Towards a New Synthesis

My E-Prime Day:

The car door appears to close, as the key looks to enter the ignition. The rearview mirrors seem to be checked by the driver. The car appears to slowly back out of the driveway. It seems that the car drives to the stop sign and stops. The driver's head turns to the right, then left, then right again before maneuvering the car to the left. As the car drives, it appears to be entering the busy road. The car appears to drive a half a mile then slowly merge on the right, entering what has been called the "freeway." 

How Does My Physics Fit With My Own World-View?

Physics is fascinating to study, as it provides the opportunity to view different parts of the world in various ways. By applying math, chemistry and physics towards studying nature, we can gain a new understanding of the patterns and rhythms we had only so far been observing. It's good to look at the macro-system of things, but Physics has allowed us the opportunity to look at it in a micro-system fashion as well. Through this, we can see more how the micro relates similarly with the macro. In addition, Physics has shown us that if all you believe is what you see or hear with your eyes and ears, than you will be missing out on a lot of things. There are many things that the naked eye is unable to explore, but is a part of our world and universe. I feel this is similar with TCM. A lot of society doesn't understand what "Qi" is or how "acupuncture" can work. When although it is difficult to observe with eyes what is occurring, something is there, and does exist. Hopefully one day. science will be able to explain this concept in a way that allows others to understand. 

Classical Physics

Newton's Three Laws and me:
Newton's three laws helped to define how friction plays a role in our everyday life. According to the laws, friction is needed in order to change the state of motion. In TCM we can see how opposition helps to provide balance with everything. If there is stagnation in one place of the body, we can use friction, or acupuncture to help move it (or change the state of motion).

Our "Energy Efficient" Culture:
I remember one day in my Chemistry class, we had a discussion on different companies and Universities that were currently working on how to eliminate our dependent need for oil and gas in our country. Some of what the companies are doing were interesting, as they are using garbage and other waste products that could be put to better use. Part of the discussion focused on the reality on whether or not our society would convert to a new mode of fuel if this became available. I'm not sure how easy that would be. When you look at how much it would cost for each family to either convert their current transportation, or buy a new car, it doesn't seem as possible in the short term as we may like. I know I am not in a position right now where I could purchase a new car, or make changes to the one I have, even though I would like to if this were possible.

Descartes has a lot to answer for!
Rene Descartes has been known for being the "Father of Modern Philosophy." He led a very interesting career as he would take basically everything that has been known to him and throw it out. Then, starting from scratch, he would try to rebuild those ideas again, trying to prove them from this new frame of mind. This was able to open up a new way of looking at things, as he took away many paradigmal ways of thinking that had been around for centuries, and always thought to be "true." In addition, he made additions to way we look at math - specifically geometry - which has allowed us to advance in other ways. E=MC2 would not have occurred had Descartes not created the "square."

     

Experiment - Rubber Pencil

I conducted the "Rubber Pencil" experiment. This experiment was conducted on a Mac laptop. I noticed that when I waved the pencil vertically, it would seem to be heavy, or appear to be dominant on the left side than the right. Almost as if the pencil was real on the left side and a reflection on the right. When the experiment was performed horizontally, the result was not as noticeable as when performed vertically. It was observed though it was more pronounced when lowered, than raised high.

Chaos

"Ordered Chaos" - does this sound familiar? 
As we live in a world that is not considered "linear" or perfect in shapes, chaos helps us to understand and comprehend things better. An example that was mentioned previously was the weather. This is one element that is constantly changing, and unpredictable - despite all the complicated instruments that are used.

Fractals as patterns of complex systems 
Fractals mirror our world in that they form irregular shapes. Mathematicians have learned that although fractals looked like they couldn't be understood or measured, they have learned through fractal geometry how to approach the fractals. This could be applied towards other areas in our life. Experiences that seem complex and not capable of being understood, are possible, when looked at in either a different way, or taking it apart in small pieces so that the whole can be understood better. 

Consciousness out of chaos?
I'm sure that at times, we have all thought that our own world was in complete chaos. Nothing was making sense, peace and/or order does not seem to be possible in the near future. It's during these times that life seems to be moving faster and faster, with no thought of slowing down. It's during these times that I have learning to take myself outside of the situation and look at it from an outside point of view. I notice that when I do this, I can begin to separate my emotions from the situation and begin to see other ways of looking at the situation - and possible ways of looking at problem solving.

