July 15th, 2011 by Phil
Most people have a tendency to fill their life up with a million things. Activities for the kids, meeting with friends, work responsibilities and recreational activities are a major fixture of today's culture. The same can be said for mental activities. Multitasking has never been a more prevalent pastime. However, the Korean phrase Gong suggests that this may be an unproductive personal growth plan.
In Korean, Gong means "empty." It is used to refer to a state of mind in which an individual has cleared their brain of all the unnecessary and negative thoughts. This leaves room for a person's true self and expressions to come to the surface. It is a much more natural way to live life, and personal growth experts like Ilchi Lee says that it can lead to strong spiritual development.
Attaining an empty mind can be difficult. In Western society we generally operate on a "more is better" approach to life. This is why most people are so busy and why schooling often stresses the accumulation of knowledge. Those seeking the transcendency of a blank mind may need to take steps to remove themselves from this popular approach and find a new way.
The benefits of this type of struggle may become apparent relatively quickly. It is commonly said that an empty mind is the surest way to unleash natural creative forces. This allows individuals to live their lives with spirituality and inspiration.
While the idea may run counter to everything that people in Western society are taught, focusing on emptying the brain is critically important. One cannot expect to fit anything new into their mind if it is already at full capacity.
Tags: emptiness, personal growth expert, personal growth plan
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July 14th, 2011 by Phil
Christopher Nolan's "Batman" films have broken box office records worldwide, but these films, and the character of Batman, demonstrate some of Ilchi Lee's teachings: especially personal growth through the use of martial arts.
Most everyone knows the origin of Batman, but it's heavily expanded in the first film of the series, "Batman Begins." Thomas and Martha Wayne enjoy great personal success, and give back to the community through their charitable works. However, they're brutally murdered by a robber, leaving Bruce Wayne an orphan.
Alone, Wayne travels the world, eventually meeting the mysterious Ra's al Ghul (Liam Neeson) who teaches him various meditation techniques and martial arts moves. Wayne eventually returns to Gotham City to defend it from the corruption and criminals that have plagued it for so long, growing from a disinterested billionaire into a hero of the city.
Dressing up as a bat to intimidate evildoers, Wayne uses a combination of his sharp investigative skills and newly-learned martial arts to protect the city. Things get even more complex in the sequel, "The Dark Knight," where Batman famously goes toe-to-toe with The Joker (the late Heath Ledger), a homicidal maniac.
With "The Dark Knight" breaking all sorts of records, speculation has surrounded the final film in the trilogy, "The Dark Knight Rises." It's been heavily under wraps up to this point, but fans of the comics might have a few clues as to what will happen. For example, Marion Cotillard has been cast as someone named Miranda Tate, who is not in any of the comics. Since Nolan has stuck mainly to the comics, some fans have speculated that this may be an alias, and Cotillard is actually playing Talia al Ghul, the daughter of Batman's mentor and a potential love interest.
With the first teaser trailer for "The Dark Knight Rises" releasing this weekend with "Harry Potter," fans will finally get their first glimpse of what Nolan has in store when the movie releases in the summer of next year.
Tags: Batman, film, martial arts, personal growth
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July 14th, 2011 by Phil
The Korean peninsula is a beautiful place inhabited by intelligent, spiritual and culturally vibrant individuals. Unfortunately, this area has also been the site of much conflict, recently and historically. Individuals may wish to travel to Korea to lean more about modern Korean culture and gain insight on the country in which Ilchi Lee grew up. For those who are interested in becoming educated in the recent past of the country and its people, a visit to the Seodaemun Prison in Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, is a must-do.
The Seodaemun Prison is now a museum and testament to the struggles of the Korean people during the Japanese occupation of the country in the mid-20th century. During this period, the Japanese used the jail to house individuals who had engaged in what they declared anti-colonial activities. The structure was built to accommodate 500 people and was packed to capacity during most of WWII. The prison was used by the South Korean government following the end of the occupation period in 1945 and closed for good in 1987. In 1992, it was declared a historical monument and renamed the Seodaemun Prison History Hall.
Individuals who visit the Seodaemun Prison will be able to learn much about Korea during the period of Japanese occupation. Following a tour of the site, travelers may find it helpful to engage in quiet meditation and contemplation on the nature of the world. While we may never be able to put an end to conflict and strife world-wide, practitioners of meditation and yoga can work to calm the struggles and disharmony that they encounter in their own lives. As Ilchi Lee reminds us, by starting small, we can eventually achieve great things.
