Self Mastery

Week Thirteen:

2009-04-04T12:45:00.000-07:00

How would I rate the control of artificial limbs by thought alone?

To me being able to move a limb that is not biologically connected to the nervous system would bring into play other abilities of our body mind that we may not be aware of. It doesn't seem so far fetched to be able to move this limb by thought alone. Being a student of life it is pretty obvious how powerful our thoughts are to create and shape our lives so to be able to use thought alone to move an artificial limb seems perfectly normal to me.

Week Thirteen:

2009-04-04T12:30:00.000-07:00

Would I support the development of a bionic person?

I don't think this is something I would outright support. Although I wouldn't oppose it either. I really don't have much of an opinion on this particular topic but if I had to dig and pick a side I would tend to lead towards not supporting it because to me this seems unnatural and unnecessary. Creating a bionic person seems more like something to satisfy a curiosity or just to see if It can be done. If it can bring about positive change in the world then I'm all for it otherwise it kinda seems like a waste of time and energy.

Week Thirteen:

2009-04-04T12:28:00.000-07:00

Week Eleven:

2009-03-28T13:23:00.000-07:00

Human Intent as it affects health:

Connecting back in to the first blog in week eleven on the effectiveness of acupuncture as energy medicine where I talked about the placement of intention in both the patient and the practitioner I can see that
with all the directive information about Chinese Medicine we can sometimes get too caught up in the techniques and directions. I feel like having a clear intention of what you are wanting to create and encourage on both the patient and practitioners part is a huge component to the successful outcome of the treatment.

Week Eleven:

2009-03-28T12:49:00.000-07:00

What conclusions can you draw from Kirlian photography:

From Kirlian I can see that the body's energy system is an ever changing cloud of energy . It's not a static extension of the body but rather the subtle beginning signs of what is to eventually manifest physically. It's so interesting to note that as your mental and emotional outlook changes so does your energy field. And one could conclude that the repetitive thoughts and emotions someone holds on to create a signature aura and this then reflects physically onto the body. Getting your Aura photographed periodically gives you a snap shop of a moment in time but can also show you what things have shifted and any new manifestations that may have come since the photograph prior.

Week Eleven:

2009-03-28T12:24:00.001-07:00

Acupuncture as effective energy medicine:

Having quite a bit of experience with all different kinds of energy medicine I can say that in my experience acupuncture is one of the most effective modalities.
The very fact that it is a highly organized 2,000 year old health care system makes it more easily understood by the patient and more clearly administered by the practitioner. Doing healing work with in this context is very helpful because it offers the giver and receiver something to anchor there intention on create a strong mindful healing space.

Week Eleven:

2009-03-28T12:24:00.000-07:00

Week Ten:

2009-03-15T18:08:00.000-07:00

Biophysics and Oriental Medicine:

I really love the subject of molecular biology. I think it lends itself well to the study of Chinese Medicine. Because changes happen at such a subtle level in energy medicine I feel that a lot of the healing begins with the molecular changes within the many proteins, RNA, and DNA that make up a cell. And with the ability of genes to express themselves differently and/or turn off and on certain tasks, the possibilities of effecting our biology with Chinese Medicine are expansive indeed.

Week Ten:

2009-03-14T07:49:00.001-07:00

I know I'm a living system because......

I have all the essential criteria for be a living system, I can breath, reproduce, grow and digest.
My body can also die and go back to the earth. These are some of the things science would use to determine if I was a living system or not. With this subject I would also like to add the essential presence of a soul into the mix. I do believe that every living being has a soul, and even though science can not prove this I think it's an important criteria for determining a living system. Whether a person is conscious of it or not I think its the soul that lends the light and life to a living system. Without it might we just be a pile of functional tissues minus direction?

Week Ten:

2009-03-14T07:49:00.000-07:00

Week Ten

2008-07-23T16:08:00.000-07:00

Biophysics and Oriental Medicine

So many people including myself call TCM energetic medicine, and this of course is true though it is equally as fascinating to look at the physical changes that take place in the body as a result of this energy medicine. Stomach secretions increase or reduce, fluid retention and swelling go down, all kinds of chemical messengers are released including endorphins. This is why Chinese medicine is well known for its pain relief ability and leaves the person with increased circulation to the brain bringing in all those "feel good" chemicals. It is very common to see subtle changes in a person's face.Generally after a treatment there in a different state if mind all together.

Week Ten

2008-07-23T15:35:00.000-07:00

I know I'm living because.....

I know I'm a living system because I am breathing. My body is taking in the oxygen, utilizing it and releasing CO2. I have a heart that pumps without me telling it to and probably most importantly I am an imperfect, flexible, mailable being that can evolve both physically and consciously.

Week Eight

2008-07-02T19:10:00.000-07:00

NEWTONS THREE LAWS AND ME

The first of Newton’s laws being momentum makes me think of driving a car on the freeway and getting to that perfect speed and then having to lose all that good momentum when someone pulls out in front of you. The second law force makes me think of a small bullet from a gun being able to penetrate through many objects b/c of its tremendous acceleration. And finally the Third law of action and reaction brings me to the interactions I have with people on a daily basis where certain actions/words bring about predictable reactions.

Week Seven

2008-06-24T21:27:00.001-07:00

CONSCIOUSNESS OUT OF CHAOS?

