Who Do You Write Like?

I write like
Margaret Atwood

I Write Like by Mémoires, Mac journal software. Analyze your writing!

Just cut and paste a section of something you've written to see what famous author writes like you do!

I write like Margaret Atwood - who is a Canadian author, poet, critic, essayist, feminist and social campaigner.

Yeah. That's sounds about right for me!

Optical Illusions: Eyes/ Brain/ Mind

Optical illusions occur as a result of perception. Essentially, visual perception involves a three step process. 1) The eyes see 2)The information received is relayed to the brain 3)The mind reasons it all out.

Sometimes, though, what we see isn't what's really there. Below are three static, non-moving pictures from Mighty Optical Illusions. Take a look at how they "move" and "float" despite being fixed objects. This is a great lesson in learning how perception is not always an accurate experience. Gives new meaning to "seeing is believing", doesn't it?

For more on illusions link here

Inception - A Film About The Subconscious

Inception is the cinematic blockbuster from writer/director Christopher Nolan about the power of dream states. I've been waiting a long time to see this finished project, having read about it years ago.

Essentially, the movie is a psychological thriller about the intricacies of the psyche, especially the Alpha state of the subconscious mind. Dreams are validated as real experiences, holding secrets, meaning and power if we can bring them into awareness.

The movie's star, Leonardo DiCaprio, said he prepared for the role by reading Sigmund Freud's "Interpretation of Dreams". Oh, Leo, you could've called me to help you. I would've let you borrow my Interpretation of Dreams collector edition. . . maybe do a session or two on the couch.

Brain Wave States
There are four brain wave states that take our mind to different places. First is Beta wave, where we are awake, alert and oriented to all things. Our mind is active and in a conscious state.

The second is Alpha wave, where we are relaxed, perhaps daydreaming, cat napping, meditating or enjoying a blissful calm. We are not asleep, but we are barely there. Our minds dimly register what's currently going on - and have greater access to subconscious thoughts.

The third is Theta wave, where we become drowsy and fall into light sleep.

Deep sleep is Delta Wave, where we are out for the count. The movement between Delta and Theta waves is the zone where we dream, and where REM sleep can be measured.

If you want to develop your mind to access subconscious thoughts, sharpen your Alpha waves by meditating, daydreaming or taking a cat nap and see where things take you.

Note: Thanks to Xmichra for reminding me that Alpha waves, which spur subconscious thoughts, can also cause triggers.

15 Tips for Mental Fitness

1. Learn to Relax
Allow yourself to let go of inner tensions by giving yourself a “mini vacation.” Give your mind a break by becoming engrossed in a good book, watching a movie, listening to music, taking a walk, working on a hobby, meditating or similar activity that is relaxing for you.

2. Be Kind To Yourself
People are frequently too hard on themselves when things don’t go right. Tune into your self talk, and counteract your negative thoughts about yourself with positive statements.

3. Eat Properly
Nutrition has a direct impact on feeling mentally positive. Limit your intake of sugar, fat, salt, caffeine and alcohol and help yourself stay mentally fit.

4. Find A Friend
Friendships are very important to mental fitness. Working on developing and maintaining friendships is one of the best ways to continue growing as a person. Expressing feelings and ideas to another person can help us clarify what’s truly important to ourselves.

5. Learn to Say “No”
Often people feel the need to respond immediately when a friend or family member make a request. Help yourself set limits by avoiding the quick “knee jerk” response in the affirmative. Instead, let them know you will get back to them shortly. Then do a check of your schedule; ask yourself if you really want to add to your load. Give yourself permission to say “No” when you are too busy to take on additional commitments of your time or energy.

6. Exercise
Check with your doctor about what level is best for you. Even a brisk 15-minute walk, three times a week does wonders for how you think and feel.

7. Do It Now
Procrastination can lead to negative feelings about yourself. One doesn’t have to go to extremes, but it can feel very satisfying at the end of the day to have accomplished a hard task or met a difficult situation head-on.

8. Adapt To Rather Than Resist Change
Change is inevitable and is a necessary part of life. The important thing is to be patient with yourself when you are going through change, and to give yourself time to go through the phases of transition. Realize it takes time to let go of the old and embrace the new.

9. Test Your Assumptions
Sometimes in our interactions with other people, we make the most incredible assumptions and act as if they are true. Rather than assuming, it might be worth the risk to ask directly what was meant.

10. Express Your Feelings
Emotions are a natural response to life. It is important to find ways to express your feelings. Journaling your thoughts is one way that can help you clarify what you are feeling. Once you have identified your feelings, you may find it easier to share them with others.

11. Grieve Losses
Sadness and grief are natural and appropriate responses to the losses which we all experience. Grief over the loss of a love one can be very painful and may last for some time. By being kind and allowing ourselves the time to grieve, we have the potential to be stronger than ever

12. Rest
Get a good night’s sleep. Not everyone needs the same amount of sleep, but it should be restful sleep. There are many techniques available to help promote relaxation; or, you might want to check with your doctor rather than assuming your restless sleep is simply something you have to live with.

13. Review Your “Shoulds”
If you feel stuck by some things you “Should” be doing and aren’t, set a time limit by which you will either have them done or get rid of them. Staying stuck in the middle is a good way to punish yourself and cause mental anguish and stress.

14. Have A Laugh
Nurture your sense of humor, especially about yourself. Trying to see the humorous side of things makes even the most difficult situations easier to bear. Laughter is good medicine. Being too serious limits your ability to enjoy life.

15. Ask For Help
If you need emotional support or just someone to talk to, don’t be afraid to ask for it. There are times in life when everyone must look outside themselves for comfort and advice. If friends can do the job, ask them to help. If not, be assured that professional help is available through your employee assistance program.

I'd say I do about 13 of the 15.

How do you do with these?

Reference

University of Washington.

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Warm

You are very interested in other people. You have great deal of sympathy and compassion. You are a confident person, and you're aware of the image you project. You act like you're in control even when you're not. You are very comfortable around people, and you enjoy talking with strangers. You are approachable. You are engaged and paying attention to the world. You are a good listener.

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