The Quantum Activist

While at work a man receives a phone call. His pregnant wife has gone into labor and has been transported to the hospital. Quickly he grabs his coat a keys and runs out of the office, hops in the car and speeds off to the hospital. Simultaneously, a distress call comes to the fire station of a possible electric fire a few blocks away from the hospital.  The fire-fighters jump into their truck, turn on the siren, and speed off to the location of the fire.

At an intersection on route to both emergencies hangs a traffic signal.  The man rushing to the hospital sees the light in front of him but hears sirens approaching from the perpendicular street to the right.  The fire-truck driver sees the light, looks both ways and sees a man in a car approaching the intersection from the perpendicular street to the left. Simultaneously they focus on the light signal with the intention of it being green…

SO, which one will receive the green light? Will it be the man rushing to his wife and perhaps newborn child, or the fire-fighters whose response time is imperative for the safety of all those at the fire location?  Provided the civil engineer who designed the traffic light  did not install a pre-coded timer for the light, it is a 50-50 chance for both vehicles.

The word “chance” here may be the key to understanding the position of the reality.  In the theory of quantum mechanics,  it was expressed that all events in our perceived reality hinder on probability. The power of this idea comes from the concept that the observer can impact the reality of observed event.  Expressively, the mere presence of someone looking at the traffic light can effect the resultant color of the light.  If one driver focused on the reality that the light is green for them, the light reacts to that awareness and adjusts accordingly.  So, upon approaching the light, the driver rushing to the hospital can focus on a green light and the light for his reality will become green.  CRAZY RIGHT?! HOWEVER, what if the driver of the fire-truck does the same thing.  Whose reality takes president and supreme? Both. Neither.  The husband’s. The fire-truck driver’s.  ALL realities, as represented in quantum theory exist simultaneously.   But for this event in this reality only one can be actualized.

Dr. Amit Goswami, Ph.D, a theoretical physicist and all around genius feels quite certain of what happens in this dilemma.  In his film, The Quantum Activist, he articulates the interplay between relative realities, perceptions, and the correlation between ourselves and every piece of our encompassing existence.  In an enlightening way, Goswami attempts to bridge the gap between science and God: our control and the uncontrollable.

Whether you have your own conclusions on what happened at the traffic light or not, Goswami’s approach is interesting at the least, enlightening at the most.  Check out the trailer below! The movie is available on NetFlix, DVD, and the link I’ve provided below the video.  For more information on Goswami, his work, and the movie, click on the link below the video.

THE QUANTUM ACTIVIST LINK

Superbowl Sunday Snack Makeover

The new year has started and resolutions for a healthier lifestyle are underway.  That may include going to the gym more often, incorporating fruits and vegetables into your diet, cutting out sugar and other unhealthy carbohydrates, such as white bread and rice, or participating in yoga and meditation classes to reduce life’s daily stressors.  You are feeling and looking better, have more energy, but then temptation strikes!  Whether it is a birthday party, work event, graduation or wedding, tempting foods are all around us. 

One of many tempting gatherings is taking place this Sunday- Super Bowl Sunday!  From wings to nachos to pizza, these foods can be a dieters worst nightmare.  Therefore, to prevent you from breaking the many wonderful habits you have developed, healthier food alternatives are available for you to make for your next party.  To view these recipes, please click here.  Additional recipes can also be found here.  Remember, you can still enjoy the game while indulging in healthier, flavorful food.

Photo by:  Triple Tri on Flickr            License:  Creative Commons

Acupressure

What is Acupressure?

Acupressure is a technique that is related to acupuncture without the use of fine needles. The energies of the body are regulated by manipulating points on our body. The effects of acupressure assist with the emotions, relieves tension and aids with physical conditions that we may be ailed with. The points are commonly called “acupuncture points,” “pressure points,” “acupoints” or “acupressure points.”

Acupressure is ancient Chinese technique that involves the use of finger pressure on the specific points along the body to treat ailments. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine the principles of energy flow through 14 meridians of our bodies. Specific conditions are treated by pinpointing the number of points that require targeting. According to Michael Reed Gach, PhD leading expert in Acupressure, “A skilled Acupressurist can integrate many complementary health care methods and therapies into a complete treatment. Examples include therapeutic touch, somatic work, healing imagery, acupressure meridian therapy, five element assessments, pulse reading, Asian bodywork therapy, energy psychology (which involves tapping acupressure points), and acupressure massage therapy techniques.”

