Posts Tagged → spiritual growth
Perceived income inequality makes people less happy
It has often been said that money can’t buy happiness, but a new study published in the journal Psychological Science suggests that many people may still believe that more money would make them happier. The findings suggest that many people may be putting their finances ahead of spiritual growth.
In particular, the University of Illinois researchers who conducted the study found that income inequality, which has increased exponentially in the U.S. since the 1980s, makes people feel less happy.
After reviewing survey results collected between 1972 and 2008, the team found that reports of feeling dissatisfied with income inequality rose, and that this resulted in higher rates of unhappiness. Respondents said they felt that income inequality was fundamentally unfair, and this brought them down.
However, author and philosopher Ilchi Lee says that it doesn’t take money to attain happiness in life. Meditating and developing one’s mind costs nothing. Practicing these techniques can take a person’s brain out of the world of paychecks and inequality and help them attain spiritual growth.
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You are the only person that can give yourself value
The value of self-reliance when it comes to personal assessment cannot be overstated. Author and philosopher Ilchi Lee says that each individual is the only true judge of their own character. When a person realizes this, spiritual growth and personal success are surely around the corner.
"Others will appreciate you just as much as you appreciate yourself," Lee said. "Don't look down on yourself. You are a very important person. Your value is huge and precious beyond words. Every human being is a sacred being, infinitely valuable."
Only by recognizing this value can an individual live a fulfilled life, and this value is only apparent when people stop looking to others to tell them their worth and begin honestly assessing themselves.
While there is certainly value in the opinions of others, they cannot replace an individual's true self-esteem. External sources cannot tell a person what they are worth or how they should live their life. Only through getting in touch with one's self and truly appreciating what is found can a person achieve spiritual growth.
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New initiative seeks to gauge brain potential
Over the past few years, science has made some tremendous advancements in the cause of neuroscience. However, there has been little effort to connect all these findings to produce a unified understanding of the mind.
In an effort to pull recent findings together and to push an agenda that could lead to important new research, former Rhode Island congressman Patrick Kennedy recently launched the One Mind for Research initiative. According to the Associated Press, the project will seek to provide funding for a range of new studies on topics such as Alzheimer's disease, autism, post-traumatic stress disorder and a range of other mental diseases.
Additionally, the group is working toward releasing a 10-year plan that it hopes will steer the future course of neuroscientific inquiry. Kennedy said that these issues are so pressing, that the nation needs to push forward on them.
"Instead of us going to outer space, let's go to inner space," he told the news source. "This is a fundamental moment for us as a nation to determine whether this is something that we're up to the task of tackling."
Author and philosopher Ilchi Lee has also advocated for scientific study of the brain. He says that by understanding its inner workings, it may be possible to pursue spiritual growth.
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Jordan: A place to contemplate civilization and history
Considered a land where some of the earliest civilizations developed, Jordan is a place where most travelers experience a spiritual growth while vacationing there.
Whether it's the stunning architecture, heroic stories from centuries ago or the peaceful nature of the citizens there, something about Jordan is simply wonderful.
The best places to visit can be found along the nation's western border stretching down to Saudi Arabia, starting with sites just north of Amman, the capital of Jordan.
"A little southwest of Amman is Mt. Nebo – the spot where Moses first saw The Promised Land," states Bob Schulman, a travel editor for WatchBoom.com.
Along the Dead Sea coast is where many travelers find popular wellness-oriented resorts and retreats, according to Schulman. The area is the lowest point on the planet, dipping 1,312 feet below sea-level.
"From [the Dead Sea], the highway runs through stretches of flatlands peppered with Bedouin tents, biosphere reserves, moonscape-like deserts and rugged mountain ranges."
The road stops at Aqaba, made famous in the film "Lawrence of Arabia."
All of these destinations are steeped in history and are sure to make one stop and consider the marvels of human civilization.