Vibrations

Are all vibrations "good"?
Vibrations can have an effect on us and others for good or bad. I don't feel that there are specific "bad" vibrations. I have seen though that vibrations, if used in the wrong context or situation, can have a negative effect on others. An example of this, was when I would work with children for music therapy with terminal illness. Some would be prone to seizures. When you work with individuals with these conditions, it is important to be cautious when playing music in the higher tones. When certain frequencies in these upper registers they can provoke seizures in that individual. So although these vibrations are generally good, and can be healing for others, they can also be "bad" for others.

Resonance in my world:
I have observed that resonance in the world can be experienced in different ways. From structural resonance, where resonance can move an object to personal resonance, where I can experience others emotions or words more internally than others. Sometimes this is experienced internally when I hear a story, or life experience, and I feel a strong connection with that person through that experience.

Connections I can make between Energy and Qi:
In Physics, we are taught that everything consists of energy. If this were true, than Qi would have a basis of energy. Our Qi is always changing and moving. When it is stagnant, it not well. This is the same with energy. It is in constant motion, moving, changing, etc. 

Symmetry & Sacred Geometry

My (a)symmetrical world:
I feel that our world is full of patterns, order and symmetry. Symmetry can be thought of as a "mirror reflection," but it can also be if it "looks the same after it is rotated through a certain angle." In a sense, you can see this in the body. The meridians that run throughout the body are symmetrical on each side. In addition, throughout the body you are able to see a reflection of what is occurring in the body by observing different parts of the body... ear, foot, hand, etc.

CP Violation:
CP stands for "C" - charge conjugation - where the particles are changed into antiparticles AND "P" - parity change - where the system is reflected in a mirror. An example of CP violation is related with the Big Bang theory. For the CP to be true, how the Big Bang started the Universe, than that is how it will end - but in reverse. Some scientists though have shown that the Universe is expanding and not shrinking. This displays a CP violation.

Sacred Geometry & Physics
Many of the sacred geometry shapes utilized throughout the centuries are being studied in Physics. It appears that they are being observed more through mathematics and how it relates with the world. The Golden Mean that has been discovered in Physics have been applied to how swirls are formed and created. I feel that by combining these two theories of thought, we are able to expand our understanding of the world and how it may operate.

Energy, Matter and the Four Forces

 

How has e=mc2 affected you?
As Einstein was able to show us that mass is equivalent to energy, I can see how this would apply with my own health. The foods we eat have many different nutritional, chemical, etc properties. But not all foods will convert to energy the same way or to the same degree. I believe that e=mc2 plays a role regarding how our bodies break down the food and how it is utilized in the body.

How would you compare the four "forces"?
As I gain a better understanding of the four forces, it reminded me of when we were studying atoms in Chemistry class. How the different atomic particles would be attracted to various orbits, and how the closer you got to the nucleus, the stronger the force was, yet the less particles it needed in order to be balanced. As I look at it through this means, it helps me understand more how the four forces are a "check and balance" in our system. It allows us to have the order needed for our universe in many aspects to function the way it does.

Function of Gravity
Gravity is thought to be one of the more important forces of the four. Although it is considered a "weak" force, it has the long range force ability and is an attractive force between two masses. The long range allows it to go further in the cosmetic range, and it's ability to attract force between two masses in the Universe provides stability and order. These two important properties allows it to hold "things" together more than the other forces. 

Synchronicity

What evidence can you find for synchronicity?
I have had severely different experiences in my life that have shown me that synchronicity exists. During these times it seemed to be when I had an important question or concern that I would be pondering on frequently. For me, the synchronicity seemed to occur as different people (generally 2-3) in my life (who were not connected to each other but through me) would suggest the same course of action within a small time frame. As I would begin to look into that course of action more, I would begin to see that this would be the right direction for me to head in at that present time.

How would you explain connectivity?
I feel that we are all connected to each other in one way or another. I also feel that we have different degrees of connections with each person. Family members tend to have a stronger connection with each other, as well as those you associate with more frequently. For me, I am able to sense more of when my siblings are having difficulty many states away before even being aware of what is actually occurring. In turn, my family members have many times called me during difficult times, telling me that "they just felt like they needed to call," when they had no idea that this was what I was needing. To me this is one part of what connectivity is.

