Helping others "See"

[Ilonka]

Many have asked me for advice on how to "see" nature, the world from a different perspective. This may not apply to everyone, because everyone has different beliefs and religions which should be respected.

To "see" the world in its true form and beauty means to look with different eyes and to look at the earth as a living, breathing being. Every living thing is your sibling and should be viewed as an equal, even those pesky roaches and termites. They all have a purpose on the planet and every creature unconsciously helps the other. Us humans must learn to realize that, without earth and her children, we will perish. But an earth with no humans would flourish, we are mere guests in earth's time frame.

So, what can you do? Simple really: Take walks in the nearest park at least once a week, plant a small herb garden, adopt a pet, volunteer at an animal shelter, plant a tree, pick up trash at the beach,become a vegetarian,take yoga (seriously, it works!) All these things will not only calm you, but will also help you re-connect to your inner Na'vi. Being on this forums means to have a vision of a peaceful community in-tuned with the natural world.
Look past the city, past the man made world and realize that nature prospers everywhere, we are proof of that.

Find a patch of grass, sit down on it, touch it, observe its colors and textures. Do the same with a tree, count its leaves, listen to the sound it makes when the wind blows, HUG IT IF YOU HAVE TO!!! XD
Pandora is only as far as you want it to be, your mind is your most powerful tool.

I forgot to add this:
These are some basic meditation steps used for strengthening the mind and your inner self. (The inner and outer selves must both be exercised and taken care of in an equal manner)

1.Rooting: Sit in the lotus or indian position, close your eyes, breathe in a rhythmic manner inhale through the nose and exhale through the mouth. Clear your mind of all things, it is hard but possible with practice. Picture roots growing from your coxes into the earth below you, picture positive life energy being absorbed into you, traveling through you and then expelled from your crown chakra (top of your head). This technique is used to repel negative energies, and absorbing positive energy from the earth. It is also used as a "warm-up exercise" before mental and spiritual workings. PERFORM THIS EXERCISE BEFORE THE FOLLOWING ONES.

2.The stone: Sit in the lotus or indian position, close your eyes, and relax as much as you can. Clear your mind and breathe slowly and steady. Picture yourself at a ocean cliff side (like in Pandora) You have a stone in your hand, focus all your energy into the arm holding the stone and in your mind throw the stone as far as you can. Repeat with larger and heavier stones, depending on the amount of energy you need to release. This technique is used for relieving stress and negative energy.

3.The apple: Sit in the lotus or indian position, close your eyes, and relax as much as you can. Clear your mind and breathe slowly and steady. Picture a beautiful red apple in your hand, picture as many details as possible like color, texture, shine, scent. Bite into the apple and imagine its taste, feel it being swallowed and continue to eat it untill you reach the core.(Take the time and eat it as though it were real) When you are done make the core dissapear.

Always "ground" your energy after each exercise. "Grounding" means to return the borrowed energy you took from the earth back to her. Place your hands firmly on the ground and picture and leftover energy being coursed through your body and back into the earth.

"The universe can be changed with a single thought" -The secret

[Fighter-of-Wars]

A lot of this is true, I have done a lot of this after watching Avatar, I take runs and I often look at the sky and see the beauty in the colors, the clouds, the trees in the distance, the birds in the sky. And now I no longer smash spiders, flick flys, or squash bugs. But about the vegetarian thing, you don't have to become vegatarian to become closer to nature. Eating animals is part of the cycle of life.

Think of the Lion king for example, a little childish but still holds true I think. Mufasa is talking to simba about the antelope and Simba asks about eating the antelope, and Mufasa says that when we die the we turn to grass and the antelope eat the grass. Its a little childish, but it goes to show that in the end we all return the earth to continue the circle of life.

[Txim_Asawl]

"Seeing" Nature is more than merely doing that with your eyes alone, for sure. Ilonka has a point there, in giving the advice to open other senses to Nature and thus being able to "See" in the sense of the term used by the Na'vi. Taking walks and hikes in natural surroundings, hearing her sounds, smelling her scents, feeling her beneath my soles (walking barefoot on natural soil also helps to truly get in touch with Nature)... all of that is part of the process enabling us to "See".

About Fighter-of-Wars' analogy/reference to TLK: I wouldn't call Mufasa's explanation of the "circle of life" theme childish, but just simple, since it is targeted at children - on the plot level at first at his own cub and considering the main target group of Disney movie viewers at all the other cubs in the audience, too.

Wiggling toes (still liking Scar, mainly because the villains' animator from those times - Andreas Deja - comes from the same town as me and attended the same high school... no kidding - here's info about him: Andreas Deja - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia),

~*Txim Asawl*~

[Fighter-of-Wars]

"Seeing" Nature is more than merely doing that with your eyes alone, for sure. Ilonka has a point there, in giving the advice to open other senses to Nature and thus being able to "See" in the sense of the term used by the Na'vi. Taking walks and hikes in natural surroundings, hearing her sounds, smelling her scents, feeling her beneath my soles (walking barefoot on natural soil also helps to truly get in touch with Nature)... all of that is part of the process enabling us to "See".

