Dreams, Coincidence, Memory and Meditation.

Although I am sure that this assignment was simply a device to get us to post something on our blogs, I really became rather thought provoking.

First question-What is the nature of dreams?
Personally, dreams have always reflected what is going on in my life at the time.  Whether it was a problem, a plan or even a fantasy, my dreams have always been manifestations of those events both important and mundane.  Scientifically, dreams are the result of entering into the REM phase of sleep.  All that aside, the "movies in my head" have allowed me to relive some fantastic moments, work on puzzeling issues and even safely live some of my fantasies. Dreams are always a peaceful time of my sleep cycle.  Scientist tell us that we do not enter into a deep, restful sleep unless we dream.  I have found that when I have nothing of note going on in my life, I don't dream.  I do, however rest quite nicely even without entering the REM sleep.

Second question- Do you believe in coincidence?
Simple answer, for me, is No.  I do not believe in coincidence.  I believe that everything happens for a reason or as a result of an action.Coincidence defined for me is just luck and I don't believe in luck.

Third question- What is memory?
Memory is anything learned or that has had an effect on our lives.  Sometimes, memory is a result of a learned behavior but I believe that everything we do, say, hear or experience in our lives is stored in the folds of our brain and can be recalled at a later date.

Fourth question- Can you meditate?
Yes, I meditate often.  When I had my first heart attack on November 1, 2009, I was at the top of Seven Devils.  Along with the intense pain comes even more strain on the heart muscle.  After a delay of about thirth minutes, we were able to start the decent down the mountain and make the trip to the nearest hospital in Boone.  On this trip, I meditated as a way to ease the pain and, thus, decrease the strain on my heart muscle.  During my brief stay in the ER in Boone, I told the doctor that I had taken baby aspirin in the car shortly after the symptoms began and that I had meditated on the trip to the hospital.  He must have noted this in the records because the cardiologist in Hickory later told me that he was confident that the aspirin and the meditation kept me alive until the operation to place a stent was begun.  The doctor said this with confidence because he told us that 98 percent of the people who have this type heart attack die within the first hour.  Not only do I meditate but I recommend it strongly to others as a means to relax and let go of the stresses of life.

Looking forward to class tomorrow.  Hopefully I can keep up better.