The mouth

Friday, May 18, 2012

Today’s mental workout ends body parts week with the mouth. What could be more fitting than that which has granted human beings their superiority over the animal kingdom, the ability for intelligent conversation, anywhere outside political circles of course. It’s ironic how speaking is one of the easiest things human beings learn to do from an early age, yet so many are terrified to death to speak in public. I wonder if our ancestors had difficulty expressing themselves in public, perhaps with a limited vocabulary of grunts it may have been easier. So how is it humans became able to speak where our closest relatives haven’t enjoyed the same luxury. Talking must be regarded as a universal luxury indeed, something uniquely available to humans, most of us do it every day without even thinking about it, that we are most definitely certain of. Humans earned the right to speak through many years of evolution. Not only do humans have evolved brains that process and produce language and syntax, but we also can make a range of sounds and tones that we use to form hundreds of thousands of words. To make these sounds and talk, humans use the same basic apparatus that chimpanzees have, lungs, throat, voice box, tongue and lips. But we're the ones singing opera and talking loud on the phone while in the subway. That is because over thousands of years, humans have evolved a longer throat and smaller mouth better suited for shaping sound. This flexibility in the mouth, tongue and lips allow us to produce precise sounds animals can only dream of replicating.

We have heard rumors human beings do more with their mouths than just talking, they use them to eat too, sometimes for breathing as well and of course to show affection to one another. Just with what comes from the mouth, you can place where someone may be from, perhaps what social class they are in and whether their parents raised them to be polite or not. You can even tell the mood somebody may be in, even their personality if they appear restrained and shy or loud and abrasive. Does your mouth represent what truly comes from within you? Does your mouth express your true being or simply what you want others to think? Speaking is your way of sharing with the world, word of mouth is very powerful, you only have to look around at the juggernaut that is social media, how the world continues to evolve. Don’t forget to use your mouth to do those all-important things in life, to smile, laugh and enjoy the privileges of being human. Express your joy, learn to be happy regardless of what circumstances you face, remember the animal kingdom would switch places with you in a heartbeat. It took thousands of years of evolution to afford you your super powers, don’t waste them. Have a great weekend.

The ears

Thursday, May 17, 2012

Today’s mental workout explores our communication link to the outside world, our ears. Just like our eyes, we take our ears for granted, how would our worlds change if we could no longer hear the beautiful sounds of the universe whether the natural sounds of birds and water or heavenly music. Without even knowing it we depend heavily on our ears, from the moment we are born, in fact even before we are born, the world comes to us via sound particularly through our first few years of life when we learn to interpret and make sense of our environment through sound. We learn to recognize the security of our mother’s voice, we understand the encouraging tones as our family praise our early efforts at smiling, sitting up, walking and our attempts at speech. The ears never sleep and this helps provide us with a security blanket, we are able to sleep through noisy, but familiar sounds, but instantly wake up startled by strange noises. Our ears introduce us to our native language. Without the ability to hear, it makes learning a language harder. It’s through hearing the sounds of our first language that we can forge our identity and sense of community and belonging.

In hearing, sound waves pass from the outer ear into the auditory canal. They strike the eardrum, making it vibrate. These vibrations travel to the middle ear, setting into motion three tiny bones, the hammer, anvil, and stirrup. The vibrations continue through the cochlea and deep into the inner ear, which contain a fluid reservoir. As fluid ripples across membranes, it stirs tiny hairs connected to nerve endings. The stimulated nerve endings carry impulses into the brain where they are interpreted as sound. Also located in the inner ear is the equilibrium, or balance center. The center sends continuous messages about the body's position to the brain allowing us to maintain our balance. Since we have two ears we must of course listen to both sides of each issue, there’s usually at least two sides to every story. There’s of course a significant different between hearing and listening, anybody who’s ever been married understands that. Hearing is a physical ability while listening is a skill. Listening skills allow you to make sense of what somebody else is saying. In other words, listening skills allow you to digest what somebody is saying. Many people are masters of hearing without listening. Listening requires paying attention to others. Listening fosters essential instincts for lifelong learning. Pay attention to the sounds of the universe, it may be trying to tell you something. Also we would like to wish a fond farewell to Donna Summer, a fantastic trailblazer.

