Philosofaster 4 - Neha Pandey - Philosophy of Makeup

Is Ignorance really bliss?

I stumble across the phrase, "ignorance is bliss" more often than I would like to. It's an incredibly awkward and unusual phrase. Nevertheless, most of modern society accepts it either consciously or subconsciously. It makes me wonder, how much power are people forsaking? May I remind you of the other longstanding maxim; "Knowledge is Power."

So I decided to do some research. Where did this phrase come from? It turns out that in the 1700's, a man named Thomas Gray wrote the words for the first time. His background withstanding, the actual words belong in a context; "No more where ignorance is bliss / Tis folly to be wise."

This leads us to a very interesting perspective. Our very understanding of this famous saying is misconstrued. If you evaluate the real origin, you'll bare witness to Gray's humor and wit. He confuses us and at the same time, injects a powerful knowledge. The wise are the ones who value knowledge. The ignorant are the ones who generate folly. More accurately, Gray is using the words to showcase his nostalgia of being a young child, joyous and playful without much care. 

Later, in the same "Ode," Gray refers to "a mirror in every mind." That powerful reference is completely opposite of the ideology spread by our current misunderstanding of ignorance is bliss. A mirror in every mind allows everyone to look at one another as an opportunity to witness the deep connection we have with anyone we come in contact with. A mirror in every mind is an opportunity to see how our own personality and character are reflected in those close to us. 

From now on, please be conscious that ignorance is not bliss. Rather, Knowledge is POWER. The more you know, the more your neighbor knows, the more your community knows, the more security, prosperity and health you will all have. It's a very simple equation. The less you know, the more wars, disease and suffering you will all experience. Let us all wake up and use words that represent our true ambition.

Butterflies and Breathing

Butterflies. In my stomach. Beautiful, dancing, fluttering, colorful butterflies flying throughout my stomach. I didn’t want to think negative. So I visualized butterflies. It was 11 PM and I had been driving for over 3 hours on Highway 5. I spent the first hour in Los Angeles traffic, blech. The next two found me worrying about my seminar the following day. I had to give a lecture to a group of executives and managers from Marriott Hotel. I had material planned, I knew what I’d talk about and how I’d lead them to a laughter yoga session at the end. Still, I found myself nervous, with fluttering butterflies in my tummy. 

So I wondered, is this normal? Is this how I’m supposed to feel, before I step into the great Unknown? I decided, I’d try something new. While driving, I began to do a Pranayama practice. I spent 10 seconds breathing in, 10 seconds holding my breath, and 10 seconds releasing my breath. I would close one side of my nose and go back and forth between them, almost creating a cyclic flow of air into my head. I noticed I was more relaxed. I noticed myself envisioning the smiles and laughter of the attendees of my seminar at Marriott. I saw their delight in receiving inspiration for the growth of their health and spirit. I also noticed that I was higher than a kite!

I had perfect focus on the road, which if you’ve ever driven on Highway 5, isn’t that difficult. I maintained focus all the way to my parent’s home in the Bay Area. I fell asleep on a dime, still intoxicated from the Pranayama session earlier. 

I woke up in the morning, did my meditations, oiled myself with hot sesame oil, did my yoga and stretches, and ate a hearty breakfast. I still had butterflies, and I was learning to fall in love with them. I wondered, have all speakers and lecturers, even the great ones, experienced butterflies? Did they have them their whole life, even if they spoke a thousand times? I wondered and pondered, but I did not limit the possibilities. 

Finally, it was time to drive to Marriott and give my seminar. This was no doubt an important time in my life. I have spent much of my adult life exploring the vast spectrum of health and wealth. I’ve lived with, learned from and taught the wealthiest people in the world. I’ve slept in parks and trains with the homeless. I’ve moved from sofa to floor to grass. I’ve served the poor and I’ve served the rich. I studied allopathic medicine and when it had no solution to my digestive illness, I studied Ayurveda. I realized the breadth of knowledge in Eastern medicine. Now, I seek to make connections between the ailments that cause so much suffering with the recommendations of treatment that have survived thousands of human lifetimes. 

