I learned something on cbc.ca today, and it has blown my mind ever since. To get it off my chest, I am going to share it with you.
In Nepal, which is a country in Asia, near India, the people are Hindus. If you don't know anything about Hinduism, there are close to 33 million gods that are worshiped. It is a very idolatrous religion. In Nepal, they have what they call a "living goddess", or the Kumari, which translates as "virgin". The Buddhist priests search for a young girl from the ages 2-4, and she must fit 32 different requirements to become this goddess, things from physical requirements to temperment. Once they are satisfied that a girl fits these requirements, they go through a four day process of purifying her, and after she is purified, they announce that she is now prepared to be indwelt by the goddess Durga. She is now a "living goddess". She moves to live in the temple, isolated from family and friends, and surrounded by servants who perform at her beck and call. Because it is Durga's nature to be sedate, this young girl will not necessarily be bossy with her servants, but they must guide her as she grows up in a manner that allows her to still be above them. Because her entire body is considered to be sacred, she is never allowed to walk outside when she makes public appearances, but rather is carried around by servants in a palenquin. Because she is considered to be the living form of the goddess, people actually worship her, and seek blessing from her by touching her feet. When she makes her public appearances, she is painted with elaborate make-up and jewelry representing her power, not to mention a round sticker in the middle of her forehead representing her perceptivity. She will remain the Kumari until her first menses,or if she becomes injured and loses much blood, as it is the flowing of blood that signifies the exit of the goddess. At this point the Buddhist priests will find another Kumari to replace her. There are Kumaris in many of the major cities in Nepal, and the one in the capital is considered to be the Royal Kumari.
Consider the implications of this on the young girl that is chosen. She is isolated from family and close relationships, and after her term is up, is expected to pick up life where she left off. The thing that scares me is the belief that the goddess actually lives within her. I wonder if something does enter her, an evil spirit or something. I don't know, but this whole situation is so frightening and disturbing. It is so far from what God intended, and reminds me of how people considered the Pharaoh in ancient Egypt to be a living deity as well. I still don't know how to deal with all of this, except to pray for this country that is so lost in the dark.
Love, Ashleigh
For more information, check out http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Living_Goddess
4.03.2009
3.23.2009
Raptor's Game...
Good morning, everyone! I hope this blog greets you, sun-kissed by the morning rays that will probably appear somewhere near my window. I should not be awake right now. But I have a good reason for being up at 4:30 in the morning. I had to finish homework that was due today, because I was away all day yesterday.
One of my best friends, Missy, invited me to go to an NBA game, to watch the Toronto Raptor's play the Los Angeles Clippers at the Air Canada Center in Toronto. So we went there yesterday. I had the best time ever! We went on the GO train to get there, because neither Missy nor her boyfriend cared to drive in Toronto traffic and pay $30 for parking once there. It was fun, and now I know how Nana and Poppa feel like when they take the GO to Toronto. It was such a fun experience, and the basketball game itself was really great! The Raptor's won, thankfully, since that is who we were cheering for. I would probably go again if I had the opportunity. It was so neat to get out of Cambridge for a while and go on an adventure!
Well, I'm off to bed now, so I hope you all have a great day!
Love, Ash
One of my best friends, Missy, invited me to go to an NBA game, to watch the Toronto Raptor's play the Los Angeles Clippers at the Air Canada Center in Toronto. So we went there yesterday. I had the best time ever! We went on the GO train to get there, because neither Missy nor her boyfriend cared to drive in Toronto traffic and pay $30 for parking once there. It was fun, and now I know how Nana and Poppa feel like when they take the GO to Toronto. It was such a fun experience, and the basketball game itself was really great! The Raptor's won, thankfully, since that is who we were cheering for. I would probably go again if I had the opportunity. It was so neat to get out of Cambridge for a while and go on an adventure!
Well, I'm off to bed now, so I hope you all have a great day!
Love, Ash
3.16.2009
13 Degrees...
I am loving this weather. For the past two days I have worn capri pants and t-shirts; I have also been basking in the beautiful sunshine. I will admit, that sometimes I need to wear my sweater, but for the most part, I am just fine without. Days like these make me want to be somewhere other than school, with all that is looming overhead me.