The eyes

Wednesday, May 16, 2012

Today’s mental workout examines the conduit we use to see the world, our eyes. With so much to see in our beautiful world, it’s no wonder that we take sight for granted. Few really know the process how our eyes enable us to see, in our remarkable bodies, each body part just goes about its business performing the required function around the clock with little acknowledgment or reward. Many would definitely miss their eyes if they ever decided to go on a two week vacation. Some see, but really don’t see. How do eyes differentiate between real and illusion? Vision begins when light rays are reflected off an object and enter the eyes through the cornea, the transparent outer covering of the eye. The cornea bends or refracts the rays that pass through a round hole called the pupil. The iris, or colored portion of the eye that surrounds the pupil, opens and closes to regulate the amount of light passing through. The light rays then pass through the lens, which actually changes shape so it can further bend the rays and focus them on the retina at the back of the eye. The retina serves as the chief executive officer of sight, it’s a thin layer of tissue that contains millions of tiny light-sensing nerve cells called rods and cones, which are named for their distinct shapes. Cells in the retina convert the light into electrical impulses. The optic nerve sends these impulses to the brain where an image is produced. Since everything occurs at the speed of light, it doesn’t seem quite the complicated process it is.

Perhaps it’s no coincidence that the primary function of that little thing at the center of the universe, the sun is to provide us light. That light is what ultimately drives life in our universe, it’s hard to imagine our world and life without it, perhaps be like an eternal congressional session. The sensing of light by living things is almost universal. Plants need light for photosynthesis to grow. Animals use light to hunt their prey or to sense and escape from harmful predators. Eyes are sensitive and perceptive, are you? Have you adjusted your eyes to your natural habitat, can you tell the difference between what’s real or fake in your world? Have you seen the light for yourself or simply just read about it. Remember those things your parents tried to prevent you from seeing just like you may be doing for your kids too. What could the authorities not want the people to see for themselves? Imagine what the universe has seen with its own eyes over billions and billions of years. What did the universe see when Dinosaurs ruled the Earth for 150 million years. Do you see the difference between those things that are man-made or those that are universally made? Do you see what is truly most meaningful in your life? Whatever you see now that you may obsess over, is it really important now, will it mean anything significant in the future. Look around the universe and draw your inspiration from what you see. Do you see only what you want to? Have you tried looking through the eyes of others' viewpoints? Do you sometimes see what makes you want to cry, no worries, that’s what your eyes are also there for, even the universe cries. Visualize the life you desire then do whatever it takes to bring it to reality. You have the power within to create the life you wish to see.

The heart

Tuesday, May 15, 2012

Today’s mental workout exercises that little muscle inside of you, the heart. You know that thing you give to others and they stomp all over it, no worries a broken heart can always be fixed. In fact if you are not getting your heart broken enough, you are not loving enough. Don’t be stingy with your heart, spread the love. The heart plays a most crucial role in life besides valentine-shaped candies and being responsible for half the songs on the airwaves. The heart is the center of your cardiovascular system and is vitally responsible for just about everything that gives your body life ranging from the transportation of oxygen to the success of your immune system. However, the foods you eat and the amount of physical activity you partake in can significantly affect the overall health of your heart and many other tissues that make up your cardiovascular system. If you want a healthy heart, do the opposite of what the government tells you and don’t listen to celebrities pitching products they never used on commercials. If you want your kids to grow up healthy, don’t let them go anywhere near school provided lunches. Good circulation is needed to transport oxygen and nutrients to the many different cells in your body. Without proper circulation, tissues begin to die, which can lead to serious health issues. High blood pressure, cholesterol plaque and other heart related diseases can affect your body's ability to transport blood efficiently throughout your body.

