Tag: #lifelonglearning

Misbeliefs on Meditation and Mindfulness

On September 26, 2021

In #life, Health & Wellness, self-improvement

If you are like most people, you have many misbeliefs on meditation and mindfulness. However, you need not be most people. You can find the time, practice meditation and mindfulness daily, and reap the many benefits that it gives us. All you need to understand is what meditation and mindfulness really is. Once this framework is understood, you can be on your way to meditating multiple times each day. This will help calm the mind, and open your intuitive pathways to more insight and guidance.

Misbelief #1 – Meditation takes too long

photo of man touching his head in frustration — Photo by Andrea Piacquadio on Pexels.com

Too many people picture the practice of meditation taking up hours of their day. This is one of many very big misbeliefs on meditation. People often don’t even begin to practice because they don’t think they have the time.

The fact of the matter is that mediation can be as short as 30 seconds of quiet time. It need not take up hours of time.

Chances are you have many opportunities throughout a given day to meditate. Do any of these moments in time sound familiar?:

riding on public transportation
going for a walk or run
sitting down to eat
driving to or home from work
or any other mundane daily task

These as well as many other moments of time throughout our days are all opportunities to meditate. We have more time than we often realize to create space, pause, and practice mindfulness.

If nothing else, dispelling the belief that meditation must be “so many minutes or hours” of time is crucial. Once we get past this first hurdle we can move onto another misbelief – to meditate we must clear our minds.

Misbelief #2 – To Meditate properly, I cannot allow any thoughts into my Mind

woman showing stop gesture with hand in front of her head — Photo by Anete Lusina on Pexels.com

There are a lot of people that have misbeliefs on meditation and mindfulness because they believe they aren’t doing it right if thoughts enter their minds. This is so damaging because most people can’t avoid this when they first begin. They instantly want to give up since they think they are doing the practice incorrectly. The fact is, even very seasoned and experienced practitioners of meditation watch thoughts creep into their minds while meditating.

The trick too kicking this misbelief to the curb is to allow thought to enter the mind. Observe it and then quickly and quietly dismiss it.

You will find it often and frequent at first to see thoughts coming and going into your frame of reference. This is completely normal. Dismiss the thought and tell yourself you are here in this time to observe the practice of meditation. Do not beat yourself up or become discouraged if thoughts continue to enter your headspace. Simply acknowledge them and let them go. Bring yourself back into the present moment and continue to put out the intention of practicing meditation.

The more you make the effort for a few minutes each day and continue to allow the passing thought, the more you’ll find yourself with periods of calm mind and thoughts.

Misbelief #3 – Meditation must be done in a certain posture

healthy woman meditating in garden — Photo by Marcus Aurelius on Pexels.com

The above image is a typical representation of what most visualize meditation to look like.

The fact is that meditation can be done sitting, laying, standing, walking, running, and in many other points of posture. This is one of the biggest misbeliefs on meditation. For myself, the typical “sitting lotus” position is not comfortable. I prefer sitting in a chair, with my back relatively straight and my feet on the floor, or when lying down.

You need to find a position that you’re comfortable in. Once you find what works best for you, then work to get your body and breath work in proper synchrony.

The position of the hands can become relevant for certain different types of mediation, but the placement is not overall related to the practice of meditation. The key is get your body relaxed and comfortable so that your mind doesn’t naturally wonder due to your body being uncomfortable.

Explore and find what positions work best for you. There really is no one best position that works better than others.

Misbelief #4 – I’m going to see immediate benefits

illustration of woman analyzing financial line graphic — Photo by Monstera on Pexels.com

While you will feel more calm and collected immediately upon completing any amount of time of meditation, the vast improvements in your life come later.

Like in all things, the real benefits take some time. We’ve all heard the analogy of working out in the gym – muscles don’t grow after just one workout. We need to apply ourselves routinely in order to notice changes. The same can be applied here.

Over time the many benefits become noticed. They are, but are not limited to, the following:

lowered blood pressure
lowered anxiety
increased focus and awareness
increased levels of intuition and “gut instinct”
ability to enter “flow state” and maximize idea generation

All it really takes is a small amount of time each day or even small increments multiple times a day. I find myself making a game of it to see how many times in one day I can bring myself fully into the present moment. This is one simply way of practicing meditation – the more presence you attain in one day, the more you are practicing meditation and mindfulness.

Misbelief #5 – Meditation is hard

photo of woman posing doing yoga — Photo by Eternal Happiness on Pexels.com

Another one of the big misbeliefs on meditation and mindfulness is that it is too hard.

This is simply not true. The fact is that meditation is actually quite easy. All you need to do is rewire your mind to understand that anytime you bring yourself into the present moment – you’re practicing meditation. You become more mindful when you are not dwelling in the past or future. There are many great benefits to becoming more present in life.

When you frame it up this way, you can really make some great progress in the meditation and mindfulness space. Think of all the times through the day you get stuck in forward thinking aspects of life or issues from the past. Just make more of a commitment to bring your thought and focus into “the now” or present moment.

