The human population in developed regions has become very accustomed to living beyond our means. We consume more of the planets resources than can be replenished (and some that can never be), and yet we have millions of people who are still left under nourished and with unsustainable incomes. So if bionic beings would be created to replace human beings in different job roles, I would not support that.
Those in under developed areas are challenged by not having enough education and resources. Working to educate and empower communities, starting with the most prominent individuals in that community will create a more sustainable future. I do not really see how bionic beings would strengthen our global society, because that happens with individuals themselves.
If bionic beings were created for military purposes, I can see the violence getting exponentially greater. When you take out the human element of war, you begin to lose touch with the tragic relationship with it, and thus, become more tolerant of it.
As you can see, I am initially completely resistant to the idea of bionic beings. Feel free to educate me.
Wednesday, July 29, 2015
Biophysics- Week 2- The Medicine of Energy
Acupuncture as effective energy medicine:
The function of acupuncture is to bring the body into a state of homeostasis. By using needles, cupping, moxa, and/ or herbs the practitioner engages with the clients meridians. Flowing through the meridians, Qi and Blood maintain the internal organs, and the entire being. So to access these vital substances creates an environment where Qi and Blood flow harmoniously, and thus, allow a persons health to be restored, or maintained. Some people refer to that which flows through the meridians as energy, however I do not like using this term because it is not accurate. However, I will say that acupuncture is Qi-based medicine and is extremely effective at it's role in the healing process of an individual.
Kirlian Photography:
From what I understand, Kirlian photography works by using a high voltage, high frequency power supply. I do not fully understand what influence that has on the person being photographed. So, without truly understanding the mechanism of this type of photography, I am not going to form an opinion about it, specifically about the claims made that is captures auras.
Intent affecting Health:
In the field of psychology, studies have shown that when an individual focuses on and visualizes receiving a test back with a satisfactory grade, they do worse than when they visualize the process of them diligently studying (and then of course do that studying). This study showed the influence that our thought/ brain waves have on an outcome in our physical world. I take this same study (and I believe there have been similar studies done with respect to health/ healing, though I can not reference any in particular), and apply it to a person's health, to conclude that intention does in fact have an influence.
The function of acupuncture is to bring the body into a state of homeostasis. By using needles, cupping, moxa, and/ or herbs the practitioner engages with the clients meridians. Flowing through the meridians, Qi and Blood maintain the internal organs, and the entire being. So to access these vital substances creates an environment where Qi and Blood flow harmoniously, and thus, allow a persons health to be restored, or maintained. Some people refer to that which flows through the meridians as energy, however I do not like using this term because it is not accurate. However, I will say that acupuncture is Qi-based medicine and is extremely effective at it's role in the healing process of an individual.
Kirlian Photography:
From what I understand, Kirlian photography works by using a high voltage, high frequency power supply. I do not fully understand what influence that has on the person being photographed. So, without truly understanding the mechanism of this type of photography, I am not going to form an opinion about it, specifically about the claims made that is captures auras.
Intent affecting Health:
In the field of psychology, studies have shown that when an individual focuses on and visualizes receiving a test back with a satisfactory grade, they do worse than when they visualize the process of them diligently studying (and then of course do that studying). This study showed the influence that our thought/ brain waves have on an outcome in our physical world. I take this same study (and I believe there have been similar studies done with respect to health/ healing, though I can not reference any in particular), and apply it to a person's health, to conclude that intention does in fact have an influence.
Monday, July 20, 2015
Week Nine- Synthesis
E-prime:
I had a Creative Writing instructor who pointed out that, when writing a paper, 1.) always consider the reader, and along with that, 2.) it is understood that what you write is coming from you/ your point of view. Thus, the writer should speak/ write directly, with authority, and without hesitation. For example, rather than stating "I think it seems like we would be better off if more funding was allocated to after school programs," one should state, "More funding should be allocated to after school programs to ensure adequate support of our youth."
So when looking at the examples of E-Prime statements from this weeks lecture, there are times when they abide by the above suggestion by my CW instructor. Which, by the way, after being a tutor for a other writing classes, and having the opportunity to read a plethora of essays, turned out to be an awesome, and simple way to greatly improve any essay.
However, there are some clear examples of when using E-Prime created a much more convoluted, indirect, and less powerful statement. For example, the statement "In memory, I think I recall the car involved in the hit-and-run accident as a blue Ford" would not convince anyone of its validity. Thus, E-prime must be used with consideration of the topic and situation.
Synthesizing phyics:
Both the Eastern intuitive comprehension of reality and the Western technological exploration of it are essential in physics. The lessons from our ancestors of the cycles of nature provide great insight into how to properly use the instruments of science that we are blessed with in this current era. I have never read the Tao of Physics, but this class re-motivated my desire to do so, in order to see how these two perspectives have come together.
