Gaia: Knowledge And Wisdom

Re: How to make changes happen?

http://willow-spirit.gaia.com — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 21:17:22 GMT

Hello!
I guess that problem starts when life become spiced with new things, unknown to habits. Some accommodation is recommended, but there is no universal formula for everyone, any solution is individual, like our life is individual. At least you must to put yourself and yours environment under microscope and then to calculate own ability.
It isn't easy.
If it isn't secret, what is yours horoscope sign, and if you know, sub-sign?

Peace and joy!

Vesna

How to make changes happen?

http://barca1.gaia.com — Sun, 22 Feb 2009 20:49:19 GMT

I feel underperforming because of many distractions during working day. That is why I decided to start a 30-days trial not to switch to less importany things and tasks.

But day by day I failed to do so I was finding myself switched from most important tasks.

I don't think the problem is in self-discipline.
I will be 26 - but more than 4 years have no problems maintaining a habit to account income and expenses daily. Once starting accounting it is no problem to maintain the habit.

Any ideas what to do not to distract from most important tasks?

Re: Living by a "custom" religion?

http://ian-maleny.gaia.com — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 00:53:16 GMT

I do understand, and was only expressing a point in which I stated "in the final analysis" .
Life is subject to a diversity of pressures and it is these that we have come to Earth to conquer - amongst a host of other things :-)

Re: Living by a "custom" religion?

http://oraclephoenix.gaia.com — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 19:50:31 GMT

That is true in your context, but not in mine. I was using the phrase to mean something they didn't want to do or didn't feel comfortable with. People do things they aren't comfortable with all the time in order to please someone; and, while it could be viewed as their fault for being talked into something too easily, I know what it feels like to be pressured that way and wouldn't like to be responsible for doing the pressuring.

Re: Living by a "custom" religion?

http://ian-maleny.gaia.com — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 06:59:00 GMT

With regard to your statement "I could never be at peace with the thought that I might have driven someone to or away from a faith against their will." above rest assured that no one ever drives another away from or toward anything against their will.
Everyone has free will and, in the final analysis - the only one, every one is the only one responsible for their thoughts and actions. Consequently, there is no place for guilt, lack of peace or whatever!
Be at peace, my friend, guilt is due to ignorance and an unnecessary burden.
:-)

()

Re: Living by a "custom" religion?

http://wandering-star13.gaia.com — Sun, 07 Dec 2008 02:28:18 GMT

Kelsey,
I can relate to your "Custom" religion. I grew up without a lot of religion in my life. My dad is an atheist and my mom picks and chooses certain beliefs that comforts her. Both of my parents always encouraged me to read and learn about different religions and find one that would rest with me. My mom says that all beliefs, all the different paths, all lead to the same God. I am Buddhist, but live with an open mind. I used to spend a lot of time at the library after school and when other people were at parties. I found a book written by the Dalai Lama one day and everything he said penetrated deep into my soul and also made since in my scientific mind.

For me, there is no "true" religion. Take what you can understand and leave out the rest. Otherwise, your soul will always long for something more. That is only how I feel.

Re: Living by a "custom" religion?

http://oraclephoenix.gaia.com — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 08:24:01 GMT

Hey Kelsey!

I am absolutely living by a custom religion. I was raised in a Jehovah's Witness household and was never fully able to embrace their very specific brand of Christianity so I branched out and started looking for a better and more personal answer for myself. Though I do consider myself a Christian in the most general interpretation and still embrace much of the Jehovah's Witness teachings, I lean toward Universalism where the soul of another may be concerned. I feel that, ultimately, faith and religion are a personal journey and the full truth is probably unknown to any one person or group. I consider all faiths to be a valid attempt at understanding and believe that whatever entity may be judging us will do so based on our character as human beings and not what we chose to call Him/Her/It.

