Well, this isn't your parents Science Museum! Starting at the lobby, complete with a full open bar, the Academy of Arts & Sciences was transformed into a nightclub atmosphere. Including rockin', eclectic trance-dance music, a wide-selection of yummy home-made ethnic foods, salsa dancers later performance later in the evening, throngs of young people out on one of the hottest dates in the city. A friend who we talked to said it was good that we were there on the 'off-season' because the "Nightlife" events were so popular in the summer that you could barely move since there were usually wall-to-wall people in attendance. Who knew it was the most happenin' hot spots for the younger generation!?
It seemed somewhat surreal since this all took place against the back drop of the Tropical Rain forest exhibit, the Planetarium (it was sold out - darn!), the extensive Aquarium exhibit, a terrific exhibit about global warming (apparently these scientist actually believe that it's happening) and a Darwin exhibit commemorating the 200 year anniversary of the publishing of the infamous"Origin of Species".
That being said, the lecture we were there to attend, "Evidence of Evolution" was impressive on one level, since it highlighted the Museum's extensive collection, and the photography was stunningly beautiful (even if the subject matter were all deceased); yet it was also slightly ghoulish on another, since all the 'evidence' was of various previously alive species, now on display in formaldehyde-filled jars. Kind of creepy...especially the last one... a still-born baby chimp in a jar. It just made me wonder how we would feel if visitors from another planet came down and decided to study us in the same manner. We might not see it as a valuable, scientific endeavor if the shoe were on the other proverbial foot. I guess I'm just partial to live video footage of different species in their wild habitats (think: "Marmot Mansion" on National Geographic), where they continue to live, relatively undisturbed by our prying eyes.
Similarly, while the exhibits that I was able to take in (Darwin, Global Warming and the Aquarium) were all executed in top-notch, professional fashion, I still have a hard time looking at other beings in small cages behind glass, no matter how nicely decorated they are. It seems so cruel, heartless and detached on some level. Whenever I looked at the various life forms in the exhibits, they seemed to be relentlessly trying to find the 'way out' of whatever space they were in. It reminded me of the Twilight Zone episode where the people are 'trapped' in a ghost town; and it's only in the end, that you as the audience see that (unbeknownst to them) they are actually some gigantic child's playthings in a cardboard cutout version of a western town, with no way out...perhaps that was Rod Serling's way of commenting on this same topic.
Monday, December 21, 2009
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Week 13: Laughter is the Best Medicine
We know anecdotally that laughing and crying are basically the same release, and given the choice between the two, who wouldn’t choose laughter- it feels better to the body/mind complex and is more uplifting for the spirit, too! And we’ve all heard the stories of people who have cured themselves from various diseases (such as cancer) by watching a diet of only humorous videos that make the patients laugh, causing the disease to go into spontaneous remission.
And, now we have clinical proof of how that actually works. “Laughter diminishes the secretion of the body’s stress hormones, cortisol and epinephrine, while enhancing the immune response; similarly, mirthful laughter boosts the secretion of growth hormone, enhancing key immune responses”. Well, that’s reason enough to put ourselves on a diet that includes large servings of humor on a regular basis! Comedy channel, anyone?
And, now we have clinical proof of how that actually works. “Laughter diminishes the secretion of the body’s stress hormones, cortisol and epinephrine, while enhancing the immune response; similarly, mirthful laughter boosts the secretion of growth hormone, enhancing key immune responses”. Well, that’s reason enough to put ourselves on a diet that includes large servings of humor on a regular basis! Comedy channel, anyone?
Week 13: Tailor-made stem cells for disease
I had a really hard time reading this article because the of the arrogance and pomposity of Mr. Manohar. His interview is like a giant advertisement for funding and support on behalf of the Stempeutics company. As if they have any idea of what they are doing! Stem cells can naturally develop into any kind of other cell…how do they know what genetic cues actually accomplish this?
This reminds me of what the pharmaceutical companies do when they find a particular constituent in a plant or other organism that they then create a chemical version of in the lab -only- so they can patent it and make a profit. Well, guess what? The naturally occurring substance and the laboratory created ones are not the same. And your body knows the difference. Companies make these chemical drugs, release them on the public and then only after years of beta-testing them on the unsuspecting humans, pull them off the market because of the harmful side effects, once the damage has been done (think: birth control pills, Viagra, prozac, etc.). Mr Manohar really has no idea how these new ‘regenerative medicines’ will play out. If the body was supposed to be able to regenerate itself (as in the case of the liver and skin cells), then I think God/dess would have thought about that an included it in our original design.
Don’t get me wrong, if stem cell research is truly helpful to healing and curing previously incurable diseases, I’m all for it -and- the research required to develop such medicines. But, let’s do it in a way that is responsible and ethical. It’s just that the this interviewee is so smug and know-it-all in his tone that it rubs me the wrong way…this field is just at it’s infancy, there is much promise to this new approach -but- truly they have no idea of how this regenerative medicine will play out -or- what the trade-offs and down-side might be.
Not to mention, if someone has Type 2 diabetes or heart disease there may be factors in their current lifestyles and diets that have actually allowed these diseases to develop during their lifetimes. I don’t hear any mention in their protocol of taking that into consideration and addressing it with counseling, etc. when we are handing out quick fixes such as is promised with stem cell medicines. Without addressing other factors such as these that may have contributed to the health challenges, we just are cuing people up to continue with their status quo behavior versus any real healing on a deeper level…at the source of the imbalance.
This reminds me of what the pharmaceutical companies do when they find a particular constituent in a plant or other organism that they then create a chemical version of in the lab -only- so they can patent it and make a profit. Well, guess what? The naturally occurring substance and the laboratory created ones are not the same. And your body knows the difference. Companies make these chemical drugs, release them on the public and then only after years of beta-testing them on the unsuspecting humans, pull them off the market because of the harmful side effects, once the damage has been done (think: birth control pills, Viagra, prozac, etc.). Mr Manohar really has no idea how these new ‘regenerative medicines’ will play out. If the body was supposed to be able to regenerate itself (as in the case of the liver and skin cells), then I think God/dess would have thought about that an included it in our original design.
Don’t get me wrong, if stem cell research is truly helpful to healing and curing previously incurable diseases, I’m all for it -and- the research required to develop such medicines. But, let’s do it in a way that is responsible and ethical. It’s just that the this interviewee is so smug and know-it-all in his tone that it rubs me the wrong way…this field is just at it’s infancy, there is much promise to this new approach -but- truly they have no idea of how this regenerative medicine will play out -or- what the trade-offs and down-side might be.
Not to mention, if someone has Type 2 diabetes or heart disease there may be factors in their current lifestyles and diets that have actually allowed these diseases to develop during their lifetimes. I don’t hear any mention in their protocol of taking that into consideration and addressing it with counseling, etc. when we are handing out quick fixes such as is promised with stem cell medicines. Without addressing other factors such as these that may have contributed to the health challenges, we just are cuing people up to continue with their status quo behavior versus any real healing on a deeper level…at the source of the imbalance.
Week 13: Open-Season on Wolves in Idaho & Montana
There is a certain amount of arrogance that we as humans have regarding our idea that we actually know how to ‘manage’ ecosystems -or- the life forms that live within them. And what really aggravates the situation is, that the government officials who make these arm chair decisions, based on changing and conflicting ‘science’ from the comfort of their offices, are far away from the reality of the system they are attempting to oversee.
Such is the problem with the wolves. First we re-introduce them to a region, then when they get a foot hold and start to thrive, we ‘cull’ the packs…21 entire packs to be exact! What are we thinking? Who determines how “fully recovered” is defined? And how is it that a species can be endangered in one area of the world, yet their populations can be considered excessive in others? We create these situations through our own doing and then other beings suffer due to our short-sightedness and mismanagement.
The human species doesn’t have a terrific track record for properly managing and overseeing other beings on this planet to date. Not to mention the fact that our own excessive population explosion and unchecked development has created these very problems, that we now need to manage, by encroaching on the territories of other plants and animals to begin with. The concern the conservationists have for enough genetic diversity to continue the wolf species in the future is an important one, that is being overlooked. Otherwise, we might ‘manage’ the wolves to extinction, only to realize it too late.
Such is the problem with the wolves. First we re-introduce them to a region, then when they get a foot hold and start to thrive, we ‘cull’ the packs…21 entire packs to be exact! What are we thinking? Who determines how “fully recovered” is defined? And how is it that a species can be endangered in one area of the world, yet their populations can be considered excessive in others? We create these situations through our own doing and then other beings suffer due to our short-sightedness and mismanagement.
The human species doesn’t have a terrific track record for properly managing and overseeing other beings on this planet to date. Not to mention the fact that our own excessive population explosion and unchecked development has created these very problems, that we now need to manage, by encroaching on the territories of other plants and animals to begin with. The concern the conservationists have for enough genetic diversity to continue the wolf species in the future is an important one, that is being overlooked. Otherwise, we might ‘manage’ the wolves to extinction, only to realize it too late.
Week 12: Thoughts on Child Cancer Risk Higher in Richer Rural Families
While there may be some truth to the idea that children of higher income families in rural areas are more vulnerable to infection due to their isolation and to “early months in hygienic surroundings with little exposure to bacteria” which in turn impacts their developing immune systems…I take exception to this article presupposing that this is the main and primary reason for higher cancer rates in such populations.
In particular, I disagree totally with the idea that there was “no link found…between the cluster of leukemia cases, in both Sellafield and Dounreay“…both of which are located around nuclear and reprocessing plants. I mean come on! It’s only common sense…though, in all fairness, it may be a factor of time as well. This article was published in 2006. Well, it’s now 2009 and just this week the media is reporting that studies show that there are connections between radiation (therapy, etc.) being linked to cancer. Dah!
However, other factors that spring to mind include:
In particular, I disagree totally with the idea that there was “no link found…between the cluster of leukemia cases, in both Sellafield and Dounreay“…both of which are located around nuclear and reprocessing plants. I mean come on! It’s only common sense…though, in all fairness, it may be a factor of time as well. This article was published in 2006. Well, it’s now 2009 and just this week the media is reporting that studies show that there are connections between radiation (therapy, etc.) being linked to cancer. Dah!
However, other factors that spring to mind include:
- If the children in question were not breast fed sufficiently (or at all), there can be a detrimental impact to their liver development as well as immune system functionality overall, making them more susceptible to illness of all kinds.
- Exposure to xeno-estrogenic substances in the environment (from plastics, leaded gasoline, chemicals and pollutants in the food and water supplies) that create the right climate and predispose one to cancerous conditions developing.
- Similarly, exposure to chemicals in cleaning products, perfumes, anti-bacterial soaps and personal hygiene products that can detriment health.
- The entire question of diet has been completely overlooked. Rich people tend to eat rich foods, in the form of red meat and dairy -both- of which can create an internal environment (in TCM terms: dampness) that would allow cysts and tumors to develop (especially if the above are not from organic sources).
Week 12: Reintroduction of the American Bison
To the Native American people of the prairie, the Buffalo has always represented their very spirit and cultural heritage -while- embodying their freedom, and their lifestyle of living in harmony with nature as Great Spirit taught them. Because of this, the systematic annihilation of the Buffalo by the American government, was a deliberate, purposeful and unfortunately successful attempt to conquer and suppress the Indian people, their beliefs and cultures. This was done as a means to the end of stealing their land and resources for our own selfish purposes.