I had a Creative Writing instructor who pointed out that, when writing a paper, 1.) always consider the reader, and along with that, 2.) it is understood that what you write is coming from you/ your point of view. Thus, the writer should speak/ write directly, with authority, and without hesitation. For example, rather than stating "I think it seems like we would be better off if more funding was allocated to after school programs," one should state, "More funding should be allocated to after school programs to ensure adequate support of our youth."
So when looking at the examples of E-Prime statements from this weeks lecture, there are times when they abide by the above suggestion by my CW instructor. Which, by the way, after being a tutor for a other writing classes, and having the opportunity to read a plethora of essays, turned out to be an awesome, and simple way to greatly improve any essay.
However, there are some clear examples of when using E-Prime created a much more convoluted, indirect, and less powerful statement. For example, the statement "In memory, I think I recall the car involved in the hit-and-run accident as a blue Ford" would not convince anyone of its validity. Thus, E-prime must be used with consideration of the topic and situation.
Synthesizing phyics:
Both the Eastern intuitive comprehension of reality and the Western technological exploration of it are essential in physics. The lessons from our ancestors of the cycles of nature provide great insight into how to properly use the instruments of science that we are blessed with in this current era. I have never read the Tao of Physics, but this class re-motivated my desire to do so, in order to see how these two perspectives have come together.
Biophysics- Week 1- I am ALIVE!
What IS a living system?
To know whether an object is a living system or not takes greater consideration than just it's chemistry. One aspect of a living system is that it has a spirit, or, you can say, an energetic quality that is tangible to the senses. For example, a real plant viruses a fake plant- both are made of matter, carbon, other chemicals, and have energy (in the sense of e=mc2), but one can "feel" the difference between the two.
The other aspect to a living system is it's contribution to the cycle of life, a.k.a the food web. The study of ecology will teach that all living organisms fall somewhere along the food chain in a specific trophic level- in other words, what organisms eat and who eats them. It also shows the amount of energy that each level is responsible for transferring throughout the system/ food web.
Here's a 5 min video explaining this concept:
Thus, to be a living system, one must 1.) contribute to the food web and 2.) have a tangible spirit. Therefore, I/ we, as human beings, are living systems.
Conscious or Not?
My group reviewed this article in class which spoke about tests that are being done to examine the consciousness levels of those in vegetative states. Being a student of Acupuncture, I naturally consider- how would these test results change with the implication of acupuncture? With acupuncture on the rise in the West, this could be one incredibly useful area of application & it fuels my desire to dive into the research element once I become an L.Ac.
To know whether an object is a living system or not takes greater consideration than just it's chemistry. One aspect of a living system is that it has a spirit, or, you can say, an energetic quality that is tangible to the senses. For example, a real plant viruses a fake plant- both are made of matter, carbon, other chemicals, and have energy (in the sense of e=mc2), but one can "feel" the difference between the two.
The other aspect to a living system is it's contribution to the cycle of life, a.k.a the food web. The study of ecology will teach that all living organisms fall somewhere along the food chain in a specific trophic level- in other words, what organisms eat and who eats them. It also shows the amount of energy that each level is responsible for transferring throughout the system/ food web.
Here's a 5 min video explaining this concept:
Thus, to be a living system, one must 1.) contribute to the food web and 2.) have a tangible spirit. Therefore, I/ we, as human beings, are living systems.
Conscious or Not?
My group reviewed this article in class which spoke about tests that are being done to examine the consciousness levels of those in vegetative states. Being a student of Acupuncture, I naturally consider- how would these test results change with the implication of acupuncture? With acupuncture on the rise in the West, this could be one incredibly useful area of application & it fuels my desire to dive into the research element once I become an L.Ac.
Tuesday, July 7, 2015
Final Paper- Time and Culture
Our relationship with Time tends to be very dynamic- shifting from emotional, to relieving and stabilizing. Western cultures use time as a tool to maintain a schedule, a direction, and an income. In the West, time has a very high price tag, moves fast, and seems to always be in short supply. Whereas, in Eastern culture, Time is viewed in a more cyclical and interdependent way. Yet, regardless of our cultural influence of time, experiences are what create our perception of time and affects our attitude towards it.
For example, noticing the time while at a job that you dislike often creates the illusion that time is moving slowly. And conversely, when you are truly enjoying what you are doing, time seems to move more quickly. It is not that time is actually speeding up or slowing down, but our experience of space, quantified by a numerical value is what defines time.
Western cultures tend to have more anxiety around time, and according to the Lewis Model, this has to do with the linear association of time. This is indicated by the very sequential way in which tasks are prioritized and completed- one by one, in order to move forward on a plan or toward a goal. This association combined with the exponentially increasing price it costs to live in Westernized cultures, makes one’s time quite expensive. Thus, there is pressure to stay on time with your schedule, on task with your goals, and on track with a quickly, forward moving pace.
The linear association with time takes great organizational skills, and thus those who this comes naturally to, or who can pay for it have an easier time keeping up with the flow of time. However, this model has many people stressed, lacking self-awareness, and dis-eased. And unfortunately, it is quickly becoming the dominant influence, forcing others into its mold. However, the Eastern association with time is very different and this creates an interesting situation.
