Artwork

I wish I could paint. Moreover, I wish I had artistic abilities within me. Perhaps then I could express more of myself on canvases, paper, and so on. I like writing, but there is something about visual that captivates people.

November Style

This is what is on my mind in the mild month of November. Clearly, I'm not in Canada anymore!

Should Christians Do Yoga?

This is really controversial topic simply because different people have different views on this. You can practice yoga while mediating on the Word of God; there are "Christian yoga", doing the poses and not the mediation doesn't constitute as actual yoga, and etc. Now, I'm about to discuss why I think Christians should not make a habit of practicing yoga. I repeat: this is simply my own opinion. And this article specifically to Christians. If you're reading this, I encourage that you learn something new, but you do not have to take this to heart. Christians, I hope you get something from this and make you ponder...


First, you should know some things about yoga:

• Yoga means "to yoke" or "to unite" 
• Yoga is an Eastern pagan tradition that dates back to 5th century B.C.
• Namaste means "I bow to you" in Sikh (Sikhism)
• Ommmm…is a common phrase associated with yoga. Om is the deepest pitch the throat can produce and therefore signifies the most deepest part of the human soul
• Each of the positions in yoga is a worship stance for one of the 330 million gods in Buddhism

To those who say that practicing the poses are harmless, perhaps you did know this:

• Sun salutation = sun god 
• Headstand poses = achieve even mind, partial enlightenment, and even fearlessness 
• Animal poses = get some of the attributes each animal possesses (lion = bravery; eagle = clear mind) 
• Tree pose = calm, balanced, and in control 
• Warrior stance = spirituality 
• Lotus = self-mediation for a deeper state of enlightenment

Those poses are worship stances to different gods. You are not just doing arbitrary poses to something non-existent; you are bowing down to a pagan god.

1.Karma yoga−it appeals to ethics or the active temperament. The objective is selfless service.

2.Bhakti yoga−appeals to the emotional temperament. The objective is pure love and devotion

3.Raja yoga−appeals to the mystical and scientific temperament. The objective is self-control and self-mastery

4.Jhana yoga−appeals to the philosophical/enlightment and intellectual temperament. The objective is wisdom and knowledge

I've seen Christians say that "I'm a level 1/2/5/etc. level yogi" and there is something you should know about these so-called "innocent and inevitable" levels:

1.Yama−universal morality

2.Niyama−personal observances

3.Asanas−body postures

4.Pranayama−breathing exercises, and control of prana (vital energy in the body)

5.Pratyahara−control of the senses

6.Dharana−concentration and cultivating inner perceptual awareness

7.Dhyana−devotion, Meditation on the Divine

8.Samadhi−union with the Divine

The first 3 levels are just beginning levels, to help you test the waters, so to speak. But I assume you'e familiar with this type of scheme: the evil lures you in with innocent looking tactics, and when you give in entirely, he won't let you go without a fight. As you go to the 7th and 8th levels, you begin to realize that implementing the spiritual aspect of yoga. 

Another thing you should realize is that yoga incorporates Buddhism, Hinduism, and various other Indian and Eastern religions. (Just type in "yoga" in Wikipedia and you'd be surprised what you will find out to as what yoga actually is.) In fact, David Frawley, an American Hindu author, and founder and director of the American Institute for Vedic Studies ties in Buddhism with yoga. “There are eightfold (ashtanga) system of Yoga emphasizing an integral spiritual development including ethical disciplines (Yama and Niyama), postures (Asana), breathing exercises (Pranayama), control of the senses (Pratyahara), concentration (Dharana), meditation (Dhyana) and absorption (Samadhi). This constitutes a complete and integral system of spiritual training.” He is clearly knowledgeable in this field and if he says that yoga incorporates spiritual aspects, then it would be wise to adhere to his words and consider that yoga isn't as harmless as it seems. 

“You shall have no other gods before Me. “You shall not make for yourself a carved image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. You shall not bow down to them or serve them, for I the Lord your God am a jealous God…Exodus 20:3-4
When you practice yoga, do the poses, or even the mediation aspect, you are bowing down to another god. And you committing idolatry towards God. When you enter a yoga studio and say Namaste, you are entering the temple (figuratively speaking) of that god (or gods).

You adulterers! Don't you know that making friends with the world makes you enemies of God? Therefore, whoever chooses to be the world's friend becomes God's enemy. (James 4:4)
Why are you practicing yoga? Have you ever asked yourself this question? Now, before you say it's because it promotes wellness and boosts healthy benefits, are you doing it because it's popular and everyone else is doing it and celebrities are doing it (helping its popularization)? You need to understand that as a Christian, you are alienated from the world anyway because you have Jesus Christ living in you and that makes you strange, not like everyone else. When you do yoga, you are making friends with the world, finding an ally in the evil one, and God will have to respect your decision, and His hand will come off you. Yes, I realize that sounds austere, but the truth of the matter is that you need to decide: God or the world (and yoga constitutes as the world because, according to the Word, the world is anything that does not bring God glory).

Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God's will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. Romans 12:2

One thing that yoga primarily teaches is that you are your own god, you are the center of your own universe, you must empty your mind in order to align yourself with the world. Now, does it say anywhere in the Bible that we worship ourselves? No! Also, the first part of this Scripture tells us not to copy the customs of this world. Yoga, as you guessed it, falls under that category. Yoga tells us that we don't need God since we are our own god and that we rule our universe with our own moral code. 

If you want the health "benefits" that yoga gives, practice Pilates. If you were to be honest with yourself, 100% complete honesty, you call yoga "YOGA" for a reason, even though you are not doing mediation. Practice Pilates instead. It's stretching, increases health benefits, and there is no spiritual adultery against God. Plus, it's not a practice that is done by religious Buddhists, Hindus, Sikhs, or New Agers. But that decision is up to you; I'm just providing you with an alternative.

To conclude, I will ask you this (and I realize this might cliche): what would Jesus do? Seriously, what would He do? Would he practice yoga to connect more with His inner Self? (If so, what job would the Holy Spirit have?) Would He enter another temple and worship that god(s)? The decision is ultimately yours, but for me (as this is my own personal opinion), I don't see the need to do yoga. I exercise (to promote wellness and health), I pray and have His Word in my heart so that it never departs, and I'm constantly close to Him. So I have no need for a tawdry counterfeit when I have the real thing.

REFERENCES:

Yoga Vidya Gurukul University. (2010). Pranayama - (From Hatha Yoga and Ashtanga Yoga). Retrieved 11 10, 2011, from YogaPoint.com: http://www.yogapoint.com/info/pranayama.htm

Frawley, D. (n.d.). Yoga and Buddhism. Purify Our Mind. Retrieved November 10, 2011, from http://www.purifymind.com/YogaBudd

Fristoe, D. (2010, October 25). RELEVANT Magazine - Is it Okay for Christians to Do Yoga?. RELEVANT Magazine - God. Life. Progressive Culture.. Retrieved November 10, 2011, from http://www.relevantmagazine.com/life/whole-life/features/23243-is-it-okay-for-christians-to-do-yoga

Yoga Journal - Yoga Journal Releases 2008 "Yoga in America" Market Study. (n.d.). Yoga Journal: Yoga Poses, Classes, Meditation, and Life - On and Off the Mat - Namaste. Retrieved November 10, 2011, from http://www.yogajournal.com/advertise/

Bagby, L. J. (n.d.). Health - Should Christians Do Yoga?. CBN.com - The Christian Broadcasting Network. Retrieved November 10, 2011, from http://www.cbn.com/health/fitness/bagby_yoga-alternative.aspx

West, M. (2007, September 14). Christians are mixed up...in mysticism. RenewAmerica. Retrieved November 10, 2011, from http://www.renewamerica.com/columns

West, M. (2007, September 14). Christians are mixed up...in mysticism. RenewAmerica. Retrieved November 10, 2011, from http://www.renewamerica.com/columns

Ireland, J. (n.d.). Spiritual Meanings Of Yoga Postures | LIVESTRONG.COM. LIVESTRONG.COM - Lose Weight & Get Fit with Diet, Nutrition & Fitness Tools | LIVESTRONG.COM. Retrieved November 10, 2011, from http://www.livestrong.com/article/395082-spiritual-meanings-of-yoga-postures/

(If you would like to leave a comment below, be civil. I encourage feedback as long as it does not look uncomely.)

What Your Style?

After much speculation due to many inquiries, I have finally been able to label my "style". For a long time, I wasn't sure what my style because I was reinventing myself, so to speak, and therefore, I was unsure what my style was, or if I even had one. Now, after 3 year since deciding that, I have been able to identify my style:

• Retro/vintage a la Audrey Hepburn, Grace Kelly, Jackie O, and Babe Paley
• Blair Waldorf (that preppy, collegiate, and feminine look)
• Equestrian
• Frenchy and nautical
• Preppy/collegiate (remember Rory Gilmore's prepster days during her first year at Yale...?)
• Euro-chic (I get an infusion of this every year when I gaze at the mode in downtown Zurich)

I like having my own sense of style and being individualistic about it. I don't like shopping at stores and buying certain things just because everyone else is doing it. Nuh-uh, I don't follow that path; I make my own.

Is Home Where the Heart Is?