I have been thinking a lot about love lately, and I am almost positive it is due to this weather. Springtime and love just go hand and hand. This isn't going to be a single woman's rant about the lack of romantic love in her life, so don't start rolling your eyes. I just love the concept of love. I know this isn't Valentine's Day, but we should reminisce about love more often. Isn't it a wonderful thing? Think about all the people in your life who love you. Now think about all the people in your life whom you love. What happens to your heart? Does it swell, almost bursting at the seams? What happens to your face? Does your mouth tip in a smile? Do memories come flooding in, of interactions with your loved ones? Do you remember the fun you have together? The times you cried together? It's such a powerful emotion, one that we take for granted much too often. We speak of the love chapter in the Bible, 1 Corinthians 13, but it has been read in a nonchalant manner. How often do we actually take the time to think about all that love actually entails? There is work we must do to truly LOVE someone, without simply saying it.
It is PATIENT. Many times I find myself impatient the most with those I love. Why is that? How dare I say I LOVE them, and lose my temper with them at the same time!This ought not to be. We must be patient with those we do not know, but more so with those we LOVE.
Love is KIND. I have struggled with this one a lot over the years. I have been so mean to my siblings and my parents, yet still profess to LOVE them. I am truly sorry for this!
Love does not ENVY. Wow. There's a tough one for many of us. I cannot say more.
Love does not BOAST, nor is it PROUD. How often do we carry pride within our hearts, hurting others in the process? We are called to love one another in humility.
Love is not RUDE. It is not SELF-SEEKING or EASILY ANGERED. It does not seek out EVIL but cherishes the TRUTH.
It PROTECTS, and TRUSTS, and HOPES, and PERSEVERES.
Above all, it NEVER FAILS.
Wouldn't you like to have someone love you like that? I'm sure that none of us can say we know ONE person who loves with all of these qualities. It is a shame, really, because I know there is much hurt caused in relationships where someone has too much pride, or envy. When someone is rude to the other person, or becomes angered easily. It's a hard list to remember, and even harder to live up to. Thankfully, we are only human, and while we should constantly strive to live up to these things, we should not beat ourselves up if we mess up sometimes.
I am happy to say I do know one person who loves me like this.
He is the only One who will EVER love me like this, even if I do find someone who loves me with that Romantic Love we all long for.
And so, I wrote a poem in honour of Him:
God, you are my rock of ages
My strength when I am weak.
You are the wisdom of the pages,
The treasure that I seek.
My Lord, my King, you're all to me,
I need You every hour.
You hear my cry, my urgent plea,
You only, my Strong Tower.
Speak words of life, into my soul,
Your love to me abounds.
With breath alone you make me whole,
Your peacefulness surrounds.
O God, You're true, You never fail,
You are a faithful friend.
Redeemer, Saviour, never frail,
Your glory will not end.
-AshWin-
March 16, 2009
Love, Ash
I have been thinking a lot about love lately, and I am almost positive it is due to this weather. Springtime and love just go hand and hand. This isn't going to be a single woman's rant about the lack of romantic love in her life, so don't start rolling your eyes. I just love the concept of love. I know this isn't Valentine's Day, but we should reminisce about love more often. Isn't it a wonderful thing? Think about all the people in your life who love you. Now think about all the people in your life whom you love. What happens to your heart? Does it swell, almost bursting at the seams? What happens to your face? Does your mouth tip in a smile? Do memories come flooding in, of interactions with your loved ones? Do you remember the fun you have together? The times you cried together? It's such a powerful emotion, one that we take for granted much too often. We speak of the love chapter in the Bible, 1 Corinthians 13, but it has been read in a nonchalant manner. How often do we actually take the time to think about all that love actually entails? There is work we must do to truly LOVE someone, without simply saying it.
It is PATIENT. Many times I find myself impatient the most with those I love. Why is that? How dare I say I LOVE them, and lose my temper with them at the same time!This ought not to be. We must be patient with those we do not know, but more so with those we LOVE.
