A Life in Balance ~ Learning Breakthrough Program {a Crew Review}

A Life in Balance: Discovery of a Learning Breakthrough by Frank Belgau is an encouraging and inspirational book. It gives the background and long lived process of developing the Learning Breakthrough Program. The 216 page paperback book is available for $16.94 and is definitely directed toward parents and other adults.

In an age of overmedicating our children or even ourselves due to the tiniest inclination of a learning disability or just plain being slow, this book is a breath of fresh air. Frank’s program is designed to help those with ADD/ADHD, dementia and even Alzheimer’s without the use of medication. His program works by stimulating the parts of the brain we use when we learn with other physical activities.

The book begins with Frank’s school days. He was the only one in his talented and intelligent family to not be able to read by first grade. It’s not that he didn’t want to learn or didn’t care to learn, he just couldn’t. His father was extremely encouraging and never looked down on his son for his disability, in fact, he flat out told Frank that if anyone ever picked on him to let his dad know and he would take care of it. J It makes my heart happy to see and hear parents taking pride in and building up their children, even when they aren’t “perfect”.

After a summer filled with physical activities at the beach, Frank found himself moved from the back of the class to the front. Back in the 1960’s children were sat in order according to their astuteness. Frank was always at the back, until now. Once Frank overcame his learning problem he went on to the military where he quickly moved up in ranks and began teaching. After leaving the military he took on teaching as an elementary teacher. Frank’s lifelong dream was to be a pilot in the military and later on a scientist. He accomplished both of these goals. It was while he was teaching the elementary grades that Frank’s program really began to take shape. By being asked to watch some “mentally retarded” kids so the regular teacher could have a break, Frank realized there was much more going on inside the students and they should not just be written off. In fact, it was practice back then to have those students sit at their desk and put newspaper over their heads if they became too rowdy or hard to handle. Can you believe that? Through a series of art projects, Frank was able to see the full potential and thinking power of these children.

It is worth noting that in each stage of Frank’s life- as a student, military personnel, teacher and scientist- there were people who came into his life at the perfect time, speaking life and encouragement to him. Though there isn’t really a religious tone in the book, it is obvious throughout the book how God was working and orchestrating things in Frank’s life.

Frank knew his methods worked but he didn’t know how or why they worked. The technical side of how the brain works is near the end of the book. I think the end of the book is the perfect place for all the medical/technical details because Frank himself didn’t really fully understand the process until later in his career.  It also works to the advantage of the reader because by this point you’ve read the back story and can more easily grasp the medical concepts.

The equipment Frank developed and used is available on the Learning Breakthrough Program website. Although you don’t have to have his special equipment to do some of his basic exercises (which are in the book).

My bottom line

This inspiring book is definitely a good read and one that I would recommend for anyone dealing with or perhaps considering medicating their child. As a mom of a “slow learner”, I was super encouraged to read the overcoming stories of those who have used Frank’s program.

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