Famous Last Words: Last Time

Although I just wrote a post a few days ago, I felt I could write another due to everything coming to an end. I am so thankful for all of the extra credit in this course as it allowed me to take full weeks off when I needed to truly put forth all of my energy in one class. 

I am using this last week to rack up a few more points in order to get the grade I have been aiming for. I still can't believe how fast this semester went by. Each time I would go to put my label on a post, I would be shocked at how many weeks in we were! 

After I complete this course, I plan to devote most of my energy to my chemistry 2 final. For some reason, chemistry just takes longer to click for me. I have that final first on Monday and I know it is going to be my hardest final. I am just praying for motivation to continue to grow rather than decrease as test day comes around. I hope to manage my time and energy in order to ensure I can do my best.

I am a little upset at how my project ended up this semester, but I hit a wall when I wrote one story that wasn't so great. I find it very hard to go back and edit when I really just want to delete it and post a different story. I am thankful I tried a new method though! Last semester, I did a storybook and I feel like a portfolio was better for me in this course specifically. 

I am so thankful I was able to have 2 classes with Laura Gibbs as my instructor as she truly makes the course so interesting. She even goes beyond and provides us with extra credit that I will carry with me forever. I am thankful for all of the opportunities I have been given to learn and grow in this course and hope that others along the way appreciate it as well!

(Photo from WikiMedia).

Learning Challenge: Yoga

As finals sneak up, I thought this would be a great learning challenge. I chose to read about some yoga exercises you can do without looking like a total goofball in public. The article was called, "6 yoga exercises you won't be embarrassed to do at your desk."

I really enjoyed the open chest stretch as I tend to cave my shoulders in as I type on my laptop. It even popped my back which I love!

Speaking of popping backs, I love the twist in chair pose. I did gymnastics and then cheered and my body is usually in a lot of pain after sitting for hours to studying. Just popping my back and twisting a bit helps lower my pain tremendously!

(Photo from Public Domain Photos.)

Growth Mindset: Beyond School

I feel as though I will continue using growth mindset on a daily basis in my job later on. I want to be a physical therapist and this requires interacting with people and getting them as healthy and functional as possible. With this, I will face many challenges. I believe that I will spend an exponential amount of time teaching growth mindset in order to keep my patients motivated. I also think I will constantly be using it myself as every person is different and some exercises may take lots of trial and error.

Today, I use growth mindset to motivate myself to keep trying my best. With this same mindset in the work place, I will be able to excel to be the best physical therapist I can be!

(Photo from Flickr.)

Learning Challenge: Time Management

I decided to read an article about time management for this week. This time of the year is always extremely stressful. Luckily, I don't have any finals on the same day, but I still want to ensure my brain is functioning at it's best for each of my finals and in the preparation process. I read, "Increase Your Creative Output With 14 Time Management Tips Just For Creatives," By Amanda Oliver. 

One thing I am terrible at is managing my energy. I think this will be crucial for me over these next 2 weeks. I often will work out before homework, for example. This then makes me too exhausted for any homework after. 

I am also going to try and wake up earlier because that is when I work best. This will help me be more productive with my time even if it's a struggle getting myself up. I am going to make this happen by telling my roommate that has class earlier than me to wake me up on her way out.

(Photo from Flickr.)

Growth Mindset: Cats

(The image is from cheezburger.)

I chose this as one of my favorites because it describes me at the moment. I get some work done and then I have to change locations to get another burst of creative energy.

(The image comes from Cheezburger.)

This is another favorite of mine because I feel like I have been paying a lot more attention now that I am getting closer to graduation. I keep noticing new things I love about the university.

(Photo by Emily Magruder.)

This was another favorite because it is my motto for these next 2 weeks as I cram some assignments I have procrastinated on in order to graduate with the grades I am aiming for. I got it!

Famous Last Words: Graduation

This week has been FULL of bitter-sweet times. As I finally allow all that I have procrastinated on catch up to me, I keep getting down as I remember I am spending my final days at OU doing homework. It's a little upsetting, but at least I can visit a few times in the summer before starting graduate school.

