Learning Challenge: Follow your Dreams and Be Creative

Health

Data Reveals How Some College Students Sleep 

One thing I knew already was that sleep affects the mood. The article confirmed my thoughts on how light can also affect the mood. I did not really think about how it may be a warning sign of depression however, when I hear people talk about how they did not get any sleep a lot of the times they say it's because they stayed up late working on homework and studying. If they're my friends, I'll sometimes wonder if that's really the case or if there is something else going on and will show my concern for them just in case. I think it's really interesting how light gives the same effect as an antidepressant. It's really interesting how light affects your body and sleep schedule.This article gave me my answer as to why I am always up late working on homework or something (like now) even though I try to sleep early sometimes. I do not plan to actually try this any time soon but I would like to do more research on this and see what I can find.

(imgflip)

Empathy

What Makes Us Feel Good About Our Work?

This video is very relatable just because I've always enjoyed working for the most part. I enjoy it because it makes me feel like I have a purpose. I never really cared about the monetary value as much as I cared about the environment and internal value I can get. I feel like I get learn a lot through working than I do in a classroom and can connect with others better. It is more hands-on and there are more consequences whereas in a classroom the only consequence is your grade. At work, you also get a chance to correct your mistake and learn from it.

The speaker mentions how people get internal joy from doing what they enjoy which explains why I like to work. It's like people who value what they buy with their own money. It means more as opposed to someone else buying it for you. 

Part of the reason I chose my major was because I like to see the result of my hard work. It also very challenging and like a puzzle. Seeing everything fall into place in the end after all the hard work is satisfying in my opinion. I have always liked doing puzzles and knowing that I'll be able to do what I enjoy as a career doesn't even feel like work at all. I will be getting paid to live my dreams.

(9GAG)

Attention

Being Busy Is Killing Our Ability to Think Creatively

I did not know that being busy can affect the ability to think creatively. It does make sense though. A lot of people I know that say they are busy aren't exactly the most creative thinkers. However some of the people I know that make time to relax or just connect with nature really are creative. 

I agree when the article talks about how fear of missing out can increase anxiety since I've had some of those moments as a college student. However, anytime someone wants to play games or be outside I will almost never pass up the opportunity. 

(pq)

Reading

Bibliotherapy: Can You Read Yourself Happy?

I never knew that reading is a therapy or a prescription for that matter. As a person who reads a lot of ebooks I think that reading can make people happy. I know that when I feel down I would read and forget about my problems. I also like paperback novels but sadly I can't read that in the dark before going to bed.  Although you can read yourself happy you can also read yourself into other emotions as well depending on what you read but like everything, reading has its good and bad. 

(Created with imgflip)

Time

Reviewing My Schedule

I feel like my schedule has been working great for me. I am focused and have energy when I work on my stories and readings and am able to squeeze in some extra credit and learn something new. For the most part, I find myself getting a little ahead because this class is so much fun. I have some wiggle room which allows me to fall behind a little bit but still turn things in on time. 

(Created with imgflip)

Week 4 Storytelling: Karma is About to Take Over

The couple returned to the kingdom where they were welcomed with open arms after being exiled for fourteen years. A coronation was held for Rama to officially make him king. After he became king, he began his duties with Sita faithfully by his side. Not much happened afterwards until a month later.

A messenger walked into the palace and said "Rama how can you still be with her?" Rama looked at him and sternly asked, "What do you mean? She is your queen, how dare you disrespect her!" replied Rama trying to keep his cool. "Haven't you heard the rumors? People are saying that she was with another man!" said the messenger."She was kidnapped? What do you expect? It's not like anything happened. Did it?" he wondered looking at Sita.

"See even your doubting her. I demand she be tested!", said the messenger. "Are you serious right now? Your going to listen to rumors instead of your own wife?" exclaimed Sita as she looked at him in disbelief. "I have to give the people what they want Sita." replied Rama solemnly. "So if the people tell you to jump off a cliff, would you?" asked Sita. Rama remained silent. Of course he wouldn't, that would be preposterous.