The heart also serves as the epicenter of all your emotions, new ideas and inspirations. It’s a miracle organ that can change your life once you learn to follow it. Courage comes from the heart, literally, the French word ‘coeur’ means heart, we all know that the French know all about courage. Who else taught us how to love. It takes true courage to love. The heart gives you courage to be your real self if you listen. The heart provides infinite courage to be who you are, to combat fear. The heart is not afraid, it’s your friend that can deliver the life of your dreams. The heart is naturally courageous, it’s only your mindset that brings fear and doubt. When you do something courageous, you are always moved by your heart. When you stand up for someone or something you believe in, you are standing up from your heart. When you stop someone from harming someone else, you are stopping them from your heart. Your heart is your power, your infinite power. Trusting and believing in your infinite self is allowing your heart to be itself. The heart is the intersection where you unite with infinite universal power. Nobody truly knows what you can accomplish in this world, nobody can measure what’s in your heart, but you. The power of the universe belongs to you, the strength, the courage, the clarity, the ability to achieve all your heart desires.

The brain

Monday, May 14, 2012

Today’s mental workout examines the brain to kick off this week’s body parts edition. We hope all the mothers out there had a wonderful day yesterday in the greatest profession known to womankind. The brain has enabled humans to climb Mt. Everest, go 36K feet to the bottom of the ocean, split the atom, land on the moon. It’s amazing how we haven’t even begin to tap into the limitless potential of the most complex and extraordinary creation in the universe. Home to your mind and personality, your brain creates your own unique perspective in the world amongst billions of others. It orchestrates the symphony of consciousness that gives you purpose and passion, motion and emotion, meaning and raison d’etre. Where ever you are, from whatever part of the world, stand outside and gaze at the sky, look as far as you can, that is the potential of the human brain. Only your mindset can hold you back from accomplishing whatever you desire to. The mind exists to rescue you from the chains of society. You were born free into this world, it’s totally up to you to remain free in your mind. Throughout the history of the known world, progress of any civilization has depended upon the brains and actions of a few exceptional people to stand out from the rest. They possessed exactly the same tools as everybody else, they just used them differently. How are you using your brain differently from everybody else?

The world as you know, however you see things through your brain and the culmination of your unique experiences. Just as you gazed up at the heavens, imagine all the billions of people that have done exactly the same thing since the dawn of civilization and came up with their own assessments of the universe. On the flip side, imagine all the others that haven't wondered what else was out there in the world for them, they just simply went by the word of others. Over the ages, the brains of each succeeding generation operates with the information that’s been entered consciously or subconsciously. It’s still mind-boggling to consider that the human brain is still more advanced and sophisticated than the most powerful super-computers. The brain has a distinct advantage, it can harness the power of senses to produce emotions, no computer can produce the sounds of a Mozart or Beethoven. That has to be felt and experienced, computers may be capable of duplicating left brain functionalities, but the power of human imagination through the right brain is infinite. Your world is whatever you choose to make of it. You are what you think. All that you are arises from your thoughts and experiences. With your thoughts you shape your world either to live according to rules you dictate or that of others. Human beings became lords of the universe by brain not brawn no matter what politicians lead you to believe. The brain has a thirst for knowledge and a hunger for experience, feed it. Tomorrow we shall discuss another body part that comes in handy now and again, the heart. As always, enjoy your mental workout.

Renewable energy!!!

Friday, May 11, 2012

Today’s mental workout taps into the renewable energy inside of you. No government funding is needed for this most pure of energy sources, you have the power to create it yourself. Your potential to achieve all you desire out of life depends on the energy you generate within. As long as you have the energy, you can stick with tasks until completion. Ever noticed people with non-stop energy and commitment to complete things, they remind you of the Energizer bunny; they just keep going and going. They may even seem super human, their motor runs non-stop pushing them harder and longer than average people. In fact the self-perpetuating human body can be considered as a type of battery composed of three essential components, structure, liquid and electrical charge. Structure comprises of the cells, organs, bones, muscles, blood vessels, nerves etc. Liquid pertains to the intra and inter-cellular liquids that play critical roles in generating electrical energy. Electrical charge activates the body and its structures, commonly known as the life-force or spirit.

