#mind sanctuary

[theblackabyssofme-blog]

Mind Sanctuary vs. Memory Palace

First off, I would like to state that there is the memory palace and then the mind sanctuary. 

The memory palace is the recreation of a place you have been with each significant room or object within the room being utilized as a 'memory slot'--in short, it's a device used for memorization. 

The mind sanctuary is the creation/simulation of a place/event. You essentially build a world within your brain. Within the sanctuary are emotions (I separate mine room by room), people (family, friends, the deceased, basically all the important ones), and a memories. The mind sanctuary, while also holding information that one has used the memory palace to gather, is primarily for FEELINGS and GOALS. 

BBC Sherlock utilizes both. When we see Sherlock gathering information or 'going through his hard drive' we are seeing him in his memory PALACE. When we see him conversing with people he has met (such as when he was shot and Molly, Mycroft, and Moriarty appeared as mental incarnations) or creating realities (such as in the Abominable Bride), he is in his MIND sanctuary. While the two do blur within the show I believe this is why it is called a MIND PALACE--it's the combination of the two.

To those of you who have built a mind sanctuary or memory palace, thoughts?

If you have never heard of either one and would like to learn how to build one, go to litemind.com. It’s a gold mine of learning techniques and thought process.

[samuelbrowninfo]

Mental Health and Being Self-Employed...

The sun's come out and I'm (getting) back on track....

But I found this really helpful. Balancing the pros and cons of being my own boss has been - and will continue to be - a difficult juggling act, especially when it comes to balancing the need to knuckle down and concentrate with the need to combat isolation through networking and seeking out an environment where you can be around like-minded people.

Maybe its the measuring; when you are paid by the hour, it becomes hard to account for - and therefore justify - breaks, or days off, or taking more time over something. Especially when, in the occasions you take less time than anticipated, you hesitate to charge the full rate and benefit from your own efficiency. A smarter move would be to take these bonuses and use them to offset the times when I can't or don't feel up to working.

The journey continues...

[theaveragegazoo]

sanctuary

I often wonder why I don't have a magical doorway.

It shouldn't be so hard to acquire such an item. Probably not even that hard to build one.

The thing about the magic doorway that would make it magic is that if you stepped through it you wouldn't be where you just were.

You would find yourself in a field. 

A lush, green, perfect field surrounded by trees; grand, tall, ancient trees.

Somewhere in this field off to the side there would be a stump. I would be able to open this stump. Inside would be blankets, pillows, and other items of comfort to lay out in said field. Wouldn't lay in the middle. Off to the side by the stump. Just in the shade. Did I mention that the stump has a play button? You press it and only the very best songs ever begin to play on the greatest playlist ever conceived.

(Also giant mushrooms. Not for any psychedelic reasons per se, but giant mushrooms just always seem like an awesome idea. Comfy to lay or jump around on I would imagine. )

Some of my very best friends would start coming through the doorway. No matter where they are in the world. Friends that have moved, friends that have always been far away, all of the very best ones would come through the door.

Then we could sit on the blankets and the pillows and chit chat and smoke and be groovy. Some of my friends would draw, some would play music, some would run around the field with a kite or some bubbles. 

I tell you one thing though.

It would be absolutely perfect. 

[danielamarchesi-blog]

Is Scuba the new Yoga?

Scuba diving and yoga are the yin-yang of sports. One adrenaline fulled, the other relaxing. However, there is a growing consensus that the two complement each other, given the emphasis on quality of breath that is required. Indeed when divers learn how to control their breathing, it leads to better control of buoyancy in the water and a calmer mind. And of course, it also significantly helps increase the length of a dive.

With a number of dive resorts around the world now offering tailored scuba-yoga packages, it is no surprise they are proving to be very popular among the dive community. One in particular that has caught my attention is at LaSource - a holistic resort in Grenada.

Earlier this year it launched the Caribbean's first Scuba-Yoga programme, which incorporates Pranayama yoga and meditation tuition desgined specifically to enhance the overall dive experience. The three-day programme consists of three dives on days chosen by guests over a seven night stay, balanced with Pranayama yoga techniques and meditation before or after each one.

As the resort's resident holisitc programme director - Dr.Manoj Kutteri, says “Pranayama aids dive performance and gives beginners confidence. The specific techniques within the breathing exercises strengthen the lungs and help develop greater ability to breathe with continuity. They also de-stress and create openness of the mind to the quiet world underwater.”

Personally, I never feel more at peace than when I am scuba diving. It is such a fun, yet calming activity. When underwater, with no sound other than my own slow, deep breathe it really does induce a state that resembles meditation.

Another advocate of scuba diving and its many benefits, is Tina Gibbons - founder of The Mind Sanctuary and PADI Divemaster. "The sensation of being weightless installs a sense of freedom and your connection and intimacy with the beautiful underwater marine life stimulates a wonder of just how amazing nature is. It's no wonder that the underwater world has become one of my greatest sanctuaries."

Having only attempted yoga classes a handful of times, I will definitely be looking to improve my poses next year. Whether they will look elegant or not, is another matter...

To book a stay at LaSource:

Tropical Sky (www.tropicalsky.co.uk0844 332 9349) is offering seven nights on an all-inclusive basis at LaSource in Grenada from £1,839 per person . Valid for selected departures from 1-13 April 2012. The price includes flights from Gatwick with Monarch, accommodation in a luxury room, resort transfers, six spa treatments, three dives (PADI qualified divers), daily yoga, plates and Tai Chi, taxes and surcharges. /

For more information on Grenada and its dive offering, visit www.grenadagrenadines.com.