Love is KIND. I have struggled with this one a lot over the years. I have been so mean to my siblings and my parents, yet still profess to LOVE them. I am truly sorry for this!
Love does not ENVY. Wow. There's a tough one for many of us. I cannot say more.
Love does not BOAST, nor is it PROUD. How often do we carry pride within our hearts, hurting others in the process? We are called to love one another in humility.
Love is not RUDE. It is not SELF-SEEKING or EASILY ANGERED. It does not seek out EVIL but cherishes the TRUTH.
It PROTECTS, and TRUSTS, and HOPES, and PERSEVERES.
Above all, it NEVER FAILS.
Wouldn't you like to have someone love you like that? I'm sure that none of us can say we know ONE person who loves with all of these qualities. It is a shame, really, because I know there is much hurt caused in relationships where someone has too much pride, or envy. When someone is rude to the other person, or becomes angered easily. It's a hard list to remember, and even harder to live up to. Thankfully, we are only human, and while we should constantly strive to live up to these things, we should not beat ourselves up if we mess up sometimes.
I am happy to say I do know one person who loves me like this.
He is the only One who will EVER love me like this, even if I do find someone who loves me with that Romantic Love we all long for.
And so, I wrote a poem in honour of Him:
God, you are my rock of ages
My strength when I am weak.
You are the wisdom of the pages,
The treasure that I seek.
My Lord, my King, you're all to me,
I need You every hour.
You hear my cry, my urgent plea,
You only, my Strong Tower.
Speak words of life, into my soul,
Your love to me abounds.
With breath alone you make me whole,
Your peacefulness surrounds.
O God, You're true, You never fail,
You are a faithful friend.
Redeemer, Saviour, never frail,
Your glory will not end.
-AshWin-
March 16, 2009
Love, Ash
3.11.2009
Coffeehouse...
We had another coffee house tonight. I played a small piece from my Gr. 8 book. The actual coffee house was much better than the last one, which I believe I complained about in an earlier post.
I honestly don't have much to write about tonight. I hope you all take care...
Love, Ashleigh
I honestly don't have much to write about tonight. I hope you all take care...
Love, Ashleigh
3.10.2009
Thoughts on Prayer
I'm reading my one of my textbooks for a class, the book is Perspectives on the World Christian Movement, and many of you may have heard of it.
I'm reading an article on "Strategic Prayer", and a quote from theologian Walter Wink has caught my eye, and I would like to share it with you:
"Prayer is not magic; it does not always work; it is not something we do, but a response to what God is already doing within us and the world. Our prayers are the necessary opening that allows God to act without violating our freedom. Prayer is the ultimate act of partnership with God."
I love this quote because it broadens my thinking of what prayer should be. I think a lot of us do pray in expectation of what God will do, which is not necessarily a bad thing, but it could pose as a problem if we don't accept any answer God gives us, including "no", or "not right now".
For me, sometimes I do find prayer to be somewhat of a chore, which of course it shouldn't be. I envy people who can pray for long periods of time and never run out of words. This is why I liked the part in the quote where Wink says, "it is not something we do, but a response to what God is already doing within us and the world."
We can't let God speak to us without responding back to him. Prayer is also humbling, because we actually need to ask for something, or need to confess something we have done wrong, or give praise that God is God and we are not. It breaks down the barrier between ourselves and God, allowing him to work within us and transform our lives.
I think if I keep practicing intentional and intercessory prayer, it will become less of a chore and allow for more intimacy between myself and my God and King.
I'm reading an article on "Strategic Prayer", and a quote from theologian Walter Wink has caught my eye, and I would like to share it with you:
"Prayer is not magic; it does not always work; it is not something we do, but a response to what God is already doing within us and the world. Our prayers are the necessary opening that allows God to act without violating our freedom. Prayer is the ultimate act of partnership with God."
I love this quote because it broadens my thinking of what prayer should be. I think a lot of us do pray in expectation of what God will do, which is not necessarily a bad thing, but it could pose as a problem if we don't accept any answer God gives us, including "no", or "not right now".
For me, sometimes I do find prayer to be somewhat of a chore, which of course it shouldn't be. I envy people who can pray for long periods of time and never run out of words. This is why I liked the part in the quote where Wink says, "it is not something we do, but a response to what God is already doing within us and the world."