The people of Ayodhya gathered in the royal court to witness the test of Sita to see if she was really telling the truth, while others protested in support of Sita"Fine! You want proof? I'll give you all proof!" she yelled at the crowd. And with that she jumps into the fire. People gasped in shock and worry for their beloved queen. As the flames went up, Sita remained standing in all her glory.  "You see? I'm innocent!" said Sita as she began to sob. "How could you all accuse me of infidelity? I have loved Rama ever since I met him! I wouldn't even let Hanuman touch me when he tried to save me!" continued Sita with pain in her voice. The people looked down in shame, others smiled, while some looked at the messenger in anger. 

Sita steps out of the fire looking as beautiful as always. As Rama steps towards her, she stops him. "Don't! It's obvious you don't trust me." she said with hurt. "I am leaving. I'll be sure to send you the divorce papers. I'll see you in court." and with that she left to go pack her bags to go back to her kingdom. People began mourning at the news of Sita's departure. Rama stared in shock along with the rest of the people as he watched her walk away. He could not believe what just happened. He knew she was innocent but needed to prove it to the people of his kingdom so that he would not be ridiculed. He just watched his queen leave just like that. With unshed tears, Rama decided he wasn't going to let her go that easy. Not if he can help it, but little did he know that karma is about to take over. 

Author's Note: So this is a possible preview of my project. I feel like Sita needs to be stronger and thought I would tell the story in a more modern version. I also feel like everyone's opinions are different and believe some people must have believed her but back then it was a majority rule, not to mention women did not really get much of a voice.

So tell me what you guys think! I would really appreciate the feedback 😃

Reading Notes: PDE Ramayana, Part D

⭐The gods planned for Rama to defeat Ravana

Indrajit

• Ravana's son
• Power of Invisibility

Ravana takes Sita to the battleground and she thinks Rama and Lakshmana are dead. Lakshmana is dead bur Garuda comes to heal both of the brother's. 

Kumbhakarna

•  Warrior
• Ravana's brother
• Eats a lot, specifically humans
• Curse by a Brahma to sleep for 6 months and only wake up for one day only

Hanuman and the Mountain

Hanuman goes to the Himalaya to collect herbs and heals his army. 

Lakshmana and Indrajit

Indrajit tries to trick Rama into thinking Sita is dead by creating an illusion. Vibishana talks him out of it and reminds him that it's an illusion.

Ravana and Lakshmana

Lakshmana kills Indrajit. Ravana mourns his death and vows vengeance. Ravana pierced an arrow through Lakshmana's heart and he dies but comes back to life after Hanuman once again collects herbs from the mountains.

Rama and Ravana

Agastya, a sage, gives Rama some advice about how to defeat Ravana since he is using his power of invisibility to fight

Ravana's Death

It was the gods  goal for Rama to defeat Ravana. Rama kills him with a Brahmin weapon. 

Mandoodari's Lament

Mandoodari is Ravana's chief wife. Hanuman thought she was Sita. She explains how her husband forgot about her all because of his lust for Sita and how Rama was sent by the gods to kill him. 

She is now mourning her husband's loss. 

It sounds like she understood her husband was in the wrong but was blinded by her love for him. It also sounds like she did not have much power to say anything to stop him. This part of the story kind of opens another perspective on Ravana. He was loved by his kingdom and they supported and respected him. He is seen as this monster so reader's forget that he also meant something to someone despite his bad deeds. 

Sita and Rama 

The couple is finally reunited, however, Rama rejects and insults her because she lived with another man. Rama believes he avenged Ravana for his evil deeds and explains to Sita why he can't accept her. 

Sita Tested

Sita undergoes the test to prove her innocence in front of Rama, Lakshmana, and Hanuman
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons

Sita fights to defend her honor. She tells him how it was not in her control that she was kidnapped and how much she loves Rama. She asks him why he saved her if he was just going to throw her away. She explains how she was born as well. 

