Hi guys!
Today I decided to blog about psychosomatic illnesses. I am interested in this topic because I myself am affected by psychosomatic illnesses. Well, not exactly the real illnesses, but if I have a headache for more than a day, for example, I know that it's psychosomatic and that I rather have to think about what's going on in my personal life than just taking a pill and hoping it'll wear off.
Psychosomatic describes the relation between the medical condition and the psychic, emotional or mental state of a patient. Often a simple headache is caused by some personal problems or stress, but the symptoms can also go much further. Some personal issues can lead to cancer, stomach ulcer or other dangerous or even fatal diseases.
In today's medicine it continually gets harder for a doctor to really determine a health problem and cure it because they are often pyschosomatic. In that case only the symptom is cured by the orthodox medicine and never the real illness/problem. That's why sometimes people keep on going to a doctor with the same reoccuring problem over years when all they would need to do is change something in their personal life, or maybe rather seek psychological help than medical.
Another really interesting aspect about psychosomatics is the healing-thing. I know, that's not the right way of saying it, but I'm tired and can't think of a better way right now. So, what I'm talking about is the following: When a patient loses his will to live he does recover much worse or not at all from an illness or an operation. Apparently the process of healing does not only take place in the body, but also in our minds - to a large extend I'd guess.
As my father's a doctor himself I know quite a few stories about people who didn't recover simply because they lost their will to fight off their disease. Or this one man who was terminally ill, but just did not die for almost a year, even though he was suffering and suffering. His wife finally told him that he can go now and he died two days later.
^^ If not stories like that, what else does prove how important the relation between body and mind is?
I guess there is a grain of truth - more than only a grain, actually - in the saying that a healthy mind leads to a healthy body.
24/06/2013
22/06/2013
Culture Projects!
I have to admit, I was not all too eager to listen to the Culture Presentations. I was just not motivated to sit in uni on a beautiful day like that - probably in a room that's hot like an oven - and listen to the Presentations. Instead I could have been swimming and studying French somewhere. Anyway, when the Presentations started I was disabused quickly. All of those I attended were really interesting and pretty well presented.
From the American Culture Presentations I watched:
* Danger of Society Threat Groups in American Prisons by Livia Perschy
Wow, I really didn't know that something like that even existed. Especially the Blood In Blood Out Oath shocked me.
* Southern Hospitality - the Southern Way of Life by Julia Rauch
Loved the Presentation. It was really cool because of all the personal stories she added to illustrate Southern Hospitality.
* Monty Roberts - an Extraordinary Communicator by Melanie Wimmer
I knew about Monty Roberts before - even though I didn't really know that he also worked with people, not only with horses. The presentation was really interesting.
*America as a nation of narcissism Maria Dorner
I particularly liked this Presentation because it really matched my opinion about the American (and of course also other countries) society of egocentricity and self-exhibition. Especially young people are overdoing that and I think this is a worrisome trend.
* Does Race Still Matter in the US? by Lisa Ziermann
I totally agree with the thesis Lisa presented. Thank God things are getting better in the US and in most other parts of the world.
* Ellen DeGeneres - a Modern Woman and her Influence on America by Johanna Schreilechner
Ellen DeGeneres is a great woman. I sometimes watch her show online when I'm bored because she's really funny and witty. It was interesting to learn a little more about her.
From the Irish Culture Presentations I watched:
* Newgrange - a Treasure of Art by Anita Bhatti
Seeing Newgrange from the artistic point of view was a new experience for me. Anita told many facts I didn't know, and even though I wasn't really into the topic in the beginning it turned out to be interesting.
* Psychiatry in Ireland in the 1950s and 1960s by Diana Skof
This topic fascinated me. What Diana told us about the treatments was really shocking, and especially Hannah Greally's story is terrible. Thank God those treatments don't exist any longer.
* Beyond Riverdance - A Glimpse inside the World of Irish Dance by Katharina Luttenberger
I acutally did not really like that topic and merely listened to the Presentation to fill the time until the next ones I wanted to see were on. Even though the Presentation wasn't bad I did not get caught up in the topic, maybe also because so much was mentioned.