Quantum Mechanics

Reflections on Uncertainty







 
 To me, uncertainty is a refreshing way to know that a part of science is able to accept the fact that although they don't know all the answers it is acceptable. When I have uncertainty in my life, it allows me to ask questions that I may not have asked previously. In addition, to look beyond on how I perceive the world at that moment and in order to possible see things I may not have been able to see before. Because of this, I feel uncertainty will allow us to unlock knowledge and understanding that we may not have been able to previously.

Comments on Causality
Pondering on causality reminds me of the old saying "history turns on small hinges." To me I have seen in my own life that it's not the big decisions that seems to have the biggest impact in my life, but the small everyday decisions. This correlates with how causality affects us in our lives. What occurs in the world or universe will have an effect on us in one way or another in some time in our lives.

Is the Universe Weird?
I don't believe that the "Universe is weird," but more, not understand at this time. A part of me feels that in the future we will begin to change our paradigm thinking of how the universe functions and be able to see it in a more understandable way that allows us to see the order, laws and functions of how the universe has always functioned. 

Meaning of Time

1. Mini Bio:

I have had the opportunity to come into contact with some incredible people throughout my life. Through them, I have learned of many different ways towards healing and becoming whole. I enjoy learning about these things, and seeing life through many different lenses. I think that is one thing that interests me regarding studying Chinese Medicine. I am learning to see the world and the body through a new set of lenses.

I am excited for the opportunity to learn more about Physics. I enjoy science and reading different theories others have come up with regarding how our world functions. As a musician especially, physics can help me understand my instruments more, and how they can interact within my world.


2. Meaning of Time
Time is a very interesting concept to study and ponder on. For me, time is very relative. When you are young, it seems as though Christmas takes FOREVER to come around. Then as you get older, it seems to come every 3 months. I have observed for myself, that the more aware I am of time in regards to the future and past, the faster it seems to be. When I am more aware of being time at the present moment, the slower it becomes, and in a sense, more control I have of it. 

Cognition

"To Live is To Know"...
When we continually interact between a system and the environment we began to learn how that system works, and also learn how to adapt when changes occur. Cognition involves perception, behavior and emotion. In a sense when we learn to listen to "our gut" when certain situations arise out of the ordinary. We learn that when certain imbalances occur, than certain things may arise or act in a specific way.

I feel that we are always trying to find some sort of balance in our lives. I could see this when I worked with children with special needs. Through time and experience, I was able to see that when certain behaviors emerged that were not 'normal' for a session, to look at outside things that may be provoking them, or to talk to the parent's about possible diet or lifestyle changes that may be occurring. Sometimes the change in the weather, tone of music instruments, the change of rhythms or the lights in the room had provoked a response. When working with children with sensory needs, especially with hyper sensitivities, small changes can cause them to display behaviors that they feel will help them calm down - find balance. Hand flapping in front of eyes may help with not getting enough visual input, etc.

There was one young boy I worked with who had many sensory needs. He could not sit still, and would spin most of the time. He would throw up continually during the session, then play in it with his hands. I soon learned that his body was hypersensitive to many things. Turning off the lights helped calm down the spinning. Having adagio and steady rhythmic music kept him more alert and participated to where I could teach him simple sign language to help communicate basic needs. It was observed that if the music speed up by just a few beat/ seconds, that he too would begin to change his body language, and begin to get more restless and unable to concentrate. He needed the constant rhythm.


Memory and Magic...
Our minds have incredible power. It allows us to see the world in many different ways. A magician is able to use their knowledge of the mind to their advantage by employing facial cues, body language, or suggestive talk to guide us through their show in order for us to see it in the way they envision it to be. I think the more we realize how easily perceived we can become, the more we may realize that there are many different ways to look at one incident or thought. I learned many lessons from this when working at a psychiatric hospital. I would be holding a group, where we would be having a great conversation, or someone would be telling a funny story, then all of a sudden one person would begin to either cry or get defensive because they thought we were all laughing at them. There perception of the event was not accurate, or very different than the whole groups. I think the more we step back from a situation, and take our emotions out, the more we may be able to see it in many different ways.

