Brainwash Children? Yes, Let's Get it Right

Copyright 2006 Cole's Poetic Licenseminutes naturally)
The term "brainwashing" carries connotations ofTheta level is 4 to 7 - sleep
propaganda at best, disappearance into ideologicalDelta level ½ to 4 - deep sleep
cults at worst. If we think of it as manipulation toThe Beta level is the conscious level; Alpha is the
change attitudes, then we're in the mainstream ofupper level of the subconscious where intuition
contemporary society.works.
Our children are brainwashed every day. They areThe most brilliant and successful people in history
bombarded with messages from advertisements,deliberately slowed their minds to deep Alpha level
parents, teachers, relatives, caregivers, street-cornerdaily.
preachers, movies and TV, and peers. Some childrenImagine a school district where all students
perceive these messages as critical-disapproving ofunderstand the benefits of going to Alpha level
them. In any case, they "brainwash" a child'sfifteen minutes every day. In elementary school, it
self-concept by the time he is seven years old.might be just before or after recess. At the same
Two words, imprinted early, can cause years oftime every day, the students would put on their
trouble. They are "nasty" and "shame". "Sticks andearphones, close their eyes, and listen to a warm
stones can break my bones, but words can neverrecorded voice lead them in a state of calm
hurt me," is a lie. Words can hurt.relaxation. Alpha level.
Words can help, too.Imagine the suggestions that voice could send to
Why not change the wash? Deliberately providetheir subconscious minds beginning with, "You are
beneficial alternatives based on solid research?aware at all times . . .
Self-esteem programs that failed lacked current"You are now able to use your brilliant, creative mind."
knowledge."You are growing stronger and brighter every day."
The last decade has given us an explosion of"Picture a bubble wrap that nobody else can but you
information about the human brain. In his book,can pop. It's invisible. It protects you. You can put it
"Unleashing Your Brilliance", Dr. Brian E. Walsharound you or hold it in front of you. It's slippery on
describes research that pinpoints various functions ofthe outside. When anyone insults you, his words slip
the brain. He writes, "The human brain has threeright off and back onto his own feet."
separate, yet dynamically interconnected, partsOf course, parents would know and approve of
known as the Triune Brain; it incorporates therecorded content.
Reptilian Brain, the Limbic Brain, and the Neocortex.The suggestions would change and grow more
Through understanding their individual functions andsophisticated by grade level, gender, demographics.
symbiotic interactions, we can better understandHigh school students, trained through the grades,
accelerated learning."might create their own.
And, we can experience enjoyable, exciting learning!Imagine such a school district. The stress levels would
Read this marvelous book and you will see why I callbe low, confidence and academic scores really high.
for student brainwashing.No ADD. No Ritalin. No absentees. Much creativity.
Imagine a school district where, from third gradeI have benefited so much from audio discs that slow
through high school, each student desk is equippeddown my brainwaves and shift my self-perception
with earphones and a storage box. Beginning in thirdupward, I want the whole world to participate.
grade, teachers explain how brainwaves function.Difficult to sell to parents, administrators, staff,
Brainwaves are electrical vibrations that flow and canlegislatures? Definitely.
be measured by the number of pulsations perWorth it? What do you think? Let me know, please.
second.© Evelyn Cole, MA, MFA, The Whole-mind
Beta level is 14 to 20 pulsations per second-best forWriter,
action, fully conscious thinkingCole's chief aim in life is to convince everyone to
Alpha level is 7 to 14 - best for creative thinking andunderstand the power of the subconscious mind and
daydreaming (We go in and out of Alpha every 90synchronize it with goals of the conscious mind.