Just as a car battery provides life to a vehicle, a weakened battery causes the car to malfunction. However when charged, energy can flow freely allowing the car to operate effectively. The same effect needs to take place in the human body, energy needs to flow freely. Pathways need to be cleared so energy impulses can flow unrestricted. Both the human body and a car need a continuous supply of fuels (petrol or food) and the supply of oxygen for combustion. In the vehicle, the starter motor turns over the engine before the oxygen using fuels can take over, just like the anaerobic energy processes in the body. Both processes also require the stored energy to be replaced (car battery and in the body ATP). Both the car and human body convert chemical energy (in the petrol and food) to kinetic energy (movement) and heat. Eating the right food supplies your body with optimal energy to renew itself. Your body has a huge workload with regulating your temperature, controlling your heartbeat and breathing and the digestive process, provide it ample energy to work around the clock.

Human beings are blessed with infinite power to generate energy, we create other life forms yet so many don’t understand the important role of energy in their bodies. People struggle to make their natural energy work in their favor to create the life they most desire. The entire concept of existence depends on energy, without it you couldn’t even get out of bed to start your day. Most people ask too little of themselves considering the potential of energy stored in the human body. Imagine all those that have passed on without turning their energy into what they most wished in life. Pouring your natural energy and enthusiasm in work you love will open up more opportunities than you could ever imagine. Your body’s natural energy will steer you clear of those over-the-counter energy boosters which cause fluctuations and can even deplete your nutrients. Building your natural energy allows you to stay refreshed all day long, you gain stamina and endurance to follow your heart’s passion. The human body is an incredible machine, tap into the infinite power source inside you and let your energy flow freely, gain the strength to create the life you deserve. There are no limits to what you can achieve when you devote the energy inside of you. As always, make it an energetic mental workout.

Same-sex marriage!!!

Thursday, May 10, 2012

Today’s political mental workout for Political Thursdays explores same-sex marriage, not that between same sexes, but the union between the Republicans and Democrats to distract the American people. Both parties are in political wedlock to misinform and detract from the real issues that affect working people’s lives. It’s no coincidence that this issue comes around election time on both sides, the President of course hopes to rally his liberal base, while the far right Evangelicals portray him as the Anti-Christ, taking America down the morally corrupt road. The only same sex marriage the people need to worry about is both political parties working together to deceive them which is about the only time these entities will get together on anything. With Europe’s economy in further decline than even anticipated and now even the great Chinese juggernaut economy is showing signs of slowing down, you would think emphasis would be on positioning the US for the new world economy, instead it’s on what goes on in people's private lives.

In absence of any real solutions to the massive national debt and high unemployment despite what government statistics may show, both parties know same-sex marriage incites emotions. The media ignores the NDAA debate, the power to detain people without right to a fair trial or the Patriot Act violating privacy, instead they focus on same-sex marriage. Both parties would do anything to stay in power or gain control. The real truth is that over the past fifty years, society as a whole has become more tolerant of gays and lesbians. This cultural shift has gradually led to more liberal views of same-sex marriage which a majority of Americans support by a narrow margin. In another decade, more people will support it. In a thousand years, future generations will laugh at us that we denied equal rights to those that were different. If we really want to discuss controversy, we can go back to our Ancient Greek roots and discover that homosexuality was in fact encouraged in society, and that a significant number of politicians engaged in it.

Civil rights, women’s rights, workers’ rights, animal rights, equal rights, human rights, can’t human beings just recognize individual liberty and each person's right to happiness. Treat others how we expect to be treated and all that good stuff that people say but, don’t practice. Should people be surprised that the President has changed his tune at this most opportune time, probably not, he’s a politician after all. Is who anybody marries anyone’s business besides the parties concerned? Remember separation of Church and state. Wasn’t this country founded on principles of freedom for all? Must the majority always dictate to the minority? At the end of the day, people can go to ballot boxes and exercise their rights to deny such unions, but they can’t really dictate what goes on in other people’s bedroom. What they need to do is wake up to the realities of a broken government and unfulfilled promises in an ever changing world with enormous challenges. How many times will Americans let the politicians and the media fool them? Don’t answer, it’s rhetorical! As always, I hope you enjoyed your political mental workout.

Software update!!!