There may be no better way to do this than observing nature. I find nature as the most calming and ever present aspect of life. Perhaps this is because nature itself isn’t stuck analyzing itself. It just simply – “is.” There is no past or future in nature. The time is always “now.”

So even if you’re stuck in traffic, in a boring meeting, or worried about a future project; just take a peak outside or get outdoors and notice the present beauty in whatever is happening. You’ll likely find you have far more ability to meditate and practice mindfulness than you once realized.

Here are some easy steps to get good at using nature to become more present.

What misbeliefs on meditation do you have?

photography of a woman in black bikini meditating — Photo by Andrea Piacquadio on Pexels.com

I’m sure those reading this have heard of the many significant benefits in meditation. However, they often talk themselves out of getting serious about the habit.

Part of my purpose in life is to remove limiting life beliefs for people that don’t see themselves in the most empowering light.

Are there any other aspects of life that deter you from the ability to make a great daily mediation habit? I’d like to hear them so that we can together work to dispel any misbeliefs on mediation and mindfulness that keep us from attaining greater levels of happiness, wellness, and meaning. As well as sharing any best practices that help aid the cause towards more meditation and mindfulness.

Please feel free to share a comment or perspective. I’d love to hear your thoughts…

Never Forget We are All Connected

By khannaman

On September 11, 2021

In #life, Enlightenment, self-improvement, Truthseeking

Never Forget…

No se olvide (Spanish)

jamais oublié (French)

Niemals vergessen (German)

Не забывайте (Russian)

דו זאלסט נישט פאַרגעסן (Yiddish)

别忘了 [bié wàngle] (Chinese)

忘れないで (Japanese)

잊지 마라. [ij-ji mala.] (Korean)

لا تنسى [la tansaa] (Arabic)

मत भूलो (Hindi)

Unutma (Turkish)

Those words live in infamy across the globe. Some of the phrases above translate to “Don’t Forget.” Nevertheless, these words are solidified within the hearts, souls, and minds of billions of humans across the globe for different reasons.

I remember where I was that day when I watched the towers burn and crumble…many of us do.

But now 20 years later – what do the words “Never Forget” mean through my own interpretation, growth, learning, and internal development?

Never Forgetting the Lives Sacrificed

While many see war as a necessary means to an end – I no longer do. That said, I will never forget the millions of lives sacrificed around the globe for what these men and women believe to be the greater good, on all sides, not just from the standpoint of an “American.”

These brave souls stand, fight, and often die in the line of duty for their nations. As human consciousness continues to evolve, I can see a day in the not so distant future through which we do not solve conflict through acts of war and further violence.

War is an outdated belief system that can be un-programmed in the minds of our leaders. We need not resolve disagreements through acts of violence and murder. There are other, more spiritual and soulful answers against those actions that are more egoic and worldly in nature.

All of that said – I will never forget the tens if not hundreds of millions of souls across the globe that have given their physical lives for what they believed in. While I don’t find it necessary any longer, I acknowledge the “up to now” aspect of the human consciousness. I respect and appreciate all lives around the globe that have served their countries and died for their respective causes.

My hope, belief, and meditation is that all soldiers around the globe lay down their arms before their leaders and commit that they will fight no more.

For we need not sacrifice another human soul through the act of war if we choose not too listen to those calling upon us for more war. There are better ways – better solutions to resolving conflict and disagreement.

Never Forgetting to Bring More Love to the World

i hate nothing about you with red heart light — Photo by Designecologist on Pexels.com

Love is the antithesis to hate as well as the overarching answer to solving it. Without sounding too “hippieish” – all we need is love.

This is a fact. As human kind moves up the spiritual levels of consciousness, love is where we begin to show more care, appreciation, and connectedness with the world. Above the levels of love are joy, peace, and enlightenment:

Never forget we are evolving consciously together — Human Levels of consciousness by Dr. David Hawkins

I will never forget that we are all human first. No matter our difference of opinion, political alignments, spiritual belief system; we are in this human playground experience together.

In this hyper-polarized world in which we live, I continue to work to observe the pendulum swing of the principle of rhythm.

As the power controllers of the world aim to stay within power, I believe it is often intended to generate more hate, division, opposition, and in-fighting. It is my opinion that this is by design to hold humanity back or slow our progress of collective consciousness evolution.

I will not forget that humankind is wising up to these Hegelian dialectic tactics:

Never Forget we are purposefully positioned against each other politically — Hegelian Dialectic Example in Politics

Thus, I will not forget to see you as a “human being first” over all other labels that we have given ourselves or have received from society.

Never Forgetting that United We Stand – Divided We Fall

Never forget united we stand divided we fall

Above all else…

I have learned in the last 20 years that we are connected on this planet not only through a physical nature, but spiritually as well.

We truly are all connected. There is no force on this planet that can stop us if we collectively bond together. Yes, there is work to be done. All of humanity is slowly waking up to the fact that there are manipulators abound that are trying desperately to hold us back.