* The Impact of Global Warming on Ireland's Agriculture by Christian Waldmann
I actually was surprised by the possible impacts Christian told us. I would have expected them to be negative, but most of them seemed to be positive.
* Appreciating Life - Donal Walsh's Fight Against Suicide in Ireland by Bianca Brandtner
This was a really touching Presentation. Donal Walsh's story is incredible and I guess he must have been an unusually strong person as he had to go through so many difficulties and still managed to maintain his positiveness and even found the strength to help others.
* Transition Year - working towards Maturity by Carmen Loderer
I loved that Presentation and think the Transition Year is an amazing thing. It would be an improvement to our school system and I think a Transition Year is something every student all over the world would benefit from.
* Animal Symbolism in Irish Mythology by Katya Wallner
Animal Symbolism in Irish Mythology was especially interesting for me because I generally like topics like that. It was interesting to learn the similarities and differences between Irish and Austrian symbolism.
* Ireland vs. Austria - Whiskey Distilleries - Challenge accepted! by Verena Prasch
As I like Whiskey I was excited about this Presentation. Both Whiskey Distilleries were presented in a clear way and we really got a good overview. What I liked was that Verena did not go into details which are boring for people other than distillers but explained only the necessary ones and focused on other things instead.
* Willie Daly - Matchmaker by Natalie Riedl
I actually only watched this Presentation because it was the one right before my own, but now I'm really glad I did. I didn't know what to expect but it was a really cool topic and I learned a lot. I'd love to meet Willie Daly - I'd reckon he's a really nice guy.
All of the topics were really interesting and - surprisingly for me - I enjoyed watching them. I learned a lot and time passed by quickly that day.
The topics I particularly liked and therefore chose to be tested on in the KGP are the following:
* Psychiatry in Ireland in the 1950s and 1960s by Diana Skof
* Transition Year - working towards Maturity by Carmen Loderer
* Animal Symbolism in Irish Mythology by Katya Wallner
* Ireland vs. Austria - Whiskey Distilleries - Challenge accepted! by Verena Prasch
* Willie Daly - Matchmaker by Natalie Riedl
From the American Culture Presentations I watched:
* Danger of Society Threat Groups in American Prisons by Livia Perschy
Wow, I really didn't know that something like that even existed. Especially the Blood In Blood Out Oath shocked me.
* Southern Hospitality - the Southern Way of Life by Julia Rauch
Loved the Presentation. It was really cool because of all the personal stories she added to illustrate Southern Hospitality.
* Monty Roberts - an Extraordinary Communicator by Melanie Wimmer
I knew about Monty Roberts before - even though I didn't really know that he also worked with people, not only with horses. The presentation was really interesting.
*America as a nation of narcissism Maria Dorner
I particularly liked this Presentation because it really matched my opinion about the American (and of course also other countries) society of egocentricity and self-exhibition. Especially young people are overdoing that and I think this is a worrisome trend.
* Does Race Still Matter in the US? by Lisa Ziermann
I totally agree with the thesis Lisa presented. Thank God things are getting better in the US and in most other parts of the world.
* Ellen DeGeneres - a Modern Woman and her Influence on America by Johanna Schreilechner
Ellen DeGeneres is a great woman. I sometimes watch her show online when I'm bored because she's really funny and witty. It was interesting to learn a little more about her.
From the Irish Culture Presentations I watched:
* Newgrange - a Treasure of Art by Anita Bhatti
Seeing Newgrange from the artistic point of view was a new experience for me. Anita told many facts I didn't know, and even though I wasn't really into the topic in the beginning it turned out to be interesting.
* Psychiatry in Ireland in the 1950s and 1960s by Diana Skof
This topic fascinated me. What Diana told us about the treatments was really shocking, and especially Hannah Greally's story is terrible. Thank God those treatments don't exist any longer.
* Beyond Riverdance - A Glimpse inside the World of Irish Dance by Katharina Luttenberger
I acutally did not really like that topic and merely listened to the Presentation to fill the time until the next ones I wanted to see were on. Even though the Presentation wasn't bad I did not get caught up in the topic, maybe also because so much was mentioned.