Because the truth is unknowable in this lifetime and because so much of faith is a mystery, I would never attempt to influence the views of another. If they hear me and feel a connection with what I've said, that's one thing; but I could never be at peace with the thought that I might have driven someone to or away from a faith against their will. No one has the right do to that to another; or even to try. We are all responsible for our own path.

I will probably never belong to a church, due to the simple fact that it has never felt necessary for me and because I feel that in a group, all too often, people are prone to generalizations which can quickly get out of hand and lose their flexibility. I currently subscribe to a blend of Christianity, Judaism, and Taoism and I continue to learn, study, and work toward a better understanding of these and others and I love and embrace all races, religions, and sexualities as vital parts of a diverse and changing world.

I continue to battle with my own insecurities and fears with regards to what many, including members of my family, believe to be "sacrilege" but when I am thinking most purely from my own consciousness I still believe that I am on the right track. I hope you continue down your right track; as I believe it's different for all of us and I wish you strength and courage to press on in the face of opposition.

Best of luck!

Re: Brain Chatter and Meditation

http://cloudhidden.gaia.com — Fri, 28 Nov 2008 18:07:16 GMT

The purpose of meditation is not to stop the constant chatter of the mind but rather to develop the awareness, the perspective that we are not what we think but rather that we are the one who is aware of the thinking. The unrestrained constant mental dialogue is what is responsible for all of the stress, tension and conflict in our lives. So anything we can do to control these habitual thought patterns will lead to greater enjoyment of life. I guess that's as good a defination of happiness as any.

If you are interested in learning how to bring the racing mind under control you might want to check out the group "Living in the Truth of the Present Moment"

http://pods.gaia.com/present_moment

Re: Brain Chatter and Meditation

http://ian-maleny.gaia.com — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 06:20:28 GMT

The source of the 'chatter' is the mind which is the soul, the moul, and the brain is the transformer: the mechanical link between the non-physical and the physical being. With the attainment of full enlightenment the moul ceases to exist; hence there is no chatter. reaction etc.

Re: Brain Chatter and Meditation

http://Domus-ulixes.gaia.com — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 01:51:00 GMT

well, First of all you must understand that meditative nirvanan,or buddhist nirvana, has nothing to do, at all, with happiness.

One becomes happy, from achieving enjoyment (a physical sensation) out of various things. Some more morally rejective then others, and some commonly practised. In meditation, one can find peace and calmth. In achieving such happiness most human are hindered by judgement, pre-assumptions and negative thoughts. By cancelling out, such chatter, as a whole, one loses the ability to really 'care' about such things anymore. One might no longer be troubled by attachement, but one also has not the faintest idea what they Should do. The Idea of enlightenment, is after all not no-longer-feeling the emotions, but understanding them, inside others and more importantly yourself, and to all aspects they contribute, and use them to your great advantage.
If you suffer from constant Chatter, then meditating won't get you there, you need to change your mentalitly and views upon life, all togther, and need to revise all your habbits and thoughts. And after that, you have only started the proces...

so, take care and good luck!

Re: A tad lost...

http://artcoder.gaia.com — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 00:25:32 GMT

It is a place where you can share ideas with other people. Find out what other people have to say. Reflect on different perspectives presented. In essense, by doing so, one becomes more open.

I know that the spirit of your question is in terms of the "subject matter" of the site, as in is it about "cars", "games", "web design", "politics", "environment", or what?

Based on the "Popular Group Tag" cloud, the members on this site tend talk most about spirituality, love, peace, community, consciousness, life, health, healing, etc.

Not that you can not talk about anything else. You can. For example, in regards to the recent presidental election, I have seen discussions about politics.

Brain Chatter and Meditation

http://artcoder.gaia.com — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 00:13:01 GMT

I'm reading the Jill Taylor's book "My Stroke of Insight". She said that she discovered nirvana when a stroke temporarily disabled her brain's constant chatter.

I'm not a regular mediator. But for those do mediate, my question is ...