Finally, she steps into a fire to prove her innocence in front of the whole kingdom and Rama. The gods come from the sky and ask Rama why he is insulting Sita and not trust her. 

After she passes the test, Rama reveals that he knew all along that Sita was innocent but needed to show his people proof otherwise they would ridicule him. 

⭐Pushpaka⭐

Rama tells Sita everything that has happened in his journey to find her.

Rama and Bharata

Rama's Coranation
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons

Rama's fourteen year exile is finally over and he is welcome back to Ayodhya with open arms and his crowned king.

Valmiki's Hermitage

Sita is pregnant and  exiled at the demand of the people of Ayodhya and Valmiki finds her and offers her a place to stay which she gratefully accepts. 

• Luva and Kush are born

2 years later

• Rama performs a horse sacrifice to cleanse his soul of killing Ravana
• Luva and Kush capture the horse  and Rama discovers his sons

Sita Departs

• Rama tries to offer the boys money for the horse
• Sita is asked to prove her innocence again. At this point she is tired of everything but agrees.
• She goes into earth after proving her innocence to Ayodhya

Rama regrets exiling her and raises his two sons alone. 

Rama Departs

Lakshmana has gone back to heaven and now it's Rama's turn and he becomes Vishnu again. The army of bears and monkeys follow him back to the other world (Heaven). 

Reading Notes: PDE Ramayana, Part C

This part of the story is mostly about Hanuman and his quest to save Sita.

Sugriva and Hanuman 

Hanuman meets Rama and Lakshmana and interrogates them to find out what they are doing in the forest at the request of Sugriva. They share their stories and become allies.

Hanuman

• Sugriva's messenger

Sugriva

• Monkey Chief
• Exiled by his older brother Vali
• Vali stole his wife as well

Vali

• Sugriva's older brother
• King of Kishkindha

⭐Sugriva vs. Vali 

Sugriva's Story b

Vali was fighting a demon and told Sugriva to guard the cave until he returned. Surgiva thought his brother had died after a year and returned to the kingdom. Vali believes that his younger brother trapped him in the mountains so that he could rule the kingdom.

Sugriva is now asking Rama for help in fighting his brother.

Sugriva and Vali by Romesh Dutt

Vali's wife, Tara, warns him about Sugriva and his new allies and begs him to make amends with his little brother. 

Vali's Death 

The brothers battle it out and Sugriva is losing so Rama steps in and helps. Both Sugriva and Vali's wife mourn Vali's death and Sugriva becomes king.

The Armies 

⭐Rama vs. Sugriva 

Sugriva hasn't helped Rama and has broken his promise so Lakshmana goes and reminds him of his promise and threatens to kill him if he doesn't help them. 

Sampati and Jatayu 

Attribute: First Person

Tone: Nostalgic, Sad

• Jatayu's brother
• Can't fly

Sampati asks Rama to carry him to the the water so that he can perform the final rites of Jatayu's funeral. 

Hanuman's Leap

The story of Hanuman's birth is told to him by Jambavan, the king of bears. He tells him the story to encourage him to jump to Lanka to find Sita. 

• Mother is Anjana
• Born in mountains
• Jumps high 

Once he's in Lanka, he looks for Sita but does not find her.  Instead he finds Ravana with his many wives. 

The Ashoka Grove

Hanuman finds Sita and shows her Rama's ring
Image Source: Wikipedia

Hanuman finds Sita here surrounded by female demons.

Sita and Ravana by 

Ravana continues to persuade Sita to reject Rama while Hanuman hid and watched her. Ravana threatens to torture and kill her in 2 months if she doesn't accept him.

Hanuman and Sita 

Hanuman secretly meets Sita. Sita thinks Hanuman is Ravana in disguise but he shows her Rama's ring as proof that he is not a demon and is there to help her. He offers to carry her away but Sita refuses because she did not want any man touching her other than Rama.

Hanuman Captured 

Hanuman is not happy with not being able to save Sita so he destroys the forest and Ravana's son, Indrajit captures him.

