critical element in making successful business results." This was revealed by a Watson Wyatt Study.

We can also define communication as simple as the process of sending ideas and experiences from one person to another. When we communicate, our cognitive aspect is enhanced. Our minds work when we interact with people --- a simple greeting, retelling of wonderful activities shared or a debate.

Communication and relationship go everywhere and powerfully influence human activity. Much of what happens -- in our own lives, our communities, and world events alike -- counts on personal strengths and weaknesses in communicating, connecting, and interacting with others.

It is important that we are aware of communication practices. Communication Practices combines advantages of our two main ways of learning: organized education (such as classes, books, tutoring, or therapy), vs. learning by life experience. The goal of Communication Practices is to establish a discipline for cumulative development of better methods for teaching and learning certain interpersonal skills.

By "practices" we mean training methods which work entirely through everyday life and ordinary human interaction, and require no special equipment or other resources. Also, practices integrate training and life in exactly the same actions. Practices involve not only engaging in certain activities but also thinking and talking about those activities in particular ways.

The following are communication practices we can adapt to our everyday living:

* We can improve almost any relationship by finding something we honestly like or respect about the other person. But we miss opportunities to build these emotional bridges because we are attracted to the activity and motion of conflict.
• By practicing the physical movements, rhythms, and styles of others, we can understand them better, and also increase our own repertoire.

• Before engaging in any form of communication, decide what you want to say and work out a plan how to say it.

• A key component of effective communication is listening. Most communication involves more than one participant. You must hear the message someone is trying to convey to you to successfully communicate and give adequate feedback.

• An open mind is essential when communicating an idea, feeling or message. Remove all distractions around you so you can focus on the message someone is sending you.

The above practices can guide us in "going through the motions" of simple interactions, relationships and will greatly help in developing our memory.

Why Brain Training?

The brain needs care just like the body
New scientific research shows that we can improve the health and function of our brains with the right mental workouts. In a study funded by the National Institute of Health, scientists found that memory, reasoning and processing speed can be improved by brain training. Moreover, they found that cognitive improvements persisted for at least five years!