You’re reading Fiction for Life: Things I Learned from Watching Sci-Fi, originally posted on Pick the Brain | Motivation and Self Improvement. If you’re enjoying this, please visit our site for more inspirational articles.

The thought of meeting someone who had just returned from New York excites me. Eleven years is long enough so you bet I was ready for a story-telling marathon. I stepped into his living room and I was completely stunned by the movie house-themed living room! He grinned at my reaction and was so pleased to know that I adored the setup. What thrilled me more were the sci-fi movie posters arrayed on his plain alabaster shade walls!

He worked as a PR – that’s how he got to have these enormous theater posters in his possession. Tokens and freebies, he said. I noticed that most of them were science-fiction movies. We both loved the genre, and just like old times, we talked about several movies.  Now that we’re adults, we went up to another level, talking about the titles’ impact on us as an individual and as a part of the human race.

Learn and Unlearn

What is the most resilient parasite? … An idea. Resilient… highly contagious.

Cobb’s words definitely stuck even after watching Inception. Ideas and ideologies do spread like wildfire thanks to the wonders of the Internet. While other people shun these, my friend and I actually take pleasure in considering varying and even opposing ideas, test them or meditate on them to see if these really make sense. Do aliens really exist? Is there such thing as parallel universe? How will the world end – or will it ever? There’s nothing wrong with questioning beliefs, doctrines, precepts, etc! Ideas are meant to be shared, tested, then accepted or rejected.

Think Outside the Box

“Do… or do not. There is no try.”- Yoda

My friend took me to his study and I was stunned. He turned it into a whole new different world any Star Wars fan could ask for. Pictures and souvenirs everywhere, he’s just that into it! Looking at the images, I can’t help but wonder the pain and sweat the creators had gone through to bless the world with these stories.

Watching even just a few titles of this genre is enough to convince you that the imagination is very powerful. The success of any sci-fi movie, like fantasy, depends on the uniqueness and creativity of the conflict, setting and most especially, technology. Sci-fi is about initiating possibilities of what are deemed impossible. Imagining things does not equate to being a daydreamer or slacker, those would only be legitimate if you don’t do anything do materialize what you’ve conceptualized. Yoda, the elf-like mentor of Luke Skywalker, couldn’t summarize this point any simpler.

Too Much Progress Could Be Devastating

Human beings are a disease, a cancer on this planet, you are a plague…

Close enough, Agent Smith (Matrix 1999). Close enough. We delved deeper into the topic and got a little serious. Agent Smith’s line proved to be unforgettable and quite painful because it’s a truth right down to the core.

Some of you may not believe in global warming, but I’m totally sold out with the thought of us destroying our only home. As the quote goes, we instinctively destroy the equilibrium in our surroundings. Lots of stories in print and on the silver screen continue to show the hazards of neglecting other aspects for the sake of progress. Sci-fi also takes a causative turn to raise awareness and awaken the audience from their slumber of indifference and apathy. Take movies like 28 Days Later, Children of Men and Snowpiercer for example. The Day After Tomorrow, anyone?

What ifs?

My friend and I don’t really like asking this type of questions but we somehow agreed that they are essential to our nature and existence. What if aliens do exist? What if we are on the brink of extinction and one wrong move could lead to self-destruction? What if there was no racism, sexism, religious factions or disease? What if without them, we’re faced with indifference? What if total control to attain Utopia is indeed the only answer to our perennial dilemmas?

So many questions! Questions leading to more questions. Interestingly, that’s exactly what science fiction is all about. These stories challenge our assumptions, the people around us, the government and ourselves. Is this paranoia? I don’t think so. A broader perspective – that’s what I was given. And it’s good.

You’ve read Fiction for Life: Things I Learned from Watching Sci-Fi, originally posted on Pick the Brain | Motivation and Self Improvement. If you’ve enjoyed this, please visit our site for more inspirational articles.

http://ift.tt/2tVALDN

You’re reading Fiction for Life: Things I Learned from Watching Sci-Fi, originally posted on Pick the Brain | Motivation and Self Improvement. If you’re enjoying this, please visit our site for more inspirational articles.