This opportunity was a blessing in disguise. It seemed out of my realm. I don’t know why I still haven’t “bought in”. I mean, I’ve given seminars before. When I worked with Revolution Prep, I traveled across Northern California giving lectures about stress management and test preparation. I would speak to teenagers, or I’d speak to parents in the evening sessions. I was able to give lectures in both the inner city schools of Oakland and Richmond and the elite schools of Belmont and Danville. Eventually, I was invited to speak at a professional gathering at the Monte Carlo in Las Vegas. That was incredible. I spoke to a gathering of professionals from various fields such as medicine, law and finance. I wasn’t adverse from the experience of lecturing. I was, nevertheless, nervous as ever. 

I entered the ballroom at Marriott Hotel. It was massive and a beautiful chandelier floated above me. I stretched and prepared myself as people trickled in. I smiled at the staff and encouraged them to be comfortable. I gave each of them a small notebook that could fit in their pockets. I made a point to personally meet as many of them as I could before the session started. Shaking hands and looking into one’s eyes is a powerful form of communication. It doesn’t even require language. It is transcendent and powerful. Many times, it breaks all emotional barriers. I have to digress, with kids I tend to use a high-five. I’ll go into this more in another thought blog. 

Finally, I could let the butterflies out. I began the session with a color exercise. Then, the lecture turned into a wonderful interactive workshop. I encouraged it. It was terrific discussing health concepts, sharing ideas about them, having people in the audience looking up research and case studies, and connecting with each other about something we all care about; health. 

Attendees took notes and we shared valuable stories. We discussed the importance of our digestive systems and various modalities that encourage digestive health. We spoke about taboo subjects like enemas, mushrooms and clarified butter. People from different parts of the world spoke about their ancestors and how they were conscious and healthy. Overall, it was a powerful collective experience. An hour or so later, I had to introduce a new dynamic. 

Ever since I was introduced to Laughter Yoga, I’ve been a fervent subscriber. I forget it sometimes, and later realize I should implement the lessons of laughter yoga every moment I can. I stumbled upon Laughter Yoga when I lived in New York City. I was caught off guard by Alex Eingorn’s subtle ability to teach to and inject the power of laughter into people of all ages and backgrounds. By the way, Alex runs an amazing chiropractic clinic in Manhattan and offers free laughter yoga every week. Visit him when you can (http://www.chiropracticnyc.com/chiropractic/midtown/laughter-yoga.html) 

Receiving a practical education in Laughter Yoga from Alex allowed me to transmit the same morsels of data to the Marriott managers and staff. We ended up including the cleaning staff, who did not speak much English for the most part. It was incredible to see managers laughing with the cleaning staff. Can you imagine? These two classes probably never spoke to each other, despite working under the same roof. And in my seminar, they were laughing, looking each other in the eyes and experiencing something profound and beyond explanation. Everyone was laughing, having fun, and I could sense that everyone was connecting to the child within. We often forget about the importance of laughter in our lives. Exercises can help us, they can help us connect circumstances in our life to laughter, even if they’ve been conditioned to make us stress. It’s up to us to reprogram how our heart and mind process information. It will no doubt have a profound effect on our health and happiness. 

Back to the seminar. Someone in the group recognized it was time for the session to end. Everyone else was laughing, having fun and engaged in the lesson. As I closed and said goodbye, I felt a warm wave flow over my heart. I knew a profound shift was taking place in many of the people who attended. I also recognized a shift in myself. Some individuals got in line to ask me more personal questions. They even exclaimed that they didn’t even feel the 2 hours pass by! What a tremendous compliment. As a speaker and teacher, I strive to make the experience of learning a fun and joyous occasion. Those moments tend to pass much faster than the tedious kind. 

