Saturday, December 11, 2010

Elizabeth Dean- Outside Reading Reflection

Upon doing research for my paper, I came across an article on a website about herbology, and different healing practices among Native Americans, anmd nonliterate traditions. I am intrigued by their pracrtices, because their healing practices are soo much cimpler than ours, and ;less complicated but seem to be just as, if not more effective. I think we again, have become overcome with modern technology, and higher education that we lose track of simple, heakling practices that could be present in our lives. Native AMericnas put a big emhpasis on religious healing, and perofrm rituals calling on higher powers to heal the sick. Sometimes, I think if we were to move away from technology and modern medicine we could be just as well off.

Elizabeth Dean - Panic Reflection

Have you ever been hopelessly, miserably lost? I had this experience just yesterday. I unexpectedly found myself driving through D.C. wasting time as I waited to pick up my cousins who were going through the mall. Suddenly, I realized that I had no idea where I was. In my panic, my reason went out the window. I felt as though there was nowhere to stop, mean drivers were honking at me, and I had no idea what to do. To top it all off, my cell phone died as I was trying to get directions. My panic turned to tears -- likely provoked by my lack of sleep during finals week. Finally, I pulled over at some random gas station in Arlington where I used a pay phone and eventually my cousins and sister came to find me in a taxi. What did I learn from this? First, when in a city, four right turns equal a circle and will usually return you to your original location. Second, charge your cell phone. Third, carry change for a pay phone.

Elizabeth Dean - Harry Potter

Ok, so first I'd like to state that one of my favorite things, in regards to Harry Potter, is their accent I can do it perfectly...please approach me and I shall demonstrate. Now on to bigger and deeper topics. The books are wonderful. They are meant for children but can pull even the oldest, intelect into a world that I wish I could visit and be a part of. A world with wizards, witches, flying brooms, spells, potions...all the creativity it took to create a world that is so different then our own! I can't believe all that went into these books. And although they don't mention any religion the foundations for most religions are apparent in the words. They show you how love for one another can beat even the strongest, evilest creatures in the world. In most religions, being a good person will grant you an eternity in 'their version' of heaven. In the end, Harry Potter has all he needs.

Elizabeth Dean-Inersubjectivity

Intersubjectivity emphasizes that shared cognition and consensus is essential in the shaping of our ideas and relations. This is very true and seen throughout time; the best organization/companies/governments are horizontal and allow innovation and ideas to flow freely. I think we all are influenced by our friends and family, because we have a shared trust.The idea of intersubjectivity is exemplified, again, in Martin Buber's I-it, I-thou again. It is the place between objectivity, and subjectivity. This relates back to the I-thou relationship because it is the sharing of two individuals. They are not acting on each other but with each other. I notice these kinds of relationships in serious relationships. Like married couples, etc., In my parents they are in a relationship, and experience intersubjectivity, and they act and make decisions together, and are in engaged in a genuine relationship concerned with each other as opposed to concerned with outside circumstances.

Elizabeth Dean - Religion Reflection

Catholicism-

I don't know much...but my cousin and I had a discussion regarding our religious beliefs. I was raised Methodist and she Catholic. Here is what I grasped:

They follow 10 commandments that seem like a no brainer to most, i.e. Thou shall not kill, thou shall not steal, thou shall have only one god, etc. The few that shocked me (but still a no brainer) include: thou shall obey their mother and fathe (keeping your kids in line), thou shall not covet their neighbors wife (adultury), thou shall honor the holy sabbath day (Sunday). They must go to confession and express their sins. This not only seems scary to me but confusing...how can a priest release you from your sins and offer you forgiveness?? The whole point in religion is to honor thy father (god) and only he can forgive you? Is putting yourself in a tiny room and telling your 'sins' to a man what god wants from us all?

Elizabeth Dean - Euro

Does a single currency stand a chance? With profligate debtor states owing their ability to continued operations to zee Germans: Is it possible for sovereign nations with disparate economic, social, political and religious beliefs to assimilate enough to ensure a single currency long term? 8 years in and one long and deep recession paints a bleak picture of its chances. Will one more bailout drive the germans back to the mark? Likely.

Elizabeth Dean- outside reading reflection

After reading, Little Women, written by, unknown, it helped me to understand what an influence my family has been in my life. My mother is a strong woman, that has spent my life teaching and molding me in ways that weren't always clear to me. My father has been surrounded by three (very strong) women...that in itself tells you a lot about him. My sister and I are best friends, we can tell each other anything (and believe me, we do) and never pass judgement on one another. We all play an important role and we all are very different... but our differences and our roles help mold our family into a beautiful rock solid foundation. I know I can go to my mother (or father) with any problem, story, event and get the understanding, laugh, advice, that I need.