About Fighter-of-Wars' analogy/reference to TLK: I wouldn't call Mufasa's explanation of the "circle of life" theme childish, but just simple, since it is targeted at children - on the plot level at first at his own cub and considering the main target group of Disney movie viewers at all the other cubs in the audience, too.

Wiggling toes (still liking Scar, mainly because the villains' animator from those times - Andreas Deja - comes from the same town as me and attended the same high school... no kidding - here's info about him: Andreas Deja - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia),

~*Txim Asawl*~

I didn't mean what he said was childish, just kind of the way he explained it so Simba could understand, I think what he says is 100% truth. I can see how it would come off the way I worded it as thinking it was childish. But back on topic.

I have ran barefoot and often done as jake did and wiggle and dig my toes into the ground, felt the grass. I open my window more often to smell the fresh air. I listen to the frogs in the evening, the crickets, and the coyotes in the fields howling and it is a constant reminder that humans arn't the only ones trying to survive on mother earth.

We have a greenhouse at school I'm in everyday I get to see plenty of the beautiful flowers, ferns, and trees that arn't indigineous (spelling) to where I live. It is amazing to see all the different colors that nature has to show us, if we would only pay attention to enough to see them.

[Ilonka]

A lot of this is true, I have done a lot of this after watching Avatar, I take runs and I often look at the sky and see the beauty in the colors, the clouds, the trees in the distance, the birds in the sky. And now I no longer smash spiders, flick flys, or squash bugs. But about the vegetarian thing, you don't have to become vegatarian to become closer to nature. Eating animals is part of the cycle of life.

Think of the Lion king for example, a little childish but still holds true I think. Mufasa is talking to simba about the antelope and Simba asks about eating the antelope, and Mufasa says that when we die the we turn to grass and the antelope eat the grass. Its a little childish, but it goes to show that in the end we all return the earth to continue the circle of life.

It is part of the cycle, but nowadays its no longer safe to eat meat because of new diseases, hormones and dangerous bacteria.
Plus, humans are actually not designed to eat large amounts of meat, if none at all. It has been proven that vegans live healthier and prolonged lifestyles, are less violent and have less probability to have high blood pressure, diabetic or even have cancer.
You are what you eat, I would rather look like a carrot than a chicken.

[Fighter-of-Wars]

Funny, I just made a post on eating meat vs veggies in another thread. http://www.avatar-forums.com/navi-mo...tml#post234161

But, I will elaborate a little more on the health issues of it here. True enough, there are meats out there that are full of hormones, disease, and other things. And most people know this but chose to eat it anyways, the meat I eat is raised in our own backyard and we add 0 and I mean 0 growth steroids and give our cattle a 200 acre pasture with clean ponds and a nice warm barn with hay in the winter so they stay healthy...But yes, eating meat to an excess isn't necessarily good, but not everyone can get by on eating just vegetables and fruits and be healthy, everyones bodies are similar but different. Genetics, lifestyle and other factors contribute to what people should and shouldn't eat. I tried eating veggies, the healty ones, I took vitamins to compensate for nutrients lost from meat, tried it for a week, didn't agree with me and I felt worse and was weak and could hardly function throught the week and the week after. Of course, I'm active all the time, when I'm not at school I'm working on the farm during the day and that keeps me on my feet, moving about, getting the heart going, as compared to sitting at a desk all day, where many of the things like protein and the other vitamins plus the fat from meat which isn't needed and build up in peoples bodies who don't stay active throughout the day., which can cause some of the things you mentioned above

[Ilonka]

Funny, I just made a post on eating meat vs veggies in another thread. http://www.avatar-forums.com/navi-mo...tml#post234161

But, I will elaborate a little more on the health issues of it here. True enough, there are meats out there that are full of hormones, disease, and other things. And most people know this but chose to eat it anyways, the meat I eat is raised in our own backyard and we add 0 and I mean 0 growth steroids and give our cattle a 200 acre pasture with clean ponds and a nice warm barn with hay in the winter so they stay healthy...But yes, eating meat to an excess isn't necessarily good, but not everyone can get by on eating just vegetables and fruits and be healthy, everyones bodies are similar but different. Genetics, lifestyle and other factors contribute to what people should and shouldn't eat. I tried eating veggies, the healty ones, I took vitamins to compensate for nutrients lost from meat, tried it for a week, didn't agree with me and I felt worse and was weak and could hardly function throught the week and the week after. Of course, I'm active all the time, when I'm not at school I'm working on the farm during the day and that keeps me on my feet, moving about, getting the heart going, as compared to sitting at a desk all day, where many of the things like protein and the other vitamins plus the fat from meat which isn't needed and build up in peoples bodies who don't stay active throughout the day., which can cause some of the things you mentioned above

Then that is indeed the correct way. But you must remember that very few have fresh organic meat, most live in sub urbs and cities. And no, you cant live on fruits and veggies alone thats where soya products come in. They have more nutrients than meat and will never clog your arteries when you get old. My dad is a full blown vegan and hes 72 years old, he walks 2 miles a day and has a body like freaking Zeus (scary).