For all of these reasons, and especially because the reintroduction of the Buffalo population will “heal the spirit of both the Indian people, and the Buffalo” it is of vital importance that this effort is successful. The renewed hope that the resurrection of the sacred relationship between the Indian people and the Buffalo will provide to both, is a much needed healing balm to the national wound we all share. When the Indian people become whole again, so too, will we as a
nation.
For all of these reasons, and especially because the reintroduction of the Buffalo population will “heal the spirit of both the Indian people, and the Buffalo” it is of vital importance that this effort is successful. The renewed hope that the resurrection of the sacred relationship between the Indian people and the Buffalo will provide to both, is a much needed healing balm to the national wound we all share. When the Indian people become whole again, so too, will we as a
nation.
Week 11: Assess the end-goals of “Social Ecology”
Social Ecology analyzes “the various political and social institutions that people use in relationship to nature and its resources”. These institutions include: “systems of economic production, cultural systems of reproduction, laws & politics as well as ideas and ideologies“.
Radical Ecology is social ecology that pushes the envelope by encouraging “new patterns of production, reproduction and consciousness” while seeking to transform the current paradigm. It does this by challenging the political and economic status quo, while offering alternative answers to these age-old questions.
True learning and subsequent change follow a predictable arch be they personal or global. First one has to realize that there is a problem with the present methodologies, which sparks the desire for change. Next, viable alternatives and solutions must be identified. Then, a plan for transforming the current paradigm into the alternate reality must be developed. And finally, the plan must be put into action. Ultimately, it takes time, energy and serious commitment to change in order to bring such broad personal and social transformations about. Change can be challenging on the individual level, and seemingly improbable on the global level, considering all the various political and economic agendas of the countries and peoples involved…but, it is not impossible…if we all have the same goal: to save our planet. When all is said an done, it’s the only home we have. Hopefully, that will be motivation enough.
Radical Ecology is social ecology that pushes the envelope by encouraging “new patterns of production, reproduction and consciousness” while seeking to transform the current paradigm. It does this by challenging the political and economic status quo, while offering alternative answers to these age-old questions.
True learning and subsequent change follow a predictable arch be they personal or global. First one has to realize that there is a problem with the present methodologies, which sparks the desire for change. Next, viable alternatives and solutions must be identified. Then, a plan for transforming the current paradigm into the alternate reality must be developed. And finally, the plan must be put into action. Ultimately, it takes time, energy and serious commitment to change in order to bring such broad personal and social transformations about. Change can be challenging on the individual level, and seemingly improbable on the global level, considering all the various political and economic agendas of the countries and peoples involved…but, it is not impossible…if we all have the same goal: to save our planet. When all is said an done, it’s the only home we have. Hopefully, that will be motivation enough.
Week 11: Ecosystems are Strong and Fragile
Ecosystems are defined as “a dynamic collection of plants, animals and their physical environment interacting through a variety of processes and operating as a unit”. Plants and trees take energy from the sun and nutrients from the soil and provide food for the animals and other life forms. Similarly, animals consume one another and their decaying carcasses become nutrients for the soil and the subsequent plantlife that it supports, bringing the life cycle full circle. For this reason, an ecosystem is “self-sustaining, consuming and producing both organic materials and energy”. It is this perpetual cycle of interdependence that gives an ecosystem its inherent strength. And yet…an ecosystem is a web of inter-related species and life forms which, is just a fragile as a spider’s web, if one of the strands is removed from the original structure.
Take the Yellowstone National Park for example. It “holds the planet’s most diverse collection of hot springs and geysers…while also being a refuge for hundreds of wildlife species”. From the natural resources of the land to the abundance of flora and fauna, Yellowstone truly “constitutes on the of earth’s most diverse and dynamic natural regions”.
And yet, Yellowstone is also a fragile ecosystem. Why? Because as large as it is, it is also an island in a sense. As vast as it is, it is cut-off from the larger ecosystem of which it is also a part, including the vital wetlands and wilderness complex of Idaho and Montana that surround it. This effectively fragments the larger landscape, and ultimately this isolation can lead to the loss of plant and animal species for future generations. Paradoxically, the capacity for balance is in our hands…but, may be beyond our reach -if- we are not responsible stewards of the larger ecosystem of which Yellowstone is a part.
Take the Yellowstone National Park for example. It “holds the planet’s most diverse collection of hot springs and geysers…while also being a refuge for hundreds of wildlife species”. From the natural resources of the land to the abundance of flora and fauna, Yellowstone truly “constitutes on the of earth’s most diverse and dynamic natural regions”.
And yet, Yellowstone is also a fragile ecosystem. Why? Because as large as it is, it is also an island in a sense. As vast as it is, it is cut-off from the larger ecosystem of which it is also a part, including the vital wetlands and wilderness complex of Idaho and Montana that surround it. This effectively fragments the larger landscape, and ultimately this isolation can lead to the loss of plant and animal species for future generations. Paradoxically, the capacity for balance is in our hands…but, may be beyond our reach -if- we are not responsible stewards of the larger ecosystem of which Yellowstone is a part.
Week 11: Deep Ecology Platform
I think the outline of the Deep Ecology Platform has merit and we as a planet have even addressed at least half of the ideas expressed therein, including: “recognizing the inherent worth of human and non-human life on earth“, which “contributes to the richness and diversity” of the planet. Further, it states the “humans have no right to reduce this diversity” except as absolutely necessary for our survival; and the majority of the world’s population is even coming to realize that due to our “interference” with the natural course of life on the planet by humans to other forms of life has had detrimental effects whose impact is escalating the devastation worldwide.
However, once we start discussing the topic of population control and how to manage that along with the necessary policy changes that would be required to institute such sweeping changes, we quickly come to a cultural and political impasse as to how to talk about, let alone implement, such changes.
So, while I laud the authors of this ideology for their forward thinking, I think the reality is that it will require sacrifice on the part of all us to accomplish such an ideal. That being said, where there is life there is hope. Perhaps some of the predicted global imbalances in natural resources (specifically food) versus population demands for same; as well as the current and future mass extinctions of various species that we are experiencing even now, will spur the consideration of how to achieve these more controversial goals as well…for the sake of all life on earth.
However, once we start discussing the topic of population control and how to manage that along with the necessary policy changes that would be required to institute such sweeping changes, we quickly come to a cultural and political impasse as to how to talk about, let alone implement, such changes.
So, while I laud the authors of this ideology for their forward thinking, I think the reality is that it will require sacrifice on the part of all us to accomplish such an ideal. That being said, where there is life there is hope. Perhaps some of the predicted global imbalances in natural resources (specifically food) versus population demands for same; as well as the current and future mass extinctions of various species that we are experiencing even now, will spur the consideration of how to achieve these more controversial goals as well…for the sake of all life on earth.
Week 8: The Deal That Saved the Whale
This seems like a win-win-win solution for all involved…the local land owners, the whales and the planet! The unusual agreement negotiated between the environmental groups and local cooperative, Ejido Louis Echeverria, agrees to protect 120,000 acres around the Laguna San Ignacio. The agreement plans to do this by providing $25,000 annually from a trust fund (created by Wildcoast and the Natural Resources Defense Council, among others) to the members of the cooperative in exchange for their promise to block development of the “last undisturbed grey whale nursery on the Pacific coastline”.
ProNatura, Mexico’s largest and oldest conservation organization will “ensure that the money is spent only on environmentally sustainable development projects”. Further, earnings from the trust will “create long term jobs and give the members a stake on preserving the habitat of the whales”.
Hopefully, such agreements will set a precedence and encourage other local ejidos (local land cooperatives) to follow suit and preserve even more of the Baja peninsula and all the life forms that thrive there in perpetuity, so it doesn't fall into the hands of developers and property speculators who are only in it for their own gain.
ProNatura, Mexico’s largest and oldest conservation organization will “ensure that the money is spent only on environmentally sustainable development projects”. Further, earnings from the trust will “create long term jobs and give the members a stake on preserving the habitat of the whales”.
Hopefully, such agreements will set a precedence and encourage other local ejidos (local land cooperatives) to follow suit and preserve even more of the Baja peninsula and all the life forms that thrive there in perpetuity, so it doesn't fall into the hands of developers and property speculators who are only in it for their own gain.
Week 8: TCM strengthens the Immune system
Whether being used as an adjunct to support allopathic medical treatments, as in the case of HIV and Cancer, or as the primary modality for treating a given syndrome; one of the hallmarks of Traditional Chinese Medicine is it’s ability to support the immune system, and it's self-healing mechanism.
When working with a client who is experiencing TCM for the first time, I explain how the treatment (be it bodywork, tuning forks or needles) will support the body’s own innate healing capabilities as embodied in their immune system. Using the metaphor of a garden hose filled with water, I explain how the meridians create an energetic circuit in the body through which energy flows.
Similarly, these meridians may get blockages at certain points (due to a variety of reasons) which have the effect of creating too much energy in certain areas and too little in others, much like a kink in the garden hose would create too much water pressure on one side and not enough on the other. Once such a blockage is removed by the treatment, the energy is allowed to flow equally throughout the body’s extremities as well as the internal organs. This now balanced flow of energy has the effect of supporting the body’s own self-healing mechanism, so it can function optimally and return the individual to their natural state of balance and health.
In addition, Qi Gong and Tai Chi practices also have “repeatedly demonstrated a role in strengthening the immune system, fighting fatigue and introducing a sense of well-being” to the individual through their continued practice over time. Also, the well-developed and extensive use of herbal medicine has been used for millennia as a major component of TCM. These herbs can be used as an effective support for various systems in the body, as well as medicinal treatments for various syndromes and imbalances, which have the same ultimate effect as the other components of TCM. Used together acupuncture, herbs and movement practices create a effective and successful 3-pronged approach to supporting the overall health and wellness of an individual, as proved time and again throughout their long history of use.
When working with a client who is experiencing TCM for the first time, I explain how the treatment (be it bodywork, tuning forks or needles) will support the body’s own innate healing capabilities as embodied in their immune system. Using the metaphor of a garden hose filled with water, I explain how the meridians create an energetic circuit in the body through which energy flows.
Similarly, these meridians may get blockages at certain points (due to a variety of reasons) which have the effect of creating too much energy in certain areas and too little in others, much like a kink in the garden hose would create too much water pressure on one side and not enough on the other. Once such a blockage is removed by the treatment, the energy is allowed to flow equally throughout the body’s extremities as well as the internal organs. This now balanced flow of energy has the effect of supporting the body’s own self-healing mechanism, so it can function optimally and return the individual to their natural state of balance and health.
In addition, Qi Gong and Tai Chi practices also have “repeatedly demonstrated a role in strengthening the immune system, fighting fatigue and introducing a sense of well-being” to the individual through their continued practice over time. Also, the well-developed and extensive use of herbal medicine has been used for millennia as a major component of TCM. These herbs can be used as an effective support for various systems in the body, as well as medicinal treatments for various syndromes and imbalances, which have the same ultimate effect as the other components of TCM. Used together acupuncture, herbs and movement practices create a effective and successful 3-pronged approach to supporting the overall health and wellness of an individual, as proved time and again throughout their long history of use.