It sounds like the chaos of all the information intertwined within the billions of nerve cells somehow gets integrated into our mind by our consciousness (thought to be a manifestation of a force field around the brain) and then allows us to have a conscious experience. Maybe this is another cycle of entropy and autopoiesis? The process of creating and then breaking down and then reorganizing the information once again….I’d say yes! This allows for consciousness.

Week Seven

2008-06-24T18:33:00.001-07:00

FRACTAL PATTERNS CREATING COMPLEX SYSTEMS

From What I’ve read I gather that fractal patterns transform into complex systems when autopoiesis happens and the genesis of these minute physical outcomes overtime will eventually effect the environment creating changes on a larger scale. This makes me wonder and gives hope that people everyday can make small positive differences that can have far reaching global effects.

Week Seven

2008-06-23T21:39:00.000-07:00

ORDERED CHAOS

This is the balance between autopoiesis and entropy. I see this process very clearly in my life. I think the maintenance of order is an important and satisfying part of life that feels very much like the process of building a tower out of blocks. It takes a steady hand and patience to autoproduce order from disorder. And then when the creation is broken down (entropy) it gives a little shot of the reality of homeostasis. Both help keep things flowing smoothly.

Week Six

2008-06-12T12:39:00.001-07:00

Connections between energy and Qi:

To me these words are interchangeable and just two ways of describing the same thing. But if we were to look at them separately one could say that both energy and Qi have warmth, both are changing and moving constantly or in the case of stagnation or a short circuit both have the ability to be slowed down or in extreme cases take for of a mass (I’m thinking of weather changes, the effect of sunlight on plants and lightning).
And though some may disagree both can be accurately measured.

Week Six

2008-06-12T12:11:00.000-07:00

Resonance in my world:

I guess the main way I relate to resonance in my world is through the commingling with many different people during the course of a day. I happen to be one of those people who are overly aware of the energy and mind state of the people around me. In other words feeling the many different frequency’s of resonance can sometimes take up my whole consciousness if I let it. This sensitivity also means that when the resonance is a positive one it’s really positive! And when it’s a negative one it can really throw me. The subject of human resonance is one I contemplate and carry with me daily, and I would assume that many people in the field of healing arts in varying degrees feel the same way.

Week six

2008-06-12T11:45:00.000-07:00

ARE ALL VIBRATIONS “GOOD”?

To me “good” is a relative term. I would clarify by saying that all vibrations are not the same. There are some that are quite pleasurable and some not so much. Though I do believe we draw to us the vibrations we need most for our growth as conscious beings. I think the reason it’s pleasurable or not is in part decided by how we chose to perceive the present vibration/s and part just the “way it is”. Good vibrations to all……

Week Five

2008-06-04T23:08:00.000-07:00

SACRED GEOMETRY AND PHYSICS:

Yes! I think there are definite connections between these two. It seems that traditional cultures of the past used sacred geometry as there language or symbolism to express and gain more understanding of the physical and non physical world. The mandala turns out to be the equivalent of Einstein’s higher math while the tree of life has been seen to relate to string theory. I think these comparisons are a wonderful confirmation to what people have experienced when working with these consciousness invoking masterpieces.

Week Five

2008-06-03T19:14:00.001-07:00

CP violation

What does CP violation mean to me to me? The article states that the change in the kaon’s decay rate distinguishes the past from the future and that this speaks to the possibility that these particles will behave differently in a universe where time runs backward. Sure I buy that. In my own personal beliefs I see “time” as being a human made concept and that in actuality when you get right down to it past present and future are all happening in the now. Of course I have no tangible proof of this other than it somehow feels true for me.

Week Five

2008-06-03T18:39:00.001-07:00

My symmetrical world

I see symmetry most often in the world of professional dance. When a leg moves to the left the body must counter with some other part moving to the right. Weather there is a leaning back or a bowing forward the dancer must always stay in balance in order to maintain control of ones body. The beauty comes in when the dance creates this symmetry with precision and grace. The type of dance is irrelevant, it’s when you are in audience of a quality performance that the symmetry of the movements, the lines created in space imbues you with this sense of equanimity. Most of the time people are unconscious of the messages they are receiving when observing a really great dance performance, though many notice the pleasurable feelings that are invoked. (Of course what is beautiful is always in the eye the beholder). Symmetry is but one facet in this experience. I will talk more about how the symmetry and sacred geometry contained with in the art of dance affects both the observer and the dancer.

Week Four

2008-06-03T18:15:00.001-07:00

What is the function of gravity?

I do believe the function of gravity is to keep us grounded……literately. It says that gravitation is the force in which there is a tendency of masses to move towards each other. This makes sense to me! Being that the earth is such a big mass it is understandable why gravity has such a far reaching effect on all that is on or relatively near this planet. I start to get confused when I read about gravity and quantum mechanics so I think I’ll just stick with the simple explanation for now.

Week Four

2008-06-03T17:55:00.000-07:00

Comparison of the four forces

I would compare them as different types of energies that may or may not work together at any given time. They definitely each has there own attributes though what are interesting to me are there different areas of strength and weakness. For instance even though gravity is known as the weakest of these fundamental forces it has the farthest reach to affect animate and inanimate objects alike. Electromagnetism seems to have the same reach but is second in strength behind strong nuclear force.

