"THERE DO EXIST ENQUIRING MINDS, which long for the truth of the heart, seek it, strive to solve the problems set by life, try to penetrate to the essence of things and phenomena and to penetrate into themselves. If a man reasons and thinks soundly, no matter which path he follows in solving these problems, he must inevitably arrive back at himself, and begin with the solution of the problem of what he is himself and what his place is in the world around him. For without this knowledge, he will have no focal point in his search. Socrates’ words, “Know thyself” remain for all those who seek true knowledge and being."

VIEWS FROM THE REAL WORLD, BY by G.I. Gurdjieff, p 43

26 December 2012

THE SKY IS FALLING

The Sky Is Falling -Aquatint by George Chung

Henny Penny, also known as Chicken Licken or Chicken Little, is a folk tale with a moral in the form of a cumulative tale about a chicken who believes the world is coming to an end. The phrase "The sky is falling!" features prominently in the story, and has passed into the English language as a common idiom indicating a hysterical or mistaken belief that disaster is imminent. Versions of the story go back more than 25 centuries and it continues to be referenced in a variety of media. ~ Wikipedia




http://www.archive.org/stream/remarkablestoryo00bostiala#page/1/mode/thumb

17 December 2012

Types of Love



Article in the NY Times by Dr. Paulette Koufman Sherman

 "  So What is Love?

Here is my general conception of love: It’s a warm feeling based upon knowing and accepting someone. This relationship often involves mutual learning, caring and growth. Also, when you love someone you generally want them to be happy.


The dictionary.com definition of love had a few versions:


-a profoundly tender passionate affection for another person

-a sexual passion or desire

-a feeling of warm personal attachment or deep affection


Which could lead to another question (and article): Is love a concept, feeling or action?


Here is a list of some different kinds of love that we hear mentioned. These are not dictionary definitions; I 've defined them with stream-of-conscious associations. This will give you an opportunity to think about each kind of love and offer your definitions as well.


                                 15 Different Kinds of Love:


Infatuation- loving feelings towards a love object that are largely based upon fantasy and idealization (instead of experience). Often when partners get to know each other, infatuation diminishes.


Romantic Love- An abiding love for a partner with whom you feel passion, attraction, caring and respect.


Eros- a passionate love usually involving sexual feelings for a love interest.


Companionate Love- feelings of warmth towards a friend with whom you love to spend time


Unconditional Love- A type of affection and caring that is so strong that you feel it consistently, regardless of what that other person does


Conditional Love- A love that requires specific action or conditions in order to be maintained. For example, at its extreme, a parent who gives very conditional love would only love his child when he gets straight A’s, becomes a surgeon and has two children. The love is based on outside conditions and when they do not occur, the love is withdrawn.


Puppy Love- A childish, innocent temporary crush on someone that you don’t know well.


Maternal Love- This term usually connotes love that is nurturing, accepting and protective. In actuality this love can also be given by a father etc.


Paternal Love- This term connotes love that involves guidance and some authority. Paternal love usually prepares a child to be ready for the outside world. Again, in reality this type of love is not gender specific.


Soulmate Love- This type of love is described as a love that has survived multiple life times. Not everyone believes in this concept.


Spiritual/Divine Love- This type of love recognizes the Divine light in everyone and everything. Love is given to everyone as an act of loving God.


Love of your country or patriotism- This is love for the place you live or the place that were born. It is a type of loyalty and a special feeling of belonging that you attribute to that specific geographic location.


Self-Love- This is a positive feeling that you have about who you are and what you deserve. It often is expressed by treating yourself well, respecting yourself, wanting yourself to be happy and expecting others to respect you too.


Brotherly Love- This term connotes having a feeling of love for your neighbor, because all humanity is considered to be part of a larger family of human beings.


Tough Love- This term is used to describe a love that is expressed by setting boundaries for the good of the other person. So for example, a parent may send their teenager to rehab if he is drug addicted, even if he does not want to go. They feel that this is an act of love because it stems from a desire for their son’s ultimate good and happiness.



Which Types of Love Have You Experienced?"


03 December 2012

CROCODILE TEARS

 


A teacher and one of her older students were discussing the end of life. At one point he started to cry at the thought of losing her to death.  

"I love you!" he cried, tears streaming down his cheeks.

"Yes, but in order to have been able to truly benefit from and learn anything permanent and real from me, you should have loved me more than yourself and respected me more than your own opinions." she replied sadly.

LL.