Week 8: The Western Approach to HIV/AIDS
Not meaning to be harsh or overly cynical, it seems to me that for most people, a diagnosis of HIV/AIDS is essentially a death sentence…and the reality is, that it’s just a matter of time before the disease progresses to the point that passing into spirit is a welcome alternative to the continued suffering. That being said, it’s the same prognosis with life period: no one gets out alive.
Given the nature of this illness, and the relentless progression of the disease, that there are any Western treatments that work -even if only for a short time- against this evasive, ever-mutating invader, will be comforting to many people. It’s a fight against the continuously progressing time-line of HIV and it‘s eroding effects on the immune system and overall health.
For some, any approach that forestalls the inevitable, will be a welcome alternative.
For others, however, the multi-drug cocktail treatments and their side-effects, may be worse than the disease. From protease inhibitors causing nausea and diarrhea, drops in red & white blood cell levels from reverse transcriptase inhibitors, painful nerve damage and inflammation to the pancreas, to long-term liver and kidney problems as well as increased risk for strokes and heart attacks; it’s a wonder that the body is able to maintain any immune response at all under the barrage of the HIV viruses and alopathic medical treatments.
Ultimately, the issue of HIV treatment protocol is an individual one, and its focus becomes one of ‘quality of life‘ versus ‘length of life‘. It’s a very personal decision, that only an individual living with the disease can make.
Given the nature of this illness, and the relentless progression of the disease, that there are any Western treatments that work -even if only for a short time- against this evasive, ever-mutating invader, will be comforting to many people. It’s a fight against the continuously progressing time-line of HIV and it‘s eroding effects on the immune system and overall health.
For some, any approach that forestalls the inevitable, will be a welcome alternative.
For others, however, the multi-drug cocktail treatments and their side-effects, may be worse than the disease. From protease inhibitors causing nausea and diarrhea, drops in red & white blood cell levels from reverse transcriptase inhibitors, painful nerve damage and inflammation to the pancreas, to long-term liver and kidney problems as well as increased risk for strokes and heart attacks; it’s a wonder that the body is able to maintain any immune response at all under the barrage of the HIV viruses and alopathic medical treatments.
Ultimately, the issue of HIV treatment protocol is an individual one, and its focus becomes one of ‘quality of life‘ versus ‘length of life‘. It’s a very personal decision, that only an individual living with the disease can make.
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Week 7: Are our genes still being shaped by Natural Selection?
Intellectually speaking, it only makes sense that humans are still evolving…as long as we are still living, learning and the world we live in is changing, it would stand to reason that we as a species, having an interdependent relationship with that world, it would spur continued evolution for all it’s inhabitants…be they flora or fauna.
This idea is supported by the DNA changes seen in the populations gathered by the HapMap project…be they the adaptations that allowed ancestors of Northern Europeans to digest lactose in order to consume milk -or- other changes in skin color, senses of taste and smell, bone structure, and brain function that allowed other populations to adjust to their changing environments.
What I find truly amazing is that we are scientifically able to recognize and track these evolutionary changes by scanning the human genome and then mapping those changes using statistical methods to identify the specific genes that carry those adaptations forward through certain populations. And while it appears that these genetic adaptations may be able to be correlated to the events in the archeological record, it also may be a misattribution to say that these changes were linked to a shift from nomadic lifestyles to more agricultural ones…turth be told, we just don’t know that for certain at this time. Perhaps as science itself evolves, we will develop new techniques for DNA testing that can affirm that link for certain, moving forward.
This idea is supported by the DNA changes seen in the populations gathered by the HapMap project…be they the adaptations that allowed ancestors of Northern Europeans to digest lactose in order to consume milk -or- other changes in skin color, senses of taste and smell, bone structure, and brain function that allowed other populations to adjust to their changing environments.
What I find truly amazing is that we are scientifically able to recognize and track these evolutionary changes by scanning the human genome and then mapping those changes using statistical methods to identify the specific genes that carry those adaptations forward through certain populations. And while it appears that these genetic adaptations may be able to be correlated to the events in the archeological record, it also may be a misattribution to say that these changes were linked to a shift from nomadic lifestyles to more agricultural ones…turth be told, we just don’t know that for certain at this time. Perhaps as science itself evolves, we will develop new techniques for DNA testing that can affirm that link for certain, moving forward.
Week 7: How does a TCM approach to cancer differ?
The TCM approach to cancer is, like it's medicine: wholistic. Whereas the Western approach reflects our analytic mindset, breaking everything down into their component parts; the TCM perspective is that "cancer development is due to a weakened body that makes individuals susceptible to different carcinogens". TCM sees cancer as "systematic disorder, with multiple factors that repeatedly act on the body" ultimately leading to internal disharmony, organ dysfunctions and meridian disorders. So, the tact that TCM takes is to assist and support the individual to regain balance and achieve homeostasis, using therapies such as herbs, acupuncture and massage.
Generally, the tactics used by TCM are more supportive to the whole organism and are less aggressive than those used by Western medicine whose approach has "little concern for the overall condition of the body", and which frequently cause more damage than good. Also, TCM is "safer, effective, affordable and accessible to most cancer patients", while "controlling symptoms, shortening recovery time, improving survival rates and quality of life". Truthfully, these days, most folks use a combination of Allopathic and TCM approaches to cancer; trying to mitigate the less desirous side-effects of Western medicine (chemotherapy, radiation) with the support of more gentle TCM approach.
Generally, the tactics used by TCM are more supportive to the whole organism and are less aggressive than those used by Western medicine whose approach has "little concern for the overall condition of the body", and which frequently cause more damage than good. Also, TCM is "safer, effective, affordable and accessible to most cancer patients", while "controlling symptoms, shortening recovery time, improving survival rates and quality of life". Truthfully, these days, most folks use a combination of Allopathic and TCM approaches to cancer; trying to mitigate the less desirous side-effects of Western medicine (chemotherapy, radiation) with the support of more gentle TCM approach.
Week 7: How Sophisticated is our understanding of Cancer?
It's amazing what we know about cancer...
- Scientists have proved that it can be passed on from Mother to child in the womb...we even figured out that it's because of a defect (deletion mutation) that is passed on, which causes some of the HLA DNAto be missing; the ultimate affect of which doesn't allow the child's immune system to discern between itself and foreign cancer cells which come across the placenta.
- Certain viruses open the path to cancer; such as Hep B's connection to Liver cancer -or- Cervical cancer which is caused by a certain types of a virus—human papillomavirus or HPV.
- We understand the cellular biology of tumors and have developed sophisticated theories about what goes wrong, when, why and how...from gene mutations for tumor suppressors and oncogenes to abnormal replication of chromosomes by master genes.
- We know what kind of environmental factors can cause cancer, from exposure to toxic chemicals or radiation; to certain lifestyle habits that expose us to carcinogens (tobacco use).
- We have developed various traditional treatments to cancer including surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy; to new drugs that slow the grow of certain cancers by blocking receptor sites for estrogen required for their growth -or- other drugs that bind to abnormal proteins in cancer cells and block their growth.
- We even have learned how to prevent cancer by through diet therapy (fruits & veggies full of antioxidants and phytochemicals) and lifestyle recommendations (alkalinize, exercise).
- And, of course, we have developed ever more detailed screening procedures and effective genetic tests for hereditary markers for cancer.
Yet, with everything that we have learned, cancer continues to elude us. Cancer continues to be a conundrum for the 21st century.
Monday, October 26, 2009
Week 6: Chinese Medicine Gaining Respectability in the West
It is in our nature as human beings to understand things more that reflect who we are. I think it is for this reason that Chinese Medicine is gaining support in the West. With "hundreds of studies showing clinically significant results using TCM approaches", including the prestigious Harvard Medical School's 2002 review stating..."that acupuncture can safely ease chronic pain" medical directors are being persuaded to introduce TCM treatments to their patient services. The modern Western culture is one based on the scientific method and results driven scientific model. So, when the renown Tuft's-New-England Medical Center finds Tai Chi promotes cardio vascular fitness for chronic conditions, people listen.
Which is why 1/5 of our nation's hospitals now offer complimentary medical services since 2004, with noted American institutions such as Harvard and Columbia Universities leading the way as part of the Consortium of Academic Health Centers for Integrative Medicine. These changes and new trends in thought, are based on the "empirical experience of what's worked for millennia" as expressed by Dr. Bradley Jacobs, internist at UCSF's Osher Center. Which is why 1/4 of American's who's conventional treatments have failed are turning to TCM; and why just as many people are being referred to TCM by their doctors. News of TCM's reported success rate with "multisystemic maladies" is getting around, and people (professionals and laymen alike) are taking notice. Even Western neuroscience is having it's own aha's that human being's "complex interactions between mind, body and brain" are "triggered by stress as well as physical and emotional trauma", as TCM has long known.
One of the challenges TCM still faces is to prove the efficacy of Chinese herbs; especially the Chinese formulas, which use multiple botanicals. This is complicated by the fact that many herbs work together synergistically and therefore are more effective in combination with other herbs, than they are when used individually. Another is from American trained doctors who are unconvinced that TCM is as beneficial as Western medicine -or- that it can meet "accepted standards", as defined in the west.
However, there is potential for success, since even the FDA is changing it's guidelines to allow that the "anecdotal evidence of the safety of an herbal remedy be used in lieu of safety tests on animals" for clinical trials...and this type of federal agency support bodes well for TCM in the court of public opinion.
Which is why 1/5 of our nation's hospitals now offer complimentary medical services since 2004, with noted American institutions such as Harvard and Columbia Universities leading the way as part of the Consortium of Academic Health Centers for Integrative Medicine. These changes and new trends in thought, are based on the "empirical experience of what's worked for millennia" as expressed by Dr. Bradley Jacobs, internist at UCSF's Osher Center. Which is why 1/4 of American's who's conventional treatments have failed are turning to TCM; and why just as many people are being referred to TCM by their doctors. News of TCM's reported success rate with "multisystemic maladies" is getting around, and people (professionals and laymen alike) are taking notice. Even Western neuroscience is having it's own aha's that human being's "complex interactions between mind, body and brain" are "triggered by stress as well as physical and emotional trauma", as TCM has long known.
One of the challenges TCM still faces is to prove the efficacy of Chinese herbs; especially the Chinese formulas, which use multiple botanicals. This is complicated by the fact that many herbs work together synergistically and therefore are more effective in combination with other herbs, than they are when used individually. Another is from American trained doctors who are unconvinced that TCM is as beneficial as Western medicine -or- that it can meet "accepted standards", as defined in the west.
However, there is potential for success, since even the FDA is changing it's guidelines to allow that the "anecdotal evidence of the safety of an herbal remedy be used in lieu of safety tests on animals" for clinical trials...and this type of federal agency support bodes well for TCM in the court of public opinion.
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Week 6: Significance of Language & Tools in Chimps
Necessity is the mother of invention! And food for a hungry stomach - no matter what the species - is one heck of a motivator to figure out new and ingenious ways for getting the food out of where ever it is and into our mouths. Whether you are a human being, a rook or a chimp it makes no difference. Intelligence, communication and ingenuity are all hallmarks of being conscious...and all these species share that in common. It's just that we humans tend to be an arrogant lot, and if we don't see our personal traits and habits reflected in another, we tend to look down on them and think that they aren't as smart or thoughtful or communicative...we even have done this to other (so-called) 'primitive' human cultures, let alone the animals. But, that's just our projecting our own biases, limitations and judgements onto another species. And frequently, when we do this, we misunderstand what we do observe, because we lack the species-specific framework for understanding what we are seeing.