E=mc2

2008-05-22T16:49:00.000-07:00

I can relate more now that we have discussed E=mc2 in class. My brain just seems to shut off when I begin to think of math but today’s lecture about energy and matter helped me to integrate some of this information into my being. The information that is contained within this equation has probably affected my life more than I realize. Before I was even conscious of it I have been extremely aware and sensitive to the energy fields around me. It wasn’t until I got older that I began to see some patterns within this energy, patterns of manifestation from energy to matter and even more amazing to me was the transformation of matter into energy. It sounds so mysterious but I think its happening around us all the time.

Connectivity

2008-05-21T16:23:00.000-07:00

I best relate to and understand the connectivity we talked about in class with the experience that Carl Jung had with his client’s session where a golden scarab beetle showed up in the window right when she was talking about the golden scarab in her dream. Some would say that this points only to synchronicity though I say it also shows connectivity. It is my experience that a lot of so called coincidences happen because we are so intimately connected with the world and the universe within and around us, lending every thing we think, feel and the choices we make about where we put our attention to be matched or reciprocated in some way by infinite possibilities. Some are pleasant and some are not so much…….but both I do believe serve us as spiritual beings

Synchronicity

2008-05-15T17:23:00.000-07:00

Well the evidence is exactly what I spoke of in class when I told my Target story. For me the evidence is in the experience. I really don’t know any other way to describe it. Through circumstance and a little bit of luck my life seems to revolve around synchronicity. Though at this point I really don’t see it as some special phenomenon, I come to expect it in my everyday life. Maybe I’m creating it; maybe I’m projecting on to “random circumstances”. The only thing I know for sure is change, and out of this knowing I’m learning to trust my intuition exponentially

Is the Universe weird

2008-05-14T15:44:00.000-07:00

I’m not quite sure how to respond to this except to say that it depends on your point of view. If I’m viewing it from a mainstream 3-D reality then yeah I guess I would say it is pretty weird. Though if I let my consciousness expand a bit the universe and it’s workings for the most part make perfect sense.

Causality

2008-05-14T15:37:00.000-07:00

Causality is some what of an amorphous concept for me to grasp. For the most part I do believe that there is always a root cause to every effect. Yet from yesterday’s class I now have the opportunity to look into effects creating causes. Maybe it’s really is more of a cyclical thing, kind of like yin and yang where each has a part of the other and can completely transform into one another.

Uncertainty

2008-05-08T15:45:00.000-07:00

Uncertainty has grown to be a close friend of mine. As I have danced through life thus far I’ve realized how to find the certainty in uncertainty. To know that change is always happening and that to just settle into the present moment of what is happening right now you can see the things that are certain, one being the choice of where you want to put your attention and in this choice seeing the power that one can possess. So in this way uncertainty has actually turned out to be more of a gift than an irritation. I learned this nowhere better than when I traveled with a group of Native Americans who were practicing their religion. They graciously offered to teach me some of their ways of knowing. They took me in as a daughter, a sister, a friend. I was able to immerse myself in the freedom of uncertainty and it was one of the most beautiful times in my life. Of course now that I’m living in a completely different environment and have placed demands upon me that are somewhat ambitious from where I was I sometimes forget to look at uncertainty with such enthusiasm. This is when I remind myself of how much magic is contained in the mystery.

2008-05-08T15:12:00.000-07:00

The meaning of time:

I really enjoyed our class on the meaning of time. It came just at a time when I myself was wrestling with the concept of time. It’s amazing how three little numbers on a clock would be able to change my state of consciousness in a heartbeat. From our discussion I gleaned a broader view of time and was able to imbue a bit more peace into my relationship with time. Oh time, time, time.

2008-05-08T14:51:00.000-07:00

Week one quiz:

#1. The fact that Chinese medicine deals with subtle energetic pathways to health while also reaffirming our roots in the cycles of the earth and heavens gives a system of healthcare that flows with who I am. The theory is so encompassing and inherently speaks of balance that I can not help but be attracted.

#2. Of what I know so far its pretty cool, though I have a hard time keeping the boundary between physics and spirituality present. Maybe it doesn’t need to be???

#3. Yes I have! One of the most magical experiences in my life was a moment that seemed to last much longer. It wasn’t that I felt “oh a half an hour has gone by” It was more like everything just slowed down. The moment was stretched and there was more space to listen and feel and understand. This was the experience I had at the beach when I slipped under the water and felt I could breathe and felt safe and calm while looking up at the sun and the moon reflecting above the water.

Week Thirteen: The Power of Chocolate

2007-04-10T16:21:00.000-07:00

I think the healing power of chocolate is more than we know. I know scientists say that the flavanols found in chocolate help with hypertension and heart health and this is great news, but I think we have all felt the power of this rich brown treat the moment it was popped in our mouth. Some people say it’s just the sugar, and of course that’s part of it but the combination brings a small but notable euphoric feeling that nothing else can. Before the flavonals even have a chance to work their magic the most important mood altering effect has taken place.

Week Thirteen: Philosophy of Chemistry

2007-04-10T16:03:00.000-07:00

I do agree, though it is a little weird for me to think of chemistry as a philosophy. I always thought of it as strictly factual. I do think that chemistry is at the heart of all the sciences. Especially exciting is the philosophy of green chemistry and the ethics that goes along with that. As with everything science is evolving and it is exciting to take part in it.