We can't let God speak to us without responding back to him. Prayer is also humbling, because we actually need to ask for something, or need to confess something we have done wrong, or give praise that God is God and we are not. It breaks down the barrier between ourselves and God, allowing him to work within us and transform our lives.
I think if I keep practicing intentional and intercessory prayer, it will become less of a chore and allow for more intimacy between myself and my God and King.
3.09.2009
Prayerfully consider...
For those of you who are on Facebook, you may have already read half of this note. I am finally feeling back into the swing of things, just enough to start writing blogs again :) I will update you all on my Louisiana trip soon enough. For now, it is just going to be some random thoughts. Well, they aren't exactly random, because I have thought about them before.
This morning in my Educational Practice and Theory class, we were discussing the pros and cons between having children leave a church service halfway through to go to "Junior Church" or Sunday School, or whatever you want to call it. I have a HUGE problem with this, which probably stems from the fact that I was never raised this way. When I was growing up, we had Sunday school before the actual service, and children and adults alike would learn about different things in the Bible in a more intimate and less formal setting. After Sunday school was over, we would then proceed to church service, and all worship God together in a time of praise, prayer, and teaching from the pastor. Now, it's like we have made the assumption that kids will not be able to sit still in a service, or that they will be bored, or that they won't understand the topic the pastor is talking about. Of course children may have a hard time understanding, especially if it is a topic like marriage or something else. One student in my class suggested that kids should not be present for topics that are somewhat "for adult ears only", like sermons from Songs of Solomon and the like. In some ways I agree with him, but in most ways I do not. I think all children should have had some degree of introduction to topics like marriage, sex, the supremacy of God, and other things so that when they become old enough to fully understand, it will not become a shock to them. How can we expect children to have godly worldview if we don't let God infiltrate their lives from the very beginning? I know they go downstairs for the topics that are more age appropriate, which they need, but at the same time, Christian teaching needs to be holistic. They need to hear about EVERYTHING the Bible has to offer, not just the stories that everyone loves so much. We give children too little credit for what they are capable. I believe if we started training young kids to sit in the service again, we would see more youth staying in the church and becoming more active. Think about it: if we segregate the ages within a church, when the 12 and 13 year-olds come back upstairs after being "entertained" for so long, how can we expect them to sit still and pay attention to the sermon? I believe it is so important to allow every person of every age to learn together, and grow together. If this does not apply to your church and I have offended you in some way, then I am sorry, and I commend your church for still having Sunday school separate from the sermon. It could be that I am getting into the semantics of it all here. I know this way may not necessarily be the best way for every church, but that is how I feel about it.
I'm reading my one of my textbooks for a class, the book is Perspectives on the World Christian Movement, and many of you may have heard of it.
I'm reading an article on "Strategic Prayer", and a quote from theologian Walter Wink has caught my eye, and I would like to share it with you:
"Prayer is not magic; it does not always work; it is not something we do, but a response to what God is already doing within us and the world. Our prayers are the necessary opening that allows God to act without violating our freedom. Prayer is the ultimate act of partnership with God."
I love this quote because it broadens my thinking of what prayer should be. I think a lot of us do pray in expectation of what God will do, which is not necessarily a bad thing, but it could pose as a problem if we don't accept any answer God gives us, including "no", or "not right now".
For me, sometimes I do find prayer to be somewhat of a chore, which of course it shouldn't be. I envy people who can pray for long periods of time and never run out of words. This is why I liked the part in the quote where Wink says, "it is not something we do, but a response to what God is already doing within us and the world."
We can't let God speak to us without responding back to him. Prayer is also humbling, because we actually need to ask for something, or need to confess something we have done wrong, or give praise that God is God and we are not. It breaks down the barrier between ourselves and God, allowing him to work within us and transform our lives.
I think if I keep practicing intentional and intercessory prayer, it will become less of a chore and allow for more intimacy between myself and my God and King.
Have a great day!