Of course all species have some form of communication between them, we humans may just not understand it, and therefore discount it. Similarly, to the extent that it's necessary, different beings will develop the tools they need to accomplish the tasks at hand...which for most, are primarily focused around food acquisition and eating...since that's what they spend the lion share of their time doing. And when you think that chimps and humans share a common evolutionary history, and we humans went on to develop language and tools, it stands to reason that our common ancestors the chimps would have done so as well. It's just common sense!
Of course all species have some form of communication between them, we humans may just not understand it, and therefore discount it. Similarly, to the extent that it's necessary, different beings will develop the tools they need to accomplish the tasks at hand...which for most, are primarily focused around food acquisition and eating...since that's what they spend the lion share of their time doing. And when you think that chimps and humans share a common evolutionary history, and we humans went on to develop language and tools, it stands to reason that our common ancestors the chimps would have done so as well. It's just common sense!
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Week 6: Living & Non-living systems
According to "The Nature of Life" there are three criteria that a living system must have: 1) pattern of organization -or- relationships that determine essential characteristics, 2) structure or the physical embodiment of the system's pattern of organization and 3) life processes -which- are the interaction of the pattern and structure in an on-going process of activity, as imagined by the designer/creator of the given systems. In addition, one other key element is essential to defining a living system: cognition -or- perception. According to this article, the last criteria is a function of autopoiesis and is what distinguishes a living system from a non-living system.
I think of the "patterns of organization" as the subtle, energetic systems of life. Examples of these would be the energy fields that underlie the human body, including the chakras and the various layers of the auric field. Another subtle underlying energetic pattern around which humans and other living systems are organized includes the TCM meridians and points or Ayurveda's marma points. Similarly, the various functions of the bodies systems are also patterns of organization (including the nervous, circulatory, respiratory, digestive, endocrine, reproductive, metabolic and immune systems). The actual organs of these systems is what would be the physical being and expression of the subtler patterns of organization. And of course, DNA is the most fundamental physical structure underlying embodiment. However, the energy behind DNA, which supports its physical structure, is referred to in the field of Epigenetics-the study of Epigenomes- is contained in the chemicals and switches behind the scenes that tell the different genes how to operate and when.
And, we are told that it is cognition and perception that determine whether a system is alive or not. Yet quantum physicists tell us that the basic 'stuff' the universe is made out of is a unified field of non-local energy -consciousness if you would- which when it interacts at a local point with itself, produces an expression of that interaction we experience as different things, be they a person, animal, plant or bacteria. Similarly, this interaction between the underlying pattern of this unified field, and the structure that it produces, is what is considered the activity involved in the life processes inherent in a living system's pattern of organization. However, if that same conscious unified field underlies everything in existence, perhaps distinguishing between a living versus a non-living system, is simply an exercise in semantics. More food for thought.
I think of the "patterns of organization" as the subtle, energetic systems of life. Examples of these would be the energy fields that underlie the human body, including the chakras and the various layers of the auric field. Another subtle underlying energetic pattern around which humans and other living systems are organized includes the TCM meridians and points or Ayurveda's marma points. Similarly, the various functions of the bodies systems are also patterns of organization (including the nervous, circulatory, respiratory, digestive, endocrine, reproductive, metabolic and immune systems). The actual organs of these systems is what would be the physical being and expression of the subtler patterns of organization. And of course, DNA is the most fundamental physical structure underlying embodiment. However, the energy behind DNA, which supports its physical structure, is referred to in the field of Epigenetics-the study of Epigenomes- is contained in the chemicals and switches behind the scenes that tell the different genes how to operate and when.
And, we are told that it is cognition and perception that determine whether a system is alive or not. Yet quantum physicists tell us that the basic 'stuff' the universe is made out of is a unified field of non-local energy -consciousness if you would- which when it interacts at a local point with itself, produces an expression of that interaction we experience as different things, be they a person, animal, plant or bacteria. Similarly, this interaction between the underlying pattern of this unified field, and the structure that it produces, is what is considered the activity involved in the life processes inherent in a living system's pattern of organization. However, if that same conscious unified field underlies everything in existence, perhaps distinguishing between a living versus a non-living system, is simply an exercise in semantics. More food for thought.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Week 5: Broccoli & Veggies Prevent Cancer
Ask any herbalist and they'll tell you that you can't single out an individual component or constituent of a given plant or herb, standardize the chemical and state that it is the one compound that will cure cancer or any other disease. Rather, it's the synergistic action of all of the constituents of that specific plant, taken together as a whole (including trace elements that can't even be measured), that create the desired effect we are looking for on our health.
So, while I heard back in the late 80's that cruciferous vegetables (members of the mustard family such as broccoli, cabbage and brussels sprouts) help prevent cancer and therefore one should eat more of them in their diet; that is much different from trying to identify and extract the single 'active' ingredient from a plant and use that as the next 'magic bullet'.
Not only that, but it is even more important that we make sure the veggies we are eating are organic, and not pesticide laden. More and more studies and research are coming out (http://www.toxicsinfo.org/Lawn/Pesticides%20&%20Cancer.htm) linking many different forms of cancer to the exposure to pollutants in our environment (including our air and water). Of particular concern are the contamination of our foods from pesticides, exposure to chemicals in home cleaning and lawn care products, as well as through recreational sports on chemically treated fields (think: golf). Here, once again, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
And especially for us as students of Acupuncture, using Food Therapy and Nutritional Counseling with our clients; while I personally do make specific recommendations to clients of herbs and food remedies to help them come more into balance and live healthier lives, the priority request is to eat organic; secondary to that is what specific recommendations are made for their particular dietary needs.
Because, I'll always remember the stunning example a particular Mom used to make her point about eating organic at an Eco-Farm conference one year. She placed white carnations in water colored with green food coloring. After awhile, once the flowers soaked the green water up their stems, soon their once white petals had turned green as well. And the Mom presented the flowers to the onlookers and said: "Just try to wash that off". The point being, pesticides -like the green water- find their way into the ground water of the plants they are sprayed on with the intention to protect, only to be pulled up into the stems, leaves, flowers and fruit of the plant itself...and once consumed, into our bodies as well. Just try to wash that off...
So, while I heard back in the late 80's that cruciferous vegetables (members of the mustard family such as broccoli, cabbage and brussels sprouts) help prevent cancer and therefore one should eat more of them in their diet; that is much different from trying to identify and extract the single 'active' ingredient from a plant and use that as the next 'magic bullet'.
Not only that, but it is even more important that we make sure the veggies we are eating are organic, and not pesticide laden. More and more studies and research are coming out (http://www.toxicsinfo.org/Lawn/Pesticides%20&%20Cancer.htm) linking many different forms of cancer to the exposure to pollutants in our environment (including our air and water). Of particular concern are the contamination of our foods from pesticides, exposure to chemicals in home cleaning and lawn care products, as well as through recreational sports on chemically treated fields (think: golf). Here, once again, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
And especially for us as students of Acupuncture, using Food Therapy and Nutritional Counseling with our clients; while I personally do make specific recommendations to clients of herbs and food remedies to help them come more into balance and live healthier lives, the priority request is to eat organic; secondary to that is what specific recommendations are made for their particular dietary needs.
Because, I'll always remember the stunning example a particular Mom used to make her point about eating organic at an Eco-Farm conference one year. She placed white carnations in water colored with green food coloring. After awhile, once the flowers soaked the green water up their stems, soon their once white petals had turned green as well. And the Mom presented the flowers to the onlookers and said: "Just try to wash that off". The point being, pesticides -like the green water- find their way into the ground water of the plants they are sprayed on with the intention to protect, only to be pulled up into the stems, leaves, flowers and fruit of the plant itself...and once consumed, into our bodies as well. Just try to wash that off...
Week 5: Chicken and Egg Question Answered
I would have to agree, with our distinguished panel of guests, that the egg itself would have had to precede the adult chicken. As we have seen with our other studies into the process of evolution, many species have gone through various genetic mutations and changes along the way in their development. However, there comes a time when the organism no longer interbreeds with the species of origin, but in fact goes through a process of speciation, based on random chance and natural selection. It is at this moment, with the solidification of that particular gene pattern in the DNA, that the next generation contained in that egg, evolved into what we now know today to be the species: chicken.
Week 5: Can Diversification Save Species?
Actually, diversification is the only thing that can save a species. Any other approach is the short path to extinction. Just like with the Irish potato famine of the 19th century, when we plant a mono crop, it means that we are depending on that single variety of that plant to withstand whatever diseases and pests that might attack it. And the diseases, whether in the form of a fungus in the soil or a pest in the form of a beetle or fly, those organisms are continuing to to evolve; and their single mandate is to bypass the plant's natural defenses. Unfortunately, when we grow mono-cultures, frequently they produce sterile offspring which can only be propagated through identical cuttings; this means that the genetics are not only all the same, but get weaker with each succeeding generation. This further diminishes the odds of the plant being able to withstand the onslaught of pests in whatever form.
As as matter of fact, this very situation happened not too long ago much closer to home. According to our local CA Ag Commissioner, who used to work for the state of Oregon, one of their main crops had been mint for the essential oil market (specifically for tooth paste companies such as Colgate). What happened in Oregon is similar to what is happening with the British banana variety, the Cavendish: a fungus infected the soil and spread throughout the state, ravaging the rhizomes of the entire mint crop along the way. And once, the soil was infected, it was no longer possible to grow mint in the state of Oregon!
It is for this very reason that organic farmers stress using seeds from open-pollinated, heirloom varieties of plants: to insure that their genetics, and thus the plants themselves, are strong because they are diverse.
As as matter of fact, this very situation happened not too long ago much closer to home. According to our local CA Ag Commissioner, who used to work for the state of Oregon, one of their main crops had been mint for the essential oil market (specifically for tooth paste companies such as Colgate). What happened in Oregon is similar to what is happening with the British banana variety, the Cavendish: a fungus infected the soil and spread throughout the state, ravaging the rhizomes of the entire mint crop along the way. And once, the soil was infected, it was no longer possible to grow mint in the state of Oregon!
It is for this very reason that organic farmers stress using seeds from open-pollinated, heirloom varieties of plants: to insure that their genetics, and thus the plants themselves, are strong because they are diverse.
Week 4: How & When Did Chimps & Humans Diverge?
By combining both genetic DNA analysis and data from the fossil record, the article "When Humans, Chimps Were Kissn' Cousins" postulates that the process of human-chimp speciation probably occurred over time, included several inter-bred variations of chimps and humans along the way. Further they conclude that, of these inter-bred human-chimp variations some may have given rise to a sterile offspring while others may have produced fertile offspring for awhile, eventually tapering off to a dead-end for that particular in-bred species. And all of this predates when the final "interbred hybrid groups ultimately began the human lineage".