Week Twelve: Memory and magic

2007-04-03T10:29:00.000-07:00

You could call this memory and magic though in reality it’s just skill, deception, and showmanship. I don’t mean to be a pessimist; I just think this kind of manufactured “magic” is for lack of a better word ridiculous, especially when there are so many authentic natural magical events and places to go to experience awe and inspiration. I know that people go to these shows as entertainment, and that maybe on some level they wish that magic was real. Well I think it is real. I have seen it, felt it and experienced it with my very own eyes, ears and skin. Even though it’s all illusion on some level there was no slight of hand or diverted attention needed. As far as how I may view things differently now with knowing how magicians use misdirected attention and suggestion to control our assumptions, I think it makes me realize that there are more “magicians” out there than we think and there not the kind who do it for entertainment.

Week Twelve: To live is to know

2007-04-03T10:27:00.000-07:00

I would totally agree that to live is to know. Though it makes more sense to me to say that to live is to be. This concept of cognition and autopoeisis is absolutely fascinating. It says that all living systems are networks of multiple connections and that the components of these living systems are constantly changing, transforming and being replaced by other components. Are the connections that this article is talking about referring to neurons and receptor sites? And is it these physical structures that change and transform, or is it just our behavior, or is it both? I guess I’m not completely clear as to what the actual concrete process is. I do however understand the non concrete domain of complex structural coupling which brings forth an inner world as well as an outer world and this is linked to language, thought, and consciousness.

Week Eleven: Mitosis vs. Meiosis

2007-03-27T13:39:00.000-07:00

Pretty neat, it just amazes me how much goes on inside a cell that we are oblivious to on a day to day basis. I also find it fascinating how the DNA crosses over each other to mix and match the genes from each parent. So it all starts with meiosis which creates a sperm or egg (with 23 chromosomes), Then when a sperm and egg combine to create a cell with the full 46 chromosomes this embryo divides using the process of mitosis. Sometimes it is hard to figure out which came first on an evolutionary scale. Though I am sure meiosis evolved out of mitosis. It’s also fun to think about the intelligence that mixes and matches our personal set of DNA from our parents. Who decides what goes where? I am glad I’m not a clone….Hurraayyy for sexual reproduction!

Week Eleven: Cell Biology and TCM

2007-03-27T13:09:00.000-07:00

At first thought it was difficult to make a connection between cell biology and TCM. Chinese Medicine has such a wonderful story like quality to its ways of looking at a whole person. Because things are understood in relation to each other health and balance just make sense. Cell biology is fascinating, though because you’re not seeing the big picture it’s a lot harder to make sense of. To answer the question I think the whole concept of tensegrity really connects in with the TCM approach. I also see a connection with the amount and quality of blood cells a person has, if blood count is low then the heart won’t be able to house the mind properly and a person may experience anxiety, insomnia, and palpitations. They may also use up all there essence to try to compensate for the lack of blood.

Week Ten: Diversity of Species

2007-03-20T14:47:00.000-07:00

I am happy to say I am doing this assignment from a big beautiful home in the north hills of Berkeley, another AIMC student is house sitting and invited me to stay. At this very moment I am looking out at a great array of big tall trees in many shapes, sizes and shades of green. Just to color the picture it is misting rain and the mystical fog gives a magical feel. The most noticeable species in my immediate environment are two pretty rambunctious dogs. One is a Lab and the other is a mix of some sort. There is one black cat, and three humans; Christina (student), Alfredo (general contractor) and I. I would go outside to explore the surroundings but its looking pretty wet outside.

Week Ten: Cell Structure

2007-03-20T14:39:00.000-07:00

I really liked the link on the introduction to cell and virus structure. I enjoyed the three theories on how cells were formed. The first one being that volcanic eruptions were bombarded by lightning and ultraviolet radiation producing larger more stable molecules. The second theory is that cellular elements developed in deepwater hydrothermal vents. The third and most interesting theory is the one that states that the key chemical elements in cells fell to earth on meteorites from outer space.
Tensegrity which is the study of how physical forces within the cell interact to find stable biochemical architecture is very exciting. This means that the cell is really stable and strong because stresses are evenly distributed throughout the structure. The individual components of the cell do not have a lot of strength on their own, it is only when all the parts of the cell are balanced and take on their share of the stress that brings great strength and resilience to the whole. I like tensegrity!

Week nine: Animation

2007-03-13T14:46:00.000-07:00

I really liked this animation link! The visuals helped me to fully understand why diamond is so hard and graphite is not. It was really cool to actually see the ribosome come in for the RNA synthesis (I’m pretty sure that is what it was). I also thought putting the DNA replication in space with the earth behind it was a nice touch. The absolutely most fascinating animation was the protein synthesis. I don’t know what it is with me and protein but to see all the components involved in the making of this molecule really inspires me.

Week Nine: Definitions of The Chemistry of Life

2007-03-13T14:04:00.000-07:00

If I had another life to live I would so go into biochemistry! I'm not sure why this interests me but the study of how proteins work along with all the other chemicals in the body I think is fascinating. I chose the definition; biochemistry is the study of molecules in the absence of the rest of the organism (e.g. proteins).
So there is an unfolded chain of amino acids linked together, this is a protein otherwise called a polypeptide chain. The protein chain folds into itself a bit bringing the amino acids in close proximity to each other. This is where the magic happens. At what is called a binding site ionic interactions and hydrogen bonds are formed between the amino acids and a specific molecule that is mostly made up of hydrogen, oxygen, carbon, and nitrogen. This specific molecule is called a ligand and is used in the body to protect functional groups of organic chemicals and stabilize reactive compounds. It is mind blowing to realize all the tasks that these little chemicals and compounds accomplish every day in the human organism. There is so much going on at this level that most of us are not even aware of. I think one could spend a lot of time engrossing themselves in the workings of these minute molecules.