Love, Ashleigh
This morning in my Educational Practice and Theory class, we were discussing the pros and cons between having children leave a church service halfway through to go to "Junior Church" or Sunday School, or whatever you want to call it. I have a HUGE problem with this, which probably stems from the fact that I was never raised this way. When I was growing up, we had Sunday school before the actual service, and children and adults alike would learn about different things in the Bible in a more intimate and less formal setting. After Sunday school was over, we would then proceed to church service, and all worship God together in a time of praise, prayer, and teaching from the pastor. Now, it's like we have made the assumption that kids will not be able to sit still in a service, or that they will be bored, or that they won't understand the topic the pastor is talking about. Of course children may have a hard time understanding, especially if it is a topic like marriage or something else. One student in my class suggested that kids should not be present for topics that are somewhat "for adult ears only", like sermons from Songs of Solomon and the like. In some ways I agree with him, but in most ways I do not. I think all children should have had some degree of introduction to topics like marriage, sex, the supremacy of God, and other things so that when they become old enough to fully understand, it will not become a shock to them. How can we expect children to have godly worldview if we don't let God infiltrate their lives from the very beginning? I know they go downstairs for the topics that are more age appropriate, which they need, but at the same time, Christian teaching needs to be holistic. They need to hear about EVERYTHING the Bible has to offer, not just the stories that everyone loves so much. We give children too little credit for what they are capable. I believe if we started training young kids to sit in the service again, we would see more youth staying in the church and becoming more active. Think about it: if we segregate the ages within a church, when the 12 and 13 year-olds come back upstairs after being "entertained" for so long, how can we expect them to sit still and pay attention to the sermon? I believe it is so important to allow every person of every age to learn together, and grow together. If this does not apply to your church and I have offended you in some way, then I am sorry, and I commend your church for still having Sunday school separate from the sermon. It could be that I am getting into the semantics of it all here. I know this way may not necessarily be the best way for every church, but that is how I feel about it.
I'm reading my one of my textbooks for a class, the book is Perspectives on the World Christian Movement, and many of you may have heard of it.
I'm reading an article on "Strategic Prayer", and a quote from theologian Walter Wink has caught my eye, and I would like to share it with you:
"Prayer is not magic; it does not always work; it is not something we do, but a response to what God is already doing within us and the world. Our prayers are the necessary opening that allows God to act without violating our freedom. Prayer is the ultimate act of partnership with God."
I love this quote because it broadens my thinking of what prayer should be. I think a lot of us do pray in expectation of what God will do, which is not necessarily a bad thing, but it could pose as a problem if we don't accept any answer God gives us, including "no", or "not right now".
For me, sometimes I do find prayer to be somewhat of a chore, which of course it shouldn't be. I envy people who can pray for long periods of time and never run out of words. This is why I liked the part in the quote where Wink says, "it is not something we do, but a response to what God is already doing within us and the world."
We can't let God speak to us without responding back to him. Prayer is also humbling, because we actually need to ask for something, or need to confess something we have done wrong, or give praise that God is God and we are not. It breaks down the barrier between ourselves and God, allowing him to work within us and transform our lives.
I think if I keep practicing intentional and intercessory prayer, it will become less of a chore and allow for more intimacy between myself and my God and King.
Have a great day!
Love, Ashleigh
2.11.2009
Puddles and Mud...
The weather was gorgeous today. I wish it would stay this warm all year round. This is the perfect temperature, in my humble opionion.
I had to work tonight, only for 3 hours, but it went by so fast. I wasn't expecting that! I was able to help a couple pick vests, and they took a long time. I love it when time flies :)
In my devos today I read the story of Balaam and Balak. I am finding so many interesting stories in Numbers, ones that I totally thought were in a different part of the Bible. I keep thinking that going through the Pentateuch will be boring, but it is actually really interesting. I never really thought about that story before, and the whole talking donkey thing. But if you do actually, seriously think about it, it's totally absurd! A donkey was trying to save Balaam from the angel that wanted to kill him, and then God opened its mouth to speak so it could defend itself. I am so in awe of that.
I am making my dinner now. It's going to be very uneventful. I find I do not enjoy cooking these days, and I am avoiding it like the plague. But I do enjoy making pasta, and I am going to get fat on it. I've decided. It's happening!!-(that was for you, mom!)
