Rara

Haha, you have better social media management skills than me. I added people out of compulsion...my newsfeed drove me mad. So I left fb!

Interesting take. But it seems like too many variables to me...and you seem fond of the term "random" You mention the god-like intervention being a small percentage but I would say no. In this case, surely everything is happening as part of a mathematical formula. So the term "coincidence" being another word for random, freakish event where something has come up in short succession of a previous event of a similar nature. TM's example counters this. Nothing here seemed random at all...just everything working like clockwork. Some may call it a coincidence and then some synics can criticise this by finding numerous non-coincidental things in life. For me, those stuck in the coincidence vs non coincidence debate are both of the same coin in itself! But those understanding, or beginning to understand synchronicity or ganying would feel that everything is, not so much happening for a reason, but happening due to patterns. What do you reckon?

It is said that chi breathing makes you feel like a new born child. No one taught you how to be...and you didn't consciously learn to not breathe properly. But I believe this is down to the domino effect of being duped by "the way the world is" I have only just started to realise how being stressed and having health problems = doing well in life (as far as modern society goes) So it's almost like we have learnt bad breathing habits from that succesful business man on TV who gets red as hell but is top of his empire, so it's all good. Just an example... How much does society let us breathe like a baby? It doesn't...that's why we meditate, right? To counter the negative vibe in the air... As for sneezing, mine always comes on due to nervous system issues. So this can be trained right? We can begin to practice running ourselves down...

I think I know what you're getting at. We shall see. I will answer this first of all... I immediately know which food to pick. One always jumps out. Same goes for all things, but food is a good example as it's very regular. Just like when I'm in a restaurant...it doesn't take a second to pick the dessert. So I guess I already have decisions made based in what I have experienced prior. I already have a preference for everything. I know what I like. So now, Stosh, I will let you carry on...

Just realised "Facebook sucks and has no like minded people on" isn't in the poll!

Fair play!

Yeah. What I mean is that people use the word as a sort-of throw away term. It lacks significance and understanding.

Exactly. No intention...it just happened to be that way. Some call it coincidence. That word is now expelled from my vocab

I wonder if it's not so much an "otherworld" needing to get our attention...we're not all that important. I know what you mean though. Just things are ticking and automatically going on. And in a relaxed state, going with the flow, these syncronicities just HAPPEN. The moment we are distracted, or in tunnel vision or stressed, they never seem to happen. Why? Because we're going against the grain...against ourselves.

I do like me a bit of ol' metal as well *said in a London accent* My voice is just too soft so I gave up attempting.

I love how only 9 clicked on "I'm a Taoist" on the TAO bums hahaha I wish to elaborate by saying that I'm on a journey and certain threads here are helping me piece bits together...of myself! In some freaking weird order too.

I'll drop you a PM with a link. I'm in a prog rock band but also do bits of acoustic rock, folk and hip hop on the side! Would be good to meet you.

I like what MH said about too much Yang. I have this...I'm naturally hot-headed and meditation brings me back into balance. Yin foods as well...cooling ones. But this is just if you ever do find yourself boiling over...this is rare for me these days. I feel more in control, like you. RE job. Yeah, I hate that. Feels like slavery...so I'm self-employed. More flexible... But I'm also a musician...and yes, everything other than doing that is a distraction. It's all so frustrating isn't it? Trying to just get time to do what you were put here to do! Keep us posted...see what unravels.

Yes, a necessity back then. These days, I wonder if I practice "because it's cool" Well that's part of it. But mental clarity, as well as the skill to defend myself is a big part of it. It has certainly helped my character...and discipline. One thing that normal school didn't quite do for me. Not that I would be undisciplined if I didn't do a martial art...I would be diciplined as far as modern society goes. But modern society is warped. They conform, but of course, are not very disciplined at all! I would say that it's more about interest than anything. I guess we live in fortunate times where we CAN do such things out of interest. It's not like I'm under attack daily. And that's MMA imo. Same goes for boxing. Arts put forward as sport with sponsorships. It may well take the deeper spiritual side out but it does showcase a good set of skills. I'm not a big advocate of the knock out or using the bloody aspects to promote it but hey, that's what humans want. That's what sells. It has been said that UFC fighters are some of the nicest guys outside of the ring. Whatever that means...but maybe they are sat in full lotus every night, aware that they just have a job to do. Who knows?

No icon there now...do I have to be signed in with Location settings on my phone or something?

Awesome! I'm missing though

I think this. For that matter,any spite or anger. In the words of dub group Alpha and Omega "Forgive them, they don't know what tbey are doing"

Haha...very good. But how do you feel about supporting the tuna industry if it harms dolphins? I'm digging to justify eating tuna again, as it's tasty. The more I try, I'm starting to think it's not worth the effort lol

Good question. At the moment, I feel it's necessary to eat meat, but only what is needed...no over indulging. Tuna comes available in a tin, dolphin doesn't...I guess I have a stronger attachment to dolphins. Same reason why I don't eat humans or dogs haha. I appreciate this is different around the globe too...i.e China. And I see their point...I'm just socially conditioned to freak out at the idea of eating dogs or insects or whatever. But my main point is that, the tuna is caught to eat. The dolphin just gets caught in the middle of it and dies for no reason.

Just edited my post...video embedded. Enjoy!

Hearing the press conference where Samuel L Jackson is mistaken for Laurence Fishburne by a journalist hahahaha... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cqQWkB0kn9Y

Very cool. I just finished the Book of Chuang Tzu last month so this was interesting to look back

This is very good of your friend. So admirable to the point that it really made me self-reflect rather than simply justify to myself that I'm doing enough. I tend to do that a lot. Two questions though. Do you really think it is the best option in regard to how he handled his wife? Isn't this submissive and self-sabbotaging. If he quit his business, surely his assets and money are of more value than ever...especially if he has dependents... And how do we know how the students will react to such a course? By saying "nice try", you seem somewhat synical (forgive me if I'm wrong...just my interpretation)

I like what's going on here. I know so many philosophy students in the UK that are just studying and not applying one bit! So they don't know what to do with their lives!

Surely judging is unavoidable? An opinion is always formed no matter what... That's why we eat some foods and not others. Or watch some TV shows and not others etc etc. Without judgement, surely we would be lifeless.... (I take this angle right now because I have explored being non-judgmental for very long time and feel that the idea is milked to the point in which people flog themselves as soon as they believe they have judged someone or something. At the moment, I subscribe to a more gentle approach of not condemning people in my own mind for not meeting my expectations)