UNIVERSIDAD DE COSTA RICA SEDE DEL ATLNTICO RECINTO DE GUPILES

Course:

Oral Communication V

Topic: Exploring Ancient Traditions that have travel to the West

Professor: Emilia Elizondo Murillo

Students: Cinthya Snchez Granados Jairo Alemn Alemn Yeimy Ruiz Hernndez

Date: 12/05/11

Introduction

Nowadays, people are facing a globalize world demanding to do many things at the same time, therefore; they have been affected by many diseases, on the other hand the mind, body and spirit are transmitting these consequences, for example; you can see overweight people because they do not practice any kind of physical activity, others with extremely problems of mood, they are like a bomb as result of stress, depression and bad feelings that they have kept in their hearts. The solution in order to help to drop this situation in this current life could be found Exploring Ancient Traditions that have traveled to the West This report is going to mention some important and healthy ways to stimulate mind, body and spirit through the exploration of ancient traditions such as: Yoga, Tai-chi, Feng Shui, The seven Chakras, Reiki and Karate. The topics before mentioned are going to be developed focusing in their origin, meaning, purpose, main principles or philosophy; moreover, the worthy element of the practice is going to be explained giving some examples of their poses. Finally in this report are provided various mental and physical benefits obtained from carrying these traditions to the practice.

What is the Relationship between Mind, Body and Spirit? There is an important and unimaginable connection between those three aspects. Like a way of an example, human beings are like Running Cars. The car is the body, the steering wheel is the mind, and the driver is the Spirit. And it is because of their importance that these three key elements must be present in the car. Most of the time, humans have a mistaken idea, and it is that they think that Mind is everything, but it is the opposite, because thanks to the previous example, it is notable to see that the mind is only the steering wheel, and it is not everything we are. Although, it is important to take into account that most of the times the spirit is controlled by the mind. As an example of this affirmation, lets do this: Try to stop your mind from all kind of thoughts for about 5 minutes. It is almost impossible. Most of the people cannot do that, and it is because minds power is very strong although it does not mean that mind is everything we are. The issue here, is to try to have minds control, it means that the driver is you, and you as the driver of your car, must control all the parts or elements of that car. It is very interesting to see how mind reacts in many different situations, and sometimes it reacts in a specific way without you being aware of it, because mind emanates a natural behavior to some eventual actions. And it is fundamental to mention that not only the natural way of reaction depends on what you make in some specific situations, instead of that; the background has a big influence in that, too. Connect Your Mind, Body and Spirit through the Practice of Meditation Meditation is a method used to relax and to establish a connection between the body, mind and spirit. Also, it is used in many religions to reach deeper levels of spirituality. Some of the most popular techniques of meditation are: Yoga: The word yoga means "union and it was originated in India. It means union because the idea is to establish a connection between mind, body and spirit. Yoga is more related to mental and spiritual well being than physical activity.

Yoga Poses Many people think that yoga is just about stretching. But although stretching is involved, yoga consists on the creation of a balance in the body throughout strength and flexibility. This is done through the performance of poses that have physical benefits. Those poses can be done quickly or more slowly depending on the tradition in which the teacher has been trained. Yoga Practice One very interesting aspect of Yoga is that the practice always is changing, therefore; it never gets boring practicing it. Although the poses basically are the same, the relationship and reaction of the person toward the poses will change. It is important to take into account, that although a person feels not very strong or flexible, that is not a problem to begin practicing yoga, and in fact; that is not a difficulty because everything can be achieved throughout practice. Another great thing about yoga is that it is not a competitive issue, so it helps you to understand that no one is better than anyone else. It is only about giving the best of each one. Benefits of Yoga Health Benefits of Yoga Flexibility: Over time and throughout the practice, the person gains more flexibility in the most used parts of the body for practicing yoga. Strength: Thanks to Yoga people improve their strength due to some of the poses require to support the weight of the own body in new ways. Moreover; other possess require the support of the whole body in only one leg. Pain Prevention: This aspect is related to the ones already mentioned (Flexibility and Strength). It is because there are many people that experiment back pain because they spend a lot of time sitting in front of a computer or because they have another jobs that imply to be sit down all day. Since yoga consists on making different movements, it will help to prevent these kinds of pains. Better Breathing: Most of the people do not know how the correct way to breathe is, for this reason this is a very good point about Yoga, because it teaches different techniques about breathing, aspect that helps the lungs and the entire body. On the other hand; certain types of breath can help to clear the nasal passages and to calm the central nervous system. This aspect is very important because it has physical and mental benefits. Mental Benefits Mental Calmness: While doing Yoga, the concentration is a very important part, because it brings the effect of calmness to the mind. Moreover, it introduces the person to the meditation, which means that the person is completely concerned about breathing techniques, disconnecting at the same time from another kind of thoughts. Stress Reduction: Since physical activity is good for stress, Yoga is a physical activity that fulfills of calm to a person. Especially Yoga helps to reduce stress because it requires concentration. So; it means that the person stops thinking in daily troubles or in their jobs, or in different things that concern them every day.