* The Impact of Global Warming on Ireland's Agriculture by Christian Waldmann
I actually was surprised by the possible impacts Christian told us. I would have expected them to be negative, but most of them seemed to be positive.
* Appreciating Life - Donal Walsh's Fight Against Suicide in Ireland by Bianca Brandtner
This was a really touching Presentation. Donal Walsh's story is incredible and I guess he must have been an unusually strong person as he had to go through so many difficulties and still managed to maintain his positiveness and even found the strength to help others.
* Transition Year - working towards Maturity by Carmen Loderer
I loved that Presentation and think the Transition Year is an amazing thing. It would be an improvement to our school system and I think a Transition Year is something every student all over the world would benefit from.
* Animal Symbolism in Irish Mythology by Katya Wallner
Animal Symbolism in Irish Mythology was especially interesting for me because I generally like topics like that. It was interesting to learn the similarities and differences between Irish and Austrian symbolism.
* Ireland vs. Austria - Whiskey Distilleries - Challenge accepted! by Verena Prasch
As I like Whiskey I was excited about this Presentation. Both Whiskey Distilleries were presented in a clear way and we really got a good overview. What I liked was that Verena did not go into details which are boring for people other than distillers but explained only the necessary ones and focused on other things instead.
* Willie Daly - Matchmaker by Natalie Riedl
I actually only watched this Presentation because it was the one right before my own, but now I'm really glad I did. I didn't know what to expect but it was a really cool topic and I learned a lot. I'd love to meet Willie Daly - I'd reckon he's a really nice guy.
All of the topics were really interesting and - surprisingly for me - I enjoyed watching them. I learned a lot and time passed by quickly that day.
The topics I particularly liked and therefore chose to be tested on in the KGP are the following:
* Psychiatry in Ireland in the 1950s and 1960s by Diana Skof
* Transition Year - working towards Maturity by Carmen Loderer
* Animal Symbolism in Irish Mythology by Katya Wallner
* Ireland vs. Austria - Whiskey Distilleries - Challenge accepted! by Verena Prasch
* Willie Daly - Matchmaker by Natalie Riedl
21/06/2013
Cutest animated movie I've seen in ages!!! :)
Helloooo!!! :)
I don't know if anybody of you guys has seen Rise of the Guardians, but I'm gonna tell you something about it now. I decided to blog about it because I watched it with a friend a few days ago and was truly impressed.
Rise of the Guardians is a 2012 animated movie, produced by DreamWorks Animations and distributed by Paramount Pictures. It features stars like Hugh Jackman, Alec Baldwin and Jude Law.
The touching story is based on a child book series by William Joyce.
The plot is all about children and their beliefs in characters like Santa, the Easter Bunny, the Tooth Fairy or the Sandman. As long as the children believe in the characters they are strong and can fulfill all their duties. But then Pitch arises and strives to destroy the childrens' beliefs and with them the power of the Guardians. He wants to spread fear because it makes him stronger. The Man in the Moon tells the Guardians that they need help if they want to defeat Pitch - help from Jack Frost. They call him and ask for his help, but he refuses. Then Pitch attacks the Tooth Fairies palace and when the others rush to help her and Jack sees all the evil, he decides to help the other Guardians.
Their attempt to fight Pitch is complicated by the fact that less and less children believe in them because they're no longer able to fulfill their duties and that's why Pitchs' influence grows quickly.
If you want to know if the Guardians succeed, you have to watch the movie yourselves.
Besides the fact that I absolutely loved the plot of the movie, it was also really nicely made. You can see that the producers put a lot of love for details into the film and that makes it so likeable. Not only are the main characters funny and cool and those not so important are the icing on the cake. The animations are absolutely beautiful and the dialogs are amazing. It's all funny and full of jokes, but it's never too much. Rise of the Guardians is one of those movies that leave you smiling and filled with happiness.
I strongly recommend it to anyone who likes this kind of films, it's really cute and definitely worth watching.
