domingo, 29 de septiembre de 2013

166.) The Mystery of the Mind

The Mystery of the Mind






 "Human experience is determined by the nature of the mind and your senses, as well as by the external objects which the mind reveals to you.
To put it another way, it is very clear that in fact, I have no other self than the totality of things which I am aware of. Carpe diem." 

I hope you didn’t take the title to your heart, but do you know it’s possible to lose you mind?
Come to think of it, is your mind a thing or an object that you can conveniently drop off and pick up any time you like?
Your mind isn’t anything like your temper that you can lose any time, as I don’t think the mind is made up of emotions. Or is it?
But then people also say that you can be as you “make up your mind to be”. This signifies that you can create your own mind!
Some suggest that you should “change your mind” to change yourself or your life. It definitely implies that the form of the mind is moldable.
Besides losing your mind, there are other phrases like, to apply your mind, free your mind, bear in mind, and peace of mind that you frequently use in your daily life.
Interestingly, mind is being referred to differently in all of these phrases.
With so many adages and characteristics attributed, doesn’t the mind seem intriguing enough?
I must say that there’s surely something quite magical about the mind.
Having said all that, I think you’d like to know how to control your mind so you don’t lose it, so as to say.
Well, for that you need to try to understand your mind and unveil its magical power.
“Biology gives you a brain. Life turns it into a mind.” ~ Jeffrey Eugenides
Mystery of The Mind
People including philosophers, psychologists, and scientists differ in their definition and explanation of the mind.
Since it is actually a complex and controversial issue, I’m not going to deal with it in depth because there will still be a lot left uncovered. But let me try and explain it the best way I can.
Some consider the mind as a distinct and separate entity, whereas others regard it as a part of the body.
Further, some say that the mind is localized in the brain, while there are some who believe that it’s not assigned to any particular part of the body.
But one thing you can be sure of is that the mind is not the brain, and the brain is not the mind.
However, many people believe that the mind is surely connected and related to the brain in some ways.
What’s your view about the mind?
Generally, people relate the mind to their thoughts and opinions, which are generated from the brain.
On the other hand, some say that the mind is the “consciousness”. Well, consciousness is known as awareness or an alert cognitive state, and some term it as a state of mind.
Many religions have different views about mind and consciousness. Some of them also use the concepts of “soul” and “spirit” to define and differentiate them.
However, I want to be as simple as possible to define the mind, so you can know it better and learn how to control it too.
“The mind is everything. What you think you become.” ~ Buddha
What is the Mind
Going by the present modern day assessment, Wikipedia defines mind as:
The set of cognitive faculties that enables consciousness, perception, thinking, judgement, and memory.”
In fact, some consider mind as the seat of the faculty of reason, which is responsible for one’s thoughts and feelings.
If so, then mind would be considered responsible for your intentions, desires, wants, and expectations. It may be defined as a way of thinking and an attitude or outlook of life.
Here’s another popular definition of the mind:
The collective conscious and unconscious processes in a sentient organism that direct and influence mental and physical behavior.
I do believe that the mind is also a collection of different processes of your brain and its form or state depends on the “Self”, which is again the core person that you are.
The mind is a complex process in itself that is in a state of flux, and it can be changed, controlled, and harnessed by yourself.