Mineral Absorption and the Human Body

•Essential Minerals

Calcium

Phosphorus

Magnesium

•Trace Minerals

Iron	Zinc	Copper
Manganese	Selenium	Boron
Chromium	Cobalt	Molybdenum
Vanadium	Nickel	Lithium
Iodine	Fluoride

 

Absorption of Minerals

• •Process which nutrients are passed into the bloodstream

• •Depends upon:

–Different minerals 

–Different absorption rates

–Diet

–Elimination rate

–Condition of the intestine

–Choosing the right mineral balance and form of mineral

•Diet – Major Factor

• Soil depletion & demineralization of many foods lack mineral
• Processed foods, excess proteins and refined sugars need extra minerals stored in body to digest and remove them
• Removal requires enzymes, which then need minerals such as zinc, chromium & copper to work
• This cycle then promotes mineral deficiency
• Milk, alcohol, dairy products, drugs and high fiver diet inhibit absorption of minerals

•Secondary Deficiency

• Another cause of poor mineral absorption
• Excess of one mineral causes deficiency in another
• Minerals compete for same binding site

–Example: Iron, Copper and Zinc

–Copper needed for conversion of iron to hemoglobin – if there is too much zinc, then less iron available for conversion

•Prescription Drugs

• Assists with deficiency of minerals
• Antibiotics, Tylenol, Advil, Motrin & Aspirin inhibit absorption 

–Especially Zinc, Chromium & Calcium

• Body also draws on minerals when trying to metabolize the drugs

•Bioavailability

• Minerals must be in a form that can make it to cells.
• Precursor to absorption
• Supplements come in different forms:

–Elemental, ionic, colloidal and chelated

•Elemental minerals  

•  cheapest to produce – most common form

–Only 1%-8% of mineral is absorbed by body

•Ionic minerals 

•  - ionic means in the form of ions
• •Ions are incomplete unstable molecule that wants to bind with another molecule
• •Are absorbed by becoming attached or chelated w/ special carrier proteins in intestine wall
• –To do this, energy is needed
• –Require acidic environment
• •Proper pH and right area of intestine is needed

•Colloidal Mineral 

•  – minerals suspended in a solution
• •Theory that they are easier to absorb because they are suspended in a liquid solution
• •Research on theory has not be tested or proven

•Chelate 

 – Greek work meaning ‘claw’.

–Mineral is bound up with or attached with carrier molecule

•Certain pairs of amino acids (dipeptides) are easiest to absorb

–Bond is tighter than ionic minerals

–Absorb faster, easier and needs less metabolic energy

•Types of Chelates:

•Binding substance of a chelate is usually an acid  - preferably amino acid or organic acid

–Citic acid/ citrate

–Malic acid/ malate

–Picolinic acid/ picolinate

•Sometimes see “amino acid chelate”

–Means mineral mixed w/ protein source, such as soy (not a true amino acid or organic acid)

–Is not a true “hypoallergenic” supplement

•Bad Chelates:

–Fiber contains phytates

–Tea which contains tannins

–Rhubarb which contains oxalates

•Will bind the minerals in body to themselves the same way amino acids do

–Minerals not being absorbed by body, but excreted instead

•Factors that help mineral absorption:

• Form of mineral ingested
• Small particle size
• Solubility
• Ascorbic acid
• Good intestinal state

Factors that slow down absorption:

• Oxalic acid
• Phytic Acid
• Fiber
• Sodium
• Tannins
• Caffeine
• Protein
• Fat
• Antacids
• Rapid transit time
• Malabsorption syndrome
• Precipitation by alkalinization
• Other minerals 
• Hormones
• Nutritional status

Living Diversity

Diversity of Species
Where I grew up, there were cookie cutter homes, with mostly rock landscaping, a few cactus, and at times grass lawns. Since moving to northern area of California 6 months ago, I am in awe of the diversity of species that is ever present. Looking outside my window, I see squirrels, and varieties of birds scrambling around. There is a creek close by with not much water flowing in it, but enough to allow you to hear the different tempos and dynamics it possesses. There are trees and flowers plentiful in this area. I'm sad that I don't really know the names of many of them. I ask frequently what they are, but can't seem to remember them. Nearby is an old train track that has been paved over for others to walk on. As you walk on this path, you are able to see chickens in backyards, tall trees, little bridges with dried up canals, a collection of bird houses, and patches of grass and weeds. This is very different than where I grew up.

