Summary: Manan<br><br>AJ and Chris are continuing their Words of Note series with one that you might not be familiar with, but it gives you a chance to think...and reflect: An exploration of Manan<br><br>KNKX - A Walking Tour of Bellingham (<a href="http://www.knkx.org/post/walking-tour-through-downtown-bellingham)" rel="noopener">http://www.knkx.org/post/walking-tour-through-downtown-bellingham)</a><br><br>Special thanks to Geoffrey Redick, producer of KNKX's All Things Considered<br><br>Shout-out to KNKX for hosting a “KNKX Connects to Bellingham” even last week at the Mount Baker Theater, including a live broadcast of All Things Considered. Won't be the last time we see them up here in 98226.<br><br><br>#GetOut<br><br>Fifth annual ArtNight (<a href="http://www.whatcomtalk.com/2018/10/15/support-local-artists-and-schools-at-springhill-suites-annual-artnight-fundraiser/)" rel="noopener">http://www.whatcomtalk.com/2018/10/15/support-local-artists-and-schools-at-springhill-suites-annual-artnight-fundraiser/)</a> - Thursday October 25, 5:30-8:30pm. Springhill Suites lobby. Bringing the local art scene to hotel guests and the community. Free admission (it's in the hotel lobby!) with appetizers, drink specials from their Chuckanut Lobby Bar and live music.<br><br>Disclaimer Time!<br><br>What is Manan? (<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manan)" rel="noopener">https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manan)</a><br><br>Originating from Gaelic roots, Manan is "*a new beginning* **" or "*morning* **", a "*new day*" or "*opportunity*". It insinuates a positive feeling towards an opportunity, or fresh start.<br><br>From the Indian Sanskrit language, there are three steps to self-realization: <br><br>1. "shravana (<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shravana_(hearing))" rel="noopener">https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shravana_(hearing))</a>" i.e., careful listening to the teaching of the Vedanta (<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vedanta)" rel="noopener">https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vedanta)</a><br>2. "*manana*" i.e., repeatedly and deeply reflecting on or contemplating what is learned from those teachings<br>3. "nididhyasana (<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nididhyasana)" rel="noopener">https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nididhyasana)</a>" i.e., becoming completely absorbed in contemplation that no other thought enters the mind.<br><br><br><br>Reflection isn't just for mirrors<br><br>* Notice the negative patterns in your life<br>* Focus on the bigger picture<br>* Come to grips with worrying about things out of your control<br>* Face your fears<br>* Define happiness on your own terms<br>* Make decisions based on your moral compass or conscience<br><br>Reflection vs. Introspection vs. Rumination<br><br>*Reflection* is thinking about yourself, your actions, the way you behave. What the mirror sees. <br>*Introspection* involves an examination, or an exploration, of your mental and emotional state. Soul searching. A deeper, more personal form of reflection.<br>*Rumination* can be negative. Often it occurs when you're in a place of stuck, ruminate, chew on it, kick an idea or situation around.<br><br>Rumination vs. Self-examination - in other words, an introvert's typical evening<br><br>Warning: taking reflection/introspection/rumination/self-examination may amplify negative thoughts in your head. <br>Take a shot of mindfulness tonic during tough reflection sessions. Combat the “lizard brain” or the harmful inner narrative<br><br>Chris' optimal environment for reflection <br><br>* I-5 through Skagit County<br>* Cruise control set to 75 mph<br>* Loud hard rock music playing loudly through the car stereo<br>* Thoughts just pop in my head... <br>* When not in the bullseye of my attention, my brain's auxiliary process works itself out.<br><br>AJ's Recipe for Reflection<br>"The Mountain Doesn't Care" vs Motorcycle Zen<br><br>"On a...