The thought of meeting someone who had just returned from New York excites me. Eleven years is long enough so you bet I was ready for a story-telling marathon. I stepped into his living room and I was completely stunned by the movie house-themed living room! He grinned at my reaction and was so pleased to know that I adored the setup. What thrilled me more were the sci-fi movie posters arrayed on his plain alabaster shade walls!

He worked as a PR – that’s how he got to have these enormous theater posters in his possession. Tokens and freebies, he said. I noticed that most of them were science-fiction movies. We both loved the genre, and just like old times, we talked about several movies.  Now that we’re adults, we went up to another level, talking about the titles’ impact on us as an individual and as a part of the human race.

Learn and Unlearn

What is the most resilient parasite? … An idea. Resilient… highly contagious.

Cobb’s words definitely stuck even after watching Inception. Ideas and ideologies do spread like wildfire thanks to the wonders of the Internet. While other people shun these, my friend and I actually take pleasure in considering varying and even opposing ideas, test them or meditate on them to see if these really make sense. Do aliens really exist? Is there such thing as parallel universe? How will the world end – or will it ever? There’s nothing wrong with questioning beliefs, doctrines, precepts, etc! Ideas are meant to be shared, tested, then accepted or rejected.

Think Outside the Box

“Do… or do not. There is no try.”- Yoda

My friend took me to his study and I was stunned. He turned it into a whole new different world any Star Wars fan could ask for. Pictures and souvenirs everywhere, he’s just that into it! Looking at the images, I can’t help but wonder the pain and sweat the creators had gone through to bless the world with these stories.

Watching even just a few titles of this genre is enough to convince you that the imagination is very powerful. The success of any sci-fi movie, like fantasy, depends on the uniqueness and creativity of the conflict, setting and most especially, technology. Sci-fi is about initiating possibilities of what are deemed impossible. Imagining things does not equate to being a daydreamer or slacker, those would only be legitimate if you don’t do anything do materialize what you’ve conceptualized. Yoda, the elf-like mentor of Luke Skywalker, couldn’t summarize this point any simpler.

Too Much Progress Could Be Devastating

Human beings are a disease, a cancer on this planet, you are a plague…

Close enough, Agent Smith (Matrix 1999). Close enough. We delved deeper into the topic and got a little serious. Agent Smith’s line proved to be unforgettable and quite painful because it’s a truth right down to the core.

Some of you may not believe in global warming, but I’m totally sold out with the thought of us destroying our only home. As the quote goes, we instinctively destroy the equilibrium in our surroundings. Lots of stories in print and on the silver screen continue to show the hazards of neglecting other aspects for the sake of progress. Sci-fi also takes a causative turn to raise awareness and awaken the audience from their slumber of indifference and apathy. Take movies like 28 Days Later, Children of Men and Snowpiercer for example. The Day After Tomorrow, anyone?

What ifs?

My friend and I don’t really like asking this type of questions but we somehow agreed that they are essential to our nature and existence. What if aliens do exist? What if we are on the brink of extinction and one wrong move could lead to self-destruction? What if there was no racism, sexism, religious factions or disease? What if without them, we’re faced with indifference? What if total control to attain Utopia is indeed the only answer to our perennial dilemmas?

So many questions! Questions leading to more questions. Interestingly, that’s exactly what science fiction is all about. These stories challenge our assumptions, the people around us, the government and ourselves. Is this paranoia? I don’t think so. A broader perspective – that’s what I was given. And it’s good.

You’ve read Fiction for Life: Things I Learned from Watching Sci-Fi, originally posted on Pick the Brain | Motivation and Self Improvement. If you’ve enjoyed this, please visit our site for more inspirational articles.

http://ift.tt/2tVALDN

You’re reading The 12 Health Benefits of Drinking Coffee You Should Know, originally posted on Pick the Brain | Motivation and Self Improvement. If you’re enjoying this, please visit our site for more inspirational articles.