Week Nine: Ethics of Gene Therapy

2007-03-13T11:46:00.000-07:00

The ethics of gene therapy is a tough call. Even though it seems that stem cells are unlikely to be useful in the near future I do not have an issue with people scientifically working with these embryonic cells in hopes of curing diseases, replacing damaged nerve tissues and utilizing the other feats that stem cells are claimed to accomplish in healthcare. I also cannot say I am for or against the use of the human-cow embryos. I guess I would need more information to have a certain opinion on this. I do have to say I am all for the scientists who have decoded the genetic blueprints of the parasitic microbes responsible for disease. There is a part of me that gets nervous with the thought of messing around with genetics, the core of physical life; I feel there will be some surprises and backlashes with this type of experimenting. And at the same time if I was the one who was paralyzed or in a serious health condition I know I would want something that could give a better quality of life.

Week Eight: Balancing Equations

2007-03-06T10:41:00.000-08:00

This was actually pretty fun! I got them all correct on the first try. For me the link really took the frustration out of balancing chemical equations. I’m sure it’s because the program did most of the work. I acquired a sense of ease with an equation that otherwise might stress me out. Taking it step by step simplified the whole process. It was neat to see how just one edition of the number 4 to the water molecule on the product side balanced the whole thing. It feels good to end with a balanced equation. I especially liked the dancing person at the end, he made me laugh.

Week Eight: Chembalancer

2007-03-06T10:08:00.000-08:00

Element quiz: I did very well; I had my trusty colored periodic table with me. I got them
all right.
.
Classic Chembalncer: I was a little nervous at first but once I remembered what we did
in class I was able to do it. I got all the ones I did right.
Review Chembalancer: I did pretty well on this one too.

Brain Boggler: This made my brain hurt, I wasn’t able to do it.

Week Eight: Silicon

2007-03-04T17:59:00.000-08:00

Before phosphorus and after aluminum in the periodic table, this grey lustrous element is as versatile as it is beautiful. The symbol is SI and the atomic # is 14. Silicon is a widely used semiconductor, it forms a better conduction interface than all other semiconductors and can remain more usable at higher temperatures than other well know element germanium.
Silicon is a very important factor in plant metabolism and is used in the protective shells of diatoms, unicellular algae whose origin dates before the early Jurassic period. The silica in sand and clay are used in the making of glass and construction materials like concrete and brick, I bet that’s what gives it that mild sparkle. Most importantly though silicon is one of the main ingredients of Silly Putty, I love that stuff!

Week seven: The Colors in Minerals!

2007-02-24T10:51:00.000-08:00

I know we touched upon this in class but reading this website about the color of minerals was pretty inspiring. From what I get there are wavelengths of pure white light moving through the mineral or as they say a crystal. The atomic bonds and I’m sure the molecular structure of the mineral is mainly responsible for absorbing some of these wavelengths and emitting others or reflecting them back out into the world. And some electrons absorb certain wavelengths or colors too. To be more precise, it is actually the atomic bonds and electrons of the elements that are in the mineral that create the appearance of color, minerals in their pure state are usually white or colorless. The elements that normally do this are the transition metals. An interesting fact is that the elements receive energy from these wave lengths and will often emit another wavelength to get rid of the extra energy. Could this be part of the healing energy that some minerals and stones are known to have?

Week Seven: Colors in my Kitchen

2007-02-24T10:49:00.000-08:00

My kitchen has a definite polarity about it. On my roommates side there is a lot of color, though not the kind of healthful color we are discussing. There are bright red, orange, yellow and green colored boxes full of more chemicals than food. I guess the packaged food industry knows how important color is to our eyes when choosing food.
As for my side of the kitchen there are more the colors of grains and beans, seeds and nuts. In the refrigerator I have a lot of darker richer colors like dinosaur kale, purple seaweed, deep orange/red yams, carrots, some light and more yellow foods like chicken and cheese. I am definitely on my winter schedule but notice just last night my body started craving lighter colors and more fresh pungent flavors like onions, tomatoes, celery and garlic. I think it all started when we mentioned all those fruits and veggies in class.

Week Seven: Barium

2007-02-24T10:46:00.000-08:00

Who would have thought this not very well known element has so many uses. Number 56 in the periodic table barium is a very heavy earth metal, and because it oxidizes in air so quickly it is difficult to obtain in its pure form. It can be extracted from a mineral called barite and is also commercially produced from the electrolysis of molten barium chloride isolation.
Barium in the form of barite is loved by petroleum companies for its heaviness used as a weighting agent in the drilling of new oil wells. From the oil well to the digestive tract barium is also given as a meal or enema to patients before getting an x-ray of the digestive system, It helps absorb the x-rays so as to show a good picture. Oddly enough though, water or acid soluble barium compounds are extremely poisonous and can cause major nervous system problems like tremors, paralysis, and cardiac irregularities. It blocks the potassium ion channels which are very important to the proper functioning of the nervous system.
And lastly, barium nitrate and chlorate give fireworks their green color. This element sure does get around.

Science Toys

2007-02-20T10:41:00.000-08:00

Well some day when I’m board with extra time on my hands I just might try one of these little adventures. I did check out the impossible kaleidoscope, I thought it was kind of cool that through polarization you can bring color to that which is colorless. The levitation ball always intrigued me as a kid, I guess you got to get the pressure and the speed just right. Fun stuff, though it seems like you would need more than just what you have lying around house.