Wednesday, May 9, 2012

Today’s mental workout for Imagination Wednesdays encourages you to download the latest software upgrade to your mind’s operating system. Staying up-to-date on the latest information is critical in life, imagine all those poor souls centuries ago who thought the world was still flat. It wasn’t their fault, they did their best with the information available at the time. Opportunities pass you by if you don’t keep up with the pace. Your mind’s operating system is only as good as the software you provide it. If you would like to keep the software on your system up-to-date, you may find it difficult and time-consuming if you have too many programs installed. Keep it simple for your mind’s operating system, scan at regular intervals to remove any negative bugs of self-doubt and fear. It’s natural for you to be comfortable with your outdated thinking software, however now is the time to embrace the 21st century mindset. You have the power within to create the life you desire once you download the latest software.

Beware of whether your software updates are coming from trusted sources. Unfortunately we live in a dangerous world where malicious programs lurk in the shadows waiting to catch you unawares and defenseless. These decoy programs in the form of Trojan horses act like they are your friends, but are really not. They seem and look like the real deal, but are very good imitations. Use the natural firewall of your mind’s operating system to build a defense mechanism. Be sure you download the latest security patches, there are also dangerous spyware programs that try and steer you the wrong way with annoying pop-us and fake error messages that slow down your mind’s operating system. Don’t pay any attention to any programs that steal your life’s passion, they’ll have you spinning your wheels and going around in circles. Guard your mind’s operating system with the utmost care, any programs that prevent you from quality thinking for yourself is dangerous. Do not leave yourself vulnerable.

Operating with the latest software will have your mind running at peak performance. Gain full control of your mind's destiny, you know best what works for you. There’s nothing like easy-to-use directions, follow your heart in life, the rest will play itself out. Don’t operate under a limited number of programs, gain access to a wide variety, strive to be well-rounded. The world moves fast, stay up-to-date with the newest and most relevant information, download the latest data in regular intervals. Double-check and cross-reference the data to check for accuracy. There’s a lot of people spreading mis-information in the world, don’t fall victim. Make sure your downloads are compatible with your passions and interests, your mind operating system is more efficient and productive when you get engaged and love what you do. Your mind’s applications run much smoother when you have confidence and self-belief. Perform the necessary maintenance required with frequent check-ups to ensure you are as effective as possible. Avoid dwelling on the past, live in the moment with an eye for the future, concentrate your energy on the present, challenge your mind to stay informed with new activities. As always, make it a current mental workout.

Screen Sirens!!!

Tuesday, May 8, 2012

Today’s mental workout for Superhero Tuesdays spotlights two incredible actresses of Hollywood’s golden era, Katharine Hepburn and Ava Gardner. The former was an unparalleled talent who tops the greatest actress ever list, the latter captivated the audience in some spectacular movies. It may be a man’s world, but behind every strong man is a strong woman of course, as the script goes anyway. When these two fine actresses are involved, there’s certainly no dispute about equality of pay. Katharine Hepburn made her way to Hollywood through the usual right of passage via Broadway, Gardner on the other hand took the shortcut, she attracted big studio attention with her sheer beauty. In an era of strict control from the big studio male bosses, these two strong characters didn’t succumb like so many others, they played by their own rules. Who says women can’t beat men at their own game! Here's a tribute to two actresses who did things their way.

To say Katharine Hepburn was a strong personality would be an extreme understatement. Even from her early stage roles after attending Bryn Mawr college, Hepburn always attracted attention with her distinct New England accent and her bony, sturdy frame and determined manner. She showed no intimidation as soon as she arrived in Hollywood. Most actresses would be overjoyed at the lucky break, not Hepburn, she demanded a larger salary than was usually given to unknowns. Such was her confidence in her own abilities, she also wished to control her own scripts. Of course this kind of outspokenness didn’t win her much friends among the studio bosses, she most likely lost more jobs than she received. Besides all the drama, no pun intended, she was considered the freshest and most original actress to hit Hollywood. Hepburn refused to play the Hollywood game, she would dress in unfashionable slacks and paraded around town with no makeup, turning down pinup poses, autographs signing events and completely shutting out the media. However it did affect her box office draw as she had a list of disappointments. In the end, she prevailed with age like a fine wine and won 3 oscars after age 60, winning for in total cementing her place at the very top.