Hanuman and Ravana

Ravana sets Hanuman's tail on fire
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons

⭐Hanuman vs. Ravana - Lawsuit & Arson

Hanuman warns Ravana to return Sita so he can live and the counselor's in Ravana's court will not allow Ravana to kill Hanuman because he is a messenger so he settles for setting his tail on fire. This backfires because Hanuman sets Lanka on fire and then goes to the sea to stop the fire on his tail. 

Ravana's Court

Ravana and his advisors debate on whether they should let Sita go or not. They settle for war.

Vibishana 

• Ravana's little brother
• Rama's ally 

He opposed the war and wanted Ravana to return Sita to Rama and is exiled for it. Ravana thinks his brother is just jealous. 

⭐He can be used as a key witness against Ravana along with Hanuman

Famous Last Words: Tuning Back into Virtual Reality

This week I feel like I created a really good story and title about Karma. I have really been enjoying this class and came up with the idea to create Karma's court because I noticed that couples separated but never officially divorced. I figure it would be interesting to turn karma into a person and give her thoughts on everything that is happening in these stories and thus Karma's court was born.

I really like how this class has a lot of room for creativity. I read a lot on this app called Wattpad which is basically stories written by ordinary people. I've always like to read stories rather than write them myself.

So far, it has been really fun to watch my ideas come to life (or in this case writing) and it's really exciting. Anytime I think of homework this class comes to mind and I get excited (because I'm nerdy). Part of the reason I may get excited is because I can do this around my own time and can finish early but I also like to keep myself busy.

This week has been very laid back. I attended a Lunch N' Learn with MISSA and got to learn more about job opportunities which was exciting because I can turn what I love into a career so it won't really be working. I'll just be getting paid to have fun. I also won a prize while I was there which added more excitement to my currently boring life. It's probably the most exciting thing that's happened all year.

As for next week, I'm planning to start exercising cause I've been lazy and need to get healthy. Midterms won't be too far away so I might get a head start on studying so that I don't get overwhelmed later. I will also be going to my first MISSA meeting of the semester as an official member (yay!)

I finally turned my application in to study abroad and am currently being waitlisted so figures crossed in hopes that I can still go otherwise this will be a long year. I also turned some of my social media back on but haven't been active on it. I like to take breaks every now and then from it cause as much good as social media can be it can also be bad in my opinion. I know it's ironic considering I'm majoring in something related to technology but I like to take a break from it.

Personal photo created with 

Topic Research: Karma

I recently created a story for Week 3 and would like to create a project with different cases since  most of the stories have had some sort of karma whether it's good or bad. In other words, I want to retell all the stories and add a modern twist to it. It can have some humor in it as well.

Valmiki's Hermitage by Sister Nivedita

Rama basically abandons Sita by exiling her in the forest because of a rumor he heard. People believed that she was impure because she lived in a house with another man while she was kidnapped. Despite knowing the truth, Rama lets his pride get the better of him and sends Sita away. After he sends her away she takes refuge at Valmiki's Hermitage where she gives birth to two boys which Rama later meets.

This would be a good story to retell. I can create two different cases with this one story. Today, if the couple existed, they would be able to divorce instead of just simply disowning each other. It would also be interesting to see Rama try to win Sita again after realizing his mistake.

Sita Departs

Rama learns about his two boys and regrets his decision of exiling Sita. He wants Sita to prove her innocence once again. At this point, Sita as had enough and return back into the earth which was her birthplace. She leaves her twins in Rama's hands and they return to the kingdom without their mother. 

I personally feel like Sita was selfish by leaving her children behind but understand her reasoning. Things were different back then and she was meant to stay loyal to her husband and obey him.

I feel like she could've been stronger if not for herself then for her children. I think I might make her a little more sassy so that the story can be told in way that fit's with today's generation.

Bhagwat: The Krishna Avatar

Cover of the Bhagwat: The Krishna Avatar
Image Source: (Dr. Laura Gibbs)

Krishna is another form of Vishnu. His story is interesting since he's been killing demons since he was practically born. In this story his uncle Kamsa, sets out to kill him because of what a prophet had told him. The book shares his life story. I am still reading it but so far I have learned that his birth parents switched him with his adoptive parent's baby and that Kamsa has killed many babies.