It makes sense to me that inter-breeding would naturally occur within the context of species development until the final chimp and human species permanently separated, especially since our DNA is 99.4% the same! However, I think that while it is plausible, this theory is still just that: conjecture. We don't really know when or how the human and chimp lines split, and scientists are just making their best guess with the data they have to date. As more information becomes available through cross-pollination between different scientific approaches (anthropology and genetics) and new technologies continue develop, undoubtedly, so, too will our theories of chimp and human evolution.
It makes sense to me that inter-breeding would naturally occur within the context of species development until the final chimp and human species permanently separated, especially since our DNA is 99.4% the same! However, I think that while it is plausible, this theory is still just that: conjecture. We don't really know when or how the human and chimp lines split, and scientists are just making their best guess with the data they have to date. As more information becomes available through cross-pollination between different scientific approaches (anthropology and genetics) and new technologies continue develop, undoubtedly, so, too will our theories of chimp and human evolution.
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Raising our Dopamine Levels
According to Dr. Eric Braverman, author of "The Edge Effect" (http://www.pathmed.com/) , Dopamine is one of 4 main neurotransmitters that our bodies produce to help maintain optimal brain function. "Beta brain waves are created in the frontal lobes from neurons that produce the biochemical dopamine, which controls our electrical voltage. Dopamine monitors the metabolism. It works like a natural amphetamine and controls our excitement, about new ideas, and motivation. Dopamine controls bodily functions related to power, including blood pressure, metabolism, and digestion. Dopamine generates the electricity that controls voluntary movement, intelligence, abstract thought, setting goals, long term planning, and personality. The dopamine edge is characterized by its by-product, adrenaline. When we loose our dopamine edge, the physical effects can include addictive disorders, obesity severe fatigue, and Parkinson's disease."
Depending on if we are in physical health or not, our dopamine levels may be out of balance, either on the high or low side. "Producing too much dopamine makes you overly tense, driven, and impulsive. For Example. At the extreme, criminals, especially repeat sexual offenders are often high-dopamine natures with overactive libidos". When our dopamine is on the low side, the symptoms can range from anemia, blood sugar problems and diabetes to kidney disease, thyroid disorders and narcolepsy. Attention deficit disorder, lack of working memory, mood swings and hyperactivity are other symptoms of too little dopamine being produced.
Not only can we produce dopamine, but we need to, and in the proper amount in order function properly. Depak Chopra was speaking to this point in his audio CD "Magical Mind, Magical Body". On that CD, Depak was explaining how the placebo effect worked. What he said basically is that upon being administered a placebo that supposedly would have the effect of boosting the dopamine levels, an individuals belief in actually receiving the treatment would cause the body to respond in kind, creating dopamine of its own...and thus, experiencing the effects of this neurotransmitter in the body.
However, if we have a dopamine deficiency, it can be corrected by using a combination of what Dr. Braverman calls the "seven treatment modalities: medications, hormones, supplements, diet, lifestyle, environment and electrical treatments". In terms of natural remedies, they include nutrients such as DLPA (phenylalanine), tyrosine, methionine, pyridoxine (B6), B complex and phosphatidylserine; as well as Chinese herbs such as the long-used, ancient herb and adaptogen rhodiola (Rhodiola rosea) and ginko biloba (Yin Guo Ye Wan), a 5,0000 year old TCM remedy, for increasing blood flow and circulation throughout the body and brain.
Depending on if we are in physical health or not, our dopamine levels may be out of balance, either on the high or low side. "Producing too much dopamine makes you overly tense, driven, and impulsive. For Example. At the extreme, criminals, especially repeat sexual offenders are often high-dopamine natures with overactive libidos". When our dopamine is on the low side, the symptoms can range from anemia, blood sugar problems and diabetes to kidney disease, thyroid disorders and narcolepsy. Attention deficit disorder, lack of working memory, mood swings and hyperactivity are other symptoms of too little dopamine being produced.
Not only can we produce dopamine, but we need to, and in the proper amount in order function properly. Depak Chopra was speaking to this point in his audio CD "Magical Mind, Magical Body". On that CD, Depak was explaining how the placebo effect worked. What he said basically is that upon being administered a placebo that supposedly would have the effect of boosting the dopamine levels, an individuals belief in actually receiving the treatment would cause the body to respond in kind, creating dopamine of its own...and thus, experiencing the effects of this neurotransmitter in the body.
However, if we have a dopamine deficiency, it can be corrected by using a combination of what Dr. Braverman calls the "seven treatment modalities: medications, hormones, supplements, diet, lifestyle, environment and electrical treatments". In terms of natural remedies, they include nutrients such as DLPA (phenylalanine), tyrosine, methionine, pyridoxine (B6), B complex and phosphatidylserine; as well as Chinese herbs such as the long-used, ancient herb and adaptogen rhodiola (Rhodiola rosea) and ginko biloba (Yin Guo Ye Wan), a 5,0000 year old TCM remedy, for increasing blood flow and circulation throughout the body and brain.
Antibiotics and Superbugs
My answer to the question as to whether or not there is a drug for just about every malady, is that we don't need drugs for everything, because, we have herbs for that! In his enlightening and empowering book, Herbal Antibiotics, Stephen Buhner "provides conclusive evidence that plant medicines with their multiple antibiotic compounds, are remarkably effective against drug resistant bacteria". In Stephen's book, "you'll learn how herbs such as aloe, garlic and grapefruit seed extract represent our best defense against bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureous, E. coli and Salmonella - and how their use will ensure that, in the future, antibiotic drugs will still be there when we need them". Basically, the antibiotic compounds in herbs are so complex in their nature, that it is impossible for the bacteria to become immune to them, unlike with 'silver bullet' antibiotics.
Similarly, the power of essential oils are another example of the superior efficacy of plant medicines against even super bugs such as MRSA, Klebsiella pneumonia, Staphlococcus aureous and similar pathogens. Just ask Anne Vermillye, owner and E.O. formulator for BioExcell LLC. Ann was successful in having her two E.O. blends "Breathe Great" and "Dental Delight" clinically tested, alongside the leading antibiotics, against the diseases listed above, and the E.O. blends were successful where the antibiotics were not. Read the JANA article on Anne's website: http://www.bioexcel.com/.
Whether it's Western Herbalism, TCM's herbal formulas (patent and otherwise), Ayurveda's treasure trove of remedies, or Homeopathy these are just a few of the age-old herbal medicines that have been used effectively for millennia. Not to mention the as yet undiscovered plant remedies that are potentially available in the Amazon Rain Forest. Using these time-tested plants and herbs will not only provide the cure to most of our common diseases, but will ensure we don't create any more multi-drug resistant strains of bacteria, while leaving the antibiotics we do have for when we really need them.
Similarly, the power of essential oils are another example of the superior efficacy of plant medicines against even super bugs such as MRSA, Klebsiella pneumonia, Staphlococcus aureous and similar pathogens. Just ask Anne Vermillye, owner and E.O. formulator for BioExcell LLC. Ann was successful in having her two E.O. blends "Breathe Great" and "Dental Delight" clinically tested, alongside the leading antibiotics, against the diseases listed above, and the E.O. blends were successful where the antibiotics were not. Read the JANA article on Anne's website: http://www.bioexcel.com/.
Whether it's Western Herbalism, TCM's herbal formulas (patent and otherwise), Ayurveda's treasure trove of remedies, or Homeopathy these are just a few of the age-old herbal medicines that have been used effectively for millennia. Not to mention the as yet undiscovered plant remedies that are potentially available in the Amazon Rain Forest. Using these time-tested plants and herbs will not only provide the cure to most of our common diseases, but will ensure we don't create any more multi-drug resistant strains of bacteria, while leaving the antibiotics we do have for when we really need them.
Monday, October 5, 2009
Human Genetic Evolution
Human Genetic Evolution seems to be like a giant Rubix Cube...with anthropologists throughout history and the world over attempting to add the latest find and piece of DNA data to solve the puzzle. However, the contradictory evidence and theories prove only one thing: we don't really know our how our deep ancestry developed, interacted and inter-related the world over. There are as many opinions as there are different types of data available...be it the "Replacement Model" arguments, based on fossil records and DNA evidence or the "Regional Continuity Model" based on fossil evidence alone.
Truthfully, we have lot of clues about how life evoloved on this planet, but the jury is still out about how our solar system came into existence...or how life first developed on this planet, let alone evolved. It's interesting that we like to pretend that we know for certain how things developed on the planet and within our species, and we teach it to our kids in school as if it were fact -but- the truth is it's just a series of conflicting hypothesis!
On the other hand, it's interesting that NASA has astrobiologists working for them, and are actually considering that life on earth may have been delivered via meteor from the building blocks of outer space; but, then again, maybe they are just trying to guarantee their funding and existence in the future.
I must admit that, as a species, we certainly have been fascinated with the age old question. "where did we come from"? And to that end have been busy studying and classifying all kinds of information about life forms on earth, from the effects of natural selection on the Peppered Moths (I think it's amazing that during the Industrial Revolution the black mutation of the Peppered Moth concentrated in the soot-filled cities, while the naturally speckled moths lived in the country where lichen still flourished!) to the organization and categorization of the various species of life on earth...one thing is for certain, humans have been busy trying to solve this age old riddle. However, the definitive answer still eludes us.
Truthfully, we have lot of clues about how life evoloved on this planet, but the jury is still out about how our solar system came into existence...or how life first developed on this planet, let alone evolved. It's interesting that we like to pretend that we know for certain how things developed on the planet and within our species, and we teach it to our kids in school as if it were fact -but- the truth is it's just a series of conflicting hypothesis!
On the other hand, it's interesting that NASA has astrobiologists working for them, and are actually considering that life on earth may have been delivered via meteor from the building blocks of outer space; but, then again, maybe they are just trying to guarantee their funding and existence in the future.
I must admit that, as a species, we certainly have been fascinated with the age old question. "where did we come from"? And to that end have been busy studying and classifying all kinds of information about life forms on earth, from the effects of natural selection on the Peppered Moths (I think it's amazing that during the Industrial Revolution the black mutation of the Peppered Moth concentrated in the soot-filled cities, while the naturally speckled moths lived in the country where lichen still flourished!) to the organization and categorization of the various species of life on earth...one thing is for certain, humans have been busy trying to solve this age old riddle. However, the definitive answer still eludes us.
Autopoiesis & Cybernetics
I am trying to meaningfully hold the perspectives about the above systems theories within an context large enough to embrace the vedic and shamanic systems that form the basis of my outlook on life. To resolve that potential paradox, it seems to me that self-sustaining autopoietic systems are inter-related and can be seen to be nested within each other...from the tiniest bacterium, to an individual human being, to society, the earth itself, our solar system and beyond.
When I think about what Depok Chopra said in his audio book "Magical Mind, Magical Body", he spoke about the unified field theory and how the experience of being seemingly separate lifeforms, arises out of this all-pervading morphogenic field of consciousness. Further he explained, what was happening is that the non-local field interacts with itself and at a localized point of this interaction, it creates a reflection of that interaction; a hologram image if you would representing that interaction. If God/spirit/creation is one huge self-sustaining, interrelated field of consciousness, then everything that exists withing that system creates an interactive, feedback loop capable of self-production. And as such, divine consciousness then would meet the criteria for Autopoiesis.