I realized, my true journey has begun. I am a speaker. I am an inspiration to all I meet. I practice what I preach, and I admit that I fail. I am you and you are me. Why shouldn’t I share my gifts. If I “buy in”, will you? I can certainly count on myself, and if I do well, we can all count on each other. 

Feel free to follow this Journey, help me as I share my gifts, and pass on the knowledge that I’ve worked hard to stumble upon. Thank you and infinite blessings.

Can We Exist Without Plants?

An existence without plants is a feat that humans are unlikely to achieve. That is one of the greatest problems with space travel; keeping plant-life alive and producing. Learning how to keep plants alive and healthy may also be the greatest key for long distance manned space travel. There are many relationships that exist between plants and humans. They support each other, in a cycle we can proudly call Earth. In fact, it is the plant’s ability to absorb the Sun that makes it the primary food source for humans and animals alike. 

Phytochemicals are the true secret to the relationship between plants and humans and our subconscious obsession with consuming them. These antioxidant chemicals are what their name suggests; a chemical bearing the fruits of light. Some of these chemicals affect the production or reduction of hormones. Muscles repair themselves better with the abundance of phytochemicals. (Matthew G. Kadey, 2013) A lot of phytochemicals can be reduced to elements, suggesting that they are basically Sun-charged organic molecules. Many of these molecules have been found to clinically improve diseases, tumors and sickness. Even Hippocrates used phytochemicals (Salicin - willow tree) to treat his fever patients. (Fujita, 2014) This suggests that plants play a significant role in keeping humans alive, making their immune systems stronger and nurturing the activity of their nervous systems. 

Another important organic ingredient that plants offer humans is fiber. Fiber, as we all know, helps with our digestion and absorption. And there’s good reason for that. Carnivores have much smaller intestines, whereas more vegetarian omnivores (like chimps) and herbivores have intestines that are 6 times longer. This fiber helps regulate blood-sugar levels, strengthen muscles and reduce overeating.

Plants are the only organism that has an abundance of both primary and secondary metabolites. Many medicines are derived from plants, and the chemicals can be secondary metabolites that the plants use to ward away antigens and predators. Plants play a pivotal role in the water cycle. Using transpiration, plants move water from the soil up into the atmosphere. Plants transform carbon dioxide, with the aid of sunlight, into oxygen, which humans need in order to survive. Plants are pivotal geologically. They carve habitats and were a form of shelter for thousands of years before metal and other forms of material were used to construct buildings. The climate is affected by plants as they are a global carbon storage and delivery system.

It is safe to say, humans absolutely need plants to exist!


References

Kadey, Matthew G., (2014). Vegetables: 3 Fantastic Reasons Why You Should Be Eating Them

. Muscle & Fitness. Retrieved from http://www.muscleandfitness.com/nutrition/gain-mass/vegetables-four-fantastic-reasons-why-you-should-be-eating-them

Phytochemical. (n.d.). In Wikipedia. Retrieved August 5, 2014, from

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phytochemical

Phytochemical. (n.d.). In Wikipedia. Retrieved August 5, 2014, from

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phytochemical

Kounosuke Fujita, Yuji Nomura,1 Masahiko Sawajiri,1 Pravat K. Mohapatra,2 Hany A. El-Shemy,3 Nguyen T. Nguyen,4 Masashi Hosokawa,5 Kazuo Miyashita,5 Teruo Maeda,4Hirofumi Saneoka,4 Shohei Fujita, and Takayuki Fujita (April 17, 2014). The extracts of Japanese willow tree species are effective forapoptotic desperation or differentiation of acute myeloid leukemia cells. Pharmacognosy Magazine, volume 10, 125-131. Retrieved from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4048558/

http://www.bgci.org/plantconservationday/whyplantsimportant/ Retrieved August 5, 2014

The Science of KARMA

I'm sure you've heard the word karma. It has found its way into popular culture. Unfortunately, many people connect it to Hindu and Buddhist traditions and limit its omnipotence. There is a certain aura, a general feeling, that karma produces. Within that framework, I'd like to present an interesting perspective; a WHAT IF?