Have a great night :)
Love,
Ashleigh
I had to work tonight, only for 3 hours, but it went by so fast. I wasn't expecting that! I was able to help a couple pick vests, and they took a long time. I love it when time flies :)
In my devos today I read the story of Balaam and Balak. I am finding so many interesting stories in Numbers, ones that I totally thought were in a different part of the Bible. I keep thinking that going through the Pentateuch will be boring, but it is actually really interesting. I never really thought about that story before, and the whole talking donkey thing. But if you do actually, seriously think about it, it's totally absurd! A donkey was trying to save Balaam from the angel that wanted to kill him, and then God opened its mouth to speak so it could defend itself. I am so in awe of that.
I am making my dinner now. It's going to be very uneventful. I find I do not enjoy cooking these days, and I am avoiding it like the plague. But I do enjoy making pasta, and I am going to get fat on it. I've decided. It's happening!!-(that was for you, mom!)
Have a great night :)
Love,
Ashleigh
2.10.2009
Rain and Chocolate...
Today didn't have any classes, but I decided to get up earlier and get waffles in the cafeteria. They were not as good as I was expecting. Perhaps I was comparing them to the Belgian waffles that we served at the coffee bistro I worked at last semester. Oh well.
I have a class tonight, so I should go. But Nana sent me this today, and I decided you should have a laugh. So enjoy!
To Maintain A Healthy Level Of Insanity
1. At Lunch Time, Sit In Your Parked Car With
Sunglasses on and point a Hair Dryer At Passing Cars.
See If They Slow Down.
2. Page Yourself Over The Intercom. Don't Disguise Your Voice!
3. Every Time Someone Asks You To Do Something, ask If they want fries with that.
4. Put Decaf In The Coffee Maker For 3 Weeks . Once Everyone has Gotten Over Their Caffeine Addictions,
Switch to Espresso.
5. In the Memo Field Of All Your Checks, Write 'For Marijuana'
6. Skip down the hall Rather Than Walk and see how many looks you get.
7. Order a Diet Water whenever you go out to eat, with a serious face.
8. Specify That Your Drive-through Order Is 'To Go'.
9. Sing Along At The Opera.
10. Five Days In Advance, Tell Your Friends You Can' t Attend Their Party Because You have a headache .
11. When The Money Comes Out of The ATM, Scream 'I Won! I Won!'
12. When Leaving the Zoo, Start Running towards the Parking lot, Yelling 'Run For Your Lives! They're Loose!'
13. Tell Your Children Over Dinner, 'Due To The Economy, We Are Going To Have To Let One Of You Go
Love, Ashleigh
I have a class tonight, so I should go. But Nana sent me this today, and I decided you should have a laugh. So enjoy!
To Maintain A Healthy Level Of Insanity
1. At Lunch Time, Sit In Your Parked Car With
Sunglasses on and point a Hair Dryer At Passing Cars.
See If They Slow Down.
2. Page Yourself Over The Intercom. Don't Disguise Your Voice!
3. Every Time Someone Asks You To Do Something, ask If they want fries with that.
4. Put Decaf In The Coffee Maker For 3 Weeks . Once Everyone has Gotten Over Their Caffeine Addictions,
Switch to Espresso.
5. In the Memo Field Of All Your Checks, Write 'For Marijuana'
6. Skip down the hall Rather Than Walk and see how many looks you get.
7. Order a Diet Water whenever you go out to eat, with a serious face.
8. Specify That Your Drive-through Order Is 'To Go'.
9. Sing Along At The Opera.
10. Five Days In Advance, Tell Your Friends You Can' t Attend Their Party Because You have a headache .
11. When The Money Comes Out of The ATM, Scream 'I Won! I Won!'
12. When Leaving the Zoo, Start Running towards the Parking lot, Yelling 'Run For Your Lives! They're Loose!'
13. Tell Your Children Over Dinner, 'Due To The Economy, We Are Going To Have To Let One Of You Go
Love, Ashleigh
Special Edition Blog
The Correlation Between Typing and Playing Piano
I have played piano since I was 10 years old (at least I think that was when I began). I practiced as much or as little as I wanted, to the chagrin of my teacher, who constantly got upset with me for not practicing my scales. Then the computer became popular, and everyone was suddenly typing. We bought the Mavis Beacon Typing program, and who cares about technique when you could play typing games on the computer?