Actually, I’ll draw an analogy to understand brain, mind and the self.
Consider your brain as the computer (hardware), your mind as the program (software), and the Self as the operator (user).
The mind uses the processes of the brain to carry out various functions of the body as desired by the Self.
As part of its function, the mind also controls the senses.
And, because the senses are sometimes under the influence of external factors and conditions, they in turn impact the mind, and the functions of the body.
The mind is just like software, it has no physical existence. But, it cannot exist without the computer or the brain in the body.
However, the good thing is that you can re-program your mind, and it only requires some skill and effort. Once you do that, you can control your mind and bring it in your favor.
I understand there might be a difference of opinion about this topic and I’d love to know your thoughts and opinions in the comments.
To the mind that is still, the whole universe surrenders.” ~ Lao Tzu
What Happens When You Lose Your Mind
You feel that you lose your mind when you’re confused and troubled. You either lose touch with the reality of life, or aren’t able to cope with your unrealistic expectations or traumas.
You feel you’re entangled in the web of life, have no control over yourself, and are not able to find any way out.
You lose your mental balance because you lose faith in yourself and your abilities.
Since the mind is continually changing and is unstable in nature, it maintains a very delicate balance between the state of an organized and disorganized brain.
If you lose your mind or if it changes its focus, then various processes of the brain are affected, including perception, thinking, judging, and memory, which might lead to disorientation and disorganization.
Therefore, the personal output and efficiency will be adversely affected.
The person can become depressed, mentally ill, or start behaving in a silly or strange way if the mind loses its orientation and control for a long time.
It is said that losing your mind is close to becoming crazy.  You might do some one-odd crazy act but that doesn’t really make you lose it. :)
However, sometimes people use the term “lose your mind” to mean that you should drop off all your worries and tensions, forget yourself, and just enjoy life!
“You can chain me, you can torture me, you can even destroy this body, but you will never imprison my mind.” ~ Mahatma Gandhi
How to be Yourself and Never Lose Your Mind
Well, it isn’t difficult to remain sane and be yourself.
All it takes is to follow certain principles in life and have requisite qualities in yourself.
• Believe in yourself
• Accept yourself
• Think Positive
• Don’t be judgmental
• Validate before you accept
• Be realistic in expectations
• Think before acting
• Have patience
• Motivate yourself
• Educate and change yourself
• Be focused
• Be fearless and stress free
• Control your mood and temper
• Let go!
This is only a part of the magic potion your need to get hold of yourself.
I’d suggest you read the above post and know all these points in detail.
One thing that will help you live a happy life is to get control of your mind, because that alone will take care of most of the above mentioned qualities.
Sometime you need not control your mind, especially if you’re a creative person or involved in a creative process. But you still need to define its limits.
However, as it is, controlling the mind does not mean that you stop living freely and make your life dull.
It’s about making optimum use of yourself and your life, and back it up with the power of your mind.
A mind at peace, a mind centered and not focused on harming others, is stronger than any physical force in the universe.” ~ Wayne Dyer
What Is the Need to Control Your Mind
Your mind is quite powerful, whether you control it or even otherwise. It has the capability to learn and develop on its own.
The mind feeds itself with all the internal and external information you directly or indirectly provide it with.
Even a little child has a mind of his or her own. The child gets deeply associated and involved with the developing mind, and begins to believe and obey it.
If ever asked, the child says he or she will do what the mind says. Not to mention, the adults also do that!
In most of the cases, your mind loves to indulge in the senses, derive pleasure, make least efforts, resist change, and remain in a state of inertia.
This is the state when you can say that your mind is working on its own, and rules over YOU. And we make the mistake of equating and identifying mind with the “Self”.
It’s a lot like the situation where you’re the President of your country, but the government doesn’t obey you and prefers working on its own whims and fancies.
Can such a government or a person ruled by the mind ever be successful? I don’t think so.
To be happy and successful, you need to control your mind like an ideal operator. You need to keep it within limits and make it obey your orders, and work as per your instructions.
The mind is like a wild horse. It is very powerful, but to use that power, you got to tame it. Control it with the reins, and teach it to be calm and silent.
Don’t let the mind take you for a ride, instead put a saddle on it and ride it towards the direction you want to go.
Remember that great saints and people have blamed an uncontrolled mind for the sufferings in your life.
“All problems are illusions of the mind.” ~ Eckhart Tolle
You’ll never lose your mind if you’ve control over it. You’ll always remain sane, oriented, and organized if you know the techniques to control your mind.
The mind is not bad or useless. It performs useful functions that are essential for your day-to-day living as well as to be successful.
It just has a wild nature and likes to be free and uncontrolled, and makes you do the wrong things.
All you need to do is educate your mind continuously and constantly.
Make your mind your best friend, and you will never fail to achieve happiness and success.
In my future posts about the mind, you’ll know how to do that.
Till then, don’t lose your mind and keep it intact. :)
Most people believe the mind to be a mirror, more or less accurately reflecting the world outside them, not realizing on the contrary that the mind is itself the principal element of creation.” ~ Rabindranath Tagore
Over to You -
How would you define the mind? What could make you lose your mind? Why do you think you need to control your mind? Share your thoughts in the comments.

