The International Brain Education Association (IBREA) held its second World Youth Leadership Program from July 22-29 in New York City. The 12 participants came from the United States, Taiwan, Colombia, Iran, Mexico, Iraq, Japan and Korea. Spending half the time in New York City where they met with many officials from various organizations and country missions associated with the United Nations, they also took part in a UN Side Event reporting on IBREA’s latest Brain Education programs in El Salvador and Liberia. The WYL program was rounded out with a Brain Education training at Honors Haven in Ellenville, NY. Many of the WYL participants are slated to work as part of the Brain Education team in followup assignments in El Salvador, Liberia and the Philippines this year.
The participants were asked to write a blog entry for Brain World Magazine’s website. Each entry sincerely showed the passion that these individuals have for helping others find the great potential inside their brains to create health, happiness and peace for themselves, their families, their communities and the planet earth. What follows is the blog entry by one of the IBREA’s 2nd Generation of World Youth Leaders–Lisa Bower (top right in photo).
Let there be peace on Earth And let it begin with me.
Let there be peace on Earth
The peace that was meant to be.
With Mago as Mother Family all are we.
Let me walk with my family In perfect harmony.
Let peace begin with me
Let this be the moment now. With every step I take
Let this be my solemn vow.
To take each moment And live each moment In peace eternally
Let there be peace on Earth And let it begin with me!
In 1945, countries around the planet organized and committed to activities which promote international peace, social progress, better living standards and human rights. Perhaps those founders of the United Nations were prompted by songs of peace in their hearts (like the one up above) and saw within their brains the potential to create this miracle and utilized their energy to launch this mission. This week along with 11 others signed on with IBREA’s World Youth Leadership Program, I was humbled to tour the building dedicated to these noble works as well listen to presentations by various UN experts and leaders.
What a thrill to see the Millennium Developmental Goals exhibited! I became familiar with them 10 years ago, but became impassioned to help fund them during a 2011 Earth Citizen $1 Enlightenment campaign (a global, grassroots campaign set out by IBREA to create a Healthier, Happier, and more Peaceful World). These eight lofty ideals are boldly posted in a hall with practical examples of how they have been set in motion, i.e. mosquito netting to reduce malaria and school in a box to supply children in dire situations with what they need to continue learning.
At the Mission of El Salvador, IBREA hosted an ECOSOC (Economic and Social Council) side event, “Brain Education in the Developing World.” Results indicated BE impacted certainly the children who participated, but also locals of all ages, like the man who dared to share his dream of a community swimming pool where everyone could gather, move their bodies and play together–something that is completely in line with Brain Education philosophy. Viewing the video on their project in Liberia gave me goose bumps. I was “verklempt” (Yiddish for “overcome with emotion”) witnessing the beautiful students in the midst of BE activities, which affirm the value of every life.
Several UN Leaders informed us but above all inspired us like the creator of Brain Education, itself, Dr, Ilchi Lee. The panel of guests echoed his principles of choosing a vision to serve the greater good, and of never giving up. This hopeful conviction combined with qualities of life like re‐inventing one’s self, honesty, preparedness, flexibility, and having the consciousness to strive for win/ win outcomes were stressed too. Each expert shared pride in their country, typically portrayed negatively by the media and their curiosity and knowledge of cultures and nations too. Their resumes reminded me of the old adage, “If you want a job done, give it to a busy person.”
We all have a brain. We are all Earth Citizens. We all desire individual peace and realize global harmony is more important now than ever before. Our brains give us the ability to triumph over war, poverty, gender and race discrimination and solve all crises. Upgrading the condition of our brains is key. The UN is filled with remarkable people who need the best we can offer. When our bodies are balanced then the will and courage to act on our highest values can happen. In Brain Education, I have been taught a system to foster that and it is begging to be unleashed far and wide. Let it begin with me.