Morning consumption of coffee aids us going throughout the day and provides us with higher energy levels. But there are plenty more benefits of consuming coffee. Yet there is always a debate: Is coffee good for you or bad for you?? Reading reviews on the coffee maker and wondering if coffee is beneficial for health? Read more for some interesting, scientifically proven, benefits which show that coffee is beneficial for health.

1. Coffee enhances energy

Coffee possesses an element known as caffeine. After the body absorbs the caffeine, it is transmitted to the brain. Caffeine inhibits neurotransmitter known as adenosine, causing an increase in levels of dopamine and norepinephrine giving a boost to certain areas of the brain, thus providing you with a burst of sustained energy.

2. Adding coffee to your diet plan

Caffeine is used in every supplement to burn fat. Coffee reduces fat by increasing metabolic rate by 3 to 11 percent. It is one of the rare natural substances used to burn fat as well as increase metabolic rate. Although, this effect will decline in consumption in the long term, it’s a a great way to kickstart your goals.

3. Enhances corporeal potential

Here’s some more good news: the intake of coffee rises in adrenaline boosting physical energy. The nervous system is stimulated by the caffeine, which causes adipose cell which breaks down causing body fat to also break down releasing fatty acids as fuel. The vigorous corporeal exertion our body gets prepared for after drinking coffee is due to increased adrenaline levels in the blood. It’s essential to have coffee 30minutes before the gym.

4. Aids in combating depression

Psychological illness reduces the excellence of life. 350 million people around the world suffer from depression. Studies have proven that coffee combats depression and therefore reduces the risk of suicide.

5. Reduces chances of Type 2 Diabetes

Individuals who consume coffee are less likely to develop this disease, which affects 30 million people all over the world. Researchers found out that coffee drinker’s possibility of getting diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes decreases.

6. Reduces cancer risks

Cancer is an abnormal growth of cells in any body organ and one of the leading causes of death. Coffee has proven to defend against colorectal and liver cancer. Researchers have found out individuals consuming coffee have 40 percent lower rate of cancer of the liver.

7. Cup filled with vital nutrients

It’s a cup packed with vital nutrients not just a cup to sit back and enjoy. It contains vital nutrients such as potassium, B2 Vitamin, magnesium and B5 Vitamin.

8. Decreased possibility of Parkinson’s disease

Parkinson’s is the most prevalent disease, occurring because of the demise of neurones that generate dopamine. It’s essential to focus on Parkinson’s disease prevention as it has no proper cure. Consuming a cup of coffee a day reduces chances to 60 percent, although individuals consuming decaf don’t have reduced risk of the disease.

9. Defends the liver

The liver is a vital organ performing essential functions, but sadly the liver can be affected by many diseases such as fatty liver disease, cirrhosis etc. In cirrhosis, a large scar tissue replaces the liver. Individuals who consume more than four mugs of coffee have reduced risk up to 40 percent.

10. Healthy heart

The surprising fact is coffee prevents diseases related to heart and reduces the risk of stroke. The assumption is that coffee causes a rise in blood pressure. New studies now confirm that these ideas are false. Although there is claim by researchers that there is reduced chances of stroke and of heart diseases in women.

11. Increase life expectancy

It’s obvious by now, since coffee lowers the chances of getting certain diseases, it also helps an individual to live longer. Several studies now support the finding that coffee drinkers have a lower chance of early death. In men, the risk is lowered to 20 percent while 26 percent for women.

12. Pro driving

It’s believed that drinking coffee aids in driving better. The majority of accidents on roads are caused by fatigue or drowsiness. A study in Netherlands concluded that population who consume one cup of coffee rated their driving as more responsible and maintained driving momentum preferable.

Edna Francis is a professional content writer, digital marketer and contributing editor who is working on many blogs like http://ift.tt/2kvDhdi. Apart from the blogging activity, she has a deep passion for singing and has performed at the National level.

