Movement of the Month

Think of an X

Think of an X is a Brain Gym® integrative movement that accesses the Cerebral Cortex of the 3-Dimensional Brain. As part of the Midline Movements category of the Brain Gym® Menu, Think of an X used to simulate the side-to-side movement pattern of the Laterality Dimension.

Keywords associated with the Laterality dimension are reason, insight and communication.

It is the part of the brain responsible for:

• integrated creativity
• planning and visualizing
• sequencing and naming
• intellect and intelligence
• sense of time and space
• pattern sensing and coding
• science, art, math and music
• distinctions and associations
• speech, language and communication

How to Think of an X:

Notice your level of coordination and body awareness as you move about.

Now think of an X connecting your eyes and what you see, or connecting your hips and their opposite shoulders.

Notice again your level of coordination and body awareness.

Benefits of this Movement:

The X is the brain-organization pattern for crossing the lateral midline. Ideally, through completion in infancy of a series of one-sided and cross-lateral developmental steps, the left hemisphere moves the right side of the body, and the right hemisphere moves the left. The whole brain learns through movement to work cooperatively, making both sides available for both receptive and expressive processes.

What this looks like in day to day life

• Hand Writing
• Speed Reading
• Binocular Vision
• Binaural Hearing
• Sense of Balance
• Spelling and Math
• Spatial Awareness
• Reducing Eyestrain
• Planning and Scheduling
• Whole Body Co-ordination
• Concentration and Attention
• Improved Sports Performance

What Happens?

The X serves as a natural symbol and support for using both eyes together and for crossing the lateral midline (side to side).  Whenever we bring together our eyes to a single point, our center of focus could be compared to the point in the center of an X.  The “wings” of the X create a visual representation of our peripheral vision. The X also represents the symmetry of the large muscles of the hips and shoulders as they counterbalance for activities such as walking. 

History of Movement

Dr. Dennison began using the X to help explain to students the difference between balanced, reciprocal, two-sided cross-crawl movements, such as walking, and imbalanced, one-sided movements, such as carrying a heavy bag over a shoulder. 
He also noticed it was a helpful reminder to use both visual fields and to coordinate left-right body movements, especially during the integration of these skills by those who are developing movement awareness.

To learn more about Think of an X and other Brain Gym® movements join us for one of our workshops, go to www.brainworksglobal.com  

Some "Movement of the Month" content is derived from the following publications, Brain Gym® for Business, Brain Gym®Teachers Edition and the Brain Gym®101 Manual.

Do not reproduce - Format © Brain Works Global Inc.2010