Is it true that by eliminating or becoming aware of the constant brain chatter and thoughts, and judgements that are in our heads, that we become happier? (She calls it "nirvana", but I'm just going to call it happiness. )

Is that one aspect of meditation? And does meditation makes one happier?

Re: James: Teacher of The Path

http://ian-maleny.gaia.com — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 07:57:46 GMT

Hello James, and welcome here and to Gaia where I hope your experience will assist many seekers.
I agree fully with the four yogas - excellent!
An invitation of friendship is on its way.
() <- my symbol of "namaste".

James: Teacher of The Path

http://jamesbaquet.gaia.com — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 14:32:42 GMT

Hi, Everybody!

Of the Four Yogas, the one I feel most at home in is Jnana Yoga, the yoga of knowledge. That word "jnana" is cognate to the Greek word "gnosis," which is in turn cognate to "know" and therefore "knowledge." (Sanskrit is fun!)

So my path has always been more about knowledge and wisdom, but without eliminating discipline, compassionate action, and joyous "worship," the other three Yogas.

I'm looking forward to sharing this path with you.

You can read more about me at my Gaia profile, where I blog regularly.

You can also find me on my personal homepages, www.jamesbaquet.com (where I blog more extensively) and jamesbaquet.ning.com (with forums, e-courses, and free essays).

I'm fairly new to Gaia, and would enjoy meeting "friends" with common ideas. And of course, I'll see you all here in the group!

peace,
James

Re: A tad lost...

http://treniff.gaia.com — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 15:35:14 GMT

Hello and welcom to Gaia. I have only been on here a few months myself. I found this site the same way you did, by applying for a scholarship.

So far I have learned that this is place to reflect on your life and share your experiences with others. In a short time I have met many inspirational people all in one place...Gaia! And that's enough to make me keep coming back, lol.

There are many online communities such as face book and my space, but with the huge positive outlook everyone has on here, this is truly one of a kind. So, if you're into helping others, self help, inspiring fellowship, reading books that leave lasting impressions, or just having good clean fun, I think you'll enjoy it here.

I hope that helped some :o)

Re: A tad lost...

http://xxawwxsugarxx.gaia.com — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 04:18:58 GMT

^_^;; I still don't understand.

I tried to read what they gave me and only became more confused.

Metaphysical manifesto

http://Domus-ulixes.gaia.com — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 22:27:59 GMT

Physicists, mostly, are realistic reductionist Copernicist mathematicists.

Realism is the prejudice that there is a universe out there, distinct from, but in communication with the physicist(1), and that understanding of this universe ought to be obtained by careful observation(2).

Reductionism is the prejudice that in order to understand complicated thingsit helps to understand its simpler parts(3).

Copernicism is the prejudice that the universe doesn’t care about the physicist’s tastes and preferences(4): the universe will keep going its own way as physicists fall for fads and fashions. In short, you are neither the center, nor at the center, of the universe.

Mathematicism is the prejudice that we can describe and, with luck, predict phenomena using the rules of the mathematical game(5); and that the universe deigns to conform to the rules of human mathematics(6).

All these prejudices may be wrong(7), but I will stick to them until they are clearly wrong.

By: Prof. Dr. R.H.P. Kleiss

From: 'The physics of Spacetime' - R.H.P. Kleiss - 12-04-2006

Footnotes at text:

1: Denying this is solipsism: the solipsist cannot be proven wrong by logical argument, but is, perhaps for that very reason, not a nice person to be with.

2: Denying this disqualifies one from doing physics (but not from doing mathematics); in extreme forms it can lead to revelationism and religious fundamentalism.

3: Do not be misled by fashionable slogans like ‘holism’, ‘complexity’, or ‘self-organization’. In the language we are using here, holims just states that the simplest part of a thing may happen to be the thing itself; complexity just states that simple things obeying simple rules may actually result in something pretty complicated-looking; and self-organization just states that the complicatedlooking result may actually be pretty robust. The Pseudo-Scientific New Ager will sit back and be impressed by the complicated-looking result; the scientist will be impressed by the simplicity of the parts and rules. The science of complexity is not the antithesis of reductionism, but an extreme case of it.