You’ve read The 12 Health Benefits of Drinking Coffee You Should Know, originally posted on Pick the Brain | Motivation and Self Improvement. If you’ve enjoyed this, please visit our site for more inspirational articles.

http://ift.tt/2vjq90T

You’re reading The 12 Health Benefits of Drinking Coffee You Should Know, originally posted on Pick the Brain | Motivation and Self Improvement. If you’re enjoying this, please visit our site for more inspirational articles.

Morning consumption of coffee aids us going throughout the day and provides us with higher energy levels. But there are plenty more benefits of consuming coffee. Yet there is always a debate: Is coffee good for you or bad for you?? Reading reviews on the coffee maker and wondering if coffee is beneficial for health? Read more for some interesting, scientifically proven, benefits which show that coffee is beneficial for health.

1. Coffee enhances energy

Coffee possesses an element known as caffeine. After the body absorbs the caffeine, it is transmitted to the brain. Caffeine inhibits neurotransmitter known as adenosine, causing an increase in levels of dopamine and norepinephrine giving a boost to certain areas of the brain, thus providing you with a burst of sustained energy.

2. Adding coffee to your diet plan

Caffeine is used in every supplement to burn fat. Coffee reduces fat by increasing metabolic rate by 3 to 11 percent. It is one of the rare natural substances used to burn fat as well as increase metabolic rate. Although, this effect will decline in consumption in the long term, it’s a a great way to kickstart your goals.

3. Enhances corporeal potential

Here’s some more good news: the intake of coffee rises in adrenaline boosting physical energy. The nervous system is stimulated by the caffeine, which causes adipose cell which breaks down causing body fat to also break down releasing fatty acids as fuel. The vigorous corporeal exertion our body gets prepared for after drinking coffee is due to increased adrenaline levels in the blood. It’s essential to have coffee 30minutes before the gym.

4. Aids in combating depression

Psychological illness reduces the excellence of life. 350 million people around the world suffer from depression. Studies have proven that coffee combats depression and therefore reduces the risk of suicide.

5. Reduces chances of Type 2 Diabetes

Individuals who consume coffee are less likely to develop this disease, which affects 30 million people all over the world. Researchers found out that coffee drinker’s possibility of getting diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes decreases.

6. Reduces cancer risks

Cancer is an abnormal growth of cells in any body organ and one of the leading causes of death. Coffee has proven to defend against colorectal and liver cancer. Researchers have found out individuals consuming coffee have 40 percent lower rate of cancer of the liver.

7. Cup filled with vital nutrients

It’s a cup packed with vital nutrients not just a cup to sit back and enjoy. It contains vital nutrients such as potassium, B2 Vitamin, magnesium and B5 Vitamin.

8. Decreased possibility of Parkinson’s disease

Parkinson’s is the most prevalent disease, occurring because of the demise of neurones that generate dopamine. It’s essential to focus on Parkinson’s disease prevention as it has no proper cure. Consuming a cup of coffee a day reduces chances to 60 percent, although individuals consuming decaf don’t have reduced risk of the disease.

9. Defends the liver

The liver is a vital organ performing essential functions, but sadly the liver can be affected by many diseases such as fatty liver disease, cirrhosis etc. In cirrhosis, a large scar tissue replaces the liver. Individuals who consume more than four mugs of coffee have reduced risk up to 40 percent.

10. Healthy heart

The surprising fact is coffee prevents diseases related to heart and reduces the risk of stroke. The assumption is that coffee causes a rise in blood pressure. New studies now confirm that these ideas are false. Although there is claim by researchers that there is reduced chances of stroke and of heart diseases in women.

11. Increase life expectancy

It’s obvious by now, since coffee lowers the chances of getting certain diseases, it also helps an individual to live longer. Several studies now support the finding that coffee drinkers have a lower chance of early death. In men, the risk is lowered to 20 percent while 26 percent for women.

12. Pro driving

It’s believed that drinking coffee aids in driving better. The majority of accidents on roads are caused by fatigue or drowsiness. A study in Netherlands concluded that population who consume one cup of coffee rated their driving as more responsible and maintained driving momentum preferable.

Edna Francis is a professional content writer, digital marketer and contributing editor who is working on many blogs like http://ift.tt/2kvDhdi. Apart from the blogging activity, she has a deep passion for singing and has performed at the National level.