Every tactic in the book of psychological warfare is being cast upon as globally. I believe the archaic operating system of power and control is crumbling around us. Thus it is why we are experiencing such extremes.

Never forget that we are many, they are few. Their intentions are to hold us back, retard our spiritual, collective conscious evolution.

Never forget that it is humanity’s destiny to push forward and reach it’s full potential.

Perhaps the pivotal point that took our breath away and caused our collective hearts to skip a beat twenty years ago to the day on September 11th, 2001 was the beginning of the outdated oligarchy beginning to crumble apart.

I will never forget those lives lost then, after, and continued.

For it is through them, that my then closed eyes – are now wide open…

The Meaning of Living “Ungraduated”

By khannaman

On August 1, 2021

In #life, Enlightenment, self-improvement, Truthseeking

As this blog continues onward and upward, I thought it might be helpful and beneficial to explain my definition of “ungraduated.” Yes, ungraduated is a made up word. It is a word that I have made up that beckons towards the search for truth and meaning. We live in a society that is very quick to tell us how to think, live, and believe. The meaning of living ungraduated is all about doing the work on oneself to remove so many of the limiting belief systems we operate within here in the modern world that often hold us back in life.

Living through your own Education

Teacher teaching to a class of children — Photo by Max Fischer on Pexels.com

From a young age, many of us are taught how to conform, rather than think. We are given a set of criteria that ranges from history and sciences, to health and the arts. Within that curriculum, we are neatly cast. Failure to see things as society has taught, might garner us a failing grade. So instead, we are taught how to pass tests on the material we are taught. We are not taught to rationalize and form our own conclusions, but rather ensure we are keeping to the programming we are given.

Now mind you, some of this programming is necessary for proper function within society. I am all for that. We need to understand basic math, reading, and social skills. But beyond that, much of what is spoon fed to our youth is largely perspectives from those that wrote the books and the teachers that teach them.

Education, in my opinion, should be about exploration and question gathering. That is what real learning is. Not sitting in a building all day being programmed so that we fit into a nice neat ball that plays well in society.

There is so much education we have been given, not all of it correct or good, that there is a great need to ungraduate from it. We are not taught in school about how to attain real happiness, meaning, or purpose. No, we are schooled on how best to produce and function within the man-made hamster wheel of modern society.

The Meaning of Finding your own Religion

close up of hands turned upward in aspect of praying — Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

How much trouble can come from something that is supposed to be so good? The bloodshed over religion is one of the greatest embarrassments to the human name. My god is right, no MY god is right. Whatever god does exist certainly does not want us killing in its name, or it is likely not a god worth dying for.

For the most part, we have passed through the darker days in which people killed in the name of their religion. We are certainly not 100% past those days, but at least past the days of starting all out wars over it.

Instead, we now bicker, fight, and call each other bad names over social media or in close family quarters when we don’t agree about ones faith. Still a lot of work to be done, in my humble opinion.

How about this for a novel idea? We stop searching for which religion is right and make our own personal search of truth in faith. We have enough information available to guide us and help us make informed decisions.

This is for those that care to seek for the higher good. Enough to help us understand where our souls may inevitably be heading one day. For those that care not about a higher power – more power to you! It matters not to me. I’m confident enough that life is going to continue on after death. I’m not seeking to prove it to you when I know you will find out when your day comes.

The meaning of living ungraduated when it comes to religion is about doing your own work towards God. Whatever you feel God is, is up to you. It is how you find God that matters and not through the forced nature or threats of another human being.

Ungraduate to your own Politics

voting stickers and voting day sign — Photo by Element5 Digital on Pexels.com

Perhaps one of the more understood reasons of needing to ungraduate, might come from the political spectrum we live in today. What a complete and total disaster it has become.

We can hardly speak to another person that has an opposing political view.

The meaning of living ungraduated in terms of politics is completely putting yourself on a “human level.” It is not about red versus blue or how to better balance the budgets. Living in an ungraduated way in terms of politics is realizing that politics is more of a facade, designed to keep us in lower vibration. Right and left are two wings of the same bird.

Perhaps at one point in time, politics was about “for the people, by the people. But we are a long way away from that point in time. Yes, the world functions on politics, I completely understand that. We need politics in order to “get things done” in the current modality of the world. However, we need not allow politics to bring our level of vibration down.

Despite our differences, our commonality is that we are human. By undraduating from the political spectrum, you are choosing to ignore the political hatred and banter, yet still stay in tune with the world. You look at the world with love, compassion, and concern for its betterment. We may need to still vote in order to get action done, but we need not hate the other side that wins or loses.

Seeing the World in an Ungraduated Way

cold dirty texture wall with words "be curious" on it — Photo by Eva Elijas on Pexels.com

To sum it all up – the meaning of living ungraduated is all about being curious. It is about asking the bigger questions in life and finding your own way rather than walking in the footsteps of others. It’s about removing limiting life belief systems.