Body Awareness: When a person begins doing Yoga, she/ he will experiment an increased awareness of the own body, this is because While practicing this kind of meditation, people require to make a lot of different movements, some of them are subtle; another ones are stronger. So, it automatically helps to the person to have greater self- confidence and to have more control of their own body. Tai Chi Tai chi is a Chinese martial. It is practiced primarily for health benefits, such as: Tension and stress. Among the martial arts, there are two basic kinds: The hard martial arts, for example: Karate and Kun Fu and the soft martial arts, for example: Ba Gua and Tai Chi. Tai chi emphasizes in a complete relaxation, and it is part of the soft martial arts because it is characterized by soft, slow and flowing movements executed precisely. At the same time, those movements represent force, instead of representing strength. Tai Chi Philosophy Chi is a Chinese notion that represents a form of energy. The term literally means something like "breath. According to the philosophy of tai chi, this energy or chi flows throughout the body, but can become blocked. According to some sources of Chinese medicine and tai chi philosophy, the reason for which many people get sick is because this flow of energy gets blocked, and according to those philosophies one solution for this problem of getting an illness is practicing Tai Chi. In addition to its physical benefits, according to Chinese culture, Tai Chi seems to have certain psychological effects as well. It helps to the Psychological area because as a way of meditation, it can help to understand oneself and consequently to deal with other people without problems. It means, to understand oneself at first, and then to understand the other ones. In short words, it is to have a self- control. The importance of this Philosophy is that thanks to it, the person learns how to create a natural balance of one and the world, the idea is that it helps to create a harmony between the human being and the nature. Finally; its main objective is the physical and spiritual well-being.

Feng Shui Feng Shui or commonly known as Geomancy is a traditional art or belief that has existed in Chinese society for many hundreds of years. Today, as Chinese business and society boom throughout the world, the ancient Feng Shui art is even further enhanced and followed as businesses and homes in Chinese society seek to use the art of Feng Shui to bring about further improvement to their luck, business, wealth, relationship, health and life. What is Feng Shui? Feng Shui or Geomancy is an ancient study or belief that has been practiced in China at least since the Tang Dynasty. The words Feng Shui literally mean Wind and Water, an indication that this belief or study put great reference to the natural wind and water elements of Mother Nature. In fact, Feng Shui has not connection with religion and can be better explained as a study of the natural elements of earth that can affect our life, health, relationships and wealth. Well, as we can understand how the natural elements can affect us, so can the understanding of Feng Shui and the correct arranging of Feng Shui elements lead to an enhancement of our life, health, relationship and wealth. Almost no business or shops in Hong Kong or Taiwan will open for business without first consulting a Feng Shui master on the layout of the business premises, Feng Shui elements that will work well for the business. In the same way the Chinese in these countries not build a house, renovate a house or move into a house without consulting a Feng Shui master on the design and layout of the house or the official moving date. That is why Feng Shui is an overwhelming Chinese tradition or belief that well known by successful multinational business. The history of Feng Shui The most ancient master in this art is generally believed to be Yang Yun Sang who is universally acknowledged as the Founder of Feng Shui. Master Yang left a legacy of classic Feng Shui books that have been preserved and continuously studied to this day. Master Yang's emphasis was on the shape of the mountains, the direction of water courses, and above all, on locating and understanding the influence of the Dragon, such as the most revered celestial creature. Today, there are many studies of Feng Shui which generally can be traced to the Yang Feng Shui methods. The study of Feng Shui is also related to the