When I think about what Depok Chopra said in his audio book "Magical Mind, Magical Body", he spoke about the unified field theory and how the experience of being seemingly separate lifeforms, arises out of this all-pervading morphogenic field of consciousness. Further he explained, what was happening is that the non-local field interacts with itself and at a localized point of this interaction, it creates a reflection of that interaction; a hologram image if you would representing that interaction. If God/spirit/creation is one huge self-sustaining, interrelated field of consciousness, then everything that exists withing that system creates an interactive, feedback loop capable of self-production. And as such, divine consciousness then would meet the criteria for Autopoiesis.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Prokaryotes, Eukaryotes & Viruses Tutorial
Reading this tutorial reminded me of the 1960's movie "Fantastic Voyage"...I'll never forget the scene when the leukocytes attacked the scientist's ship, dealing with them as they would any other foreign body. It's just amazing to me all the microscopic lifeforms, having their own experiences, that we are oblivious to...like bacteria and viruses.
The Archaea are really interesting in that they are single-celled, and genetically distinct from bacteria, while thriving in extreme environmental conditions. That's incredible to me. Like the lifeforms that live under the ocean in the thermal vents. How they tolerate the extreme heat is beyond me.
When I was reading about the Eukaryotes (which includes animals, plants and fungi) with all their specialized bio membranes and organelles, it seemed weird to me that the prevailing theory about their mitochondria and chloroplasts are believed to have originated as captured bacterium?! What a strange concept to consider. Here is an amazing organism, with complicated internal structures, their own genes and DNA, complete with a nucleus. Why, then, do we think that they wouldn't by design have a structure for energy production such as the mitochondria and one for photosynthesis, such as the chloroplasts. That would seem to be pretty core functionality...that bit of hypothesis was a disconnect for me.
The other thing that struck me was the Graph of Infectious Disease Killers in 1995...when I looked at it, I was struck by a couple of things...TB claimed 3.1 million lives. I know that there are multiple, drug-resistant strains of TB out there. Mainly, it's because the treatment centers around this multiple drug cocktail that someone suffering with the disease has to take for a year of more! As a matter of fact, the CDC office in Berkeley has some incurable strains in deep freeze for research purposes. I worked on a video project in 2000 for the World Health Organization and had the chance to work with a number of Microbiologists, who told me all sorts of unsettling information such as that.
And another 3.1 million died from Diarrhea...I guess that must have to do with unsanitary living conditions in third world countries suffering behind war and conflict (think: Africa and South America). It's really tragic because it is probably easily avoidable and curable...if only they had the proper public health and medical services.
Another thing my Microbiologist friends told me was that the range of Malaria is increasing due to global pollution and temperature changes. Such that the range of the mosquitoes that carry Malaria has increased and they are now seeing cases of the disease at elevations previously immune to the problem. These are some of the hidden problems caused by global warming.
And, as far as the 4.4 million cases of Respiratory Infections, again, I can't help think that the global pollution situation is easily contributing to these numbers.
So, if we were to consider species dominance based on sheer numbers, it's obvious that the bacteria and viruses are winning...and it looks like they just might come out on top in the end...by our own hand.
The Archaea are really interesting in that they are single-celled, and genetically distinct from bacteria, while thriving in extreme environmental conditions. That's incredible to me. Like the lifeforms that live under the ocean in the thermal vents. How they tolerate the extreme heat is beyond me.
When I was reading about the Eukaryotes (which includes animals, plants and fungi) with all their specialized bio membranes and organelles, it seemed weird to me that the prevailing theory about their mitochondria and chloroplasts are believed to have originated as captured bacterium?! What a strange concept to consider. Here is an amazing organism, with complicated internal structures, their own genes and DNA, complete with a nucleus. Why, then, do we think that they wouldn't by design have a structure for energy production such as the mitochondria and one for photosynthesis, such as the chloroplasts. That would seem to be pretty core functionality...that bit of hypothesis was a disconnect for me.
The other thing that struck me was the Graph of Infectious Disease Killers in 1995...when I looked at it, I was struck by a couple of things...TB claimed 3.1 million lives. I know that there are multiple, drug-resistant strains of TB out there. Mainly, it's because the treatment centers around this multiple drug cocktail that someone suffering with the disease has to take for a year of more! As a matter of fact, the CDC office in Berkeley has some incurable strains in deep freeze for research purposes. I worked on a video project in 2000 for the World Health Organization and had the chance to work with a number of Microbiologists, who told me all sorts of unsettling information such as that.
And another 3.1 million died from Diarrhea...I guess that must have to do with unsanitary living conditions in third world countries suffering behind war and conflict (think: Africa and South America). It's really tragic because it is probably easily avoidable and curable...if only they had the proper public health and medical services.
Another thing my Microbiologist friends told me was that the range of Malaria is increasing due to global pollution and temperature changes. Such that the range of the mosquitoes that carry Malaria has increased and they are now seeing cases of the disease at elevations previously immune to the problem. These are some of the hidden problems caused by global warming.
And, as far as the 4.4 million cases of Respiratory Infections, again, I can't help think that the global pollution situation is easily contributing to these numbers.
So, if we were to consider species dominance based on sheer numbers, it's obvious that the bacteria and viruses are winning...and it looks like they just might come out on top in the end...by our own hand.
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Homo = Chimps & Humans?
How do our genes really work? How does DNA know when to duplicate itself? It's amazing enough just to contemplate such things; but, oh, how humbling to realize that our 'superior' human species is not so very different genetically than chimps? Less than a .6% difference at that!
While I am very happy to know that at least this awareness will possibly "raise the chimps profile and potentially improve their conservation", helping to protect their species - it's not- a given. It's just too bad that we are so anthropocentric that it takes something like this to make us conscious enough to even consider that this species should be protected from extinction. Meanwhile, in 1998, "nearly seven out of 10 of the biologists polled said they believed a "mass extinction" was underway, and an equal number predicted that up to one-fifth of all living species could disappear within 30 years. Nearly all attributed the losses to human activity, especially the destruction of plant and animal habitats". http://www.well.com/~davidu/extinction.html It's a mind-boggling consideration, if that prediction is true, what life will be like on this planet in 20 more short years.
So, while we ponder the implication of whether humans and chimps sit on the same branch of the family tree, and what ramifications that has genetically; we best also consider changing our ecological habits in order to sustain the earth that the tree is planted in, or there will be nothing left to consider.
While I am very happy to know that at least this awareness will possibly "raise the chimps profile and potentially improve their conservation", helping to protect their species - it's not- a given. It's just too bad that we are so anthropocentric that it takes something like this to make us conscious enough to even consider that this species should be protected from extinction. Meanwhile, in 1998, "nearly seven out of 10 of the biologists polled said they believed a "mass extinction" was underway, and an equal number predicted that up to one-fifth of all living species could disappear within 30 years. Nearly all attributed the losses to human activity, especially the destruction of plant and animal habitats". http://www.well.com/~davidu/extinction.html It's a mind-boggling consideration, if that prediction is true, what life will be like on this planet in 20 more short years.
So, while we ponder the implication of whether humans and chimps sit on the same branch of the family tree, and what ramifications that has genetically; we best also consider changing our ecological habits in order to sustain the earth that the tree is planted in, or there will be nothing left to consider.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Why Darwinism Matters
It's just amazing to me the rationale that people will use to justify their behavior and paychecks. Please don't ask me to even seriously consider that "rape is not a pathology" but rather an "evolutionary adaptation, and strategy for maximizing reproductive success" as proposed in "The Natural History of Rape". I can't even believe that this topic has been seriously debated in the hallowed halls of academia for years! Seriously speaking, I want to know who funded such 'research' and paid for the publication of such a book. I think that these men need to spend a lifetime as a woman in Africa where rape is used by the guerrillas as a terrorist method to keep the people down and female genital mutilation is routinely practiced...then, we can have the conversation about rape once again and see if their opinions have changed.
And as far as author Thornhill's comment about "evolutionary background...not (being) a debatable matter", perhaps no one has told him that it's a working theory (which means it has and will continue to change) -not- cold, hard fact as he implies. In my estimation, Thornhill is simply co-opting evolutionary theory to justify his perspective and make his point.
In my estimation, Thornbill's approach is totally left-brained. As neuroanatomist Jill Bolte Taylor writes in her illuminating book, My Stroke Of Insight: "one of the most prominent characteristics of our left brain is its ability to weave stories...it thrives on details, details, and more details; using words to describe, define, categorize and communicate about everything...our left brain is brilliant in its ability to make stuff up...and quite the genius in its ability to manufacture alternative scenarios...either good or awful, it's particularly effective about hooking into those circuits of emotion and exhausting the 'what-if' possibilities". Similarly, the "left brain language center defines our self by saying 'I am'...it is the home of our ego center...excels at academics...and manifests a sense of authority over the details it masters". In addition, our left brains "...understand everything using deductive reasoning... and manifests the concept of time by stringing the complex moments of experience in timely succession of past, present and future". In short, the left brain analyses the details of our experience by breaking them down into component parts and creating "loops of thought patterns" which it compares to previous sensory memories, using "pattern recognition", based on past experience.
By comparison, the right brain, "functions like a parallel processor" which "thinks in pictures and perceives the big picture of the present moment" where "no time exists other than the present...vibrant with sensations, thoughts, emotions and physiological responses...it thinks intuitively outside the box...it is spontaneous, carefree, and imaginative without inhibition or judgement..perceives how everything is related, how we all join together to make up the whole..contains our ability to be empathetic, to walk in the shoes of others and feel their feelings...interprets nonverbal communication and evaluates subtle cues of language, tone of voice, facial expression, and body language...it is biologically designed to readily tune in to our physiology." Jill's stroke of insight was that our right brains are "directly connected to our deep feelings of inner peace, love, joy and compassion" and their expression in the world.
So, why this treatise on the brain and how it works? Because, as Jill says, "the two halves of our brains don't just perceive and think in different ways at a neurological level, but they demonstrate very different values based on the types of information they perceive, and thus exhibit very different personalities"...which is why we need to use them in concert with one another...which Thornbill definitely is not doing. Were he and the other authors to be using both sides of their brains, they would also by extension connect to their hearts and souls...and very probably reach very different conclusions than those presented in their book.
I also take issue with Churchland's comments about the "human mind evolving to enhance the organisms chances of survival"; I see our evolution as a process striving towards knowing our own essentially divine nature. The capacity for which is determined by our level of consciousness and awareness -or- not.
And when Darwin argues that the "human mind cannot give us any real truth", I would say it would be more accurate to say the physiological left brain sans the incorporation of the right brain and the mind/consciousness/soul which strives through divine inspiration to seek knowledge of it's ultimate reality at the quantum level of spirit/God/divinity.
As to whether or not "naturalism is the new paganism", I don't think we need a new paradigm; rather, we need to honor the old ones. Deva Premal writes in the liner notes of her CD Moola Mantra, "unity in diversity is the only way for humanity to live in harmony", and I quite agree.
And as Deepak Chopra so eloquently states in his book How to Know God, our understanding of God, and I would dare say the very nature of our existence and evolution (on all levels),
evolves depending on our soul level and spiritual development. Thus, our comprehension of what God means to us is a direct reflection of physiological reactions in the brain itself which shape consciousness. And "free will" allows us to make choices both desirable and undesirable, which is how we grow and learn, ultimately moving toward the shared goal of self-realization.