When we stop asking questions and take everything at face value we begin to limit ourselves. The human mind is an amazing device when we use it rather than allowing it to be programmed.

What are some aspects of your life where you have become ungraduated? What new perspectives have you gained through being naturally curious? How have you become more of your authentic self?

Would love to hear as many perspectives as possible on the topic. There is so much in life that we need to seek answers for. We may not find them all, but starting with the bigger questions is how we begin to find our way, through our why – our purpose. It’s how we begin to truly define the meaning of living.

Five Ways to Invest in Yourself for Long-Term Gains

By khannaman

On May 8, 2021

In #life, Health & Wellness, self-improvement

How often do we look at ourselves as personal investments that can yield high dividends and returns? Most of society likes to wager bets on external facing prospects that don’t always produce returns. Personally, I would rather place my bets on me. Predicting and measuring my daily ROI is far easier when I have control over the environment. Here are five ways to invest in yourself for long-term gains.

#1 – Consume & Learn while on the Go

person using smartphone for audio learning and investing in their growth while traveling in car — Photo by Roman Pohorecki on Pexels.com

We have information at our fingertips. We live in an age where we can learn about everything and anything our hearts desire. There are countless apps, podcasts, and audio books that we can listen to in order to develop the mindset and habits of a life-long learner.

Whether we are driving to work, taking a walk on our lunch break, or hopping a flight – we have our trusty smart devices along for the trip. Rather than drifting away to the tunes of your favorite band or artist, try finding something you want to learn or understand more on.

Apps like Blinkist make consuming audio of books easy. You get the key points of any non-fiction book from twenty-seven different categories. Certainly we know of Audible and other book reading apps that can read our favorite books to us.

Find your favorite podcasts that help you discover new perspectives and ideas to listen to during your workouts. What better way to habit stack than getting in a great workout and learn while you invest in yourself both mentally and physically.

For all the challenges technology can sometimes bestow upon us, let’s leverage it for personal gains that further our learning. It can make us better leaders, mothers, fathers, and overall the best human beings we can be.

#2 – Join a Mastermind Group

group of people studying together — Photo by Ivan Samkov on Pexels.com

Learning within a community can lead us to some of the most beneficial and productive insights we can gain. Mastermind groups are not that new, although there are still many people that haven’t yet heard of them.

The purpose of a mastermind group or community is to bring people together for group learning and accountability. When we are a part of a community, we gain the benefit of having others to bounce ideas in front of and gain new perspectives. Often times, there are members of the mastermind that have faced similar challenges that you may be up against in which they can offer valuable advice.

There is also the network effect that comes from masterminds as well. When it comes to investing in yourself, it becomes critical to have a network of people you trust to provide valuable connections to other avenues you may need. For example, if you are looking to venture into entrepreneurial aspects, you may need advice from others that are entrepreneurs that can provide invaluable advice.

When you find the right mastermind group of people, you are going to grow, learn, develop, and become more successful. This is due to the compound effect of having others learning along with you. You will be challenged, held accountable, serve others, and also become a better individual and human being.

#3 – Leaders are Avid Readers – So actually READ!

woman sitting near stacks of books and reading — Photo by Ichad Windhiagiri on Pexels.com

Whether we are trying to become better human beings, leaders, mothers, fathers, or simply aiming to pass time – there is little argument against reading to help aid our cause.

Too often we get caught up in leadership books and while they are good, they aren’t the only reading we should be consuming. I believe in life-long learning. If you want to invest in yourself, few things take place of reading books. Even though we have technology and audio versions of books, each of us should have our own personal list of growth reading that we are absorbing.

There are many science backed studies that prove actual reading increases intelligence and vocabulary. Most people that claim to not have time to read just need to reassess their day. Chances are the opportunities exist, but we aren’t prioritizing our growth. If you want to invest in yourself, make reading a priority. Find what you like and what to learn about – and read!

#4 – Take Advantage of Online Learning

person writing on notebook and learning online — Photo by Julia M Cameron on Pexels.com

Online webinars, workshops, and educational courses are great resources to invest in yourself. Never see learning as complete after school.

I see education as indoctrination. Some of it is necessary for basic life skills. However, successful learning is self-driven. How do you feel when you are researching info you want versus being told you have to? When we are self-driven, we are more motivated to learn.

One of the best online learning workshops I’ve come across is Akimbo. I learned of it through Seth Godin’s podcast of the same name. Akimbo is a small team of learning professionals that is actively creating a future of learning. They aim to generate a chance for people all over the world to enroll in a journey that opens doors at the same time it transforms.

There are many other online workshops and seminars like Akimbo. I have no affiliation with them specifically, but I am a very big fan of Seth Godin’s work.

Find the online learning workshop that resonates with you and do your own homework. Often times you can join for free for a period of time to see if it’s a good fit.

Remember, learning is a choice. It shouldn’t end after any level of education; unless we choose to let it end.