Eastern culture views time as cyclical and connected, which means that one moment affects another moment. Not only does this apply to one's own life, but also that of their succeeding generations. Specifically with Asian medicine, as we've learned, this understanding applies to one's overall health- of Qi, Blood, Essence, and Spirit.
When it is understood that what you are doing now will affect your offspring, there is greater accountability. This creates more self- awareness among Eastern cultures because to take care of your health requires this heightened awareness. Western cultures also have a certain level of accountability, but it is focused primarily on money- believing that one should create a financially sustainable future for their progeny.
The meaning and experience of time varies greatly across cultures. It is important to consider what you value most as an individual when defining your perception of time. We are blessed to live in a time of global technology where we can learn the perspectives of other cultures and be able to implement that which serves us best.
Wednesday, July 1, 2015
Week 7- Chaos Theory
Ordered Chaos
Ordered chaos is very prevalent among the human race, specifically. For example, those whom maintain a very messy space (home/ work)- though I personally could never function with peace & efficiency in a space of disorder, there are those who can. They are able to function without being distracted by the mess. This method of being, in a way, mirrors the macro-scale of human life- the series of events that create our experience is (mostly) unpredictable, yet it is occurring within the high order of nature. It is simply one event that dictates the occurrence of another event. We need both chaos and order to maintain harmony in this universe. If there were only order, we would experience a very inflexible state, and thus would become very rigid and stagnant. However, if chaos was the only state, we would probably not even be here, as we would not have enough order to create structure and substance.
Fractals and the complex system
The unpredictability among order is beautifully depicted by fractal images. They are random (chaotic) mathematical equations that manifest as beautiful images- often being highly symmetrical.
Consciousness and chaos
Consciousness is our personal experience of all stimulus in our environment- both internal and external. It formulates from the vibrational frequencies of our environmental influences, and chaos is like the fuel which stimulates this process.
Ordered chaos is very prevalent among the human race, specifically. For example, those whom maintain a very messy space (home/ work)- though I personally could never function with peace & efficiency in a space of disorder, there are those who can. They are able to function without being distracted by the mess. This method of being, in a way, mirrors the macro-scale of human life- the series of events that create our experience is (mostly) unpredictable, yet it is occurring within the high order of nature. It is simply one event that dictates the occurrence of another event. We need both chaos and order to maintain harmony in this universe. If there were only order, we would experience a very inflexible state, and thus would become very rigid and stagnant. However, if chaos was the only state, we would probably not even be here, as we would not have enough order to create structure and substance.
Fractals and the complex system
The unpredictability among order is beautifully depicted by fractal images. They are random (chaotic) mathematical equations that manifest as beautiful images- often being highly symmetrical.
Consciousness and chaos
Consciousness is our personal experience of all stimulus in our environment- both internal and external. It formulates from the vibrational frequencies of our environmental influences, and chaos is like the fuel which stimulates this process.
Tuesday, June 16, 2015
Week 5- Symmetry and Sacred Geometry
Symmetry is present in great abundance in nature, and is a source of attraction for many organisms. Whether it be in our food, like one of my personal favorites, the beautiful Romenesco:
Personally, being in nature brings me a deep sense of peace and stability. And as I reflect on the topic of symmetry, I will credit it's abundance in the wild as a major factor in that experience. When looking broadly at the world around us, the symmetrical relationship of things in space seems so perfect. Then, when you start to become more precise with your attention and hone in on individual organisms, the asymmetry begins to reveal itself. And though the symmetry is calming, the asymmetry is interesting, and stimulates brain activity. Thus, to loop this back into Chinese Medicine, it is as if perfect symmetry is the yin to the yang of asymmetry.
CP Violation
CP violation refers to the fact that in the universe, the amount of matter and antimatter is not symmetric.
The C is for Charge conjugation, which means that the charge of a particle would be switched to its opposite charge (i.e. positive to negative). And P stands for Parity, which addresses the spin of the particle- and how it would change directions. If CP occurred on all particles, there would be an equal amount of matter as there is antimatter. Being that there is not, this is referred to as CP violation.
Sacred Geometry:Physics such as Hieroglyphics:Autobiographies
The relationship of Sacred Geometry and Physics has become more and more intertwined as both language and the study of physics has expanded over the decades.
Sacred Geometry was a way for ancient peoples to communicate their spiritual traditions. The images, such as the I-Ching and the mandala also were used to outline patterns in nature, which provided guidance for those who adhered to it.
As the scientific era took off in the 19th and 20th centuries, higher level mathematics involved in such areas and theories as quantum physics and the Golden Ratio began to correlate to these ancient structures. The relationship between energy and matter was also found to strongly correlate to the relationship between spirit and body demonstrated through the Jewish kabala.
So, as we can see, just as Hieroglyphics was the image-based communication that preceded modern writing, Sacred Geometry was the image-based form that preceded mathematical equations for explaining matter and energy among space and time.
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