They say that you learn something every day. Let us help you with your quota.

Friday, April 5, 2013

5 April 2013

Today's edition of Filosophy Fridays (for your Saturday mornings) is brought to you by a long-time reader, but a first-time contributor.
Angela introduces us to the Delphian concept of Know Thyself - and a great recommendation for those interested.

I hand the baton over to Angela:


The Delphic Oracle is said to have had two premier injunctions: Nothing in Excess and Know Thyself.
Is this ancient wisdom relevant today? Is it possible to 'know thyself' completely, and how? Should we strive for such a trait?
(Editor's Note: Yes, maybe and absolutely yes)

One way of pursuing this trait is via meditation.
Meditation helps us separate ourselves from our base thoughts, and instead, think a little deeper. Based on a premise of 'there is something more', some deeper thinking can actually help to detach our own thoughts from our day-to-day anxieties.

This can involve setting some time aside every day (for example, 30 minutes a day) and focusing all of your attention on your breathing. It's that easy - but it does take practice.
(Editor's Note: If this meditation time impedes on your Daily Quota time, cease the former immediately)

It is one of the best investments of your time you will ever make. In fact, it could be the difference between facing chronic anxiety, or learning how to let your anxieties wash over you while you delve into something deeper. 
This is one of the most widely used techniques for getting closer to discovering your true self.

Another option is to take a free online course.
I found this great (free) course online called Know Thyself on Coursera. I urge everyone to enrol in it.
It presents 'bite sized' lectures (10mins at a time), as well as accompanying readings on meditation, cognitive psychology and philosophy. 


Today's Daily Quota is a link to the Know Thyself page on Coursera. This is a 10-week course, an hour or so every week, and it's completely free. It is hosted by University of Virginia humanities professor Mitchell Green - not some YouTube sensation.


Check out the link below!


READ ABOUT IT HERE


No comments:

Post a Comment