#5 – Teach what You Learn

woman presenting learning objectives — Photo by RODNAE Productions on Pexels.com

Studies prove over and over that after we learn, the best way to retain that information is to teach it back. Not only do we solidify it for ourselves, but then we spread the wealth.

There is also a feeling of self worth that we generate when we share with others. Whether it is sharing with your family or those you work with, teaching back what you learn is a great way to invest in yourself and others.

When we share our learnings it also helps us become better presenters. Perhaps it is presenting verbally with just one person. Maybe it is in front of a group. Or perhaps it might be in recorded content such as a podcast.

Part of the reason I generated the “Ungraduated Living & Learning Podcast” was for my own ability to cement what I am learning and share it with others. It is also why I have generated this website and blog. I am very serious when it comes to always learning. For me to be at my best, I am sharing what I learn with others that may have similar interests.

No matter how you choose to invest in yourself – I hope these five tips help you.

Please feel free to join in the conversation and share other tips and personal investment learning strategies that have worked for you. Let’s continue to learning journey together.

The Principle of Gender and its Impact in our Lives

By khannaman

On March 21, 2021

In #life, Enlightenment, self-improvement, Truthseeking

All things in life contain pieces of both the masculine and feminine energies. Balance of the masculine and feminine energies are a key component in the existence of all life. This does not simply apply just in sex, as “male and female.” It applies to the ways that nature is created and in the creative aspects of all things on earth. The Principle of Gender and its impact in our lives is something that is worth contemplating and understanding in greater detail.

This principle ties back to the Principle of Correspondence. Masculinity and femininity exists in the physical plane, the mental (thought plane), and the spiritual plane as well. Gender plays a role in all things from generation, creation, and re-generation. Literally existence cannot come into being without the Principle of Gender.

Right Brain Vs. Left Brain

person holding string lights photo — Photo by David Cassolato on Pexels.com

focused woman in bright neon smoke in evening — Photo by Masha Raymers on Pexels.com

The masculine side of gender is the more aggressive, progressive, conquest driven, explorative energy that drives progress. The feminine is the open-minded, sacred, treasured, protective energy, that maintains tradition and honors the priority of what is most important in life. This also materializes in the “left-brain,” versus, “right-brain,” aspects of thought

Some may have heard of the characteristics of left brain people being more critical in thought, practicality, and immersed in the details of life. Nothing can be true to these individuals unless proven through factual evidence. Then there are the more right-brain thinkers that express themselves in the arts, are more open to new perspectives, and tend to be more creative and thought provoking in their thinking.

“Left-brain,” tends to be more masculine based and “right-brain” can be seen as more feminine. The key is to try and “balance” this thinking in order to become the most aware and effective in our everyday lives. Too much masculine energy, without a good balance of feminine, can lead to a power struggle to the extremes of possible reckless abandon.

In this modality we lose perspective of what is most important and forget the principles which began our purpose in the first place. Masculine energy tends to be very “forward and future based.” With too much feminine energy, without a balance of the masculine energy, we can be left dangling without action, purpose, and causation. We would be too aloof in our own thought. Feminine energy tends to remain in the present moment and does not lean too far into the future.

The Balance of the Gender Principle

All beings contain this gender principle within them; they exist as two parts for the whole. Every male has feminine energy, and every female has masculine energy. In some, the scales tip far to the extremes. The goal again to get the best return and insight to balance ourselves and use both these energies to their fullest extent.

The most exponential use of this principle is how Gender can be made responsible for creation, generation, and re-generation on the mental and spiritual planes. Power can be found through the balancing of the gender energies within us in regards to our relationships and environments in which we inhabit

metal newton cradle toy on table — Photo by Skylar Kang on Pexels.com

Tuning Into Your Balance of Life

shallow focus photo of road — Photo by Matt Hardy on Pexels.com

By tuning into these energies we can begin to realize truths regarding how present we are with our lives. How focused are we on the future and past verse the present moment? What have we have sacrificed for our goals and aspirations? How do we choose to protect and honor are our highest priorities? Have we stretched our learning and development in pursuit of what we desire the most? Are we willing to give in order to receive?

If these energies are in balance in our lives, we can get into better synchronicity with life. Choosing the middle path between extremes and seeking to balance all things in life is one of the keys to becoming the most centered in life. The Principle of Gender is just one of seven principles to help you bring more understanding and balance to your life.

anonymous woman with rainbow light on face — Photo by Wings Of Freedom on Pexels.com

Find Your Own Truth

I hope anyone reading has enjoyed the breakdown on the seven principles of Natural Law. These teachings come from the Hermetic background. It is not a background that I formally subscribe to. Rather, I find a great deal of truth in these principles that pertains to my own life.

As I’ve stated in other posts, I’m simply aiming to find truth in life. I’ll take truth that resonates and feels right from any source, and the hermetic Kybalion seems to resonate at a high level for me. But don’t simply take my word for it, feel free to research for yourself and draw your own conclusions.

