Can Two Things, Seemingly Different, Be True At The Same Time?

By Dr. Stewart Bitkoff

Yes. Have you ever gotten into a discussion with your significant other where both were at polar opposites? For example one wishes to paint the house and the other does not. In this situation, we are not considering if the house needs paint, to what degree and by which standard but simply if the people involved want it painted. In this scenario there is no correct answer and in time a compromise is reached, one gives into another or the matter remains unresolved.

Now one of the characteristics of indoctrination systems, is they foster particular beliefs and state others who disagree are incorrect. Each will claim that they are “really right.” This type of belief system is rigid with little room for difference and is the most difficult to engage in compromise. Examples of indoctrination systems exist within political, religious and extremist groups. Followers of indoctrination systems often oppose anyone who does not believe similarly.

One might think that indoctrinated people are single minded extremists and maybe a bit crazy. Therefore due to their beliefs, it would be easy to recognize, discount or even marginalize them. However, this is not always so, because sometimes we are the indoctrinated. What makes indoctrination so insidious is that we are often unaware of our own intolerance, prejudice, feelings of privilege and dogmatism. (more…)

Is 2019: The Beginning of the End?

by Rabbi Allen Maller

A May 2, 2012 Reuters Poll reported that “nearly 15 percent of people worldwide believe the world will end during their lifetime. “Whether they think it will come to an end through the hands of God, or a natural disaster or a political event, whatever the reason, one in seven thinks the end of the world is coming,” said Keren Gottfried, research manager at Ipsos Global Public Affairs which conducted the poll for Reuters.

Gottfried also said that people under 35 years old, were more likely to believe in an apocalypse during their lifetime or have anxiety over the prospect. Responses to the international poll of 16,262 people in more than 20 countries varied widely. Only six percent of French and eight percent of British residents believe in an impending Armageddon in their lifetime, compared to 22 percent in Turkey and the United States and slightly less in South Africa and Argentina. (more…)

BE AWARE for Goodness Sake!

By Niann Emerson Chase

I am aware of how messed up our world is in many ways and have written numerous articles about the complex problems of our planet. In those same articles I have included hope for opportunities to solve problems and change things for the better because I am at heart an optimist—a realistic optimist who appreciates the practical application of scientific, philosophical, and spiritual facts and ideals in day-to-day life.

Why am I such an optimist when I am so aware of evil (yes, I dare to use the e word)? Because I am also aware of the presence and power of goodness—goodness residing deep within individual persons and goodness in various groups aimed at improving some aspect of civilization. In fact, I believe that there is a pattern of goodness present on our planet, a reservoir of potential goodness for us humans to pull from.

I think that a divine pattern is present in the particles of space as well as in the particles on this world, a pattern that can partially be seen through telescopes and microscopes. And this divine pattern—cosmic and earthly, huge and humble—is always good and beautiful. (Yeah, yeah, this is getting to sound a little too metaphysical. But hang in there. I think this is important to explore a bit.) (more…)

A New Hope of Students Suffering Trauma

by Dr. Scott F. Terry & David Shapiro

New Study in Psychological Reports: Transcendental Meditation (TM) Significantly Reduces Post-traumatic Stress Disorder and Depression in Students

Before practicing Transcendental Meditation (TM), it was mayhem at our school. A lot of fights were going on, basically every day. People were not friendly, they were mean. When I learned it I noticed it was different, because TM is not just closing your eyes, it is deeper than that. It makes you feel better, makes you more energized and it takes away all your stress. It really, really helps. – 7^th grade student

I used to be really fidgety, I used to move a lot, couldn't' stay in my seat for very long. Now after meditating I can sit down for a whole class without standing up. Before practicing TM, it was hard for me to concentrate; after practicing TM, I could concentrate very well. – 7^th grade student

These children live in communities and go to schools where violence threatens the children and puts them at risk for accumulating high levels of stress and even suffering post-traumatic stress disorder.

