Video 1: Anthony De Mello on "Self-Observation"


1. What is the most important thing you can do when no one can help you?

self- observation - watching yourself, 

2. What is the difference between self-observation and self-absorption? What is self-observation?

self-absorption is the ego or feelings that a person feels makes up who they are. self observation is to watch everything in you and around you as if it were happening to someone else

3. Why do we suffer?

we identify with each of our problems such as anxiety and depression we think we are those but they may just be in us but is not us

4. Anthony De Mello uses the analogy of the sky and clouds to speak about the relationship between our true "self" and our thoughts/emotions/different states of life. How does he define the the self/"I"?

we are the sky, passive detached observer, just watch observe don't fix everything because we cant fix everything and everything may not need fixing 

5. If you understand things they will do what?

They will fix themselves 

6. Finish the sentence from 5.25: "What you judge you ...."

cannot understand 


Reflection: 

7. What do you think about DeMello's statement, "I am not my depression, I am not my joy?" Who/What is the "I" that can say, "I am not myself?" Make a list of your most precious qualities and character traits. Does that list account for everything that is your "I?" If not, why not?

honest 
blunt 
carefree 

I feel like each of these traits in-body who I am whether good or bad (most people find it rude to be honest but whatever). I are part of my life but I feel like sometimes if I try really hard I am able to stand back and look at these traits and observe.




Video 2: Ted Talk by Angela Bradshaw on the "Alexander Technique"


1.  What happens to us when we experience fear, stress and anxiety? Why?

we shorter ourselves and compress ourselves because it is a defense mechanism from fight or flight response.  

2. (minute 3.15ish) The Alexander Technique does what?

enables us to choose a different response

3. Finish the sentence (4:10ish) "Nature would prefer...."

to be in balance and share our body weight

4. What are the three points of contact for the foot?

the base of the big toe and little toe and the heel 

5. What are the three hinges in our legs?

the three are ankles, knees, and hips

6. Where are the hip joints?

it is in the front of pelvis by your pubic bone

7. Allow the pelvis to be heavy like a .....?

anchor, in gives you structure 

8. Where is the top of the spine?

between ears and behind your eyes

Reflection:

9. What, according to your view of the world, is the connection between your mind and body? 

If you think about and are conscious of how you are standing you are more relaxed and to be free of tension. This will free you mind and your body and allow you to be present with the world around us.