I welcome everyone to obtain their own truths. Dive deep into what they are given to try and understand if they are simply following a tradition that has been passed down, or perhaps stigmatized from a personal biased perspective from human kind. Ask if what you come across resonates at a high frequency of truth in life that cannot be left up for interpretation.

I prefer to base my studies in left and right brain thinking, all while trying to stay as balanced as possible while constantly working to achieve lasting self-mastery, without straying too far from my own personal growth path.

Best of luck to all brave enough to venture into the unknown but determined enough to come back with the truth…

I welcome any and all thoughts – please don’t be shy and leave a thought, comment, or situation in your life that you came across that made a great impact for you.

Understand the Principle of Polarity to Improve your Life

By khannaman

On February 28, 2021

In #life, Enlightenment, self-improvement, Truthseeking

Opposites Attract. We’ve likely heard that phrase in life before. It’s certainly a rule that I have seen alive and well in my life, and likely you as well. The point of this post is to really help you better use and understand the principle of polarity to improve your life.

I’ll give you one great example in my life. My life partner, my wife, is my opposite in almost every way. She balances me, has been my counter opinion when I needed different perspective. We think differently, yet also appreciate each others perspectives. It is what has really made our marriage unique and at times quite entertaining.

This fourth principle of Hermeticism contains the truth that everything has its pair of opposites. It explains that in all things, there are two poles that exist in a state of constant duality. The secret lying behind this principle is that opposites are really “the same,” only varying by small degrees in difference.

typography luck technology blur — Photo by Brett Jordan on Pexels.com

Opposites are really just the extremes of the same thing. Some examples of this are “hot and cold.” Both are simply a description of temperature; varying only in degree. There is no clear-cut point when hot stops being hot, and starts being cold and vice versa. When is “hot” actually hot? 80 degrees (27 degrees Celsius)? Maybe 85 degrees (29 degrees Celsius)? 95 degrees (35 degrees Celsius)? The same goes for “light and darkness,” “hard and soft,” “big or small,” and even “love and hate.” With “love and hate” there is no clear point where one emotion becomes another, or when it passes through “like,” “dislike,” or “indifference.”

The Power of Perception

All these examples are left up to individual perceptions of the degree. The principle of Polarity exists to explain these paradoxes. This principle is important because it implicates we can adjust the polarity of a degree of emotion. All we need to do is recognize which degree which best suits our needs.

person cooking in pot — Photo by cottonbro on Pexels.com

We often can experience involuntary and rapid transitions in our psyche between love and hate, like and dislike, as well as many other frames of emotions. Ultimately, our goal should be to “notice these emotions.” As we experience them, we can choose to experience these transitions through the use of our willpower for the betterment of our life and the lives of others.

The better we get at recognizing the emotions and feelings within us, the more we are brought into a more “present moment,” of existence. The difference within these polarities of extremes is not a insurmountable challenge. They are simply expressions of the same thing, differing only in degree, to choose between.

The Practice of Mental Alchemy

This practice of recognizing and adjusting to these polarities can be known or described as the art of Mental Alchemy. You can really improve your life if you understand this mindful ability. If you have never read, “The Alchemist,” by Paulo Coelho, I would HIGHLY recommend it. The book is a short, easy read, that speaks to a great story of a man on a journey to find his purpose. He thinks he has to complete a long journey to find it. However, all the while he possesses it within himself and ultimately discovers his way to his purpose through his mind and awareness.

persons raising hands — Photo by Luis Dalvan on Pexels.com

We each have an opportunity daily to work on the mastery of this art…

We just have to awaken to this truth and realize that the potential to discover real treasures lie within us. It takes time and commitment. But treasures chests full of rewards aren’t typically lying out in the open for easy taking. With the right amount of mindfulness, we can improve our life using the principle of polarity.

We have to dig deep and work to find them.

Do you like this post? Have any thoughts, opinions, feedback, reactions? Would love to engage more with you. Please leave a comment and lets engage in some good conversation and learning.

Until next time, keep looking at life in new and different ways. Challenge old perspectives and formulate your own conclusions and truths.

Ungraduated – Finding your way through your Why

For more on the principles of Hermeticism, you can see my previous blog post concerning the 7 principles taught within the Kybalion.

Improve Our Lives Using the Principle of Correspondence

By khannaman

On February 14, 2021

In self-improvement

The Hermetic Principle of Correspondence is another way to say:

“As above; so below“
“As below; so above”
“As within; so without”
“As without; so within”

Once understood, we can improve our lives using the principle of correspondence. We begin to see a correspondence between the various planes of existence that the universe operates within.

In a previous post: the first Hermetic Principle of Mentalism, we outlined how the universe is a thought generated plane. After we think, we manifest our thoughts from the mental plane to the physical plane. Depending on how strong the thought, determines the time to manifest in the physical reality.