You’ve read The 12 Health Benefits of Drinking Coffee You Should Know, originally posted on Pick the Brain | Motivation and Self Improvement. If you’ve enjoyed this, please visit our site for more inspirational articles.

http://ift.tt/2vjq90T

You’re reading 6 Habits That Will Make You Grittier and Put an End to Being a Quitter, originally posted on Pick the Brain | Motivation and Self Improvement. If you’re enjoying this, please visit our site for more inspirational articles.

Grit remains abstract to scientists, making it difficult to measure still. Some say it’s the burning passion people have for the long-term goals set before them. Others say that’s how they were raised. Those contentions are actually true but if we delve deeper into these spheres, we’ll see that both groups of people rely on certain habits to get them through anything. For people to be successful, they must’ve developed qualities that prevent them from quitting.

While it’s true that good habits should be developed early on, I was only able to grasp the essence later in life. So, it doesn’t mean teens and adults are already hopeless. If you think not even this year’s resolutions appear to budge, then might as well start from the core: the reconditioning of your mind.

“Renewal of Contract”

No, it’s not a legal bond of some sort but it’s something similar, only that you can always breach it and at the same time renew and start all over again. That’s the true essence of grit, in the first place – not giving up. Surely you’ve committed yourself countless times, but your inner slacker gets the best of you. Then you get frustrated until you’ve completely surrendered. Grit, however, is overcoming the urge to quit. Committing yourself to a goal is a continuous process, and just like habits, they need to be reinforced by an indomitable mind and will to become one.

Re-adjust the Focus

We face different situations every day. Throughout my college years, things are arduous; nothing really comes easy for me. However, I’ve made a resolve that I’ll finish my degree no matter what. Now, I’m in graduate school, pursuing more degrees I can possibly have.

Getting up after the fall is what matters most, they say. Things can get really blurry no less, but we’re always capable of adjusting the lenses to get a clearer view of things, especially the prize we’ve set for ourselves at the finish line.

Re-adapt the Positive Mental Attitude

Having a positive mental attitude is having a profound consciousness that things don’t always go our way, but we could always make our way through the rocks on the stream. Unless we change how we look at things, we will never make any steps further. It takes a lot of determination to shift to this perspective, but developing the habit to look at reality and the bright side of things, things would be more bearable.

Taking a break from college for more than two years and all the problems that come along with being self-supporting, I think I have enough reason to just give up college and focus on my job. However, I know those are just part of the pruning stage. After all, diamonds are made under pressure.

Recharge with Ample Support

We can be strong on our own but our families and loved ones make us stronger. When we’re at our downiest and weakest, they’re at their strongest for us. That’s why, regardless of how high our ambition is, let’s not forget about the people who are always behind us.

Remind Yourself by Looking Back

When faced with yet another problem, I’ve developed this habit of looking back at similar situations or much worse. With that, it’s easier for me to accept the challenge. Doing so makes me confident that I can definitely take another one head on.

I understand some past events may be traumatizing for some but on a positive note, you’ve overcome them with all your might. I just love how people put it (and sing it): what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.

Reiterate “I’ve done my best” without regrets

There are times that call for either a retreat or surrender. Fear is just one of the many things that relentlessly hamper or cripple us. It renders us failures before we can even begin. I really don’t like feeling sorry for myself for not taking risks and for not striving for excellence while I’m at it. It’s not easy to muster courage to take the leap. However, I don’t want to dwell on the “what could’ve been.” Regardless of how things turn out, at least we could say “I’ve done my best” with conviction.

Taking risks is a part of life. It may be distressing but absolutely makes life exciting.

As you can see, it’s just a matter of persistent repetition of reactions to everything that’s hurled towards us. It’s a matter of striving again and again until you’ve reached your end-goal in life or in your current season in life. I hope that while you’re looking at your temporary circumstance, your mind remains fixed on the future ahead.