Post-traumatic stress disorder, PTSD, a chronic and debilitating condition, arises from life-threatening and deeply traumatic events: war, sexual abuse, violence and natural disasters. Symptoms include nightmares, flashbacks, anxiety, fear, hyper-vigilance, emotional numbness, anger, and violent behavior, often leading to the abuse of drugs and alcohol. PTSD is a chronic, debilitating condition that may last a lifetime if not treated effectively. (more…)

A Guide To The 7 Spiritual Laws Of Yoga

by Nora Mork

Yoga is frequently misrepresented as a purely physicalized exercise process to develop your body. This misconception is most commonly spread amongst western culture and their embrace of yoga as a specifically body-form concept. In reality, spirituality is at the heart of yoga, which is itself almost a religion of sorts, grounded in pre-Buddhist religious concepts. There are 7 spiritual laws connected to yoga, relating to both its routes and its continued embrace, both as a physical exercise form and as a religion. So, without further ado, here are the 7 spiritual laws of yoga. (more…)

5-Morning Yoga Poses Guaranteed To Transform Your Day

by Bipin Baloni

Summary: With a new morning be thankful and grateful for the day, do something that can transform your entire day and even life. Yoga has this ability and power. Starting your day with the holistic practice surely makes it worthy in all aspects. Read the blog and know about the 5 replenishing yoga poses that guarantees to transform your day.

“Each morning we are born again, what we do today is what matters most.”- Buddha

Every day or each morning may not be good, but always remember that there is something good in every day. Each morning brings us new hope, challenges, and invaluable opportunities to change all the odds into our favor. Take a moment to transform your day bringing in positivity and the chance of a change with the holistic practice of yoga.

The mystical art has the power to transform the mind, body, and soul, yoga as well as the ability to change you, and everything related. The practice is well-structured, providing better mood, positivity, imbibes gratitude and helps you to keep your mind at the right place and the body in good condition.

Begin the day with the rejuvenating practice of yoga, and here are the five-morning yoga poses that will surely transform your day. (more…)

How To Develop Your Spirituality By Writing

by Freddie Tubbs

Everyone writes - some for money, some for fame, some because it’s their job. However, all people write for deeper reasons, reasons that steer more towards the existential and less towards the material.

Writing is not a necessary skill in most of the jobs, disciplines and in life in general. However, it’s something we do for deeper, more profound reasons. You don’t have to be a professional writer. You don’t have to make a bestseller list. You don’t have to make money on it  or any other similar reason.

However, you can write to have a happier, more inspired and whole life. (more…)

Each Great Faith Works

By Dr. Stewart Bitkoff

Q: How is it possible for each of the great faiths to work?  I am still having trouble with this.

A: It is a matter of belief; if you take as true or work for something hard enough and the energy is aligned with universal potential- it happens.  By making the statement, the great faiths work, we mean, prayers are granted and these faiths help people draw closer to the Absolute.

Researchers have begun to examine the relationship between prayer, belief and spontaneous healing.  They are questioning people who have been ‘miraculously’ healed after going to a holy man/woman or famous shrine; the researchers are trying to identify the factors that are operating.  Their hypothesis is focused on belief and what happens, phenomenally, when we strongly believe something; testing energy patterns, brain waves and questioning eyewitnesses. (more…)

The Simple Truth In Relation To Conspiracy Theories And The Anunnaki

by Gabriel of Urantia

Millions of people listen to YouTube channels on the Internet. So in a very real way, we have a variety of Internet journalists who affect the mass consciousness of those who listen to them on a daily basis, just like millions of Americans listen to the nightly news through ABC, NBC, CBS, CNN, and Fox. These two views of reality—independent Internet commentators and mainstream journalism—are diametrically opposite each other in many ways.

A recent example of these two extreme views was around the landing of the Mars explorer. I watched the corporate television news coverage, and when the explorer landed successfully on barren, uninhabited Mars, at least a hundred people at NASA’s flight control center in Houston, Texas stood up and congratulated one another with hugs, the shaking of hands, kisses, and high-fives for this accomplishment of a United States probe soft-landing on Mars.

At the same time, some Internet journalists and conspiracy theorists are claiming that millions of people have been taken to the moon, Mars, and other planets, where we have colonies. They claim that there are people being born in these colonies who have never seen the earth and that we have had this advanced technology to colonize other worlds since the 1950s. Some also claim that extraterrestrial communication has existed even longer, like with the Nazis prior to World War II. (more…)

6 Yoga Poses That Will Boost Your Self-Esteem

by Bipin Baloni

Summary: Learn about six awesome Yoga poses that are extremely influential in augmenting one’s self-esteem.

Yoga denotes attachment, connection with each and every object in the universe. It is an ancient science of wellness that touches all facets of human life. Yoga prepares one to live a life of fulfillment and experience dignity. The spiritual science is about positivity that leads to a delightful journey on the path of life. The India-born discipline is a mix of physical, mental and spiritual practices to instill a sense of belief in oneself. Take a holy bath in the river of Yoga and learn the art of boosting self-confidence.

Here are some of the most astonishing Yoga poses that will revitalize your self-esteem. (more…)