With these moments also comes exciting moments like graduation pictures. I felt like it was not really happening. I can't even believe how fast these last 4 years have flown by, but I am so thankful I got to spend them at the best university ever!

(A photo taken by Beverley Howze of my boyfriend, Hunter Justus, and I.)

I am hoping to get into finals mode tomorrow and try to crank out the rest of my work for this course so I can spend the remainder of my time preparing for my final on the Monday of finals week. Once I get that final out of the way, I will be able to spend a bit more time with my friends and that is all my mind wants right now.

Week 14 Story: The First Subconscious

"What do you mean you don't have a voice in your head?" Brahma asked his friend.

(Photo by WikiMedia.)

It was at this point that Brahma, a creator god in Hinduism, realized he was different from the rest of the world. He felt so different that he almost felt as though he was less than the rest.

Often times, this "voice" in his head would drive him to the point of insanity. No one had ever seen someone of such power lose control the way Brahma began to do once he realized he was different. 

Brahma would not accept his consciousness as a gift or talent. He found it to be a burden to his life as he could never sit in true silence. 

No matter how many people Brahma talked to, he could not change his feelings. No one else even understood what he was talking about in the first place, so how were they supposed to help him accept such a thing?

Could you imagine being the only person with a conscious? I would be absolutely terrified -- just as Brahma was. 

Years and years went by with Brahma kidding away from everyone. He was ashamed to act in such a way, but he could not control himself. He isolated himself in order to save the dignity of other gods. 

One day, Brahma met a woman, Sariah, passing by. She felt like an outcast from her family and was running away. Although she didn't have any true differences from the rest of the world like Brahma, Brahma stopped her to offer he a place to stay.

Brahma and Sariah stayed up all night talking about their past. It was the most fun Brahma had in a long time. She let him voice his consciousness and she found it to be the most amazing quality of his.

Weeks went by and Sariah never left Brahma's side. In fact, they began to fall in love. Finally, Brahma had found someone that cared for him and did not find him to be strange and delusional. 

A year later, Sariah was carrying their first born. Although terrified of the outcome from creating with one that in not a god, Brahma was ecstatic.

Once the baby was born, Brahma immediately saw himself in the child. This child was born with a consciousness.

Just as Brahma was about to break down, Sariah calmed him. "You finally have someone that shares your gift. This is a special time, don't be saddened."

Author's Note:
This story began when Naran wakes up and a lotus blooms from his belly button. Inside of the lotus sits Brahma. He is the child sleeping out of the mother's womb and he senses the rush of stimuli from the outside world and experiences his first interaction with nature. He recognizes himself as distinct from Prakriti. This ability comes from Purusha within him, but he does not know it yet. He simply knows he is not Prakriti. How strange it must be to be born and not know what type of species you are. All he knows it that he is not what he knows of. He objectifies nature as he becomes increasingly self-aware. The birth of Brahma thus marks the birth of human consciousness. I can't image being the first person born with human consciousness. I feel as though I would think I was going crazy.
Brahma represents consciousness that is finite; it has the ability to realize infinite consciousness which is brahman. This is the acknowledgement of the finite truth that has been unravelled. The second meaning is the aspiration for the infinite truth that awaits. 
Brahma realized that nature changes as you move and over time. Nature is described as restless as it is constantly changing. But, in the mother's womb, everything is static and comfortable.
Brahma's mind is blessed with manas or imagination. He's able to imagine a time Shatarupa dances to his whims. This gives him joy. He's also able to imagine a time when Shatarupa overwhelms him and this frightens him. Most important, he's able to imagine a time when he will not be able to experience Shattarupa. In other words, he imagines death and this frightens him the most. I can't imagine being the only one able to imagine death. I feel as though it would consume my life.

I am had Brahma feel as though he is going crazy due to his consciousness. II just zoomed in on that one factor and brought a woman into the picture to make things interesting.

The Seven Secrets of Vishnu - Mohini's Secret, Part B, By Devdutt Pattanaik.

Tech Tip: Luck Graphic

As my four years at OU come to an end, I found this to be the most relatable quote. Through my years, I have worker harder than even before and, although others may think it was all luck, I am proud of my accomplishments and am ready to take on anything that comes my way!