Acupressure techniques: Pressing and Reducing Points

According to acupressure techniques, there are two ways that acupressure points are manipulated: pressing and reducing the points. Pressing points for less than half a second can already have a distinguishable effect. So for just trying out a point you could press it only briefly. For a full effect, pressure should be applied for at least half a minute. Optimal time to apply pressure is one to two minutes.

Locating points: “cun”

The “cun” is the standard unit of measurement for the body as used in acupuncture. Every individual body has different dimensions. The “cun” is defined according to the person whose body is to be treated.

1 cun = width of the thumb, in the middle, at the crease
3 cun = combined breadth of the 4 fingers, at the level of the pinky finger’s first joint above the palm of the hand
12 cun = the distance from the elbow crease to the wrist crease.

How to know if Acupressure is working

Acupressure is working if there is a sense what’s happening noted in the face. As per experts in the field of Acupressure, most points in the list on this site have some effect on the face. Many of the points also have some subtle effect on the quality of vision. You may notice clearer vision and see more colors. Meditation is a great way to develop the ability to feel the effects of Acupressure.

To learn more about Acupressure technique, the pricnciples of energy, the points of the body, how to apply pressure to the points of the body, and the benefits of Acupressure please visit: https://www.acupressure.com. Below there is a video library for educating yourself on Acupressure. Go ahead and try…your mind body and soul will love you for it.

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Photo by: Bodykneads

Check out our  board on acupressure for some more ideas

Meditation & Perspective

Perspective is one of those few things in life that can make ALL the difference. Very often we are confronted with people and situations that we cannot change and yet these are the very same people and situations we feel need immediate action. This type of feeling usually leads us to act impulsively and to make rash decisions. Perspective is that place inside of us that allows the necessary room to see other ways of handling situations, especially when this sense of urgency dominates.

So how does one create this space inside so that we can step back and see from a wider lens and discriminate between immediate action and action at a later date? Meditation is one potent way to create perspective. When you find yourself reacting intensely to either someone or something, before immediately acting:

• Take a moment to be still
• Take 5 deep breaths 
• Approach the person or situation from a place that seeks to understand rather than judge (notice the effects of this)
• Look at the situation from a few different angles (putting oneself in someone else’s shoes)
• Then logically decide what makes actual sense to do and not to do with all things considered
• Take 5 more deep breaths
• Make a decision

We usually act immediately because we want first and foremost to get rid of the discomfort within ourselves and think that immediate action will do this. However, this usually leads to more of the same feeling. By taking just a few minutes to look at what is happening both internally for us (our own reactions) and externally (other people’s reactions), we allow enough time to take hold so that our actions come from a more grounded, calm and powerful place.  Then, both the intense feelings within us cease while simultaneously elevating our interactions to a different place.

Photo By: PhotoSolutions      License: Creative Commons

Being Still

   I rushed out of the house this morning with my bag flailing at my side and a my layers of clothing bunching up more and more with each step I took.  As I waited for the car to warm up I scrapped off the ice crystals clinging to the windows. I observed my breath in the frigged air driven from my lungs and watched it fade off into apparent nothingness. Shivering, I closed the doors, fixed the mirrors and buckled myself in. At that moment a rush of  angst overcame me. The clamor of the the morning routine coupled with the beginning of a new school semester and 12 degree air caught up with me.

Instead of allowing myself to  continue in that motion of mind, I turned down the heat that was blasting in my face and took a deep breath centered at my core.  A smooth tide of warmth encompassed  me from which I put the car in gear and off I went to my day.

The ability to become STILL often takes a lot of focus and conscientious  awareness — which is not always easy to do. Too much movement can be abrasive and unsettling.  So with a deep breath, verbal mantra, or even a “quick! while no one is looking hug yourself,” let some soft warm love fill up your voids and dispel the chill.

Perhaps, if ye may, take some time today to sit, breathe and BE STILL while listening to some pretty sweet harmonies from Bradfield:

For more soft/ inspiring/ ambient music, check out: APSIS

Spring Semester Counseling Center Hours (BK)

Welcome back to the start of the spring semester.  We hope that you had a nice, relaxing break.  The Counseling Center, led by Dr. Anissa Moody and Ms. Denise DiCupe’, have resumed regular hours, which are:

Monday 9-4pm

Tuesday 9-4pm

Wednesday 9-7pm

Thursday 9-4pm

Friday 9-4pm

Located on the 3rd floor of Lorenzo Hall, Dr. Moody and Ms. DiCupe’ are available to meet with students on an one-to-on basis to explore issues that may be affecting his/her academic and person life.  All appointments are kept confidential and are free of charge.  If you are interested in speaking to one of the counselors, please call 718-940-5853 or stop by Room 215, Tuohy Hall to make an appointment.  Here’s to a successful semester!