I feel like there is a lot of information to create a case where Karma sentences Kamsa for his crimes, not to mention Krishna's parents kind of kidnapped a kid. Krishna's adoptive parents seemed a little negligent towards him as a baby by leaving him by himself even if it's for a few minutes so maybe child services can get involved too. 

I am going to be honest, I do not know much about how the court system works but I watch a lot of Law & Order: SVU and Forensic shows so that gives me a little bit of an idea. However I may do some research into the court system to make the story seem a little realistic but not entirely. After all it is a story.

Feedback Strategies: Don't Look Back, Look Forward!

Try Feedforward Instead of Feedback by Marshall Goldsmith

I really liked the title of this article, it's really creative. I liked how the article talks about how people give feedback for something that has happened in the past instead of talking about what can happen in the future. Although it's meant to help someone in the future, I feel like it does more damage than good. I've always been told to focus on the present rather than the past and this article made me think about why I always focus on what has already happened rather then what could happen and the answer is simple, we are always talking about what we could've done better in the past rather than the future.

The future is meant to be exciting and talking about what can happen can probably add to that excitement because it means we can do better. The article mentions that participants described the exercise as "fun" and "energizing" instead of "painful" and "embarrassing. This basically explains what I meant earlier when I said I felt like feedback can cause more damage. I know there's been situations where I have gotten feedback and although I know it's meant to help me and am grateful that someone gave me feedback, the negative feelings that come after aren't so helpful.

It makes sense why athletes are always talking about doing better in the next game after they've lost. It's because they've been taught to feedforward instead of backwards.

I like the concept of feedforward because it's not implying that something someone did was wrong or bad or inappropriate but it's helping someone to become better instead. It's also less harsh.

Be a Mirror: Give Readers Feedback that Fosters a Growth Mindset by Gravity Goldberg

1. Be Specific

2. Focus on what the reader is doing (not what's missing)

3. Focus on the process

4. Make sure it can transfer.

5. Take yourself out of the feedback.

This article was really helpful in explaining how to give feedback. I find myself often using "I" when giving other people feedback (like right now). The article does a good job at comparing feedback to a mirror especially when the author talks about how a mirror can't reflect something that's not there. This article is something worth keeping in your backpocket to look back on. 

Inspirational Quote
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons

Week 3 Story: Karma's Court

Dasharatha vs. Kaikeyi

Dashratha files for divorce after Kaikeyi demands Rama's exile. Both parties are now in the court. 

Judge Karma: What is your reason for divorce?

Dashratha: This woman is a vixen! She exiled my oldest son Rama and demanded that her son be king!

Kaikeyi: Oh please! I was only making use of my two wishes that YOU had granted me after I saved your life. You almost died after that battle, had it not been for me, you would not even be standing right now.

Dasharatha: You are the most selfish woman to live this earth! I don't know what I saw in you. As for Bharata, he is no son of mine!

Kaikeyi: Whether you like it or not, he will always be your son. You and I both know that Rama was going to exile Bharata and strip him of his royal status.

Dasharatha: You are nothing but delusional! My dear Rama would never do such a thing. My wife and I had raised him better than that.

Kaikeyi: Don't you mean one of your wives? We both know your a player. Manthara was right, you can never judge a book by its cover.

Dasharatha: Really? I could say the same about you! You acted all sweet and innocent which made me think you were a kind soul but your just a conniving vixen! Your actually took a servant's word? Manthara has hated Rama ever since he was a child!

The two soon to be divorced couple begin to argue vigorously.

Judge Karma: Order in the court! I have heard enough! I will now make my decision. As the eldest son of King Dasharatha, Rama does in fact have full rights to the throne. Kaikeyi, you had no right to exile him and demand Bharata be king. What you have done is absolutely despicable! As the ruler of this court, I hereby strip you of your royal status as queen of Koshala, and grant Dasharatha his wish to divorce you. I hope that you realize your mistake Kaikeyi.