I don't know if anybody of you guys has seen Rise of the Guardians, but I'm gonna tell you something about it now. I decided to blog about it because I watched it with a friend a few days ago and was truly impressed.
Rise of the Guardians is a 2012 animated movie, produced by DreamWorks Animations and distributed by Paramount Pictures. It features stars like Hugh Jackman, Alec Baldwin and Jude Law.
The touching story is based on a child book series by William Joyce.
The plot is all about children and their beliefs in characters like Santa, the Easter Bunny, the Tooth Fairy or the Sandman. As long as the children believe in the characters they are strong and can fulfill all their duties. But then Pitch arises and strives to destroy the childrens' beliefs and with them the power of the Guardians. He wants to spread fear because it makes him stronger. The Man in the Moon tells the Guardians that they need help if they want to defeat Pitch - help from Jack Frost. They call him and ask for his help, but he refuses. Then Pitch attacks the Tooth Fairies palace and when the others rush to help her and Jack sees all the evil, he decides to help the other Guardians.
Their attempt to fight Pitch is complicated by the fact that less and less children believe in them because they're no longer able to fulfill their duties and that's why Pitchs' influence grows quickly.
If you want to know if the Guardians succeed, you have to watch the movie yourselves.
Besides the fact that I absolutely loved the plot of the movie, it was also really nicely made. You can see that the producers put a lot of love for details into the film and that makes it so likeable. Not only are the main characters funny and cool and those not so important are the icing on the cake. The animations are absolutely beautiful and the dialogs are amazing. It's all funny and full of jokes, but it's never too much. Rise of the Guardians is one of those movies that leave you smiling and filled with happiness.
I strongly recommend it to anyone who likes this kind of films, it's really cute and definitely worth watching.
14/06/2013
"Live feels like a music box, I'm spinning round slowly and I can't get off..."
Alright guys, once again I decided to blog about music - which is pretty funny as I'm actually not all too interested in music. I belong to those people who don't listen to one genre/band exclusively, but to a wide range of genres and bands. And even if a band only has one song I like, I don't care. I'm happy that I found it and listen to it as long as I want to. No big deal.
I actually hate being asked what music I like because there's a great variety of songs and artists I like, so I don't like to label it. Also, I hate people who're talking about music ALL THE TIME and just don't shut up; or people who are like "OMG how can you listen to that crap?" ^^guys, wake up, it's music! It's all about taste and nothing but taste! Accept that other people don't necessarily share your opinion about it.
Anyway, that was not what I intended to tell you guys about, so let's get back to the topic. Have you listened to the song at the top already? It's "Write It On Your Skin" by Newton Faulkner, and it's been one of my favourite songs for quite a while now! :)
So, besides the fact that Newton Faulkner looks really funny - just look at him, I always have to smile when I see a picture of him - he's also an absolutely amazing musician. I don't know what it is that fascinates me so much about his music, but it somehow touches me whenever I listen to it. Maybe it's the simplicity in addition to his mellifluous voice (means pleasant to hear - nice word, right?). Or the way his songs are all easy-going and transport a simple happiness...I don't know, but I really love his songs. All of them - which doesn't happen often with me! ;)
So, I actually wanted to tell you guys the story of how I first learned about this guy. It was pretty funny - at least when you've been there. It was during my time in Norhtern Ireland that a friend of mine, Jade, invited me to come to the Peace One Festival in Derry. I didn't have any other plans so of course I joined her - especially because her dad is a professional photographer and we got our tickets for free. :)
When we got there it was raining - as usual in Ireland, but we still had an amazing evening. Jude Law delivered a really touching speech and after that the music started. I didn't know any of the artists, so when Newton Faulkner came in, all by himself, with nothing but his guitar I didn't know what to expect. I actually didn't think that weird-looking guy would be any good. But when he then pulled in a beautiful wooden globe, put it next to his guitar, sat down, opened it and poured himself some tea, I almost died from laughter!!! I just couldn't take him seriously. And then he started playing. Within a few minutes I loved him! :) Since then I downloaded all his albums and am a big fan of him.
Give it a try, maybe it's your taste in music as well?
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