Mental training
Mental training is a modern umbrella term for various methods with which one fosters one’s mental capacities and insights in a targeted way. To it belong concentration, constructive thinking, the good dealing with problems and a conscious dealing with one’s own thoughts. At the Kyborg Institute, mental training is a central component of Energytraining.
What mental training comprises
In D. Harald Alke’s Mental Basics, a few building blocks form the core:
- Constructive thinking – to direct the gaze at solutions instead of at obstacles.
- The right dealing with problems – to place difficulties soberly and to tackle them.
- Thought-control and concentration – to guide attention consciously, instead of letting oneself be driven by thoughts.
- Holistic thinking – to recognise connections in the larger picture.
Harald Alke brings it to a simple formula: “Thought-control is the key to personal freedom.” What is meant is not to suppress feelings, but the capacity to give one’s own attention a clear direction.
From autogenic training to mental training
Relaxation and targeted work with thoughts belong together. Autogenic training is a good entry point: it brings one to rest and creates the composure on which mental training can build. While meditation above all calms the mind, mental training then aligns it in a targeted way. Thus the methods interlock – from gathering, through inner rest, to conscious shaping.
Our view
From our point of view, our thoughts strongly influence how we experience and shape our life – this is the basic thought behind “positive thinking”. Whoever learns to steer attention and attitude consciously goes through everyday life more clearly and calmly and uses their mental powers and their energy better. This is a personal, worldview-based view – no promise of healing and no substitute for medical or psychotherapeutic help, when it is needed.
Related terms
- Autogenic training – the relaxing entry point
- Meditation – bringing the mind to rest
- Consciousness & mind – how we think, feel and perceive
- Life energy – the force with which we act
Frequently asked questions
What is mental training – simply explained?
Mental training is an umbrella term for methods with which one fosters one's mental capacities in a targeted way – such as concentration, constructive thinking, clarity of goals and a conscious dealing with one's own thoughts.
What is the difference between meditation and mental training?
Put simply: meditation brings the mind to rest, mental training aligns it in a targeted way. Both complement one another. Autogenic training is a good entry point; a further-reaching mental training can build on it.
How does the Kyborg Institute see mental training?
For us, mental training is a central component of Energytraining. We assume that our thoughts strongly influence how we experience and shape our life. This is a personal, worldview-based view and no promise of healing.
Change history · last updated on
- — First English version.
Sources
- D. Harald Alke: Mental Basics. Kyborg Institut & Verlag – konstruktives Denken, Gedankenkontrolle und Konzentration als Kern des Mentaltrainings.
- D. Harald Alke: Energytraining, Band 2 (definitions of terms). Kyborg Institut & Verlag. ISBN 3-924722-02-1. Entry, German National Library
- D. Harald Alke: Gesundheitslexikon (Health Encyclopedia). A detailed account of health-relevant topics and therapeutic methods; bundled, overlapping experiences from around 30 years of life counselling. Kyborg Institute.
Autor: D. Harald Alke