Photo by:  Dawn on Flickr            License:  Creative Commons

Tips on How to Wake Up Stress Free

Stress is inevitable.  It affects people daily and can result from job loss, death in the family, medical illness and/or financial concerns, as well as any other predicament that affects our well- being.  How we deal with stress and what situations affect us can vary from person to person; however, we can all benefit from taking steps to reduce the toll stress takes on us.  The following 4 tips are steps you can take to start your morning stress- free:

 

1. Stop the snooze
2. Take time to yourself
3. Leave a list
4. Pack it up

More information on how each of these steps can better your morning and day can be found here.

Photo by:  Lel4nd on Flickr            License:  Creative Commons

The Voices in Our Head

There are so many “me’s” in our heads from who we think we are, to who we want to be, to who we were at one time. Our family, friends and environment impact us on so many levels making it difficult to tell what thought is coming from the orignal or authentic “me” (not influenced by external factors) and then all the other “me’s” that run through our minds (influenced by external factors).

How can we listen to our thoughts in a way that we are not only aware of the actual thoughts, especially the self-destructive thoughts, but also aware of ourselves as the thinker of the thought? And, why should we?

When we can witness our thoughts, we can then begin to free ourselves from all those negative thought patterns that come from all those other “me’s”. We can begin to identify what thoughts cause us suffering and why. We can also begin to see what negative thought patterns come from our family and friends.

But how does one actually become a witness to thought? Try this mental exercise to cultivate the witness, to be aware of yourself as the “thinker thinking thoughts”:

• First, start by listening to all the voices in your head as often as you can.
• Next, pay attention to any repetitive thought patterns, specifically the negative ones.
• Then, when you listen to all these voices in your head or “me’s”, listen impartially without judgement (like stepping back to look at a sculpture) so that you can really see where your thoughts are coming from.
• Finally, by not judging your thoughts but just watching them, you will soon realize there is an actual voice that exists (the one “me”) within us untainted by the lens of the mind. It is a sense of your own presence that arises from beyond the mind.

So when you listen to a thought you are aware of not only the thought, but of the thinker, of yourself as the witness to the thought. In this way, you do not become the thought but rather experience it as it moves in and out of your mind. A new dimension of consciousness is created through this daily practice. Sounds crazy? Well, try it out and see what happens…

“Change Your Thoughts, Change Your Life” ~ Dr. Wayne Dyer

Photo By: afagen (Rodin Sculpture, The Thinker) License: Creative Commons

Off-Campus Mindfulness Event Series

MINDFULNESS MEDITATION
Winter-Spring 2013

Deepening your Mindfulness
Practice Groups & Retreat
Dates & Times

Saturdays from 10:30am-12noon

February 2, 16, March 16; April 06; June 01
“Deepening Your Mindfulness” Classes
Guided Mindfulness Meditation practices including
sitting meditation, mindful walking, mindful yoga and yoga nidra
Open to all, by donation

Saturday from 10:30am – 3:00pm

May 4, 2013
1/2 day Silent Retreat
An opportunity for renewal as we spend the day
practicing together: mindful yoga, walking, sitting,
eating (lite lunch). All practices will be guided

Registration fee: $70, pre-registration required
Newcomers welcome, some previous meditation experience helpful
Location: In the BARN at Avalon Park & Preserve,
Shep Jones Lane – Stony Brook, Long Island
Please pre-register by emailing: dr.cherylkurash@gmail.com

Further info: http://www.mindfulnessmeditationnyc.com/
http://www.avalonparkandpreserve.org/

Photo By: photonde    License: Creative Commons

Daily Mindfulness Tip

Place your feet firmly upon the ground and realize your placement. Take your first step forward toward any destination and recognize the pressure of your body upon the land. If you feel it is too heavy, that is because your mind is weighing you down. It is a sign that you need to re-channel your strength and lighten the tension between your external and internal self. Then, and only then, will you be at peace with the Earth. Take a breath and take a lighter step. Your feet may be your platform but it is your breath that steadies you. Continue to do this with each step until you feel lighter.

Written By: Angel McCarrick, SJC Alumni

Photo By: koalie    License: Creative Commons