Friday, May 23, 2008
Escape for the Vata
For someone with a vata personality like myself, infusing one’s life with routine is a necessity. If left unchecked, individuals with vata tendencies will exaggerate their imbalances even further if they nurture their instinctual desires. By insisting on constant change, excessively multi-tasking, over-exertion or avoiding regular habits, vata imbalances will manifest in a variety of physical, mental & emotional disturbances, such as fatigue, anxiety or the inability to relax. More on Dosha Imbalances HERE.
If any type of life balance is expected to be achieved, those flighty and impulsive vata tendencies must be countered by dull monotony. But although bland foods, rigid routines and suppression of impulses will tame the raging vata beast, a dark cloud of ennui will also manifest in tandem.
This plight, my friends, is where my life currently finds itself. Too much same old, same old..... not enough stimulation.
So, after many, MANY months of succumbing to the self-
Saturday, April 5, 2008
Is Terrorism Ever Justified?
Terrorism, as defined by Webster’s, is the unlawful use or threat of violence especially against the state or the public as a politically motivated means of attack or coercion. Terrorists use violent tactics in an effort to create political change, threaten or induce fear in the public and/or government, raise media attention or further their political cause. Unfortunately, many times, terrorist attacks fall upon innocent victims.
One may argue as to the degree of innocence each individual may have. Terrorist attacks in current history most always end in the killing of children. There can be no argument as to a baby’s innocence.
Terrorism when inflicted on innocent civilians can never be justified. Killing others for any reason other than self-defense is morally reprehensible. Kant believes in a universal law. Morally, we must “treat humanity…never simply as a means but always at the same time as an end.” In other words, terrorists cannot morally justify innocent deaths
Thursday, January 17, 2008
The Various Meanings of Tao
Taoism, a philosophy and way of life, originated in China, and is credited to a man named Lao Tzu, born in 640 BCE. The Tao Te Ching is the primary text of Taoism and consists of a variety of philosophy, mysticism, reflection and poetry. As many religions practiced today emphasize some type of unity, Taoism specifically concentrates on the connection between humanity and the universe.
The word Tao can literally be translated as the ‘path’ or the ‘way’; and can be categorized into three distinct interpretations.
The first interpretation is the way of ultimate reality. The Tao cannot be expressed, explained or conveyed in text or word. As the Tao Te Ching opens, “The Tao that can be spoken is not the true Tao.” The true Tao transcends the reality in which we live. It was not created and cannot be destroyed. This path is eternally existent and transcends all that is material.
The next is the way of the universe. This interpretation suggests the omnipresent aspect of the Tao.
Friday, January 11, 2008
Balance your Diet ~ Balance your Life
Most Americans start off their New Year with a few resolutions. We focus on areas of our lives that we want to improve. Even the U.S. Government acknowledges an individual’s need for constant reinvention. In their list, USA.GOV recognizes the most popular New Year’s Resolutions, many of which revolve around personal health; such as weight loss, fitness, healthy eating, reduction of alcohol consumption, smoking cessation and reduction of stress. For more information on the Most Popular Resolutions for Americans from the US Government, Click Here.
But, as the Opinion Research Corporation reports, only 64% of Americans are still maintaining their goal through February, 46% by July, and only 8% of all resolutions are kept for the entire year. The high expectations we set for ourselves disappear for a variety of reasons. Perhaps they are too unrealistic or unattainable, maybe they are too vague. Often times we simply get tired of fighting the battle of willpower, give up or give
Saturday, January 5, 2008
Living Stress Free with Yoga
I find that as soon as January 1st rolls around, my natural levels of stress and anxiety plummet. My grieving for the loss of another year is over and all that remains in my heart is hope and boundless, new possibilities. However, for many, stress and anxiety remain with them year-round. And even for the most well-balanced individuals, stressful situations and challenging times will present themselves again and again. So maintaining balance and peace, for everyone, is an opportunity for personal growth.
What is stress?
Stress is the Self’s natural response to challenging situations. In some instances, it can actually be useful. Stress causes adrenaline to flow, and allows us to perform to our maximum potential. It is the biological “fight of flight” response that helps us to successfully focus on the current task at hand. But when stress becomes constant or “chronic”, a state of being where the body and mind never have a chance to relax and recharge, it can quickly and