Week six: Alchemy

2007-02-20T09:53:00.000-08:00

Is alchemy art, science or magic? I guess that would depend on your view point. In my opinion it is for sure all three. I really liked the web page on Chinese alchemy. It has a lot of the same few points that I am accustomed to in my own present spiritual practice and paths I have been on in the past. The internal alchemy being that which constitutes recipes, minerals ,metals and other natural substances can basically be seen as the symbolism for the inner alchemy, even though on it’s own it can be looked at as science. The macrocosm being reflected in the microcosm is more what I am interested in, in other words you could say the external alchemy is a gross reflection of an inner transformation. It is my belief that ones experience of the outer world is merely a reflection of their inner or internal alchemy.

Week six, Halogen of the Week

2007-02-17T15:30:00.000-08:00

Chlorine, atomic # 17 symbol Cl. comes from the Greek word chloros meaning pale green. Under standard conditions in its natural elemental state chlorine is a pale green gas. This gas is 2.5 times heavier than air and when inhaled is poisonous and causes great irritation to the respitory system. For this reason chorine gas was used as a chemical weapon in World War 1.
This element is very abundant in our environment in the form of chloride ion in salt that is deposited in the earth or dissolved in the ocean. The Dead Sea for instance has very high concentrations of chloride ion. Of course we know its use in bleach and swimming pools but chorine is also used in paper products, antiseptic, food, insecticide, paints, medicines, plastics, petroleum products and solvents. And to tie in to what we were talking about last week it can be manufactured from the electrolysis of a sodium chloride solution called brine.

Avogadro's Hypothesis

2007-02-13T11:58:00.000-08:00

#1-correct
Hypotheses do not turn into laws.
#2-incorrect-I didn't understand this at first but now I see its just basically a ratio
#3-incorrect
I thought the answer was that equal volumes of gasses contain equal number of
Particles, but I guess it needed to say at the same temperature and pressure.
And this being the totality of Avogadro’s hypothesis: Equal volumes of gasses at the same temperature and pressure contain equal number of molecules. So what happens when the temperature or pressure changes? Are there all of the sudden more or less molecules? Might it be because things expand or contact and then the volume changes?

What is a Mole?

2007-02-11T14:34:00.000-08:00

This unit of measurement called a MOLE is such a slippery concept for my mind to grasp. One second I have it and the next I’m all confused again. This web page wasn’t my favorite way of learning but I think I gleaned what I needed to.
A MOLE is 6.0221367x10exp23 (Avogadro’s #) molecules in a given substance. Also a gram molecular weight of any given substance contains this number of molecules (Avogadro’s #). This allows you to relate the weight of the material to the number of molecules in that particular weight. So 12 grams of carbon which also has an atomic weight of 12 contains 6.0221367x10exp23 number of molecules, this is then called a mole.

Radon

2007-02-11T12:35:00.001-08:00

Ever since my grandmother who has never smoked a day in her life found out she had lung cancer I have always wondered about radon. This element is one of the heaviest of the noble gases and is formed as a radioactive substance from the decay of radium. From this decay of the radium found in rocks deep in the earth radon is accumulated. As it cycles upward and reaches the atmosphere it usually diffuses into a low safe level. The problem arises when it gets trapped in the basement or lower dwellings in homes that are not well ventilated. Radon can accumulate in buildings and water, it’s considered a contaminate that impacts indoor air quality worldwide. So what happens in an unsafe situation is that the radon gas particles can enter the lungs where they will actually radioactively decay inside the tissue releasing small bursts of energy which can cause the double stranded DNA to break and/or creating free radicals that can then further damage the DNA. Unfortunately our element radon is responsible for being the second most common cause of lung cancer after smoking.

Under my Sink

2007-02-06T11:46:00.000-08:00

There were many bottles of stuff under my kitchen and bathroom sinks,(all of which were there when I moved in) and I was too scared to go mill aging through the garage and even pick up some of the bottles I noticed in there. So I chose the three most curious and interesting ones I found to write about.

Windex: isopropanol, ethylene glycol, inhexal ether, ammonia hydroxide and water

So isopropanol is a solvent and toxic if inhaled, ingested or absorbed through the skin this is basically rubbing alcohol and it is in a lot of skin care products. The second ingredient is also an alcohol and is highly toxic if inhaled or ingested and can cause chronic kidney damage (what are people thinking to put this in a spray!)
Ammonia is never good for anybody, it’s highly corrosive, toxic if inhaled or ingested and I could not find anything about it but I swear I read somewhere that it was also a contributor to thyroid imbalances.

Raid roach killer (and with germ fighter! Can you believe it): permthrin, pyrethrins, piperonyl butoxide and o-phenylphenol.

Permethrin is a neurotoxin that affects the neuron membranes, it is said to not affect humans with much more than a rash but it is extremely toxic to our friends with fins.
Pyrethrines are actually the safest of all insecticides to use around food. This is a natural organic compound found in the seed cases of the perennial plant pyrethrum.
Piperonyl butoxide is actually an inhibitor which doesn’t let the chemical be metabolized or detoxified too quickly out of the body and keeps higher concentrations of the poison in what ever your trying to kill and helps the other insecticides work better. I guess there is still debate as to whether or not this chemical is oncogenic (cancer causing) or mutagenic. Again this stuff is really deadly for the fish.
O-phenylphenal is on the New Jersey hazardous substance list, it is a fungicide used in the of waxing citrus fruits and labeled as E231 orE232 when used as a food additive to prolong shelf life.