You’ve read 6 Habits That Will Make You Grittier and Put an End to Being a Quitter, originally posted on Pick the Brain | Motivation and Self Improvement. If you’ve enjoyed this, please visit our site for more inspirational articles.

http://ift.tt/2ub9L5A

You’re reading 6 Habits That Will Make You Grittier and Put an End to Being a Quitter, originally posted on Pick the Brain | Motivation and Self Improvement. If you’re enjoying this, please visit our site for more inspirational articles.

Grit remains abstract to scientists, making it difficult to measure still. Some say it’s the burning passion people have for the long-term goals set before them. Others say that’s how they were raised. Those contentions are actually true but if we delve deeper into these spheres, we’ll see that both groups of people rely on certain habits to get them through anything. For people to be successful, they must’ve developed qualities that prevent them from quitting.

While it’s true that good habits should be developed early on, I was only able to grasp the essence later in life. So, it doesn’t mean teens and adults are already hopeless. If you think not even this year’s resolutions appear to budge, then might as well start from the core: the reconditioning of your mind.

“Renewal of Contract”

No, it’s not a legal bond of some sort but it’s something similar, only that you can always breach it and at the same time renew and start all over again. That’s the true essence of grit, in the first place – not giving up. Surely you’ve committed yourself countless times, but your inner slacker gets the best of you. Then you get frustrated until you’ve completely surrendered. Grit, however, is overcoming the urge to quit. Committing yourself to a goal is a continuous process, and just like habits, they need to be reinforced by an indomitable mind and will to become one.

Re-adjust the Focus

We face different situations every day. Throughout my college years, things are arduous; nothing really comes easy for me. However, I’ve made a resolve that I’ll finish my degree no matter what. Now, I’m in graduate school, pursuing more degrees I can possibly have.

Getting up after the fall is what matters most, they say. Things can get really blurry no less, but we’re always capable of adjusting the lenses to get a clearer view of things, especially the prize we’ve set for ourselves at the finish line.

Re-adapt the Positive Mental Attitude

Having a positive mental attitude is having a profound consciousness that things don’t always go our way, but we could always make our way through the rocks on the stream. Unless we change how we look at things, we will never make any steps further. It takes a lot of determination to shift to this perspective, but developing the habit to look at reality and the bright side of things, things would be more bearable.

Taking a break from college for more than two years and all the problems that come along with being self-supporting, I think I have enough reason to just give up college and focus on my job. However, I know those are just part of the pruning stage. After all, diamonds are made under pressure.

Recharge with Ample Support

We can be strong on our own but our families and loved ones make us stronger. When we’re at our downiest and weakest, they’re at their strongest for us. That’s why, regardless of how high our ambition is, let’s not forget about the people who are always behind us.

Remind Yourself by Looking Back

When faced with yet another problem, I’ve developed this habit of looking back at similar situations or much worse. With that, it’s easier for me to accept the challenge. Doing so makes me confident that I can definitely take another one head on.

I understand some past events may be traumatizing for some but on a positive note, you’ve overcome them with all your might. I just love how people put it (and sing it): what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.

Reiterate “I’ve done my best” without regrets

There are times that call for either a retreat or surrender. Fear is just one of the many things that relentlessly hamper or cripple us. It renders us failures before we can even begin. I really don’t like feeling sorry for myself for not taking risks and for not striving for excellence while I’m at it. It’s not easy to muster courage to take the leap. However, I don’t want to dwell on the “what could’ve been.” Regardless of how things turn out, at least we could say “I’ve done my best” with conviction.

Taking risks is a part of life. It may be distressing but absolutely makes life exciting.

As you can see, it’s just a matter of persistent repetition of reactions to everything that’s hurled towards us. It’s a matter of striving again and again until you’ve reached your end-goal in life or in your current season in life. I hope that while you’re looking at your temporary circumstance, your mind remains fixed on the future ahead.

You’ve read 6 Habits That Will Make You Grittier and Put an End to Being a Quitter, originally posted on Pick the Brain | Motivation and Self Improvement. If you’ve enjoyed this, please visit our site for more inspirational articles.

http://ift.tt/2ub9L5A