study of Chinese astrology belief and the Chinese Lunar Calendar. A good Feng Shui analysis can only come about with a good understanding of Chinese astrology and calendar. Some examples of basic Feng Shui principles in our daily life Do not have a water feature in the bedroom. Having the presence of water in a personal space such as a bedroom leads to loss of money and loss of relationships, water features refer to paintings with river, waterfalls and lakes. Front door does not lead directly to another opening such as a backdoor or window. Good chi or energy comes in through your front door and should remain circulating within the house. Having a direct backdoor or window will only mean good Chi will enter the house and then disappear directly out through the back. Have a curtain or door screen to block the direct exit of Chi. Arrangement of the bed. Being able to sleep well is the best way to restore your personal Chi. Hence, ensuring that your bed is correctly aligned is important for your sleep. Make sure that your bed does not face a door, or that a mirror faces your bed directly are important Feng Shui elements to watch out for. Trim your plants and trees regularly. This is to make sure they do not get so overgrown as to cut out the precious yang energy of sunlight. When plants get too big or untidy, they create excessive yin energy and hence will overwhelm the presence of yang energy in the household. Ensuring the balance of ying and yang is important in maintaining harmony in the house. The seven Chakras: Chakra is a concept originating from Hindu texts and used in Hindu practices. There are many definitions and interpretations about what a chakra is. But; the most neutral and known definition could be the next. Chakra can be defined as the energy centers in our body in which energy flows through According to each chakra, they have a specific meaning, position and influence on our lives according with those who believe that chakras have a physical manifestations. That is why is important to get them in a good equilibrium.

According different posits there are systems with a several number of chakras, but the most well-known system in the west is this of seven chakras.

Root Chakra (Muladhara) represents our foundation and feeling of being grounded. Location: Base of spine in tailbone area. Emotional issues: Survival issues such as financial independence, money, and food. Element associated: the earth 2. Sacral Chakra (Swadhisthana) our connection and ability to accept others and new experiences. Location: Lower abdomen, about 2 inches below the navel and 2 inches in. Emotional issues: Sense of abundance, well-being, pleasure, sexuality. Element associated: the water.

3. Solar Plexus Chakra (Manipura) Our ability to be confident and in-control of our lives. Location: Upper abdomen in the stomach area. Emotional issues: Self-worth, self-confidence, self-esteem. Element associated: the fire.

4. Heart Chakra (Anahata) our ability to love. Location: Center of chest just above heart. Emotional issues: Love, joy, inner peace. Element associated: the air.

5. Throat Chakra (Vishuddha) our ability to communicate. Location: Throat. Emotional issues: Communication, self-expression of feelings, the truth. Element associated: the ether.

6. Third Eye Chakra (Ajna) our ability to focus on and see the big picture. Location: Forehead between the eyes. (Also called the Brow Chakra) Emotional issues: Intuition, imagination, wisdom, ability to think and make decisions. Element associated: the light.

7. Crown Chakra (Sahasrara) the highest Chakra represents our ability to be fully connected spiritually. Location: The very top of the head. Emotional issues: Inner and outer beauty, our connection to spirituality, pure bliss.

Element associated: the space.

According to the system is important to get the seven chakras in a good equilibrium in order to enhance yourself. To do that there are many activities like yoga, yeiki and others Reiki Origin The first thing that we must know about Reiki is its origin. Its a spiritual practice developed in 1922 by Japanese Buddhist Mikao Usui. Reiki uses a technique commonly called palm healing as a form of supporting and alternative medicine Definition Reiki is a form of therapy that uses hands, and visualization techniques, with the main objective of improving the flow of life energy in a person. Reiki means "mysterious atmosphere in Japanese. Reiki practitioners are trained to detect and alleviate problems of energy flow on the physical, emotional, and spiritual level. The Five Reiki Principles 1. The secret art of inviting happiness, 2. The miraculous medicine for all diseases. 3. At least for today: Do not be angry, Do not worry, Be grateful, Work with diligence, Be kind to people. 4. Every morning and evening, join your hands in meditation and pray with your heart. 5. State in your mind and chant with your mouth. The founder of these principles was Mikao Usui in order to improve mind and body. Purpose