Formula 409: I looked and looked but there was not one ingredient listed except to say it contains surfactants and solvents. Isopropanol is a solvent. A surfactant is a wetting agent that lowers the surface tension of a liquid

Atom Economy

2007-02-04T12:22:00.000-08:00

Atom economy is the measure of the efficacy of a reaction, meaning that ideally however many atoms go into a chemical process should be the same amount coming out in the product. With this situation there is no added pollution.
Atom economy can be improved by the careful selection of materials, catalysts used and the very type of process that is being implemented. For example, in the reaction type of condensation where two molecules join and there is the production of small molecules of water or ammonia there is always a little less than 100% atom economy. In the manufacturing of ethanol from ethane which is an addition reaction where different molecules join together to form a completely new substance 100% of the reactant atoms end up in the product. One other reaction type that is not the ideal is elimination, like in the making of phenylethene for poly (phenylethene) production; there are always extra products that are formed.
It always blows my mind to think how people even figured out how to do all this stuff in chemistry. I just wonder that for as much knowledge as we have in ways to pollute and destroy there could be more knowledge used to preserve and protect.

Germanium

2007-02-04T12:21:00.001-08:00

Well I had no idea that catalysts were such a hot topic, with much research going into protecting or circumventing existing catalyst process patents.
Germanium which is grayish-white and very similar to silicon is mostly found as a by-product of zinc or copper-zinc and lead ores and it also occurs in carbon based materials like coal. This element has the same crystal structure as diamond. Germanium is a catalyst in the production of polyester, not the clothing material, but germanium oxide is used in the polymerization of PET (polyethylene terephthalate) plastics used in beverage containers and other packaging materials. It helps improve the transparency but also remains in the product in very low concentrations. So back to the reason why catalysts are such a hot topic! The packaging industry is a fast growing market and the going rate for germanium is $500 per kg of it in pure form. Seems they are always looking for other elements to do same job at a cheaper cost. Though it would be nice if more of the research effort went into how to lessen the toxic impact of these catalyst byproducts.
Besides being a catalyst germanium has semi conductivity and is used to make transistors and other electronics, and because inferred radiation can pass through, it is used in infrared equipment and technology.

Carbon Structures

2007-01-28T20:46:00.000-08:00

From what I gather the molecular structure or way in which the carbon atoms are bonded to one another is the reason for characteristics like molecular shape, durability, hardness or softness. Because the carbon atoms in diamonds are covalently bonded this makes it keep its composition no matter what you do to it (except being subject to extremely hot temperatures). Something else to consider though is how some carbon structures are stacked on top of each other. In the case of graphite which has a hexagonal bonding structure like diamond but its different in the fact that there are only weak forces that hold the perpendicular layers of the bonds together that’s why it sloughs off so easily(like in a pencil). The big structural difference between graphite and diamond then is that the latter has strong covalent bonds holding the layers in place, making diamond the hardest substance known.
Another fascinating molecular structure is that of zeolite. It is claimed that because of the way these molecules are shaped they can help stop the growth of a cancerous cell by structurally interfering with its ability to replicate, can trap heaving metals inside its structure and flow through the body without being absorbed for to long into the system and stop the proliferation of viruses by attaching itself to it and also hindering it from further replication.

Molecular Modeling

2007-01-28T20:35:00.000-08:00

This web site really inspired me.

A microcosm of the macrocosm, this is why I love science! At first glance into the natural world I would never surmise that math even enters the equation. But so gracefully does the tiniest structures within life show symmetry and mathematical proportions.
Science experts are seeing the potential for using molecular modeling of proteins, genes and other components for the creation of drugs to fight against diseases like cancer, AIDS, and arthritis. In my limited understanding I have surmised that the genes of the body more or less run the show or more accurately the protein structures that constitute the genes. There’s an interesting association in the saying that it is futile to try and rearrange your outside environment to find peace, instead you must go within to make the necessary changes. In taking this to the gross physical level, if scientists found a way to alter, turn on/off certain genes or mimic the molecular structure of the proteins involved you could pretty much have complete control of the whole outer constitution. This kind of intervening would have big implications for the medical community.
Am I saying this is “right” or “wrong,” nope I’m simply noticing the fascinating aspects of math, science, and sacredness of life.

Chromium

2007-01-27T10:55:00.000-08:00

Before manganese and after vanadium in the periodic table this element who’s atomic number is 24 is used mostly as an alloy, compounded with two or more other metallic elements making a combined material that has a better resistance to deformation, unlike a pure metal who’s atoms move more freely.
Have you ever wondered why they named chromium after the Greek word chroma, meaning color when in fact its natural state is a shiny steel-gray? Well let me tell you why. Believe it or not this sweet little element does more than just balance your blood sugar and keep steel from oxidizing. This lustrous hard transitional metal gives rise to many vibrant colors. Believe it or not chromium is what gives emeralds their rich green color and the pink to deep red color of rubies is caused mainly by their be traces of chromium actually being a part of these precious gems. Chromium is also involved in making the brilliant green and yellow pigments in paint. Thank you chromium I do love color.

