Definition of Philosophy

How to Keep a Healthy Mind

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Lifestyles have changed in the past decade. For most of us it is like living in the fast lane every day. There is so much to be done and there is so little time. As a result, we become stressed and this results in many illnesses and even death.

Studies show that stress is the common cause of anxiety. It damages our body and mind, causing panic attacks, lack of sleep, phobias and many more. Apart from these, it also triggers health diseases such as heart problems, high blood pressure, asthma, eczema, indigestion, irritable bowel syndrome and alopecia.

Other signs of stress include headaches, palpitations, wheezing, irritability, low energy, poor memory and increased emotions.

Stress is often caused by finance, work and relationships. Treatments vary and drug induced ones can sometimes cause more problems instead of fixing it. We must keep in mind that in the end it is up to us. Our perspective and choices lead us to the kind of life we choose.

Here are some tips to reduce stress:

Identify what causes you stress and do something about it. It may be easier said than done, but let’s face it, we only get stressed if we let it get to us.

Reduce stress by being more organized. Make a list of personal and professional priorities and make time for them. Keep an organizer, so that you won’t forget anything.

Allow yourself to be emotional at times. You are human and it is normal to laugh or cry when needed. Keeping these emotions can result to long term issues.

Learn how to value yourself. Make a list of your positive qualities and go through it whenever you feel down.

Find your passion. It may be a hobby, a sport or even volunteering for a cause. Outlets help you cope and make you feel good about yourself.

Learn to relax wherever you are. If you feel like losing control, take deep breaths until you feel better.  Meditate when you can. Simply close your eyes and imagine yourself in a beautiful spot where you would want to be.

Write down how you feel. It lets you release your feelings and makes you feel better. Keep a journal. It is always nice to look back and know how you were able to cope.

Take a break. Go on a holiday whenever you can. It allows you to recharge. It also helps you learn new things and gather new experiences. Plus it gets you away from stress.

Lastly, learn how to do nothing. Keeping quiet and still helps you think clearly.

 

Image from judacoregio

Originally posted on January 31, 2012 @ 4:50 am

Confucianism

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Confucianism is a philosophical and ethical system or a way of life taught by Confucius in the 5th-6th century BC. Some see it as philosophy or religion, as an “all-encompassing humanism that neither denies nor slights heaven”.

Confucianism is known to be a combination of ren also known as “benevolence or humaneness” of people within a community. It is a reflection of excellent character in accordance to li or ritual norms, yi or the moral disposition to do good, zhong which is loyalty to one’s nature, shu or reciprocity and xiao filial piety. Altogether they are seen as de or virtue. Confucius also believes that it is necessary to give up one’s life “passively or actively for the sake of upholding cardinal and moral values.

These beliefs are all characteristics of a positive view of human nature and faith that all human beings are gifted and can do wonderful things. They are all capable of improving, being taught and reaching a certain level of perfection through ‘self-cultivation and self-creation’.

Confucius saw heaven or T’ienas a personal universal force and he regarded it as positive. This belief was contrary to what people assumed that he was a skeptic or agnostic who did not believe in a higher power.

Confucianism does not have specific rituals or practices apart from its ‘ethical principles’. Most of these so called practices are a combination of Taosim, Buddhism and Chinese religion.

This way of thinking has a huge following. It has become a moral compass, even influencing political and spiritual life in China. It has even spread out to neighboring Asian countries such as Taiwan, Korea, Vietnam and Japan.

 

Image from eerkmans

Originally posted on January 31, 2012 @ 1:48 am

Crystal Therapy

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Crystal therapy is a therapeutic method of healing which enables spiritual healing and growth. Records show that it was used thousands of years ago inn Ancient Egypt, traditional Chinese medicine and Ayurveda.

It is believed that crystals resonate unique vibrations based on their mineral content, intrinsic geometry and color frequency they radiate. They are placed around or in key areas of the body to help clear and release negative energies in order to heal and restore balance. They can also be swept over the body, carried or worn.

Our bodies have an electromagnetic system also known as a vibrational energy system. Crystals on the other hand function as great electromagnetic conductors which have the capability to interrelate with our energies. They carry vibrations that can activate energy midpoints in our system, thus giving off positive effects such as restoring a person’s well-being.

During therapy, a variety of crystals or stones are used to release imminent obstructions that block the flow of energy in the body in order to reduce mental and nervous stress. Afterwards, individuals feel a profound state of calmness. It becomes easier for them to let go of negative attitudes and habits and they become more in tune with themselves and their lives.

When using crystals, it is important to cleanse them before usage because they may carry negative vibrations as well. They can be cleaned with running water or placed in direct sunlight or moonlight. The latter is considered the most powerful cleaner. Pure sound vibrations such as the sound of a bell or gong can also cleanse a crystal’s energies.

 

Image from WilliamNoMates

Originally posted on February 19, 2012 @ 2:28 am

What You Need to Know about Chakras

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The word chakra originally came from Hindu texts which spoke about tantric traditions of Buddhism and Hinduism. The word was derived from In Sanskrit it means “wheel” or “turning” in Hindi. They are thought of as “wheel like vortices which can be found in the various points of the body of living things. They are seen as “force centers” that are filled with energy. Human bodies for example hold hundreds of these.

However, there are seven major energy centers which function as transmitters, receivers as well as processors of life energies. Every single point relays to our levels of consciousness. The different types of energies -physical, spiritual, emotional and mental all have distinct traits correspond to their respective functions, their connection to the many glands of the body’s endocrine system and the seven colors of the rainbow. These forces form a network within the body, mind and spirit which interrelates as a holistic system.

Understanding the various chakras enable us to understand ourselves and make use of these to build harmonious relationships and improve our selves including our physical and spiritual relationships. In a way they function as entrances where emotions flow into so that they are felt and expressed. The beliefs and attitudes we have created in our minds run through these chakras and then they are scattered to our organs and even the cells and tissues that comprise them.

Knowing how these influence our bodies and minds enable us to make better choices and decisions which are based on balance and awareness instead of running like a headless chicken when we are affected or swayed by forces we cannot control.

 

Image from Wikipedia

Originally posted on March 30, 2012 @ 4:07 pm