Some expressions with mind:


"Are you out of your mind?"  = Te has vuelto loco?
"Don´t mind him"  = No le hagas caso
"He has a mind of his own"  = Hace lo que quiere
"What´s on your mind?" = Que te preocupa?  / Que estás pensando?
"Bear in mind" = Tener en cuenta
" I had it in mind to go to the cinema tonight"  = Pensaba ir al cine esta noche
"I´ve changed my mind"  = He cambiado de pensar
"Make up your mind"  = Decídete
"He has lost his mind"  = El ha perdido la razón
"Never mind"  = Da igual / no importa
"You blow my mind"  = Alucino contigo
"That never crossed my mind"  = Eso nunca se me pasó por la cabeza


Here is this fantastic song with the lyrics by The pet shop boys " Always on my mind"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x3xYB9rNaoI





165.) A RECIPE = Receta: How to make chocolate chip cookies and a Short video of Ormie the pig trying to get a chocolate chip cookie

"Delicious chocolate chip COOKIES"


                                                                         Courtesy of Martha Stewart

Recipe for chocolate chip cookies

Ingredients
U.S.MetricConversion chart
  • 2 1/4 cup(s) all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon(s) baking soda
  • 14 tablespoon(s) (1 3/4 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 3/4 cup(s) granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup(s) packed light-brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon(s) salt
  • 2 teaspoon(s) pure vanilla extract
  • 2 (large) eggs
  • 2 cup(s) (about 12 ounces) semisweet and/or milk chocolate chips

Directions
  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. In a small bowl, whisk together the flour and baking soda; set aside. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine the butter with both sugars; beat on medium speed until light and fluffy. Reduce speed to low; add the salt, vanilla, and eggs. Beat until well mixed, about 1 minute. Add flour mixture; mix until just combined. Stir in the chocolate chips.
  2. Drop heaping tablespoon-size balls of dough about 2 inches apart on baking sheets lined with parchment paper.
  3. Bake until cookies are golden around the edges and set in the center, 10 to 12 minutes. Remove from oven, and let cool on baking sheet 1 to 2 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack, and let cool completely. Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature up to 1 week. 

Watch Ormie the pig trying to get a cookie
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VKx9Jg_gf3Y

jueves, 19 de septiembre de 2013

164. El Gerundio




                         

"I remember seeing that ship last year"






El Gerundio se forma poniendo "ING" a la terminacíon del verbo.
(Ver temas numero 3, 25 y 26 del 2011) del blog

1. Se usa el "Gerundio" con el Presente Continuo o Pasado Continuo
- Everyone is singing  = Todo el mundo están bailando
- We were playing tennis all morning  = Estuvimos jugando al tenis toda la mañana.

2. Se usa el "Gerundio" detrás de las preposiciones
- Thank you for coming  = Gracias por venir
- I´m thinking about going to Ireland  = Estoy pensando en irme a Irlanda

3. Se usa el gerundio con el "Futuro planeado"

- I´m going on vacation tomorrow  = Me voy de vacaciones mañana
- Where are you going?  = ¿Donde te vas?

4. Se usa el "Gerundio" detrás de ciertos verbos (Ver lista de abajo)
- Everyone. Please stop talking  = Todo el mundo. Por favor deja de hablar

Verbos importantes + gerundio

1.) Mind = Importar
2.) Remember = Recordar 
3.) Suggest = Sugerir
4.) Love = Encantar 
5.) Worth Valer la pena  
6.) Enjoy = Disfrutar  
7.) Keep on = Seguir (continuar)
 8.) Stop = Parar (dejar de
 9.) Miss  = Echar de menos
10.) Practice = Practicar  
11.) Consider = Considerar  
12.) Risk = Arriesgar  
13.) Avoid = Evitar   
14.) Propose = Proponer   
15.) Like = Gustar   
16.) Hate Odiar   
17.) Recommend = Recomendar
18.) Finish Terminar
19.) Regret = Lamentar
20.) Bother = Molestar
21.) Imagine = Imaginar
22.) Admit = Admitir
23.) Look forward to = Desear con ganas / ilusión
24.) Prefer = Preferir
25.) Appreciate = Agradecer

5. Se usa el Gerundio como sujeto de la frase

- Eating an apple a day keeps the doctor away  = Comiendo una manzana al día aleja al medico




                                     
                                            Walking in the countryside with your dog is fun
         

6. También se usa el Gerundio para hacer algo en un futuro proximo
- We are having dinner with my parents tonight  = Cenamos con mis padres esta noche


                                                I´m thinking of buying this little antique car


7. Se usa con el Presente perfecto continuo
- I have been living in Chicago for two years  = He estado viviendo en Chicago durante 2 años.
- How long have you been working as a teacher? = ¿Cuanto tiempo has estado trabajando como profesor?