And with that, Kaikeyi runs out of the court room sobbing while the people of Koshala celebrate the return of Rama. A day after the verdict, Kaikeyi was stripped of all her royal belongings and  put into a psychiatric facility by her son Bharata.

Image created with befunky

Author's Note: I noticed a lot of couples separate or disown each other but they never had a divorce so I thought I would add a twist to King Dasharatha's and Kaikeyi's marriage. He had originally disowned her as his wife along with her son but it did not seem official so I figured karma should decide what happens and made her the judge. Judge Karma will most likely be seen more in the stories each week.

Reading Notes: The Sons of Rama: Luv and Kush - The Invincible Twins, Extra Credit

Background: After Rama saves Sita, they return to the Ayodhya where Rama is crowned king. Rama exiles Sita because of some rumors that he heard from his messenger. He chooses his kingdom over his wife and orders Laxmana to exile her into the forest.

After Rama exiled Sita, she was taken in by a Maharshi named Valmiki and later gave birth to two boys. Rama does not know that Sita gave birth to twins.

Cover of the Comic Book with Luv and Kush
Image Source: Laura Gibbs 

Valmiki

• Teaches the boys 

• Told them Rama and Vaidehi (Sita) 

Luv and Kush

• mischievous but obedient. 
• strong and undefeatable like Rama
• clever

Life without Sita

• Rama performs a ceremony and has a statue of Sita made to represent her 

• People gossiped 

• He debates on bringing Sita back and believes his people won't accept her

• A horse is released to perform the sacrifice
• The twins catch it 

Fighting the Twins

• Rama's soldiers

• Laxmana
• He injures Kush and ends up unconscious (courtesy of Luv)

• Bharata, Hanuman and the monkey army

• Bharata falls so Hanuman retreats and tells Rama

Rama meets the Twins

• He realizes they are his sons and faints
• Sita goes into the earth 

Reading Notes: PDE Ramayana, Part B

Bharata Returns

• He is furious with his mother and Manthura and refuses to rule the kingdom. 

• He vows to find Rama and give him his rightful place on the throne. 

Dasharatha's Funeral

• Bharata performs his father's final rites and sets out to find his brother in the forest.

Rama and Bharata

• Bharata finds Rama and tries to give the throne back.
• Bharata chooses to live outside of Koshala until his brother returns back to the kingdom.

The relationship between the brothers is strong. Bharata highly respects Rama.

The Sandals

• represent Rama in his absence in Koshala
• symbolizes royal authority 

Viradha

Tone: Gruesome

• Rama and Lakshmana battle an ugly demon who tries to kidnap Sita.
• The demon can't be killed with sharp weapons.

Plot Twist: The demon was actually a singer that was cursed. 

Agastya

• Sage

Shurpanakha and Rama

• Ravana's sister likes Rama and tries to seduce him

Lakshmana and Shurpanakha

• Shurpanakha tries to kill Sita and Lakshmana saves her 
• The demon tells her brother and a battle breaks out.

Battle with Khara

Tone: angry, dangerous 

• Khara is Shurpanakha's brother and returns for revenge after being defeated. 

Ravana

Ravana
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons

• King of Lanka
• Ravana learns that his brothers have been killed by Rama and that his kingdom has been made a laughing stock. 

Maricha

• Disguises himself as a golden deer and kidnaps Sita 
• Thataka's son 

Sita sees a golden deet
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons

The Chase

• Maricha imitates Rama's voice to lure Sita but Lakshmana comes instead, leaving Sita by herself.

Ravana and Sita

• Ravana lures Sita and kidnaps her

Jatayu and Ravana

• King of Vultures
• Tries to save Sita 
• Sita drops her jewelry to leave clues for Rama and his allies

Sita in Lanka

• Ravana can not touch Sita because of a curse that was put on him after he misbehaved with a woman 

Kabhanda

• demon under a spell
• helps Rama find Sita by giving information