Tech Tip: Graduation Graphic

With graduation around the corner, I felt as though this was the perfect quote. Even though my time at OU is coming to an end, it's only the beginning of my next journey. Often times, we dwell on the past, but I am excited for my next journey!

Reading Notes: Seven Secrets of Vishnu, Part B

In part B of the 7 Secrets of Vishnu, we continue learning about Mohini's Secret.

(Photo from WikiMedia).

When Naran wakes up, a lotus blooms from his belly button. Inside of the lotus sits Brahma. He is the child sleeping out of the mother's womb and he senses the rush of stimuli from the outside world and experiences his first interaction with nature. He recognizes himself as distinct from Prakriti. This ability comes from Purusha within him, but he does not know it yet. He simply knows he is not Prakriti. How strange it must be to be born and not know what type of species you are. All he knows it that he is not what he knows of. He objectifies nature as he becomes increasingly self-aware. The birth of Brahma thus marks the birth of human consciousness. I can't image being the first person born with human consciousness. I feel as though I would think I was going crazy.
Brahma represents consciousness that is finite; it has the ability to realize infinite consciousness which is brahman. This is the acknowledgement of the finite truth that has been unravelled. The second meaning is the aspiration for the infinite truth that awaits. 
Brahma realized that nature changes as you move and over time. Nature is described as restless as it is constantly changing. But, in the mother's womb, everything is static and comfortable.
Brahma's mind is blessed with manas or imagination. He's able to imagine a time Shatarupa dances to his whims. This gives him joy. He's also able to imagine a time when Shatarupa overwhelms him and this frightens him. Most important, he's able to imagine a time when he will not be able to experience Shattarupa. In other words, he imagines death and this frightens him the most. I can't imagine being the only one able to imagine death. I feel as though it would consume my life.

For this week, I am debating between 2 stories. In one story, I want to make Brahma aware of the restlessness of nature. Then, I will have nature stop to some capacity and only Brahma will be aware of it. He will then have to persuade others in order to save the world. (Similar to Noah's Ark) Another story idea is to have Brahma feel as though he issuing crazy due to his consciousness. Both seem like they would be fun to write and I am excited to see what I end up with!

The Seven Secrets of Vishnu - Mohini's Secret, Part B, By Devdutt Pattanaik.

Reading Notes: 7 Secrets of Vishnu, Part 1

This week I decided to watch some more videos! I really enjoy all of the illustrations and the story-telling method in the videos.

(Photo from WikiMedia.)

Part 1 is about Mohini's Secret. Mohini is the female version of Vishnu. Vishnu is conventionally visualized as male which I found interesting. Mohini is known as his female form. I was not aware of the fact the Hindu mythology uses gender as a vehicle to communicate metaphysical ideas. A fundamental theme in Indian metaphysics is the existence of two realities: material reality and spiritual reality. Material reality is tangible reality that can be perceived through the senses. Spiritual reality is intangible reality that can't be perceived through the sense. Material reality is represented using female form while spiritual reality is represented using male form. I found this to be extremely interesting as it seems almost backwards from the way males and females are today. Females are usually known to be more spiritual beings while males are likely to be ashamed or embarrassed if they are very spiritual. Mohini is female in form but male in essence due to her spiritual reality. Apsaras are full female forms that enchant to distract humanity from spiritual reality and entrap all in material reality. Mohini enchants to draw humanity's attention to spiritual reality within material reality. Mini is thus spiritual reality wrapped in material reality which is the central theme of Vishnu lore. This idea is fairly difficult for me to wrap my head around.
In metaphysics, material reality is known as prakriti, and spiritual reality is referred to as purusha. Prakriti means nature and purusha means human. I found it interesting that the material reality meaning translates to nature when humans are the only beings with the ability to reflect, introspect, imagine, and choose. These qualities make it possible for humans to leap beyond physical limitations. This makes human life extremely special. Material and spiritual reality are interdependent. Without material reality, spiritual reality can't be discovered. Without spiritual reality, material reality has no purpose.