So, our thinking and ideology, theories and beliefs (be they personal or institutionalized) are all a reflection of and projection of our individual belief systems; and as such create a 'snap-shot' in time of where any one of us is in our personal evolutionary process.
And as far as author Thornhill's comment about "evolutionary background...not (being) a debatable matter", perhaps no one has told him that it's a working theory (which means it has and will continue to change) -not- cold, hard fact as he implies. In my estimation, Thornhill is simply co-opting evolutionary theory to justify his perspective and make his point.
In my estimation, Thornbill's approach is totally left-brained. As neuroanatomist Jill Bolte Taylor writes in her illuminating book, My Stroke Of Insight: "one of the most prominent characteristics of our left brain is its ability to weave stories...it thrives on details, details, and more details; using words to describe, define, categorize and communicate about everything...our left brain is brilliant in its ability to make stuff up...and quite the genius in its ability to manufacture alternative scenarios...either good or awful, it's particularly effective about hooking into those circuits of emotion and exhausting the 'what-if' possibilities". Similarly, the "left brain language center defines our self by saying 'I am'...it is the home of our ego center...excels at academics...and manifests a sense of authority over the details it masters". In addition, our left brains "...understand everything using deductive reasoning... and manifests the concept of time by stringing the complex moments of experience in timely succession of past, present and future". In short, the left brain analyses the details of our experience by breaking them down into component parts and creating "loops of thought patterns" which it compares to previous sensory memories, using "pattern recognition", based on past experience.
By comparison, the right brain, "functions like a parallel processor" which "thinks in pictures and perceives the big picture of the present moment" where "no time exists other than the present...vibrant with sensations, thoughts, emotions and physiological responses...it thinks intuitively outside the box...it is spontaneous, carefree, and imaginative without inhibition or judgement..perceives how everything is related, how we all join together to make up the whole..contains our ability to be empathetic, to walk in the shoes of others and feel their feelings...interprets nonverbal communication and evaluates subtle cues of language, tone of voice, facial expression, and body language...it is biologically designed to readily tune in to our physiology." Jill's stroke of insight was that our right brains are "directly connected to our deep feelings of inner peace, love, joy and compassion" and their expression in the world.
So, why this treatise on the brain and how it works? Because, as Jill says, "the two halves of our brains don't just perceive and think in different ways at a neurological level, but they demonstrate very different values based on the types of information they perceive, and thus exhibit very different personalities"...which is why we need to use them in concert with one another...which Thornbill definitely is not doing. Were he and the other authors to be using both sides of their brains, they would also by extension connect to their hearts and souls...and very probably reach very different conclusions than those presented in their book.
I also take issue with Churchland's comments about the "human mind evolving to enhance the organisms chances of survival"; I see our evolution as a process striving towards knowing our own essentially divine nature. The capacity for which is determined by our level of consciousness and awareness -or- not.
And when Darwin argues that the "human mind cannot give us any real truth", I would say it would be more accurate to say the physiological left brain sans the incorporation of the right brain and the mind/consciousness/soul which strives through divine inspiration to seek knowledge of it's ultimate reality at the quantum level of spirit/God/divinity.
As to whether or not "naturalism is the new paganism", I don't think we need a new paradigm; rather, we need to honor the old ones. Deva Premal writes in the liner notes of her CD Moola Mantra, "unity in diversity is the only way for humanity to live in harmony", and I quite agree.
And as Deepak Chopra so eloquently states in his book How to Know God, our understanding of God, and I would dare say the very nature of our existence and evolution (on all levels),
evolves depending on our soul level and spiritual development. Thus, our comprehension of what God means to us is a direct reflection of physiological reactions in the brain itself which shape consciousness. And "free will" allows us to make choices both desirable and undesirable, which is how we grow and learn, ultimately moving toward the shared goal of self-realization.
So, our thinking and ideology, theories and beliefs (be they personal or institutionalized) are all a reflection of and projection of our individual belief systems; and as such create a 'snap-shot' in time of where any one of us is in our personal evolutionary process.
Evo Devo
I think it is simply amazing that Lewis and others have been as dedicated and passionate about their study and research; and undoubtedly their efforts have yielded detailed information for the scientific world, cracking open the DNA code about genetics and species development, which has benefited us all. Imagine working 3 decades with millions of fruit flies to find this out! Who could have imaged that outcome?
And yet, I am also ethically and morally unsettled by Lewis et al, Bosch and Goldberg's efforts as well. What specifically has me squirming are their methods of the purposeful "design of mutated flies", with "legs where the mouth or antennae should be, mouth parts where legs belong, and other structural calamities". OK, maybe they are just fruit flies and perhaps lesser forms of life than mice or rats; but, I can't help but imagine if the roles were reversed...what would we as humans think of another life-form doing the same to us? From the perspective of the fly, it must be a horrible experience to be created as a non-functional monster of your species for the sole purpose of experimentation and science of another species. Imagine what that life form must experience. Thank goodness their life expectancy is mercifully short!
Certainly, we as human beings have benefited from such experiments; yet I can't help wondering if we couldn't have learned such information by less invasive, unkind, barbaric means. I think of the various tribes of the Amazon, which Darby speaks to in his book "The Cosmic Serpent" who have worked with teacher plants for millenia and as such been taught about molecular biological information, on the DNA level, about the flora and fauna of their environment, without such experimentation on other species.
And if you think I'm going off the deep-end on this one, let me explain...as part of my spiritual path, I endeavor to practice 'ahimsa' -or- as Mahatma Gandhi proposed: non-violence towards others. Which means certainly the non-killing of other life-forms -but- I bet it also means the non-torture or creation of beings for the sole purpose of 'scientific investigation' and experimentation. As a species we condemn the Nazis for doing this very thing with people, yet we find nothing wrong with using these tactics with fruit flies, mice, rats, dogs, cats, monkeys, because they are supposedly lower on the evolutionary scale. Oh, really? And guess who created that scale...those who are at the 'top' no doubt. In other words: us humans.
When we consider that so many creatures have "similar-sized genomes, composed of virtually identical genes"...with not much difference between the genomes of humans, chimps and mice, it makes me wonder just who the mutant monsters really are. Perhaps we should call it: devolution. Food for thought.
And yet, I am also ethically and morally unsettled by Lewis et al, Bosch and Goldberg's efforts as well. What specifically has me squirming are their methods of the purposeful "design of mutated flies", with "legs where the mouth or antennae should be, mouth parts where legs belong, and other structural calamities". OK, maybe they are just fruit flies and perhaps lesser forms of life than mice or rats; but, I can't help but imagine if the roles were reversed...what would we as humans think of another life-form doing the same to us? From the perspective of the fly, it must be a horrible experience to be created as a non-functional monster of your species for the sole purpose of experimentation and science of another species. Imagine what that life form must experience. Thank goodness their life expectancy is mercifully short!
Certainly, we as human beings have benefited from such experiments; yet I can't help wondering if we couldn't have learned such information by less invasive, unkind, barbaric means. I think of the various tribes of the Amazon, which Darby speaks to in his book "The Cosmic Serpent" who have worked with teacher plants for millenia and as such been taught about molecular biological information, on the DNA level, about the flora and fauna of their environment, without such experimentation on other species.
And if you think I'm going off the deep-end on this one, let me explain...as part of my spiritual path, I endeavor to practice 'ahimsa' -or- as Mahatma Gandhi proposed: non-violence towards others. Which means certainly the non-killing of other life-forms -but- I bet it also means the non-torture or creation of beings for the sole purpose of 'scientific investigation' and experimentation. As a species we condemn the Nazis for doing this very thing with people, yet we find nothing wrong with using these tactics with fruit flies, mice, rats, dogs, cats, monkeys, because they are supposedly lower on the evolutionary scale. Oh, really? And guess who created that scale...those who are at the 'top' no doubt. In other words: us humans.
When we consider that so many creatures have "similar-sized genomes, composed of virtually identical genes"...with not much difference between the genomes of humans, chimps and mice, it makes me wonder just who the mutant monsters really are. Perhaps we should call it: devolution. Food for thought.
Monday, September 21, 2009
Answers in Genesis
If there is one thing I have learned from my time on this earth it is that truth and reality are all relative to the POV and perspective that one is coming from. I come from a family of born-again Christians...except for me. I'm the shamanic, animistic, vedantic, Taoist, lesbian hedonist of the bunch. But, seriously, just as my sibling's viewpoints are formed by their faith and beliefs, so is mine...it's just that what we have faith and belief in is different. Please don't get me wrong, I think that every individuals experience of 'reality' is informed by their experience and as such each one is valid in it's own way, for that person; but, that's part of my perspective on reality. And, similarly, I think whatever we believe also informs our experience as well...hence 'believing is seeing'.
Just like in this article, my born-again family members use the Bible as the foundation of their faith and belief, and God's word informs their perspective on creation. And, I imagine their beliefs would be very much in line with what this website promotes. As a matter of fact, I also agree when they say things like "...we have a set of presuppositions to build a way of thinking which enables us to interpret the evidence of the present. Evolutionists have certain beliefs about the past/present that they presuppose, e.g. no God (or at least none who performed acts of special creation), so they build a different way of thinking to interpret the evidence of the present. Thus, when Christians and non-Christians argue about the evidence, in reality they are arguing about their interpretations based on their presuppositions." It's just that we have different presuppositions, which lead to different interpretations and conclusions about creation/evolution.
My perspective and belief system is informed by my shamanic experiences and training (Plant Spirit Medicine, shamanic drum journeys, healing rituals with Shipibo shaman and their teacher plants), Vedic Astrology and Vedanta studies (including karma and reincarnation) as well as my training in TCM and Taoism that inform and shape my world view. From those and personal mystical experiences, I have come to believe that reality is a projection of our belief systems and thus very malleable; it changes over time as our perceptions grow and develop. At least that has been my personal experience.
I would also agree with the ideas on this website that there are divine underpinnings to reality and a divine genesis to the world and universe as we know it; however, that's where the similarity stops. Because, where as these folks take a specifically Christian perspective to creation and genesis, I believe that all of creation is a reflection of its inherent divinity. And as such everything reflects that divinity. In other words: all paths are one. Whatever your religious or spiritual belief system, understanding of God/Spirit/Creator is true for you and ultimately will lead you home to the same place we are all travelling toward: self-knowledge...or understanding our selves as children and creations of the same divine creator/goddess/spirit.
Just like in this article, my born-again family members use the Bible as the foundation of their faith and belief, and God's word informs their perspective on creation. And, I imagine their beliefs would be very much in line with what this website promotes. As a matter of fact, I also agree when they say things like "...we have a set of presuppositions to build a way of thinking which enables us to interpret the evidence of the present. Evolutionists have certain beliefs about the past/present that they presuppose, e.g. no God (or at least none who performed acts of special creation), so they build a different way of thinking to interpret the evidence of the present. Thus, when Christians and non-Christians argue about the evidence, in reality they are arguing about their interpretations based on their presuppositions." It's just that we have different presuppositions, which lead to different interpretations and conclusions about creation/evolution.