Realizing this is what can allow an individual to examine solutions to problems that exist “above,” and “below” surface level. What is meant by this is having the ability to analyze where a problem’s real point of manifestation is. For example, if an individual is dealing with a dilemma concerning self-confidence, the problem can be analyzed from points in the mental and physical. There are many different aspects to this particular issue. Let’s attempt to look at a few possible angles in which how the principle of correspondence applies.

monochrome photo of woman — Photo by Joanne Adela Low on Pexels.com

Self-Confidence

A person with a “confidence issue,” may be dwelling on some situations in their past that have been brought into the present. The problem actually may have originated with one example, or even multiple examples from the past. Because we only truly live and operate within the “present moment,” the constant dwelling on the lack of self-confidence continues to materialize within the everyday present moment.

shallow focus of clear hourglass — Photo by Jordan Benton on Pexels.com

Time is an Illusion

Because “time” doesn’t actually really exist, this constant dwelling of lack of confidence is being brought in from the realm of thought. The thought plane is separate from the physical plane. Manifesting in the physical plane always occurs within the present moment. Although it may be in small increments, manifesting always happens in the present. The mental place or “realm,” of thought is not bound by “time.” Thought happens always presently, even if subtle and small. We are always thinking in the present moment, even if we are dwelling on our past. Thinking now, even if about the past, is occurring in the present moment.

Time is a man-made construct as we only truly ever live in “the now.” The past was at one time lived presently in a particular moment. The future will be lived in present moments as well. Time was created by man in order to function within the society we’ve come to know. When we really understand time for what it is, it can be easier to see that it truly doesn’t exist.

life is now neon signage — Photo by Elly Fairytale on Pexels.com

We never operate “physically,” in the past or future. Past and future thoughts are what we bring into our current and present state. The solution to this problem is simply to change the mindset and stop focusing on the moments in the past, or worry of the future. This is just one example of how to understand and use the principle of correspondence.

Solving our Daily Problems

Many of our current problems are simply aspects of our daily thoughts. I know it sounds easier to say than to do, but we literally can improve our lives for the better by being able to properly analyze our mental thought activities. By making it a practice to observe our own thoughts, we gain the ability to become mindful. Becoming mindful then puts us more in touch with the present moment, which then shapes our future one day at a time…hopefully for the better.

This is how we get life to “correspond,” with us and for us. It is where we aim to improve our lives. As the French philosopher Rene Descartes famously first said, “I think, therefore I am”…This principle is absolute. It works for the positive and the negative. Think positive – you’ll bring in more positive aspects, think negative and you’ll certainly attract more negativity into your life.

The 7 Principles of the Kybalion

By khannaman

On January 31, 2021

In self-improvement

The Kybalion and Hermetic principles dates back to around 5,000 years ago. It is a compilation of Hermetic teachings. These doctrines are based on 7 principles of the Kybalion, originally explained by Hermes Trismegistus. The Kybalion provides a Master-Key for students to unlock the fundamental and basic teachings of esoteric philosophy. It has been said that one will find the Kybalion when one is ready to discover its teachings.

There are seven Hermetic principles that the entire philosophy is based on. Together, these seven principles constitute an explanation of the basic laws that apply to all of creation.

The Three Initiates

The Kybalion was written by the Three Initiates. As their name suggests, the authors were three students of Hermetic philosophy. Throughout time, Hermetic teachings were passed down through word of mouth teaching, but the Three Initiates decided to document the core principles of the philosophy in order to help it reach a wider audience. The Three Initiates are never named and remain anonymous, although many suspect that New Thought pioneer William Walker Atkinson was one of the authors.

Hermes Trismegistus

Much of the teachings of the Kybalion originate from the ancient sage Hermes Trismegistus. While he was alive, his wisdom reached across the known continents of the time. The Egyptians nicknamed him “the scribe of the gods.” The Greeks referred to him as the “god of Wisdom.” The ancient Romans bestowed him with the name “Mercury.” In his time, Hermes discovered alchemy, which developed later into modern day chemistry. He generated the concept of astrology, which later became astronomy. For his wisdom, he was known as the “Master of Masters.”

The Secrecy Behind the Kybalion

The Kybalion has been occulted since it’s existence. That isn’t to say it is dealing with black or “dark magic” theories. The world “occult” simply means hidden, or kept secret. There are beliefs that government organizations have worked hard to generate the recognition that occult means bad. That couldn’t be further from the truth.

We can certainly see how Hermes and his followers wanted to keep their teachings in hiding. Throughout much of known history we see how those not following the mainstream teachings of the known time faced persecution and even death. Thus, the teachings of the Kybalion were never formalized into any formal religious doctrine.

The Kybalion and Hermetic principles have religions discussed within them from many different regions of the world and belief systems, yet they are not tied to any one religion denomination.

Why Read the Kybalion?

The philosophy and teachings laid out in the Kybalion demonstrates the basic principles of the Hermetic art of mental alchemy. These basic teachings of the 7 principles of the Kybalion involve the mastery of mental forces. When ones learns to apply universal laws, they will possess the key to performing mental transmutation and alchemy. This empowers the student of these principles to adjust their vibrational states. By studying the laws in The Kybalion, a person can learn how to change their reality by simply shifting their focus in their mind.

