At some point during the busy course of our life, we all need a chance to recharge our batteries, to pause and think for a minute about the purpose of our life, forget past failures and get in touch with our energetic side. If so, then we should take a closer look at the concept of human development. Human development has a whole set of various definitions. But Omniya Shaker, a human development researcher and certificate holder, informs us that it basically means changing our lifestyle and setting it into productive mode. Our minds are divided into two categories: the conscious and the unconscious. The conscious mind is in charge of everything we deliberately choose to do, contrary to the unconscious mind which is in control of our unintended actions. For example, you're conducting a very important business deal with a person you greatly dislike. Your conscious mind is telling you to show interest, listen carefully, be attentive and get the job done. But unconsciously, your mind doesn't agree. What happens is that negative energy is released, your eyes start wandering around and you're not sitting right. Your body language will unintentionally start giving all the wrong signs and eventually you will lose focus because your conscious mind is not in harmony with your unconscious mind. To be in harmony, we must first come to terms with the fact that we have strong inner forces which control our behaviour. Many people take their unconscious mind for granted and underestimate its powers. Human development aims to enhance our mind skills and make us believe in the impossible. Shaker used to be really shy at high school. “When we had any presentation, I used to shake and feel like bursting into tears,” she recalls. At the time, Shaker's unconscious mind told her negative things such as “you are going to do terribly” and “everyone will laugh at you”, though her conscious mind was telling her differently. Later, Shaker learned that our unconscious mind is a very powerful tool. “If our unconscious mind believes we can do it, we will,” she adds. Over time, Shaker's fears turned into dust and were a thing of the past after she practised certain techniques. Firstly, learn to breathe the right way. As simple as it may seem, Shaker says research shows people may actually become more nervous because they are not breathing right. The right way to breathe involves taking long intervals of deep breaths and exhaling very slowly. Secondly, the presenter should focus on a comfortable spot while presenting but “not for a long time” as she puts it. Good eye contact should be attained with all the audience. Thirdly, change the tone to keep people interested. Fourthly, altering position on stage is a must “in order to distribute your energy,” states Shaker. Last but not least, positive energy. The concept of human development sees people and objects as bulks of energy, and everyone has both negative and positive energy. All our surroundings have an effect on our unconscious mind; the way we feel and act. Energy plays a significant role in developing our social skills. When we maintain positive energy, we become in accord with our surroundings and are able to pass this positive energy unto others which is known as bonding. The more we socially bond with people, the more our self image develops and we have higher self-esteem. Having good social skills requires the understanding of people's different personalities. Ziad Ghalayeni, a human development graduate, confides, “the key lies within our unconscious mind. If we always think positively, this will draw others to us like moths to a flame.” Because human nature is unconsciously always seeking positive energy, developing rapport is the first step that leads to effective social skills. Have you ever met someone for the first time and felt this instant connection? This is known as rapport, the initial attraction we feel towards someone we have just met. Ghalayeni says matching “is the first phase in rapport, the imitation of the person we're interested in”. If we like someone, we unintentionally try to be like this person. Best friends, for instance, sit and talk in the same manner and have the same laugh. The second step is maintaining rapport by avoiding long moments of silence, watching carefully for body language and abstaining from dead-end questions. The last phase is leading, which is a test to see if we actually reached rapport with the person in front of us. Ghalayeni tells us it occurs when we change something in our behaviour, our sitting position or facial expression. If the person in front of us does the same, then we're successfully leading a good level of rapport and bonding. In a nutshell, millions of people around the world might be unconsciously practising basic human development techniques but the more we understand how our minds work, the more we develop our personalities and sustain our abilities. Shaker reveals to us some quick mediation techniques that should be practised daily. “Taking 15 minutes of your day to practise meditation will heighten your concentration and clear your mind,” she confirms. The yoga cross legged sitting posture is the first step in meditation. “After sitting in this position, a person should start thinking of anything he or she likes,” Shaker adds. From chocolates, cookies to gardens or clear blue skies, “anything to relax”. Breathing right comes second. Inhaling and exhaling slowly helps our brain muscles relax, motivating positive thinking.