Mohini's Secret - 7 Secrets of Vishnu by Devdutt Pattanaik.

Growth Mindset: Explore Growth Mindset Beyond School

I honestly did not know or apply much of the growth mindset theory to my life until I got to college and it changed my academic career. Once I learned about this, I started applying it to my everyday life and now it is just a part of how I view everything. I think this is so important in what I want to do in the long run. I want to be a physical therapist and, after an injury of some sort, it's easy to think that you will never get back. By teaching others growth mindset, I will be able to teach them to praise their process and to do their best because they can and will get better. 

(Photo from Flickr).

Famous Last Words: OU Men's Gymnastics

On Tuesday of last week, I left for Chicago to cheer on the OU Men's Gymnastics team at their National Championship. It was AMAZING! They won their fourth national championship title in a row and made history. It was my boyfriend's last gymnastics meet ever and he officially went all four years of his OU gymnastics career undefeated. The weekend was full of so many huge accomplishments and I am so proud of them!

Photo by me.

The picture above is one that I took at the meet of Yul. He also made history on his own at the meet. He made All-American on 4 of the 6 events and won the individual all-around. It was amazing getting to watch all of his hard work pay off!

With all of the excitement, I still managed to get my assignments done during the week. Unfortunately, I fell behind on my weekend assignments and that makes me a little stressed. I am thankful we are given dead week to do some work because I will definitely need to take advantage of that in order to get the points for the grade I would like in the course.

I am hoping to finish up my assignments earlier this week so I an get all of my extra credit done as well. This will make me feel a little bit better since I know things are going to get extremely busy as the end of the semester creeps up on me.

This week is, hopefully, going to be a little on the slow side. I don't have any exams and just have to take my graduation pictures. I just have to keep myself on task and make my to-do lists each day to ensure I give myself enough time. I think making lists will give me more motivation to complete my tasks so I don't end up cramming everything on one day. I am trying my best to avoid that as senioritis is at an all time high and I know that cramming everything in one day in not likely.

Tech Tip: Championship Quote

Last week, I went to the OU Men's Gymnastics National Championship meet in Chicago. Because of that, I feel it's only right to include them in my Tech Tip this week. They made history and will continue to make history.
BOOMER!

(Photo taken by me).

Week 13 Story: The Child Slayer

Long ago, there was an all-consuming war that swallowed the lands of India. This war was due to one specific event, but that one event was due to everything that took place -- both before and after.

How did this event take place? Grab some snacks, get comfy, and I'll tell you all about it.

There was a king that went by the name of Shantanu that was single and, apparently, ready to mingle. One day, he was in the bank of Ganga when he fell in love with a river goddess. He hoped the feelings were mutual, and they were indeed! Right then and there, he decided he would ask her to be his wife. (Yes, that's how things went back then). 

Ganga, the river goddess, said yes but made him promise to never question any of her decisions. Blinded by love, Shantanu saw no problem with that request and agreed. 

A year went by and they had their first child. Out of no where, Ganga drowned the baby and King Shantanu was very upset as anyone would be. Queen Ganga continued doing this and killed their next six children as well. Staying loyal to his promise, King Shantanu never questioned her actions. 

Eventually, the couple had their eighth child and the queen went to do to him as she had the previous children. King Shantanu finally broke and stopped her to ask why she was doing this yet again. 

This is where things start to get a little sticky in the story. I'm sure that's the last time King Shantanu will ever break his promise with a goddess. 

She informed him of the 8 Vasus who had been cursed to live mortal lies for a crime committed long ago. Ganga had agreed to give birth to the 8 celestial spirits and free them from mortality as soon as they came into the world. 

After Ganga told him the truth, she pulled out a knife and looked as though she was going to slice the baby up. In outrage and disgust, Shantanu snatched the baby and took off on his horse.

He left her and took their last remaining son as he could not bear to see her murder the small being that looked identical to himself. 

After fleeing to the opposite side of India, Shantanu and several gods banned together to take on Ganga when she arrived. Little did they know, this would be the war that goes down in history. 

(Photo from WikiMedia).