[SoggPowder]

I have been looking for a thread like this. This might help me with my "problems".

For those of you who don't know, i am the person that people make an example of when they talk about people who can't "see".

A little about my self that may be prudent for you to know. I am an avid outdoors person. I would like to say that i am a survival expert when it comes to the outdoors but in reality i guess that i would just be well experienced. I have lived in snow caves, rotted trees, rock caves, and various other shelters. I do it because it is a lot of fun. Nothing quite like putting your wits up against the elements.

Also, i am very big into hunting. I have good knowledge on tracking and harvesting meat. I can skin and butcher small game with my bare hands. Butchering large game is a bit harder than smaller animals but with a good knife i could do large game in the field. It has also been a long time since i have had any super market cow. I have a friend who owns a cattle ranch where he raises the beef naturally. It's a bit lean, but with the right seasoning it taste pretty good.

Another thing that may be of some "hindrance". When i go and hunt and camp or when i ever do anything out side, I see it more as taming the wild. Conquering nature. I can prove that i can haul my own weight. I can prove my worth as a human by surviving.

So, by following your steps, do you think that my eyes can be opened? (i am not giving up meat)

[loverofnature]

Many have asked me for advice on how to "see" nature, the world from a different perspective. This may not apply to everyone, because everyone has different beliefs and religions which should be respected.

To "see" the world in its true form and beauty means to look with different eyes and to look at the earth as a living, breathing being. Every living thing is your sibling and should be viewed as an equal, even those pesky roaches and termites. They all have a purpose on the planet and every creature unconsciously helps the other. Us humans must learn to realize that, without earth and her children, we will perish. But an earth with no humans would flourish, we are mere guests in earth's time frame.

So, what can you do? Simple really: Take walks in the nearest park at least once a week, plant a small herb garden, adopt a pet, volunteer at an animal shelter, plant a tree, pick up trash at the beach,become a vegetarian,take yoga (seriously, it works!) All these things will not only calm you, but will also help you re-connect to your inner Na'vi. Being on this forums means to have a vision of a peaceful community in-tuned with the natural world.
Look past the city, past the man made world and realize that nature prospers everywhere, we are proof of that.

Find a patch of grass, sit down on it, touch it, observe its colors and textures. Do the same with a tree, count its leaves, listen to the sound it makes when the wind blows, HUG IT IF YOU HAVE TO!!! XD
Pandora is only as far as you want it to be, your mind is your most powerful tool.

I forgot to add this:
These are some basic meditation steps used for strengthening the mind and your inner self. (The inner and outer selves must both be exercised and taken care of in an equal manner)

1.Rooting: Sit in the lotus or indian position, close your eyes, breathe in a rhythmic manner inhale through the nose and exhale through the mouth. Clear your mind of all things, it is hard but possible with practice. Picture roots growing from your coxes into the earth below you, picture positive life energy being absorbed into you, traveling through you and then expelled from your crown chakra (top of your head). This technique is used to repel negative energies, and absorbing positive energy from the earth. It is also used as a "warm-up exercise" before mental and spiritual workings. PERFORM THIS EXERCISE BEFORE THE FOLLOWING ONES.

2.The stone: Sit in the lotus or indian position, close your eyes, and relax as much as you can. Clear your mind and breathe slowly and steady. Picture yourself at a ocean cliff side (like in Pandora) You have a stone in your hand, focus all your energy into the arm holding the stone and in your mind throw the stone as far as you can. Repeat with larger and heavier stones, depending on the amount of energy you need to release. This technique is used for relieving stress and negative energy.

3.The apple: Sit in the lotus or indian position, close your eyes, and relax as much as you can. Clear your mind and breathe slowly and steady. Picture a beautiful red apple in your hand, picture as many details as possible like color, texture, shine, scent. Bite into the apple and imagine its taste, feel it being swallowed and continue to eat it untill you reach the core.(Take the time and eat it as though it were real) When you are done make the core dissapear.

Always "ground" your energy after each exercise. "Grounding" means to return the borrowed energy you took from the earth back to her. Place your hands firmly on the ground and picture and leftover energy being coursed through your body and back into the earth.

"The universe can be changed with a single thought" -The secret

i will try this, thanks ma 'eylan, but being vegetarian does not help, we humans are maade to eat meat, and i dont see it to be wrong, but thanks anyways

[Theorist]

I have a problem too...

It's called prejudice, judging someone before knowing them.

Not that it's racial prejudice, but more when I see someone dressed in all hollister clothes, or a jock football player. I don't even know the person, but thought will go through my head that they are going to be a jerk, or d-bag.

Most of the time, I will see them doing something abnocious, or annoying and disrespectful. I may know them from seeing them do some jerkish things, but I don't really know them well. Yet, I judge them based on the little I know of them.

Prejudice is statistics, and it is hard to deny that statistics help analyze what results might occur in the future. But, I want to be more open and not analyze people before I know them. But it is easier said than done, because once a thought happens, it has happened. I can try and catch it, and disregard it, but it is hard. Especially when the little I know of a person marks them as a jerk. But, I really want to get past this, so I don't judge someone without knowing them well.