Reiki is used to provide many of the same benefits as traditional massage therapy, such as dropping stress, stimulating the immune system, increasing energy, and reducing the pain and symptoms of some health conditions. Practitioners such as doctors, nurses, psychologists and other health professionals have reported success in helping patients with acute and chronic illnesses, from asthma and arthritis to trauma and recovery from surgery. Reiki is a quiet and safe technique, for these two reasons it has been used successfully in some hospitals and it has helped to calm and comfort people who suffer of severe or fatal conditions. Self-treatment with reiki The following positions are illustrated in Reiki: Energy Medicine: Position one: Hands are placed on the top of the head, with the wrists near the ears and the fingertips touching on the crown of the head. Eyes should be closed. Hold for five minutes or more, until the mind feels clear and calm.

Position two: Cup the hands slightly and place the palms over the closed eyes, with the fingers resting on the forehead. Position three: Place the hands on the sides of the head, with the thumbs behind the ear and the palms over the lower jaws, with the fingers covering the temples. Position four: Place one hand on the back of the neck, at the base of the skull, and put the other hand on the head just above it, parallel to it. Position five: Cover the hands around the front of the throat, and rest them there gently with the heels of the hands touching in front. Position six: Place each hand on top of a shoulder, close to the side of neck, on top of the trapezius muscle. Position seven: Form a T-shape with the hands over the chest, with the left hand covering the heart and the right hand above it, covering the upper part of the chest. Position eight: The hands are placed flat against the front of the body with fingertips touching. Hold for five minutes or so, and repeat four or five times, moving down a hand-width each time until the pelvic region is reached, which is covered with a vshape of the hands. Then, for the final position, repeat this technique on the back,

beginning as close to the shoulders as the hands can reach, and ending by forming a T-shape with the hands at the base of the spine.

Side effects You can be quiet because Reiki commonly has no side effects, as it is a very low impact and gentle procedure, but there are cases in which some people have reported tingling or sensations of heat or cold during treatment, others have felt sadness or anxiety during treatment, the explanation given by practitioners is that this happens due to buried or repressed emotions which are being released by the new energy flow.

Karate Origin and Definition Karate is a Japanese martial art of self-defense in which sharp blows and kicks are administered to pressure-sensitive points on the body of an opponent. It was developed in the Ryukyu Islands in what is now Okinawa, Japan. It was originated from indigenous fighting methods called te ( ?, literally "hand"; Tii in Okinawan) and its founder was Gichin Funakoshi. Karate benefits Karate offers both Physical and Mental Benefits Some Physical Benefits include: You can enjoy of better reflexes and coordination because you need to react immediately to your opponent.
It increases performance in all physical activities due to the benefit that coordination

gives.
You are going to be an active person because it increases strength and energy so you

feel great all day

Increased flexibility and weight control for better overall fitness as a result of

frequent practice as whatever exercise.

Some of the movements are going to help you to improve your balance.

 Ability to defend yourself Some Mental Benefits include: The attention that it requires helps to improve concentration in work and study habits.
Stress reduction and the ability to relax because you can release bad feelings. Confidence in knowing you can defend yourself and your family and for having

knowledge to deal with bullies and other confrontations.

Your Self-esteem could become higher generating a positive attitude;

toward life through self-confidence and self-discipline in this case motivation plays an important aspect 'I Can Do It'.

Respect for yourself and those around you.

CONCLUSIONS: 1. Being in harmony with body, mind and spirit, can be crucial in order to be healthy; not only since the physical aspect, but since the mental point, too. 2. Thanks to the practice of Meditation, people can establish harmony between their bodies and the environment that is around them; it means to establish a direct connection between human being and nature by itself. 3. No matter everything around you, the most important is what you believe in you mind. 4. If you want to make a change in your life or in your environment around, is important to take into account that the real change starts in yourself.

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