Anatomy of Embodied Education

Anatomy of Embodied Education: Creating Pathways to Brain-Mind Evolution is an artful piece of work that condenses the past 70 years of literature from the fields of neuroscience, learning, psychology and human wellbeing. This is a resource that integrates centuries of bright minds, a collage of perspectives and rich discussion leading to optimizing human potential. The authors have unpacked the imperative beyond the growth of a healthy, functioning brain toward developing an inquisitive, creative and intelligent mind.

this accumulation of comprehensive knowledge interwoven with keen perspectives engages the reader in an in-depth discussion of a path to access human potentials across many levels. the journey begins with simple brain- body physiology, articulating the essentials of healthy development through early and ongoing extension of the brain-mind that drives purposeful thought and character. comprehensive as any work on the brain as it relates to "mind," the focus encompasses a span from individual achievement to species potential. the gestalt of this work eclipses an amassing of scientific knowledge, applying such to living life well, as one learns and lives in accordance with nature's agenda.

burns and brown have done a spectacular reflection of the essence of the body/brain and the mind/spirit of human potential. they have left no stone unturned in the pursuit of human growth and possibility.

- robert k greenleaf, ed.d, president, greenleaf learning,

former public education teacher, principal, superintendent and faculty development coordinator, university system of new hampshire

in this treasure of a book, burns and brown weave a tapestry from the collective threads of their lineage traditions, experience and wisdom as veteran educators in human development and consciousness. the reader is invited on a learning adventure integrating theory, philosophy, and offering practical tools grounded in biology and contemporary relational neuroscience. the eclectic array of chapters tickle the reader's curiosity and orient us toward a future where learning is accessible to and inclusive of diverse learning styles. as illuminated here, mindful, embodied education offers pathways that foster deep intelligence and consciousness rooted in the senses, the earth and the inherent values of goodness, truth and beauty.

- kate cook, m.a., lpcc, tep, director of the applied interpersonal neurobiology certificate program southwestern college, santa fe, new mexico, usa

Anatomy of Embodied Education: Creating Pathways to Brain-Mind Evolution is a well done and courageous book dedicated to propelling us into creative thinking on how to develop optimally functioning mind-body consciousness through our lifetimes, beginning in childhood. Burns and Brown skillfully weave classical and current neuroscience theories that allow the reader flexibility to reimagine our m...

Preface

Introduction

Chapter 1 - Introduction to the Human Brain

Chapter 2 - The Triune Brain Revisited

Chapter 3 - Brain Maturation and Development

Chapter 4 - The Brain Up Close

Chapter 5 - The Real Brain Basics: Exercise and Sleep

Chapter 6 - Gene Expression, Learning, and Human Potential

Chapter 7 - The Brain and Environmental Enrichment

Chapter 8 - This is Your Brain on Stress

Chapter 9 - Chronobiology and the Rhythms of Life

Chapter 10 - Brainwaves, Mind States, Learning, Performance and Well-Being

Chapter 11 - The Intelligent Body: Sensing, Intuition, and the Embodied Mind

Chapter 12 - The Heart Has a Mind of Its Own

Chapter 13 - The Contingent Mind: Nurture, Feedback, Play and the Neurobiology of Human Development

Chapter 14 - Minding the Mind: The Benefits of Paying Attention to Attention

Chapter 15 - The Anatomy of Embodied Education: Mindful Integration of Brain, Body and Heart Intelligences

Conclusion - In Pursuit of Human Possibility

Reference List

Index

Acknowledgments

About the Authors