My perspective and belief system is informed by my shamanic experiences and training (Plant Spirit Medicine, shamanic drum journeys, healing rituals with Shipibo shaman and their teacher plants), Vedic Astrology and Vedanta studies (including karma and reincarnation) as well as my training in TCM and Taoism that inform and shape my world view. From those and personal mystical experiences, I have come to believe that reality is a projection of our belief systems and thus very malleable; it changes over time as our perceptions grow and develop. At least that has been my personal experience.
I would also agree with the ideas on this website that there are divine underpinnings to reality and a divine genesis to the world and universe as we know it; however, that's where the similarity stops. Because, where as these folks take a specifically Christian perspective to creation and genesis, I believe that all of creation is a reflection of its inherent divinity. And as such everything reflects that divinity. In other words: all paths are one. Whatever your religious or spiritual belief system, understanding of God/Spirit/Creator is true for you and ultimately will lead you home to the same place we are all travelling toward: self-knowledge...or understanding our selves as children and creations of the same divine creator/goddess/spirit.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Blue Brain Project
I have to say that I think this project is a huge waste of time and money. The brain is more than it's physical component; indeed it's the awareness of the mind and the consciousness that informs it that makes the brain function in the amazing way that it does. Without that it would be as useless as a car without a driver.
It would serve these scientists more to do research, testing and modeling of the brain using truly enlightened minds of Yogis or Tibetan Lamas, and the new neurological equipment for mapping the brain that has been developed recently.
So, unfortunately regarding research such as what is promoted in this article, I just don't think it's worth the effort and funding.
It would serve these scientists more to do research, testing and modeling of the brain using truly enlightened minds of Yogis or Tibetan Lamas, and the new neurological equipment for mapping the brain that has been developed recently.
So, unfortunately regarding research such as what is promoted in this article, I just don't think it's worth the effort and funding.
"Understanding Evolution" UC Berkeley
This website is very well produced, has a great deal of depth to it and is very intereactive and holds the attention. That being said, some of the content I read reflects the dominant corporate, AMA based paradigm and as such makes me wonder about the rest of the content that I may not be aware of.
For example, when talking about evolution and agriculture it totally speaks to the corporate farming model regarding using pesticides against pests. There is no discussion of organic standards what so ever. No comparison of practices and results between the different approaches. Similarly, when talking about medicine it takes the usual AMA approach. There is no discussion about herbs, alternative modalities and food (that would be organic) as potential solutions to health issues. Nor is there any discussion of the evolutionary effects of pesticides on the human population (stay tuned and find out...we're human guinnea pigs!). However, there are others who are making that connection (Marin Endocrinologist Dr. Richard Shames).
So, while the pretty straight forward information on family trees and phylogeny is correct, I question the POV that the overall application is promoting.
For example, when talking about evolution and agriculture it totally speaks to the corporate farming model regarding using pesticides against pests. There is no discussion of organic standards what so ever. No comparison of practices and results between the different approaches. Similarly, when talking about medicine it takes the usual AMA approach. There is no discussion about herbs, alternative modalities and food (that would be organic) as potential solutions to health issues. Nor is there any discussion of the evolutionary effects of pesticides on the human population (stay tuned and find out...we're human guinnea pigs!). However, there are others who are making that connection (Marin Endocrinologist Dr. Richard Shames).
So, while the pretty straight forward information on family trees and phylogeny is correct, I question the POV that the overall application is promoting.
PBS Evolution Program
These video programs that I watched under the "for students" tab, were well produced and once again reminded me of what a good teaching tool video can be. The medium can be very powerful and effective for educational purposes, especially with today's media savvy audiences who are used to visual imagery. Personally, I learn best this way as well.
The first show, discussed whether evolution was just a 'theory' -or- not. We learn that what 'theory' means in science (basically a working postulate, based on rigorous scientific inquiry) is different from the common way the we use the word. However, I felt that this whole discussion excluded the point about how the perspective of the observer effects the outcome of a given experiment and I would also think a given postulate. All in all, it explained how the accepted scientific approach makes certain assumptions based on the information that is available at the time...which can and does change over time whenever new data becomes available. It seemed to present the process as very intellectually driven/left brain dominant, devoid of intuition and somewhat stilted.
The Darwin piece I found very interesting. It's fascinating to watch how someone's thought processes develop and to observe the path they travel during their process of inquiry and discovery. Imagine having 5 years of your life, in that day and age, to travel the seas and experience new territories and specires. Also, you could very clearly see how intuition and hunches played a role in developing his ideas for Darwin. I was most impressed that he spent 23 years researching, thinking about and developing his ideas before he published! Talk about commitment to your process and ideals. I realize that there were professional concerns as well, since Darwin didn't want to be ridiculed by his peers, or be outcast from society by challenging the biblically based, genesis of the species held as truth at the time. In any case, compared to 23 years, it makes the number of years we have to spend studying Acupuncture, sound more feasible.
The last video I watched had to do with how we know that evolution actually happened by examining ancient skeletons of the land-based ancestors of whales. I thought that it's amazing that people are able to do this kind of work. To find the skeletons and then gently remove them for posterity and carbon-date them is like trying to put together an amazing evolutionary jig-saw puzzle! At the same time, I'm not sure the I agree with some of the links they make between species. Seems like there are alot of liberties taken in the process.
The first show, discussed whether evolution was just a 'theory' -or- not. We learn that what 'theory' means in science (basically a working postulate, based on rigorous scientific inquiry) is different from the common way the we use the word. However, I felt that this whole discussion excluded the point about how the perspective of the observer effects the outcome of a given experiment and I would also think a given postulate. All in all, it explained how the accepted scientific approach makes certain assumptions based on the information that is available at the time...which can and does change over time whenever new data becomes available. It seemed to present the process as very intellectually driven/left brain dominant, devoid of intuition and somewhat stilted.
The Darwin piece I found very interesting. It's fascinating to watch how someone's thought processes develop and to observe the path they travel during their process of inquiry and discovery. Imagine having 5 years of your life, in that day and age, to travel the seas and experience new territories and specires. Also, you could very clearly see how intuition and hunches played a role in developing his ideas for Darwin. I was most impressed that he spent 23 years researching, thinking about and developing his ideas before he published! Talk about commitment to your process and ideals. I realize that there were professional concerns as well, since Darwin didn't want to be ridiculed by his peers, or be outcast from society by challenging the biblically based, genesis of the species held as truth at the time. In any case, compared to 23 years, it makes the number of years we have to spend studying Acupuncture, sound more feasible.
The last video I watched had to do with how we know that evolution actually happened by examining ancient skeletons of the land-based ancestors of whales. I thought that it's amazing that people are able to do this kind of work. To find the skeletons and then gently remove them for posterity and carbon-date them is like trying to put together an amazing evolutionary jig-saw puzzle! At the same time, I'm not sure the I agree with some of the links they make between species. Seems like there are alot of liberties taken in the process.
Monday, September 14, 2009
Darwinism
I found this article interesting for a couple of reasons. I realized that Darwinism, as a term, has changed over time depending on who was using it, what they were using it to mean, and whether that use was for positive -or- pejorative means. Darwinism didn't even have to reflect the literal ideas of Darwin himself and the term is really not necessarily synonymous with "Evolution" - as- I had thought. I also hadn't realized the effects Darwin's work had, in stirring-up society and the ideas people held about themselves biologically and socially at that time. In a desirable context this gave rise to new paradigms and thoughts about our genesis as a species and challenged some of the old beliefs; yet it was also used by some (such as Hitler and the Nazis) as justification for undesirable actions such as ethnic cleansing.
Most importantly for me, this article made me think about what I personally held to be true of our evolution as a species. I realized that I do believe in the generally held ideas of evolution, including concepts that previously I had attributed to Darwin, such as natural selection and genetic drift. However, some of the life experiences that I have had have also expanded my understanding of how we have come to be...
For example, my training and experiences from a Vedic perspective put Spirit in the driver's seat, and make all matter and manifestations of such (ie: creation) flow from that omnipotent, unmanifested source. Not to mention the ideas of karma, and past lives and the effect that has on all of the physically manifested universe. So, technically, that could even put me in the 'creationist' camp based on this element of my belief system...though, not of a Christian flavor.
In addition, the experiences with my shamanic teachers and the Shipibo shamans in the Amazon have opened my mind to new possibilities and the nature of 'reality'. Which is not necessary as it seems to be -or- how we have been entrained to believe. "Believing is seeing", as many sage individuals have said. And what we believe about our worlds affects how they manifest and present themselves to us. There is so much to know about the nature of consciousness and spirit and the interplay between them as they express themselves in seemingly 'solid' forms.
This segways us into the "Biology of Belief" perspective, and the effects that our belief systems have on all levels of ourselves, even to the extent of geneology...which, it seems, is also not a fixed characteristic. And just think of the changes our belief systems may go through in a given lifetime (I know mine has!), and what effect that has on our development as species.
And lastly, though I am not one to believe in the UFO/Alien theories, I do think it would be very small minded of us as a species to think that life on earth might not have been at least 'influenced', at some point, by other lifeforms in the universe...if not purposefully, then perhaps, accidentally. In the time that the earth has been around, with all the interstellar bodies that have collided with our planet; not to mention potential interaction with other dimensions beyond our awareness, it would be hard to imagine that our biological development has not been affected in some way. And, then there are all those world myths to account for...
In any case, it brings me back to the "universe is sloppy" perspective we were discussing in class. And who knows what other influences there may have been on our development as a species.
Most importantly for me, this article made me think about what I personally held to be true of our evolution as a species. I realized that I do believe in the generally held ideas of evolution, including concepts that previously I had attributed to Darwin, such as natural selection and genetic drift. However, some of the life experiences that I have had have also expanded my understanding of how we have come to be...
For example, my training and experiences from a Vedic perspective put Spirit in the driver's seat, and make all matter and manifestations of such (ie: creation) flow from that omnipotent, unmanifested source. Not to mention the ideas of karma, and past lives and the effect that has on all of the physically manifested universe. So, technically, that could even put me in the 'creationist' camp based on this element of my belief system...though, not of a Christian flavor.
In addition, the experiences with my shamanic teachers and the Shipibo shamans in the Amazon have opened my mind to new possibilities and the nature of 'reality'. Which is not necessary as it seems to be -or- how we have been entrained to believe. "Believing is seeing", as many sage individuals have said. And what we believe about our worlds affects how they manifest and present themselves to us. There is so much to know about the nature of consciousness and spirit and the interplay between them as they express themselves in seemingly 'solid' forms.
This segways us into the "Biology of Belief" perspective, and the effects that our belief systems have on all levels of ourselves, even to the extent of geneology...which, it seems, is also not a fixed characteristic. And just think of the changes our belief systems may go through in a given lifetime (I know mine has!), and what effect that has on our development as species.
And lastly, though I am not one to believe in the UFO/Alien theories, I do think it would be very small minded of us as a species to think that life on earth might not have been at least 'influenced', at some point, by other lifeforms in the universe...if not purposefully, then perhaps, accidentally. In the time that the earth has been around, with all the interstellar bodies that have collided with our planet; not to mention potential interaction with other dimensions beyond our awareness, it would be hard to imagine that our biological development has not been affected in some way. And, then there are all those world myths to account for...
In any case, it brings me back to the "universe is sloppy" perspective we were discussing in class. And who knows what other influences there may have been on our development as a species.
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