What if KARMA was taught in primary education? Imagine a world where children learned the science of karma. They already do, but it's not taught as karma. It is taught as the set of laws known as thermodynamics. Unfortunately, physics has a tendency to drive us away from karma because equations with really weird symbols is just, weird. Ok, let's get back to this imaginary world where children learn the science of karma and relate it to different subjects, and their own lives. 

Before we can really begin to imagine this world, we really have to come to a grand understanding of KARMA. In ancient Sanskrit, karma has its root in the basic concept of "action." In context, and in application, karma begins to pave a very scientific path. Basically, all thoughts, words, deeds and creations have and will always create some sort of Force. This Force will follow the laws of thermodynamics and reverberate back to its Source. Essentially, it's like an echo. Karma is like yelling into a well, "You are awesome!" What happens? What do you hear? "You are awesome!" Vice versa, if you project a different set of words and thoughts, you echo back a completely different set of emotions. 

KARMA is a perfect science. It can be found at a molecular level. When we provide nutrients and nurture to organic complexes, most notably our cells and their microscopic factories, we create a karma within those cells that passes the nurture on to tissues, organs, body systems and eventually our entire body. When we decide to inject inorganic, toxic elements into the cells, we produce a karmic reaction that sends our body into a frightful mode of action that manifests itself as cancer, disease and sometimes death. 

Ok, so we understand karma at both a thought and word level, and a molecular, scientific level. With that understanding, we can go back to imagining a world where children learn about the science of Karma. They play games, compete in sports and study hard. They practice elements of karma, realizing that their thoughts/words/actions have and will always create an equal "echo" back upon themselves. These children will begin to pay very close attention to their thoughts. They will self regulate their actions. When other children lose focus of their thoughts and emotions, the children with heightened awareness will be able to remind the "lost" ones of the importance of Karma and its power on their individual and collective success. Can you imagine?

Now imagine if the science of Karma was a certification that all leaders (political, economic, community and more) had to possess. There is no religious affiliation of Karma. It is a word, a natural law that we cannot escape in this Universe. It is a part of the life cycle, the carbon cycle, the water cycle and the solar cycle. No matter can escape its gravity and no mind is above its influence. 

Recently, Obama and Congress, along with a slew of governments around the world, declared their assault on a terrorist group known as ISIS. Their attempt to disrupt this enemy is a prime example of "anti-karma". Now imagine, they were all trained and prescribed to the science of Karma. They would immediately understand that any attack, or show of heavy force will inevitably, sooner or later, lead to an equal force in return. With communities, these exchanges of energy can be overt or subversive. ISIS, or eventually some other new entity can use explosives and terror techniques, or they can subversively gain more traction in the minds of confused Americans. No matter what, the karma will not help humanity as a whole.

Now imagine, the greatest leaders of this age, The Obama's, the Bill Gates', the Zuckerberg's, the people who own the banking industry and the energy industries and so on, had to get a certification in Karma. They would make much more mindful decisions. Their diplomatic ideas would be filled with foresight. The businesses would run with integrity and honor. They would consider the ramifications of debts, budgets, bureaucracy and the consequences of resource and energy perversion. There would be a worldwide phenomenon of Justice. No religious or ethnic group would ever have to face mass genocide like the Jews in the Holocaust or the Sikhs in India. Every action that any leader, corporation, government, industry, bank, or community ever makes would be based on the principles and laws of KARMA; the absolute natural law of Karma, that is engraved in the fabric of this Universe.