Ava Gardner’s rise to Hollywood prominence is like a Cinderella story. An innocent picture taken by her brother-in-law somehow ended up on the desk of Hollywood executives. Gardner never intended to be a movie star, but the universe had other ideas, before long she was screen testing in front of MGM boss, Louis B. Mayer who demanded she be signed immediately. Even with her lack of acting experience and deep southern accent, Gardner had a star quality appeal. Amidst a sea of blonde-haired bombshells, Ava Gardner stood out as one of Hollywood's finest, with her legendary beauty and roller-coaster love affairs. The stunning green-eyed brunette was often described as having the face of an angel and the body of a goddess, best known for playing Mara Vargas in ‘The Barefoot Contessa’ opposite Bogart. However the role that launched her career was Ernest Hemingway's ‘The Killers’ playing the femme fatale, Kitty Collins. What was infinitely more interesting to fans, however, was her much chronicled off-screen life in which the wild child did what she wanted when she wanted. She also gave remarkable performances in Hemmingway’s ‘Snows of Kilimanjaro’ and ‘The Sun also Rises’ and was close to the legendary author. However she grew disillusioned with Hollywood having never been fulfilled by the lifestyle opting instead to act in Europe. Nobody can deny her on-screen magic and she has always been regarded as one of the most beautiful actresses of all time.

Lucky Strike!!!

Monday, May 7, 2012

Today’s mental workout encourages you to throw strikes in your bowling game of life. Achieving success is a process in life, you are likely not going to get there in one frame. In fact, if you exercise your patience, you can strategically plan to line up all your ducks in a row. Learn the techniques that will fit you best allowing you to hit all the pins in your bowling game of life. To maximize your efficiency and effectiveness in your unique life, find the bowling ball that fits your fingers. Trying to fit round holes in square pegs is counter-productive, don’t allow your life’s bowling ball to become a heavy burden. Practice your craft till you can perfect your form. It’s a thing of beauty when you can get the most amazing universal creation, the human body working in perfect sync and harmony. Find the rhythm that allows you to steer your momentum towards the designated target.

Success in your bowling game of life comes down to your follow-through. Many people are great at starting things, but don’t persist to follow through to the very end. It’s about putting yourself in position to welcome success into your life. It’s a process, if at first you don’t succeed, try, try, try again. If you only knock down a few pins at your first attempt, head back to the drawing board and get ready to go again. Never panic when you fail to hit all your targets, only babies cry when things don’t always go their way. Aim to get better and grow stronger as you go along. Break your large goals down frame by frame, don’t focus entirely on the scoreboard, focus on your technique. Fine-tuning your mechanics allows you to put a system in place. The results you desire will come when you build momentum. One strike can easily lead to two or three in a row, plenty of good things happen when you gain valuable confidence and self-belief.

In your bowling game of life, stay loose and relaxed, too much tension affects peak performance. Keep focusing on doing the little things right, sometimes it may seem your goals are near, but yet so far. Be patient and stay consistent. When the pressure comes on, don’t allow it to weigh you down, your life’s ball can become unbearably heavy if you dwell on the negatives. Condition yourself to absorb pressure with a positive mindset. Maintain your form and structure in the face of adversity. Composure and poise in the eye of the storm always bring better results. If you happen to throw a gutter ball, no worries, evaluate what went wrong and adjust on-the-fly, prepare for the next opportunity. In our unpredictable universe, many people fall on the slippery runway of their life’s dreams, however what counts is how they pick themselves back up. Others may laugh at you making a fool of yourself, but don’t pay them any attention, you already won because you had the guts to take action. Even when you throw a strike, some may dismiss it as pure luck, but we all know that people tend to overlook the dedication and sacrifice behind the scenes that presented the opportunity to get lucky. You must first be brave to get Lady Luck on your side. Go ahead and throw that lucky strike at your life’s goals. As always, make it a goal-toppling mental workout.

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