People suddenly started worrying about ergonomics. Were keyboards created for our hands, or were we trying to contort our hands to fit the keyboard? My dad bought a ergonomic keyboard that was guaranteed to fit the natural flow from wrist to fingertip. I remember the first time I tried typing on it. It felt strange at first, but then I became comfortable, and even started to enjoy the slightly waved keyboard.
Then we bought my first laptop on E-bay, just before I went away to college. If anything was not ergonomic, it was this laptop. At least one inch thick, it already raised my arms at an incredibly unhealthy angle, not to mention the keyboard was small. However, I could not escape the typing. I was doing it constantly, writing essays, papers, assignments, questions....you name it.
There is a distinct difference between typing and playing piano, but there are similarities as well. Let's look at the similarities first.
While playing piano and typing, one tends to move his/her fingers at a rapid pace, causing them to either play notes or type letters. I maintain that piano players can type faster than non-piano players, simply because their fingers have been trained to move rapidly since childhood, or whenever they began playing piano.
Now, let's look at the differences. While playing piano, I sit up straight. I keep my elbows away from my body, my elbows are parallel to the keys and I move my hands with my fingers while they run over the ivories and ebonies. I am very alert, and I pay attention to any tension in my body, working to keep myself relaxed.
However, when I type, I tend to slouch. My hands are elevated above my elbows at an odd angle for long periods of time, and they stay static, seeming to be frozen in time. My wrists take the brunt of my weight, resting on the smooth, silver surface of my laptop. Only my fingers move, jabbing and piercing through letters my brain has subconsciously memorized through months of Mavis Beacon training, forming words that hopefully make sense to the outside world. My eyes form a glaze that only goes away after I tear my gaze from the screen for a time. I am in a catatonic state.
Perhaps it is my great sense of musicianship(tongue-in-cheek only), and my infinite lack of nerd-dom which causes me to see that computers are taking a toll on everyone, not only the piano players and musicians out there. Having said that, I am not going to ditch my newly purchased laptop simply for the ergonomic aspect. However, I believe that I should watch how long I spend on my computer. I may be ruining my posture and my wrists, causing permanent health problems for later on.
I don't want to stop playing the piano, and I certainly do not want to ruin my chances of being able to pick up my own children for fear of dropping them due to weak wrists.
I need to play piano more, to enjoy the music that others have created, or discover the music that God has created in me.
Duets anyone?
-AshWin-
I have played piano since I was 10 years old (at least I think that was when I began). I practiced as much or as little as I wanted, to the chagrin of my teacher, who constantly got upset with me for not practicing my scales. Then the computer became popular, and everyone was suddenly typing. We bought the Mavis Beacon Typing program, and who cares about technique when you could play typing games on the computer?
People suddenly started worrying about ergonomics. Were keyboards created for our hands, or were we trying to contort our hands to fit the keyboard? My dad bought a ergonomic keyboard that was guaranteed to fit the natural flow from wrist to fingertip. I remember the first time I tried typing on it. It felt strange at first, but then I became comfortable, and even started to enjoy the slightly waved keyboard.
Then we bought my first laptop on E-bay, just before I went away to college. If anything was not ergonomic, it was this laptop. At least one inch thick, it already raised my arms at an incredibly unhealthy angle, not to mention the keyboard was small. However, I could not escape the typing. I was doing it constantly, writing essays, papers, assignments, questions....you name it.
There is a distinct difference between typing and playing piano, but there are similarities as well. Let's look at the similarities first.
While playing piano and typing, one tends to move his/her fingers at a rapid pace, causing them to either play notes or type letters. I maintain that piano players can type faster than non-piano players, simply because their fingers have been trained to move rapidly since childhood, or whenever they began playing piano.
