Name: sodalite Formula: Na4(Si3Al3)O12Cl Classification: feldspathoid (silicate) General Info: The feldspathoids are feldspar-like in occurrence and chemical composition. Low density due to more open crystal structure and lower silica content. Occurrence: Greenland, Canada (Ontario, Quebec & British Columbia), Afghanistan, Brazil, Italy, US (Maine & Arkansas) Typical Uses: swimming pool test kits, jewelry, ornamental use Crystallography: isometric (displays the highest amount of symmetry) Visible cubic crystals are rare, mostly found as grains in rock or as a massive body. Identifying Properties:
For the sake of full disclosure, I think David Lynch is really cool. I also really like The Beatles and The Beach Boys. The fact that these creative people that I admire practiced TM did play a role in me looking further into this type of meditation over others... The Beatles with Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, 1967, from www.beatlesbible.com The Beach Boys with the Maharishi, from www.theretrothomas.tumblr.com A little bit of history...The Maharishi Mahesh Yogi was a student of Guru Dev. He began touring India in the mid 1950's to spread the word about TM. A few years later he went on a tour the world, teaching a spiritual practice that he believed everyone could benefit from. He reached fame when he befriended celebrities like The Beatles. Today, TM centers (or Maharishi Invincibility Centers) are found worldwide. But TM is not without controversy. The song "Sexy Sadie" is proof of that. It was written by John Lennon about the Maharishi himself after a falling out between the two. John called him out as a fake for not practicing what he was preaching. That said, TM still became the type of meditation I chose to practice. This meditation, I was hoping, would be a way for me to naturally combat my anxiety. Also, the idea that it could enhance my creativity was another big selling point for me. Ultimately, TM appealed to my left-brain as I learned more about the scientific backings of the method. Countless studies have been done on many ailments and are readily available online. The director of the TM movement holds a doctorate in quantum physics and has a lot of interesting things to say connecting the two. His videos are worth a watch, and easy to understand. I practice twice daily, once upon waking, and again in the afternoon. So WHAT IS IT? TM is meant to be an effortless means of transcending thought all together. It is a form of meditation that employs the use of mantras. No special poses, no focusing on breathing, no focusing on anything at all. And it really is that simple. Upon signing up for the introductory course, a personal mantra is chosen for you and you are taught the proper technique for the best results. Afterwards, TM centers around the world are available to you to socialize with other meditators, for group meditations, or to have an instructor check your practice. The only part that sucks, is that it costs. And it costs kind of a lot. However, if you are a student, the price is cut in half. And if you display financial need, they sometimes have funding and can offer you a partial scholarship if you ask. That is what I did. I haven't found much online from people firsthand about their experience using TM. The few things I have read describe sensations such as feeling like a rock sinking to the deepest parts of the ocean. This can be true sometimes. I have experienced something like this most often during group meditations at the center. Most of the time it seems more superficial, with thoughts popping up all over the place. But afterwards, I still feel like I have woken from a nice nap. Like everything else in life, you have to make your own mind up about things. There are always two sides to every story. I hope this post was a good starting off point in your search for whatever it is you are hoping meditation will do for you.
I went on a little expedition a few days ago in search of some agate specimens for inspiration. They're one of those items that are everywhere when you don't need them but when you do, you can't figure out where to find them. Then I remembered that Lost River Caverns has the best gift shop ever.
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