Tags: Korea, Korean culture and values, modern Korean culture
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July 14th, 2011 by Phil
There are many palaces in Korea that can tell us a lot about the long history of this country and the people who have shaped it. The Changdeokgung Palace in Jongo-gu, Seoul is one of the best and most beautiful historical properties that individuals who are interested in learning about Korean culture and values should visit. On the estate where this castle is built, lies a secret garden that may be an ideal spot for meditation and contemplation.
The Changdeokgung Palace is one of the five palaces built during the Joseon Dynasty. Translated into English, it is called the Palace of Prospering Virtue. The structure, which was built in the Korean imperial style during the 15th century, was heavily damaged during the Japanese occupation of the country. Though only 30 percent of the original architecture is still standing, the building has been painstakingly restored and is still an awe-inspiring site to see.
Huwon, or the Rear Garden, is one of the main attractions that brings tourists and locals alike to the palace grounds. Koreans refer to this beautiful oasis as Biwon, or the secret garden, as it was once the private domain of the king. During his rule, no one, not even highly ranked officials, could enter into this private space. Today, there are more than 25,000 different species of tree in the garden, some of which are more than 300 years old. There are also numerous beautiful examples of Korean flora and fauna inhabiting the property.
Individuals who travel to Seoul to explore the grounds of the Changdeokgung Palace should be sure to stop by the Jade Stream while there. This U-shaped water channel was created in 1636 and may be a perfect spot for meditation.
Tags: Korean culture and values, modern Korean culture, secret garden
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July 14th, 2011 by Phil
Korea is a beautiful place, full of history and culture. Seoul in particular is a fantastic locale, and, as the capital city of the southern portion of the peninsula, holds a special place in the heart of many Koreans. Individuals who are interested in learning about Korean culture and customs should consider planning a vacation to this beautiful metropolis.
The Gyeongbok Palace is a fantastic attraction that visitors to Seoul should be sure to check out. This castle also goes by its English translation,"The Palace of Shining Happiness," and in addition to providing travelers with insight into Korean history and culture, should be an excellent spot for contemplation and moving meditation.
The royal palace was originally built in 1394 during the Joseon Dynasty and was later renovated and reconstructed in 1867. During the period of Japanese invasion in the early 20th century, much of the palace was destroyed and is currently undergoing a major restoration project. Today, approximately 40 percent of the original buildings in the palace complex are still standing.
There are many things that visitors to Korea that wish to better understand the culture of the country and its people can learn at Gyeongbok Palace. Dozens of different buildings dot the estate that houses the castle, all of which are built in the traditional Korean style. The Gyeonghoeru Pavilion has particular historic significance, as it was once used as a hall to host banquets for major delegations and special guests during the Joseon Dynasty. It is now a national landmark and has been registered as Korea's Treasure No. 224.
The architecture that individuals who explore the property will be able to take in speaks volumes about Korean culture as well. Mostly built out of wood, the buildings on the estate are adorned with dragons and intricate carvings of other mythical beings. There are also many beautiful gardens where visitors may wish to meditate.
Tags: Korean culture and customs, Korean culture and values, Seoul
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July 13th, 2011 by Phil
There are many ways of looking at a situation. However, personal growth expert Ilchi Lee says that creating the right mind, or in Korean, Chun-shim, can help individuals see the truth in everything that surrounds them, making pursuits of growth and fulfillment more assured.
The Korean phrase Chun-shim says that wisdom comes from within an individual rather than from external learning. When a person develops the right mindset they are able to ascertain the true nature of everything. All of the beauty and ugliness becomes apparent. Every detail is clear. Rather than working to understand these things, they easily become clear.
Benefits from this type of mindset may be particularly important for those who are interested in crystal healing articles to learn more about personal growth. Having the right mind and being able to understand the world around you has major implications for these types of endeavors.
It is said that a person who has the right mind is able to avoid the all too common human reaction to classify or discriminate. This is because the individual differences in things become clear before a person's mind has a chance to consciously consider them.
This type of mindset is important for ending racial, religious and national discrimination. Lee says that only when people put aside their differences can there be peace in the world. Ending discrimination and bigotry is one of the most important ways that people can work toward these goals.