One of the basic fundamental teachings in The Kybalion is that we live in a mental universe. Even though we see ourselves and experience the physical reality we see before us, All is mind. Thus, understanding how to come into vibrational synchronicity with this vast universal potentiality, we can learn to always live within our best selves. Learning these mental shifts is how we ultimately attain our truest potential and highest abilities.

So it comes down to whether or not one wants to challenge their current belief systems and seek to learn different perspectives on mental alchemy. Are you open minded and ready to accept new possibilities?

The 7 Principles of the Kybalion and Hermitic Teachings

    1. The Principle of Mentalism
    2. The Principle of Correspondence
    3. The Principle of Vibration
    4. The Principle of Polarity
    5. The Principle of Rhythm
    6. The Principle of Cause and Effect
    7. The Principle of Gender

I will be delving into each of these teachings and the meanings behind them in subsequent blog posts.

I hope that anyone reading will join in on the learning and partake in some good Q&A.

The path to self discovery begins with asking “why” –

“Know Your Why” – the rest will follow.

5 Resources for Personal Enlightenment

By khannaman

On January 13, 2021

In self-improvement

These 5 Resources for personal enlightenment are what have been some of the best learnings I’ve used in my own life. The path to personal awakening will be different for everyone. There is no one size fits all when it comes to what we each need for our own growth and development.

However, speaking from personal experience, I certainly can share what have been some of the biggest key influences on me. There have been countless books, podcasts, articles, video documentaries, and other resources that I have used to raise my awareness on life.

Reflecting back over the 10+ years that I’ve been working on my own spiritual development, I have aimed to pull the top 5 biggest influences that have made the most positive impact in my life. These were the most eye opening, big picture perspectives that helped me put actions into place to drive real change.

I hope those that read and come across these suggestions enjoy them and explore them for their own learning and development:

5. Gaia

Gaia is an app that is downloadable to any device and has over 8,000 videos and docuseries that are targeted to expand the consciousness and perspective of their viewers. There are different levels of subscription options and it comes with a free 7 day trial : https://www.gaia.com/

Just a few of the topics you can find are:

Mindfulness
Energy Healing
Ancient & Hidden Civilizations
The Afterlife
Alternative Realities

One of my favorite series on Gaia is “Missing Links” with Greg Braden, where the past, present, and future of human kind is examined. Greg is a renowned scientist that delves into many mysteries that help examine new learnings on our origins and where our future is taking us. He challenges the status quo of history and the much of the learning that we have been taught. There is so much more to our existence and possibilities of human potential that Greg meticulously explains with drawn out proof of facts and evidence.

Dr. Bruce Lipton’s “Inner Evolution” describes the new learnings of epigenetics and how we can reprogram our genes through conscious thought and targeted focus techniques. These learnings challenge the old-school teachings that we are stuck with what we are born with. We now know through brain elasticity that we can increase our brain function and expand beyond previously believed limitations.

4. E² – Nine Do it Yourself Energy Experiments That Prove Your Thoughts Create Your Reality by Pam Grout

This book is a short 163 page do it yourself practice guide that proves the universe responds to your thoughts. You literally practice and bring manifesting to life with practical easy to conduct tests. When the lessons of this book are put into play, it is hard not to begin to see our reality for what it truly is – energy and thought responsive.

3. Super Human by Dave Asprey

The reading in “Super Human” is all about putting the health of our bodies first. For we cannot attain optimum levels of consciousness if we do not first provide our bodies with the right nutrition and supplements. Dave takes the reader through easy practical daily changes to health management as well as the care necessary for our cellular make up. In doing the processes taught in this book, we are able to slow down the aging process with possibilities of living well past 100 years, and into realms of previously unthought lifespans.

2. Power vs Force by David Hawkins

“Power vs Force” is centered on humanities ability to evolve based on the levels of our consciousness. When we are based in lower levels of consciousness such as “fear” or “jealousy,” we cannot empower ourselves to achieve greater good. Because we attract what we put out energetically, we will forever be attracting to ourselves the energetic state that we are operating within. When we reach higher levels such as “love” and “peace” we begin to bring about higher level energy frequencies that begin to empower us.

The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle

This book changed my life. From high blood pressure and anxiety to now completely normal and so much more calm and present. And not just health wise, but from the aspect of a calm and centered ability to notice our ego, the inner voice in our head. In this book, we learn that every moment only occurs presently. The past is gone and the future is only generated through our present actions. The only way to bring full awareness and peace is to be in the present moment.

Feel free to comment if you have any personal experiences with any of these resources. I’d love to hear your thoughts on what impact they may have made for you. Also, please share any of your own personal resources that have made a great impact for you in your life and journeys. I hope that these 5 Resources for personal enlightenment help anyone that comes across them as much as they have me.