Imagine if everyone in high school had to learn about Karma and Relationships. Think about the amount of times you have been betrayed by people in your life. You've been scorned by lovers, friends, acquaintances, employers and the like. You have also been a perpetrator too. You have, sometimes through sheer ignorance, hurt the ones you love. All the suffering and pain endeared in relationships can be directly correlated to an ignorance of Karma. Now imagine, you were well versed in Karma. You end up meeting an incredibly loving and giving spirit. He is pure of heart and mind, and comes to you at a time when you need that kind of spirit the most. The law of Karma, the science of it, explains that you will only revel in the light of an experience if you shine it from within. If you act out of deceit, in an attempt to continue feeding the depths of your ego, and never realize the gift you've been given, you set into place a cascade of events that will leave you heartbroken and alone. We cycle these "negative" karmas in our various relationships. We torment ourselves by feeding our souls with ignorance. Lessons in Karma would remind us that every moment is an opportunity to extend the best parts of ourselves, especially to the people who mean the most in our lives. The more we extend and serve, the more we encourage the same from all who we know. Even people who see us on social media will begin to follow suit. 

I ask you to imagine, but, I must say, this is not about imagination. This is the reality of our times. The idea that KARMA is an obscure, abstract concept is a direct cause of the global suffering, disease, anger, violence and apathy. It leads to vast perversions, secret societies and fear. We, as humans, are so silly to think that we can run from KARMA. Or that we can bargain with God, the Devil, or whatever other deity. Even they abide by the science of Karma! Our willingness to learn, to practice and to share the law of Karma will be our greatest triumph. It will lead to innovations, collaborations and peace like we have never seen before! It may very well be the greatest scientific discovery ever made, even though it is probably the oldest thing in existence within this Universe!

But, just to start, What if you practiced the Science of KARMA?

Knowledge of No-Ledge

Recently, I've had the opportunity to teach a valuable lesson to several new friends. In teaching, I have also realized it is important for me to practice this particular wisdom.

* When we say no to something, we create space to say yes to what we really need. 

The idea is that we are often initially attracted to things, people and emotions that feed our desires. With my friend's case, she is always attracting male attention. She is beautiful, intelligent and creative. Men offer her gifts, travel and money. It's virtually impossible for her to say no. She is not alone, many women get offers like she does and eventually, they become caught in affairs that are based on material exchanges of energy. More importantly, amazing women like her end up losing focus and intent of their own individual power. They become absorbed in reactions to the men that feed their material desires. Often, they cannot and are not encouraged of their own dreams, businesses or passions. 

This example is a clear case where saying no to something that seems immediately gratifying can lead to something truly great. For example, the moment she understood what I was saying to her, she began to say no to men and their offers. Soon after, she was able to give her ideas time to blossom. She had time to meditate, reflect on her negative habits and discover new avenues of health. She is now spending more time with people that encourage her dreams. Saying no is allowing her to use energy to say yes to giving back to her community. She is far happier today than she was when I first met her. 

The act of saying no seems quite negative. And sometimes, it can be. The important facet of saying no is that it must be a reflection of your spirit, not your ego. Your ego will always say yes to things that will stunt your personal evolution. Thus, it's critical to understand and come to terms with what will help you evolve. You must become conscious of channels that will promote your personal growth. You must become aware of your dreams and aspirations. 

No-ledge is a powerful knowledge. It's based on the principle of spiral growth. We can either decay and follow a straight line towards disintegration by saying yes to drinking too much, hanging out with people who bring out the worst in us or chasing momentary material pleasures. Or, we can remember that we can connect to a powerful divinity within ourselves. By connecting with this divinity, we can manifest positive growth both in our lives and the lives of all we touch. We can awake in the morning with joy and we can sleep at night with peaceful harmony. We can receive gifts with grace and dignity. We can share our talents with the world and rejoice in playful resonance. 

The choice is yours to make, just remember, you CAN say no. 

A jective kinda war... (Objective vs. Subjective)

There needs to be a balance. One cannot have more relevance than the other. Subjective living has overtaken our reality. Objective reality requires effort, a longing to learn and a passion to share knowledge and experience. 

Take the time to notice what you emphasize throughout the day; Subjective reality or Objective reality? What would happen if you spent more time with Objective reality? Maybe you'll come up with an idea, a profound understanding, a movement of goodwill?