4: Do not be misled by fashionable slogans like ’observer effect’,’collapse of the wavefunction’, or ’the measurement problem’. Observer effect just states that the physicist, after all, is unavoidably part of the universe, and a separation between self and the universe is an idealization; collapse of the wavefunction just states that as the status of the self changes because of information gained
from the universe, it should not come as a surprise that the status of the universe also changes; the measurement problem just states that at present it is not yet completely clear how these status changes are to be explained reductionistically.

5: After centuries of brainwashing by physics’ successes, it is extremely hard for us even to conceive of any other way of doing it.

6: An undeserved but very fortunate condescension! This behaviour cannot be proven, but so far we have been succesful. On the other hand, it may mean that our mathematics has hit upon some fundamental actual properties of the world—in that case, an alien thechnology-based civilization on a distant planet would probably do mathematics the same way.

7: An open mind is a good thing, but a prejudice such as ‘do not jump out of this high window, because gravity always works’ sees you safely through the day.

Re: Living by a "custom" religion?

http://treniff.gaia.com — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 13:10:50 GMT

I think everyone customizes their own religion to whatever extent needed to fit their own personality and life styles. I am christian. Personally I believe in following Jesus, to try to live the best that you can in following him. All people are different and nobody's perfect. My church is called Trinity. Trinity is defined as: believing in the father, son and holy spirit as one. Two churches in my town had financial difficulties, one from cause of a fire. They decided to save both churches by uniting to become one church (Baptist and Presbyterian). This happened over 60 years ago. Today our congregation consists of many religions including Catholic all based on the Trinity belief. It was a very small congregation when I first started going there and it has grown over the years. Sometimes my daughter was the only one in Sunday school class and now there are 4 classes with 7-15 children per class (divided by age groups). Although different religions, the whole congregation is one big close family who always welcome new people with open arms. Many people think this is different and tell me they have never heard of the different christian religions coming together as one like this, but it works for me. I don't believe in judging other people so I try my best not to. Sometimes it's difficult not to judge, especially when I fear my children might make poor choices because of others who set negative examples. One girl I won't let my daughter go to her house, but I do allow them to be friends in school and invited the girl to join our Girl Scout troop so they'd have a safer place to hang out under other adult supervision. When saftey issues are involved, I sometimes forget not to judge, but do my best to compromise when others are willing to compromise also. Better safe than sorry is something I quite often tell my kids. Of course, I always hope others won't judge me as well. I tend to get along with almost anyone reguardless our differences and beliefs. Just my own personal opinion, of course, and like I said before, it works for me :o)

Re: Living by a "custom" religion?

Sun, 28 Sep 2008 15:39:53 GMT

Exactly, Kelsey. I'm glad you understand. :) I forgot to answer your original question, though. My apologies.

When others ask me which religion I follow, I simply tell them I am pagan. The root of this word was used to describe rural folk who continued to follow indigenous religions after the beginning of the common era. I feel that it accurately describes my overall mindset, and it's meaning is broad enough that I can fit my various principles beneath it. :)

Thanks for posting this thread, Kelsey. Good stuff.

Re: A tad lost...

http://ian-maleny.gaia.com — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 08:16:20 GMT

Hello <3,

Is anyone able to further explain the goal of this site to me?
Perhaps I can help until Kelsey comes along.
If your question about "site" relates to this group I quote Kelsey's opening remarks for the group:

This is a group for learning, asking questions and overall knowledge and wisdom. Come here and ask questions about anything you might be interested in or curious about. Let's help each other. The more you know, the more you grow.

If by "site" you mean the Gaia Community please refer to the home pages as there is a whole heap to take in.
I hope this helps and, Kelsy, I hope I have not usurped your position.