It all starts with having the right mind, or Chun-shim. This type of consciousness can give a person fulfillment in their life as well as encourage peace throughout the society.
Tags: crystal healing articles, Ilchi Lee personal growth, personal growth plan
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July 11th, 2011 by Phil
Korean culture and customs place a great deal of emphasis on respect for the Earth. The reasons for this may become clear when a person recognizes the way the society views the planet and the degree to which the people of this culture understand the spirit of the globe.
There is a saying in Korean that refers to this celestial spirit. Chun-Ji-Ma-Eum translates to "cosmic mind." It is used to refer to the living, breathing consciousness that lies within the planet.
In Western societies, people often refer to Mother Earth. The planet is anthropomorphized, but few people treat the natural world with the same respect they would give to an actual person. This is unfortunate given the true nature of the planet.
The Cosmic Mind concept references the consciousness that exists with the planet. It may not be immediately apparent to individuals, but the Earth is far more of a sentient being than it is often perceived to be.
The same heart and soul that breathed life into the lungs of all living things on the face of the planet is active within the land itself. It gives the Earth a consciousness that pervades all of the ground and informs every action that takes place on the planet.
Understanding the true nature of the Earth may help individuals understand more clearly their role in the world and enable them to develop more constructive personal growth plans.
It is easy to take for granted the presence of the Earth and all the gifts it gives humanity. When this complacency sets in, it is easy to abuse the planet through pollution and other forms of degradation. However, Chun-Ji-Ma-Eum may remind individuals of what they really risk through environmental abuse.
Tags: Korean culture and customs, personal growth plans
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July 6th, 2011 by Phil
Many people seeking brain education opportunities look to programs that are accredited in order to ensure they are receiving the highest curriculum quality possible.
DeVry University announced that it earned initial accreditation from the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS) for its bachelor's degree in clinical laboratory sciences (CLS). What makes this move significant is that DeVry University will now be the only school in the state of Arizona to offer an NAACLS-accredited bachelor's program in CLS.
While this is promising for people who are looking to get into the field, this is also good news to those who work in laboratories around the area, as there could be a greater instance of qualified individuals applying for a job upon graduation.
"The state of Arizona undeniably faces an immediate and critical shortage of skilled and appropriately-credentialed laboratory science professionals," said Sherry Gamble, microbiology manager at Maricopa Medical Center. "Those of us who run medical labs should be encouraged by DeVry University's commitment to a program that meets NAACLS standards."
Tags: brain education, CLS, life dream
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July 6th, 2011 by Phil
Many people who are interested in launching a career in a specific field work toward a higher degree in order to reach their full brain potential. Not only could this lead to a job placement, but it could also benefit the individual's thirst for knowledge.
Anderson University announced that it was releasing its first doctoral program, which will focus in ministry, according to the Independent Mail. The doctor of ministry program will use both online and in-classroom material in order to give students a hybrid feel.
"The doctor of ministry at Anderson University will have a focus on biblical preaching," Michael Duduit, dean of the College of Christian Studies, told the news provider. "Our goal will be to help pastors and other church leaders enhance their preaching and communication efforts to become even more effective as proclaimers of biblical truth."
Those who are looking for higher salaries may want to consider pursuing a doctorate. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, people with a doctoral degree tend to make an average of $1,550 a week in compensation.
Tags: Anderson University, brain education, brain potential
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July 6th, 2011 by Phil
The Korean phrase Chun-Ji-In translates to Heaven, Earth, Human. It has been used for years to remind people that through natural and concentrated efforts, they can reach a higher, more spiritual level of consciousness and maybe even attain personal growth.
The reference to heaven reminds individuals to keep a big open heart. Space does not discriminate or exclude. Rather, it envelopes everything in creation in its warm and encompassing arms. This is the attitude that a person should take. Be open minded and grateful.
A person should also be grounded. This is where the reference to Earth comes in. It is important to keep a sense of reality and level headedness when going through daily life. Without this sense of foundation a person's thoughts may drift away from them.
At the intersection of Heaven and Earth lies humanity. This is the point of the final reference in the phrase. People should remember at all times that they are equal parts beings of this planet and transcendent spiritual creatures. When a person recognizes the relevance of these three ideas, personal growth may become much more attainable.
Tags: ilchi lee spiritual growth, personal change, personal growth
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