Chocolate
With all things, everyone is different regarding what is beneficial for their body and what is not. I feel like at times you can find health benefits with anything. And if you are good at marketing and propaganda, than you can convince others that it is the correct way to live. 

I LOVE chocolate. The flavor, color, textures, all the many things that you can combine with it (seems as if it tastes good with everything). The latest health craze is dark chocolate, and all the health benefits it will give to you. When my grandma was alive, she would go through depression times during the winter months where she lived. The sun was hardly present, and this was hard for her body. We would stock her with Finnish chocolate bars (there chocolate tasted so much better than the US). She would eat a little every week, and this helped pull her through the winter months with minimal depression episodes.

For me at this moment, chocolate is more of a beautiful thing to look at, than to eat. As with all the health benefits and wonderful tastes, it is also very high in oxalates. Oxalates contribute to inflammation in the body. This is something I am trying to lower in order to heal. So while I cannot partake of the constant supply of chocolate society tends to offer, at least I can subdue my desires through watching Charlie and the Chocolate Factory :)

Cell Biology

How Cells Divide: Meiosis vs Mitosis
This website, and animation was interesting as they do a compare/ contrast regarding meiosis and mitosis. It helps to be able to better understand where the two are similar and where they differ.

The Citric Acid Cycle
I thought that viewing the exercises from the Citric Acid Cycle website was done very well. It had easy to understand charts, and asked good questions at the end of each section that allowed you to see if you were understanding the information being presented. I enjoyed learning more about the citric acid cycle through this. One thing it helped me to see more is the importance of being balanced in the food we eat. How the body utilizes the different parts of good food in order to obtain energy. In addition, when something goes wrong with the citric acid cycle in some way, how much it can affect different areas of the body, as well as how we utilize the foods consume.

Discussion Question:
"It is the network of interactions in its entirety that constitutes and specifies the characteristics of the particular cell, and not one of its components. "
This thought has me pondering on a quote I read by Bruce Lee, " To know oneself is to study oneself in action with another person."

This idea can also be applied with how characteristics of cells or anything else in the body should be studied. We can look at the shape, color, smell, sound, location, etc and derive many theories regarding what it's character and purpose is, but until we see how it interacts with the whole system, we will never really know it's full potential.

Animation - Citric Acid Cycle

Discussion Question: "Everyone comes out happy; the doctor is happy, the patient is happy, but ethical challenges remain."
Growing up I was sick with ear infections frequently. I felt like I was placed on an antibiotic at least quarterly. Doctor's did not understand why I was getting so many ear infections. Soon one doctor discovered an ear tumor, which led to surgeries and more antibiotics. During high school and right after I remember feeling "not right," having no energy, and always tired. I also seemed to catch every bug that was going around. I would go to the doctor's looking for some help and relief from this, but would generally come out with an antibiotic of some sort. Looking back on this now, I can see how the doctor's didn't know what was going on with me, and thought an antibiotic would make everything better. Now I see that taking all these antibiotics was not helping my health in the long run. Also understanding more, that if they had understood more about celiac disease and food allergies, a lot of things may have been prevented to where I didn't need to experience so many ear infections, or be placed on quite a few antibiotics. It seems as if we expect doctor's to have all the answers, and to give them a "god-like" status, to what they say is fact. When in reality they are just as human as all of us, trying to help others. I think that doctor's feel this weight of burden society places on them to take away the pain of others, so will do what they know will do this. Sometimes that is to give them a medication that sounds good, when in reality it may not be needed.

Animation - Citric Acid Cycle
Looking at the animations reminded me of being in Chemistry and Biology classes, and trying to make sense of how Carbohydrates, Hydrogen and Oxygen could accomplish some many complex tasks within us. The animation that I was interested in was the Citric Acid Cycle. This cycle occurs in the mitochondria which has been interesting me the past few months. What is interesting to me regarding all the metabolic pathways is that if something is not converted correctly, than the whole body can be thrown off. This shows the importance of being balanced, and providing the body the essentials of what it is needing in order to function properly.