8. También con el futuro continuo

- Will you be working as a nurse in Ireland?  =  ¿Estarás trabajando como enfermera en Irlanda?

Usar el "Gerundio" haciendo este ejercicio de traducción (ver solución más abajo)


1. Muchas gracias por volver a llamarme.

2. ¿Que te apetece hacer hoy?
3. Le importaría llamar mañana por la mañana.
4. No estoy acostumbrado a ir en bici.
5. ¿Que te parece comer comida Griega?
6. Salimos temprano mañana para no coger un atasco.
7. Lamento haber comprado un coche tan grande.
8. Quiero que sigas aconsejándome.
9. Hemos estado pintando toda la casa todo el día.
10. Siento hacerle esperar.
11. Comer nueces es bueno para la salud.
12. Nos encanta andar por la playa.
13. ¿Te gusta comer platos de arroz de otros países?
14. No vale la pena gastarse tanto dinero en reparar tu maquina de afeitar.
15. Estamos pensando en comprar una pequeña casa en un pueblo de montaña.
16. No me acuerdo haber visto esa película.
17. Tenemos ganas de irnos de vacaciones.
18. Sugiero comer paella en un restaurante que está cerca del puerto.
19. Estaba pensando en llamarte, pero de pronto me encontré mal y me fui hacer un paseo.
20. ¿Está Juan? ¿De parte de quien?
21. No me estaba riendo de ti.
22. Insisto en invitarte a cenar por ayudarme aprobar el examen.
23. En lugar de comprar una moto para ir al trabajo, me compré una bicicleta.
24. Levantarse pronto por la mañana es saludable.
25. Vamos hacer un paseo en bici por la playa.
26. ¿Te apetece venir con nosotros?
27. Me parece que tu jefe se está enfadando.
28. Hemos estado buscando bicicletas de segunda mano.
29. Te puedes imaginar ser rico y poder viajar a donde quieras?
30. Estaremos escalando durante cuatro horas hasta llegar a la cima.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BOqgZIzigcI



Here is a fantastic song- "Feel like going home" = Me apetece ir a casa

Lyrics                                                Translation by alan

Lord I feel like going home                  Dios, me apetece irme a casa 
I tried and I failed and                          Lo intenté y fracasé

I'm tired and weary                              Estoy cansado hecho polvo
Everything I ever done was wrong      Todo lo que hecho estaba mal
And I feel like going home                    Y me apetece irme a casa
 

Lord I tried to see it through                 Dios, intenté ir hasta el final
But it was too much for me                    Pero era demasiado para mi
And now I'm coming home to you         Y ahora vuelvo a casa a ti
And I feel like going home                     Y me apetece irme a casa

Cloudy skies are rolling in                      Se está nublando
And not a friend around to help me        Y ningún amigo que me ayude 
From all the places I have been             De todos los sitios donde he estado
And I feel like going home                      Y me apetece irme a casa

Lord I feel like going home                     "                 "            "
I tried and I failed and 

I'm tired and weary                                "                  "            "
Everything I ever done was wrong
And I feel like going home                      "                  "            "


Translation solution
1. Thanks a lot for calling back.
2. What do you feel like doing today?
3. Would you mind calling tomorrow morning?
4. I´m not used to going by bicycle.
5. How about eating Greek food?
6. We´re leaving early tomorow so as not to get stuck in a traffic jam.
7. I regret buying such a big car.
8. I want you to keep on advising me.
9. We´ve been painting the whole house all day.
10. Sorry to keep you waiting.
11. Eating nuts is good for one´s health.
12. We love walking along the beach.
13. Do you like eating rice dishes from other countries?
14. It´s not worth spending so much money in repairing your electric shaver.
15. We´re thinking about buying a small house in a mountain village.
16. I don´t remember seeing that movie.
17. We´re looking forward to going on vacation.
18. I suggest eating paella at a restaurant which is near the port.
19. I was thinking of calling you, but I suddenly felt sick and I went for a walk.
20. Is Juan in? Who´s calling?
21. I wasn´t laughing at you.
22. I insist on inviting you to dinner for helping me pass the test.
23. Instead of buying a motorcycle to go to work, I bought a bicycle.
24. Getting up early in the morning is healthy.
25. We´re taking a bicycle ride along the beach.
26. Do you feel like coming with us?
27. I think your boss is getting angry.
28. We have been looking for second hand bicycles.
29. Can you imagine being rich and being able to travel wherever you want?
30. We will be climbing for four hours until we reach the top.