Author's Note:
This story was based on the Epified videos over Mahabharata. The Mahabharata is a story of kings and queens, heroes and villains...It's a story of an all-consuming war that swallowed the subcontinent. Mahabharata is said to be due to karma. Everything throughout is thought to occur because of what happened before and after the fact. 
The videos started with King Shantanu of Hastinapur in the bank of Ganga when he fell in love with a river goddess. Ganga, the river goddess, said yes but made him promise to never question any of her decisions. When they had their first child, Ganga drowned the baby and King Shantanu was very upset as anyone would be. Queen Ganga killed their next six children as well and King Shantanu never questioned her actions once. Once the eighth child was born and the queen was about to drown it, King Shantanu stopped her and asked her why she was doing this. She then informed him of the 8 Vasus who had been cursed to live mortal lies for a crime committed long ago. Ganga had agreed to give birth to the 8 celestial spirits and free them from mortality as soon as they came into the world. 
After Ganga told him the truth, she left him and took their last remaining son with her. The son's name was Devarat and he was a very skilled archer. 
I changed the story by making Shantanu take his son with him and then form a war between those on his side and those on her side. I also made the soy a bit more relaxed and in a story-telling format.

The Mahabharata by Epified.

Reading Notes: Mahabharata Videos, Part B

Part B starts after Dhritrashtra marries Gandhari and she blindfolds herself for life since her husband is blind as well. Pandu married Kunti and Madi without knowing that Kunti has a secret in her past. Kunti's secret takes place long ago when she was growing up in her uncle Kuntibhoj's court. He adopted father loved her as his own. Durwasa paid a visit one day and he was known for his temper and habit of laying curses on people for the slightest of offense. Everyone was scared of him except for Kunti. He was delighted by Kunti since everyone else kept their distance from him. He whispered a mantra into her ear and told her it was a way for her to summon and god she wants. She did not known that when she says the mantra, the god would also give her a son. She didn't know what to do with the son but she knew she could not keep him since she was not married so she placed him in a basket and sent him away on the river. 

I feel as though I like part A to write my own story after watching the videos for part B. I think I may retell the very beginning and have the King steal the final child and run off instead of her leaving him with the child. I also may do a story where Devarat never says his oath. I feel as though both of those would be fun to change up since these stories are all based on karma and play a role in the whole story.

(Photo from WikiMedia).

The Mahabharata by Epified. 

Reading Notes: Mahabharata Videos, Part A

This week, I decided to watch more Epified videos! I really enjoyed the Krishna Comes series and am excited to learn more about Mahabharata.

I love how, in the introduction, they state how many individuals take the stories and the characters and add to it in their own ways. This makes each story so unique to each individual -- just like we are doing in this course!

I don't think I have read about the Mahabharata, so I have my captions on to get the best grip on all of the names. The Mahabharata is a story of kings and queens, heroes and villains...It's a story of an all-consuming war that swallowed the subcontinent. 

I found it very interesting that the Mahabharata is said to be due to karma. Everything throughout is thought to occur because of what happened before and after the fact. 

The videos started with King Shantanu of Hastinapur in the bank of Ganga when he fell in love with a river goddess. Ganga, the river goddess, said yes but made him promise to never question any of her decisions. When they had their first child, Ganga drowned the baby and King Shantanu was very upset as anyone would be. Queen Ganga killed their next six children as well and King Shantanu never questioned her actions once. Once the eighth child was born and the queen was about to drown it, King Shantanu stopped her and asked her why she was doing this. She then informed him of the 8 Vasus who had been cursed to live mortal lies for a crime committed long ago. Ganga had agreed to give birth to the 8 celestial spirits and free them from mortality as soon as they came into the world. 

After Ganga told him the truth, she left him and took their last remaining son with her. The son's name was Devarat and he was a very skilled archer. Shantanu saw him before knowing it was his own son when he returned to the river and Ganga came out and told him the news. Devarat was indeed his son and was trained by the warrior Parshuram and Vashishtha taught him the knowledge of the Shastras. Shantanu brought his son to his kingdom and showed the people and they were all pleased and happy for him to eventually become king. 