Elements,Compounds and Mixtures

2007-01-23T11:44:00.000-08:00

So you start out with an element which only has one kind of atom, cannot be broken down anymore and can combine with itself to form a molecule or it can combine with other elements that are chemically bonded together.
A molecule of water is also a compound, which is two or more different elements chemically bonded together. An H2O molecule can be broken down chemically but not physically. A compound also has different properties than its component elements. For example, if you were to break apart one water molecule you would no longer have water but have hydrogen and oxygen.
Mixtures are two or more different elements and or compounds that are physically intermingled. Since they are not chemically bound they can be separated into their
Constituents, and a mixture often retains many of the properties of what’s in it.
I liked this link, it was clear and direct.

Family and Friends

2007-01-23T10:51:00.000-08:00

The findings with family and friends was enlightening. My roommate who is eighteen and a student knew quite a bit about how ozone was made and how it is being depleted in the stratosphere and accumulated in the troposphere. She also added that in Australia in the summer months between the hours of 11am and 2pm people stay inside their homes because of dangerous rays of the sun being too intense at that time.
My sister also knew quite a bit and surprised me with her knowing that ozone is O3. She also amused me by saying “I think ozone is in my husbands deodorant.”

Iodine

2007-01-20T18:01:00.000-08:00

10 2 5( these are supposed to be as subscripts for d,s and p)
Ahhhhhh beautiful dark purple iodine, more scientifically named [Kr]4d 5s 5p, atomic number 53 its in group 7, period 5 and block p. It has 7 electrons in its outer shell, is the least reactive of all the halogens and the most electropositive after astatine. This meaning its ability to lose an electron to another element. Iodine believe it or not is a rare element and is found mostly dissolved in sea water as iodide, to get it into its purest form there needs to be a reaction of potassium iodide with copper sulfate. Though lucky for us kelp and other seaweed and seafood does a good job at concentrating iodine. This helps us to get our recommended 150 mcg. daily
Iodine is used in medicine, photography and dies. Though the most interesting use to me is its use in biology. Small comparatively to other uses but none the less important.
Its main use in this arena is that the thyroid gland absorbs iodine out of the blood and this then becomes a large component of what makes up thyroid hormones(T4,T3). T4 being the precursor to T3-the purest biologically active hormone. An aside note is that in the making of thyroid hormone, condensation products of the amino acid L-Tyrosine are used. Hence the clinical use of iodine and L-Tyrosine for patients with a hypothyroid condition instead of immediately prescribing synthetic hormones.
Another interesting fact about iodine is its ability at sublimation, this meaning that at certain pressures and temperatures it changes from a solid to a gas without an intermediate liquid stage, and will then again go from gas straight into a solid. This process of going from a solid into a gas is one of the 12 core alchemical processes, in iodine’s case it manifests as a cloud of purplish pink gas and then collects again as sediment. Pretty cool!

Results from Quiz

2007-01-16T16:47:00.000-08:00

#1
burning wood-chemical
crushing a rock-physical
dissolving sugar-physical
rusting of iron-chemical
#2
milk-mixture
table salt-mixture
sugar-pure
steel-mixture
#3
correct
#4
correct

2007-01-16T14:21:00.001-08:00

Checks and balances in our chemical World

For me the word chemical brings up anxiety and immediate images of the pesticides my father used to spray on his blueberry plants. Their noxious smell I can distinguish immediately.
I know for a fact that years ago any checks and balances on chemicals(most notable farming chemicals) were nil if any at all. My earliest experience of the dangers of these toxins was a time when my father ate a hamburger after spraying one of his fields and did not wash his hands or even wear protective gloves when mixing it up. He almost died that night.
Another example of this negligence is when he thought it okay to spray farming pesticides around the perimeter of our house in the summer to keep the bugs out. With my grandfather and brother also being blueberry growers there was much chemical use with very little regards as to its toxic impact. I do believe their negligence was based in ignorance. The chemical companies wanted their profit and farmers wanted bigger yields(profit) and a better life. Back when he first started they used to spend $20,000 per year on chemicals. “That’s what we all did” he said., “ we were afraid to lose our crops and our way of life“.
The checks and balances of today are relatively better, now most blueberry growers spend about a third of this cost, they realized it only takes a small amount comparatively to do the job, and they found it is more profitable to have a few bugs than to spend that much on their devise. Another implement is the mandatory chemical safety class and test the growers have to pass in order to buy the chemicals. They now wear full body suits with a breathable face mask when they spray and have been educated as to the safety protocol of handling and storage. There is nothing more ridiculous than to see someone dressed in a full white protective body suit and mask spraying the food you could very well be eating next week with toxic chemicals.

2007-01-16T14:06:00.000-08:00

Hello and Welcome!
My Full name is Christina Marie Tejchma, I grew up in a small town in Midwestern Michigan where I began seeking Truth at an early age.
Upon graduating from massage school in 1995 I opened a practice and began my career as body worker. From my deep passion and curiosity of holistic healthcare coupled with my intrinsic sense of adventure I set off to the land of enchantment in Santa Fe, NM. where I had first planned to go to acupuncture school. Instead I found myself immersed in the indigenous culture of the land. I studied anthropology, shamanism, and the works of Carlos Castaneda. More importantly though I visited the many sacred sites of the four-corners area and took part in numerous traditional and non-traditional ceremonies where time stood still and untold magic and miracles took place(lets just say I have many stories).
As all cycles come to an end so did my time in the high desert, and with overflowing joy and excitement I acknowledge a new cycle beginning in Northern California and at last the long time dream of going to acupuncture college is here….I have arrived.