Week Two

Reflections on Uncertainty
The uncertainty principle states that the more precisely you measure one quantity the less precisely you can know another associated quantity.  Sometimes they come in set pairs that both can't be completely measured.  The first theory that comes to my mind that shares a similar idea is the theory of Yin and Yang.  Yin cannot be measured separate from Yang because they are mutual interdependent and in opposition to each other.  How can one define Yin without the relationship to its pair, Yang?  In fact, it is impossible.  Perhaps Heisenburg's observation of the impossibility of precision measurement in nature is due to constantly changing states of matter.  Life is a dynamic process that is continually transforming and changing.  To take a freeze frame measurement of a moment can only be true for that specific moment, but what knowledge does that bring to its greater whole?  I believe accepting uncertainty is crucial to begin to understand any truth.


Causality
The idea of causality is a collection of phenomena where one thing, a cause, gives rise to something, else, an effect.  It is a universal idea that is represented in the Buddhist belief of Karma.  In Buddhism, it is believe when living beings act, think, and feel in ways it gives rise to an effect.  The spiritual practice is then to be aware of the thoughts as they arise and nourish the compassionate ones while letting go of the harmful.  The Dalai Lama once said that although science hasn't demonstrated evidence of past lives, it hasn't been able to prove it's non-existence.  For that reason I think it is more useful to practice kindness with the chance of it not only benefitting myself but people around me.  It's much more pleasant anyway :)

Is the Universe weird?
The Universe is totally weird, mysterious, surprising, mind blowing, and awesome all at the same time! With that, it makes it easier for me to surrender and just trust that what will happen is meant to be.  The vast magnitude and mystery of the universe humbles me incredibly and I am reminded at how little and unimportant I am.  "We're not worthyyy"

Week One

Quiz

• What attracts me to Chinese medicine?
• I was raised by my grandparents who were immigrants of China and Vietnam, and exposed to CM at an early age.  It was common practice to have Gua Sha on my back and take herbs with porridge when I got sick.  My great Uncle on my mother's side ran a village pharmacy in North Vietnam prescribing mostly herbs and other folk remedies. My mother now runs a successful wellness center Long Beach.  Being a Chinese medical practitioner is a natural path for me to follow.  Being that most of my family was lost in the VN war it helps me to get in touch with my ancestral roots while learning practical skills to take care of myself and my community.  In the East, we have always been big on health and wellness as a holistic lifestyle.  I think everyone should have basic training on how to take better care of their health.
• What do I honestly think of Physics, really?
• It is very mysterious to me and I look forward to learning more.  
• Now that I think about it, have I ever experienced time "slowing down" or "speeding up"?
• Definitely, especially through spiritual practices such as meditation, Qi gong, etc.  

The Meaning of Time

• Can we slow time down?
• The "feeling" of time is based on our own perception of it.  With skill and practice, it is possible to heighten our level of awareness to be more in the present moment which can feel slower.  We could also change the way we view and measure time, which again is changes our perception.  What if we threw away our clocks and watches?
• What are the cultural implications of time?
• Different cultures have different views on aging.  For example, in the East, elders are well respected and their opinions are valued in their communities.  Perhaps because the Eastern view on time isn't as linear.  The Western world sees aging as a curse and time as a commodity.  If time is linear it is quantified can be seen as tangible.  Time can be spent, saved, or given.  Again, it's question of perspective.
• What about parallel universes?
• Sure!  Why not :)