As time passed, Shantanu fell in love again with a fisherman's daughter named Satyavati. She refused his marriage proposal because her father believed that, even if she married him, her children would never be kings. They would always be considered second to Prince Devarat's children. He was devastated when he returned home alone and the people noticed. He stopped meeting with people and doing his kingly duties. 

Prince Devarat noticed his father's sadness and decided to go reason with the fisherman and his daughter himself. Even when he agreed to give up the throne, the fisherman would not budge. Devarat swore an oath that would eventually bring about a war that would reshape Bharatavarsha. He vowed that he would never marry or have any children. This was the time when he became known as Bhishma which means he of the terrible oath. The king was saddened when she was brought to him as he felt as though the kingdom was ruined. The king granted his son the ability to choose his own death so he would not die unless he granted it upon himself. 

(Photo from WikiMedia).

The Mahabharata by Epified.

Reading Notes: The Secrets of the Goddess, Part A

This week I chose to watch some videos. I am hoping I like them so I can continue on with these videos for the remainder of the semester.

This chapter is called Gaia's Secret. 

In the first video, we heard about male anxiety and how it is outdated. Immediately, I was interested to see what the story was about. Gaia is the Earth mother. I was shocked at how many gods and goddesses were included in this story! Gaia's son, Cronus, had to kill his father in order to live. He then goes on to kill his own sons so they do not do what he did to his father. Gaia hid one son from him -- Zeus. 

(Photo from Wikipedia).

In this video, we also heard about the story of Sedna. Sedna was a woman that was not happy in her relationship. She went on a boat with her father and they were attacked by seagulls. During the attack, he threw his own daughter overboard to save himself. He even cut off her fingers and then arms when she tried to climb back into the boat. Once cut, she sunk to the bottom of the ocean and her limbs turned into animals of the ocean.

In each of the stories, there is a recurring theme. The male is competing for a female prize. This is because woman were able to birth. For example, the female peacock picks the male with the prettiest feathers. This leaves some males without females which creates this anxiety among men. Without woman, the male may feel invalidation in the human species. As time passes, we begin to see a gradual shift in the social laws, deterioration in the status of women, and rejection of Goddess-worship in favor of God-worship. I found it interesting that there used to be tribes where all of the women only valued one male. In such female-dominated cultures, the male could not refuse the woman. Also, any man that forced himself upon a woman was killed.

The Seven Secrets of the Goddess by Devdutt Pattanaik.

Famous Last Words: Work Hard, Play Hard

This week has been fairly stressful. I had an exam on Thursday and have been studying for a chemistry exam this upcoming Thursday. In addition to my exams, several other things popped up unexpectedly.

Even though I had lots to do, I made sure to make time for relaxation. I feel as though I usually with just study for about 6 hours straight and burn myself out to where I don't have the energy to go hang out with my friends. Taking smaller study sessions and meeting up with friends for lunch or something in between has been more beneficial than I thought. Even though we are always told it, I really never have noticed a difference between when I study for a long time and when I study for a short period of time. This weekend, I feel like I retained so much more information while having fun and not being to stressed throughout the whole time.

I am a little bummed that I didn't get around to my readings or story this week, but I am trying to finish up the remaining assignments now so I can get a head start for next week. Next week I have my chemistry exam that I am struggling with, so I know that is definitely going to take priority up until Thursday. I am hoping I will continue to improve as I study so I feel more comfortable with the material and can spend some time on this class so I don't fall behind on my goals.

On the bright side, I had so much fun this weekend with my friends. On Friday, we all went to HeyDay and bowled as well as play arcade games. I haven't gone out to do something fun and silly like that in forever and we had a blast! Little bits of fun like that will keep me going over this next week!

(Image from PxHere.)

Learning Challenge: The Biology of Positivity

This week, I decided to watch a YouTube video about happiness. I chose to watch, "The Biology of Positivity," because I agree that positivity can and needs to be learned.

I love the way this video touched on a little bit of a great topic in such a powerful way. It was put together very well! 

One thing I learned is that continuing to do what you learned builds neurons. It makes sense though since you get better at things as you continue to do them.

(Image from Flickr.)