Now, let's look at the differences. While playing piano, I sit up straight. I keep my elbows away from my body, my elbows are parallel to the keys and I move my hands with my fingers while they run over the ivories and ebonies. I am very alert, and I pay attention to any tension in my body, working to keep myself relaxed.
However, when I type, I tend to slouch. My hands are elevated above my elbows at an odd angle for long periods of time, and they stay static, seeming to be frozen in time. My wrists take the brunt of my weight, resting on the smooth, silver surface of my laptop. Only my fingers move, jabbing and piercing through letters my brain has subconsciously memorized through months of Mavis Beacon training, forming words that hopefully make sense to the outside world. My eyes form a glaze that only goes away after I tear my gaze from the screen for a time. I am in a catatonic state.
Perhaps it is my great sense of musicianship(tongue-in-cheek only), and my infinite lack of nerd-dom which causes me to see that computers are taking a toll on everyone, not only the piano players and musicians out there. Having said that, I am not going to ditch my newly purchased laptop simply for the ergonomic aspect. However, I believe that I should watch how long I spend on my computer. I may be ruining my posture and my wrists, causing permanent health problems for later on.
I don't want to stop playing the piano, and I certainly do not want to ruin my chances of being able to pick up my own children for fear of dropping them due to weak wrists.
I need to play piano more, to enjoy the music that others have created, or discover the music that God has created in me.
Duets anyone?
-AshWin-
2.09.2009
Warm Days and the Power Struggle...
I don't know how it was where you all live, but up in here, it was a gorgeous day! Warm, sunny, and blue skies! WE have been blessed for the last 3 days!
I wrote a paper today on my philosophy of education, for my educational theory and practice class. I didn't think I would like that class, but it's actually so interesting! I have been thinking that I want to teach English as a second language for a while, but since starting this class, this passion has blossomed even more so. I can't wait until I can actually get out there and teach!
Tonight at my impact group, we were talking about what we are to be like as women. There were many rabbit trails, but this is the gist of it: basically, women can control men with their words just as much as men can control women with abuse or whatever else. We were talking about how important it is for us, as Christian women, to watch the way we interact with guys. We need to say things to them that will uplift them and encourage them to act like men, instead of "boys". Those who are in relationships also need to remember that God has designed men to be the head in a relationship. That doesn't mean he has the right to boss us around, but it just means that he is the leader, and we need to respect that. It's not a power struggle between the sexes. It's the way God designed us. Neither men nor women can live without each other, because we both bring important things to a relationship.
I will try to be more of an encouraging friend to my guy friends. Not that I'm "not" encouraging, but I'm sure I leave much to be desired in the way I treat them.
We also reminded each other that if we want a man that is godly, we need to focus on our spirituality, because that godly man that we desire will also be looking for a godly woman.
I am so glad we had this discussion tonight. It is good to be reminded of how powerful our actions are.
I hope you have a great night!
Love,
Ashleigh
I wrote a paper today on my philosophy of education, for my educational theory and practice class. I didn't think I would like that class, but it's actually so interesting! I have been thinking that I want to teach English as a second language for a while, but since starting this class, this passion has blossomed even more so. I can't wait until I can actually get out there and teach!
Tonight at my impact group, we were talking about what we are to be like as women. There were many rabbit trails, but this is the gist of it: basically, women can control men with their words just as much as men can control women with abuse or whatever else. We were talking about how important it is for us, as Christian women, to watch the way we interact with guys. We need to say things to them that will uplift them and encourage them to act like men, instead of "boys". Those who are in relationships also need to remember that God has designed men to be the head in a relationship. That doesn't mean he has the right to boss us around, but it just means that he is the leader, and we need to respect that. It's not a power struggle between the sexes. It's the way God designed us. Neither men nor women can live without each other, because we both bring important things to a relationship.
I will try to be more of an encouraging friend to my guy friends. Not that I'm "not" encouraging, but I'm sure I leave much to be desired in the way I treat them.
We also reminded each other that if we want a man that is godly, we need to focus on our spirituality, because that godly man that we desire will also be looking for a godly woman.
I am so glad we had this discussion tonight. It is good to be reminded of how powerful our actions are.
I hope you have a great night!
Love,
Ashleigh
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