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: 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.