Hi readers! I know, I know...it's been much too long since my last post! Much has happened since then: friendships deepened, homework load doubled, and maintaining a social life is typical for a college student. Since coming to live in Virginia, I've come to see Regent as my home. I know that's such a weird thing to say since living in Canada for the past 16 years should be my home, but since settling in college, I feel as this is part of my home. When I visited Canada for fall break, it felt incredibly strange because all the familiar faces I see every single day weren't there anymore. The hallway, the scenery, the people...it's part of my home. When I came back from fall break, that feeling in the pit of your stomach when you're approaching your house when your a little kid? Yeah, I felt that when I could see the campus. I've never felt at home as I do here. It's just the perfect fit.

I'll post more often now as I'm managing my schedule better now. Until next time! ;)

WWBWD?

What would Blair Waldorf do?
With the fifth season of Gossip Girl currently airing, I've acclimated my favorite looks and continue to find her as my fashion inspiration.

Seriously. Every time I glance at Blair Waldorf photos, I am continually amazed at her style. There needs to be a Blair Waldorf line.

To be fair, there are certain photos of Serena that I admire and I have therefore added them here too:

American Vogue

Leave it to me to say something about American style. However, because of a myriad of reasons, people have constantly told me that the style between Americans and Canadians but after living in America for more than a month now, I can now say with certainty that that is certainly not true. While there are considerable difference between so-called "American" style in Canada and actual American vogue, I have to call out blatant disparities.

1. Urban Outfitters. A lot of people are really hipster here. With thick-rimmed glasses, indie band tees, record players, TOMS (see #2), and listening to underground music. That is something you definitely don't see in the streets of Toronto cause everyone wears Hollister or Abercrombie. People dress too similar back home while here there is some differences. Not much, but...it's there.

2. TOMS. Everyone wears TOMS here. In Canada, it's not quite a big trend; whereas here, every 1 in 2 people have a pair of TOMS. I considered purchasing a pair of TOMS simply because they're comfortable and versatile but after I realized that since almost everyone has a pair, I rallied against being like everyone else. So I wear my salmon-colored penny loafers and that makes me very happy. Plus, I receive countless compliments, which also put a smile on my face.

3. Feather extensions. I noticed that a lot of people are adding fake feather extensions in their hair. Interesting. Not that I'm against it but I can't put it in my hair lest my hair grows 4 inches in a matter of minutes.

4. Local hang out shops. Not really constituting as part of style, but I still felt that it was noteworthy. I've taken inventory and realized that many people (emphasis on the many) like to hang out in local, one-of-a-kind sentences that are not part of national chain restaurants.

Hey Y'all!

Hi y'all! If you've noticed, I haven't posted in a while. There are myriad of reasons, all include my time being consumed of classes, hanging out, studying, and dancing/surfing/movie watching. I haven't been able to commit much time to actually blog in terms of compiling my thoughts in an orderly fashion; however, I do have a tumblr (gasp!) so y'all are free to follow me. Just follow this link: Libelulas. College is so much different than high school but I often have to remind myself that just because I haven't attended public school in 3 years and because it is a relatively small school, it is not the same as high school. In other news, I have been obsessed with Coldplay. Oh, sweet mother of molasses, they are immaculate. I do plan on purchasing their new album and if you haven't heard their newest single "Paradise", you are seriously missing out.

Until next time!

College > High School

If you thought this post was going to be all the reasons why college is better than high school (it is), you are severely wrong. While I can elaborate greatly on why college is worth attending, pursuing higher education is a worthy pursuit, and why it's boss, I won't. Why? Because I want to focus on something hidden under the radar: music. (Dear readers, you should know by now that I am a self-professed music junkie.) I must say, the music scene in VA Beach is waaaaay different than that in Barrie. If y'all haven't heard of Pandora (an online radio that plays the music you like--also has an iPhone app), then you must check it out because it is the best invention since sliced bread. Don't believe me? Check it out for yourself.

Here is a preview of songs I've discovered from Pandora:

1. Rhythm of Love--Plain White T's
2. Two Door Cinema Club
3. The xx
4. In Search Of--Miike Snow
5. Hanging On--Active Child
6. Pumped Up Kicks--Foster the People
7. Voy a Comerte a Besos--G6
8. Runaway--Mat Kearney
9. Punching in a Dream--The Naked and Famous
10. Vanished--Crystal Castles

Conclusion: COLLEGE IS AWESOME!

Fall-ing in Love with Fall

Ahh...Fall. Don't you just love when summer turns to fall, the leaves begin to change colors, the temperature steadily drops, and a new season fills the air. I've acclimated my favorite September looks, some of which I might not be able to wear...but then again, I might! After all, this is Virginia, not Canada.

Spanish Infautation

I don't speak Spanish; nor do I have a hankering to understand it. Mind you, because I have Latin roots, I do understand some words--words translated to "hello", "good morning/afternoon/night", and "I love you"--but recently I have been obsessed with Spanish teen soap operas like Patito Feo and Casi Angeles. Although their dialogue is far too rapid for me to comprehend, I don't mind it. I am learning Spanish phrases from it and confirming my notion that Latinos are awesome. I can't watch full episodes but I am able to watch it through couples' history so needless to say, I have acquired...er, crushes on certain Spanish fellows. Sigh. Watching those shows makes me want to travel to Argentina and speak Spanish and feel like one of those movie protagonists. Hasta la vex proxima. 

