SynapSez® Taylor-on-the-Brain Bulletin
Realizations Inc
New Article
 During my recovery from hip-replacement surgery last summer, the importance of mentally picturing my desired outcome was repeatedly validated. That experience, plus questions from others, helped trigger this little article entitled: Movies of Your Mind. Enjoy it!
Read the article here...
Brain References
 Recently I received a spate of e-mails asking for references about the impact of watching television on the brain and whether or not I watch any TV myself. Yes, I do watch—some. My favorites are documentaries, the history channel, music programs, travelogues, animal programs (e.g., Wild Kingdom), and some documentaries. I rarely watch more than a couple of hours per week, however, as I much prefer reading and believe that is better for my brain. And, by and large, I avoid watching violence.
I also received questions about how to use the process of visualizing, internal mental picturing, to enhance one’s performance. References for both these topics, Television–Videos and the Brain and Visualizing and the Brain are available on my web site.
NOTE: My web master is in the process of converting Brain References from a .pdf format to one that can be “searched.” About half of the topics now hve the search option—including the two just mentioned. The others are available in .pdf (Portable Document Format) until the process of conversion has been completed.
See Television—Videos and the Brain here...
See Visualizing and the Brain here...
Questions & Answers
 Q. I recently heard you say something about taking care of your brain "by design." Whatever does that mean?
A. To use a familiar metaphor, many people go through life flying by the seat of their pants rather than having a plan. Read more...
Q. Who's in charge, my brain or my mind? And what's the difference between them anyway?
A. Good questions. Let's start with your second question: What's the difference between the brain and the mind? In our culture, the words “brain” and “mind” are often used interchangeably even though they really do refer to separate, although often overlapping, concepts.
Read more...
New/Updated DVDs
 The following DVDs are now available:
- Manage Your Emotions (updated)
- The Power of Emotional Intelligence (new)
A dual-disk set that includes both of these topics—Master Emotional Intelligence—will soon be ready.
View all video DVDs...
New Books
Two new books by Dr. Taylor were released while she was recovering from hip surgery. Check them out:
Browse through all Dr. Taylor's Books and Other Products...
Seminar Opportunities
 Taylor will be lecturing in Orlando at the NAD Conference in February and in Iceland in March. Check her speaking schedule for other opportunities. To arrange for a seminar in your area, contact Dr. Taylor directly.
View Speaking Schedule...
Point to Ponder
I am the master of my fate: I am the captain of my soul. –William Ernest Henley (English Poet 1849-1903).
These are the last two lines in an originally untitled poem. The now-familiar title Invictus (Latin for unconquered) reportedly was added by Arthur Quiller-Couch when he included the poem in The Oxford Book of English Verse (1900).
While visiting my cousin in South Africa some years ago, I traveled to Robbins Island and stood in the cell that Nelson Mandela had occupied for so many years. The guide explained how important Invictus had been to Mandela. He reportedly pondered it frequently during his 9,000-plus days of incarnation, especially these last two lines.
That visit was reawakened in memory when I watched the film Invictus. As you no doubt already know, the movie—starring Morgan Freeman and Matt Damon—is the story of Mandela’s early struggles to unite his country of South Africa. Those challenges are presented through the story of the Springbok team’s preparation for, and eventual winning of, the World Cup in 1995. They were led by rugby team captain, Francois Pienaar (played by Matt Damon).
Brian Moore commented about the movie: “One critic, David Ansen, has written that the story is ‘one that would be hard to believe if it were fiction. The wonder of Invictus is that it actually went down this way.’ It is still too early to assess the true significance of that triumph and the part rugby played in the unification of post-apartheid South Africa, but nobody should doubt that its influence was real.”
As I pondered the importance to Mandela of these poetic lines, it occurred to me that each person would do well to have a personal Invictus; a mantra, as it were, to help you walk your own path successfully, a reminder to avoid being a victim of circumstance.
This is my Invictus for 2010: I am mentor of my mind, shaman of my soul, and conductor of my life symphony.
Write your own personal Invictus. Read it aloud several times a day. Make this first year in the second decade of the 21st Century the very best yet!
Recipes
 Several more recipes have been uploaded:
View all recipes...
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