Culture Analysis

I am going to start this post by admitting something potentially controversial: Canada is seriously behind. For my Canadian readers, you are probably not familiar with Chick-fil-a, a fast food joint that is, shockingly (she pronounced sarcastically), by Christians, hires Christians employees, and plays Christian music in the background. That is something unheard of in Canada; Canadians are naturally apathetic and indifferent and it's nice to see that Christianity is not diminishing. It may be heavily scrutinized and under severe belittling--viewing and uttering Christianity in a disparaging fashion. While many public faces and politicians see no use for Christianity, this is actually on the rise. King's Dominion, an amusement park in northern Virginia is a Christian-based park. Well. Isn't that something? Just when I thought that no one was willing to speak up for their beliefs and were willing to compromise for friendship, social status, and relative affluence, there is quite certainly a passion on Regent's campus and in its students. It is incontrovertibly sure that many people are unwilling to settle in terms of their faith. There are stores dedicated to proclaiming the Truth, amusement parks, fast food restaurants (in which everyone dines), and popular music festivals. Oh, it's good to be inVirginia...

In terms of college life, the workload is tolerable, people come in and out of dorm rooms, hang out every night, and have movie festivals. I do suspect, however, that workload will burgeon and will have less time to converse with my fellow peers and more time studying. Maybe, maybe not. We'll see.

Summary: First Week of College

Let's start with the most obvious: classes. May I be blunt and confess that I don't really feel like it's anything different that what I've done in home schooled? I learn, I take notes, I study them for quizzes/tests/exams, and get graded on them. I don't feel extremely overwhelmed; then again, I may have been privileged in that department. So far, it has been pretty chill, lax, easy. However, soon, I have an extremely important and laboring paper due in English 101so that might take more of my time. But for the most part, I don't sense a tremendous different in regards to academic than my homeschooling program (again, might I add that I did the hardest homeschooling program and it was actually university level-based). For example, in English, there is an assignment due highlighting the most common grammar errors in English and not only have I studied them over and over and over and over again for SAT's but I have also took 3 grammar courses in high school, so I'm totally set! At first, I did not want to be home schooled; now, I am so glad that I obeyed God's plan for my life 'cause being at Regent is worth for all those days in which I cried over submitting to God's plan, wanting to be like my peers, and etcetera.

On more important matters, my university welcomed the new school year in a big way: the beach! The Saturday prior to classes beginning, the entire freshman class of Regent's graduating class of 2015 went down to Sandbridge Beach and it was pretty boss. I also went surfing for the very first time in my life! It was such an exhilarating experience and I am certain that I will go countless times after (I even signed up for Regent's surf club!). Only bad thing, I got bitten by something at the beach that day (I'm all good now, but during....that was horrible. It was just plain bad.). Then the school was struck by the earthquake. Surprisingly, Regent was hit very little; there was a little swaying, but other than that, it was fine. Considering that the epicentre is Richmond, which is 2 hours north, it was the hand of God upon the school. People at the Pentagon were evacuated; shopping sprees in other locations spread across VA beach was hit mildly and people all the way to Toronto felt the tremor. Next, I'm prepared to experience Hurricane Irene. Never have I experienced a hurricane before. I've read the stories, felt sympathy, but that's it. Now it's the real deal. Great first week of classes, eh?

My Thoughts Are On You

Thankfully, orientation activities have halted considerably, thus allowing many students to sleep in and especially for those who stayed up until 2:00 AM, eating at Waffle House at midnight, and playing truth or dare at 1 in the morning (ahem), it was an especially good thing. However, with nothing in the morning, that gave a tremendous amount to think. I thought about home, my family, the familiarity of everything, and how much I miss them. I miss my baby sister's baby talk (as she is beginning to formulate her speech), my little sister's annoyingly sweet ways (because I know what she says and does is for my own good even if I fail to realize it at the moment), and my parents. I miss them. It still hasn't registered in my mind that I living for 4+ years in Virginia and somehow, thinking of them hopefully induces that feeling but it hasn't. I miss them and I keep thinking that in the near future, I'm going back home. But I'm not. I'm missing my mother's delicious homemade food, my father's jests and jokes, my sisters' shrieking, and my room. (I wish that I had requested for a quad 'cause they are awesome). Perhaps with the imminent workload that will arrive with classes commencing on Monday, that feeling will soon arise...Until then, thinking of my family continuously...

College Fashion

With school around the corner (literally!), fall fashion thus beings to emerge slowly as the leaves begin to change colors and the temperature steadily drops, I begin to mature my college vogue.