Sunday, April 20, 2014

Hippies

Hello and welcome back! Let us not lollygag and skip straight to the point.

It is not seldom that my classmates regard me as a hippie. Whether or not the intention, I do not find this in the least bit insulting: Those who are usually dubbed hippies are naturally among the kindest people I have ever encountered. When I use the term, I refer not to the traditional 1960's peace 'n' love hippy, although their essence remains. Rather, I am borrowing the word because I couldn't quite find a better title for this upcoming group of people.

In Windsor, as in many other places around the map, there is a "self-betterment" trend arousing. People are starting to become aware that the way they treat their bodies can either revitalize their minds or act as a nuisance. By observation alone, I've noticed that I know an astonishing number of people that are becoming vegetarians, not only for humanitarian reasons but to avoid the hormones and other harmful chemicals that can be found in meat as well. The cycling scene has augmented in popularity exponentially for the sake of the environment and for the sake of a leisurely way to exercise whilst commuting. Not only this, but people seem to be becoming much more aware of their exercise routines: I see constant joggers, roller-bladers, power-walkers, so on so forth. Even yoga class is becoming habitual for many. Despite all of these wonderful changes, the one which motivated my dubbing these people as hippies is the rising popularity of a Buddhist-Existential mesh sort of outlook on life.

I was introduced to the scene through attending Reiki sessions at my friend's fathers house. This is an ancient Chinese variation on meditation. The basis of Reiki is to heal through touch, therefore avoiding conventional medicine. There is said to be a flow of energy which enters and escapes through your palms. By touching your palms to different chakras on your subject's body, you help restore their energetic equilibrium, in plain terms. Crystals were also brought to my attention: Stones which have healing properties assigned to certain chakras. Don't worry, it confused me as a novice too. Some argue it is merely a placebo effect, but it was a wonderful experience while it lasted regardless.

There is another hippy-like quality that is very apparent in the city: Wanderlust. I have many a friend who yearns for adventure, ranging from country-wide hitch hiking excursions to immersing themselves in other continents and cultures entirely. Knowingly or unknowingly, the philosophy they are subscribing themselves to is called transcendentalism: The belief that one can better their relationship with themselves and the world through nature. Such living requires an aptitude for survival and minimalism, both which strengthen the mental state tremendously. Although these people tend to flee from city life, more often than not they express that Windsor has a place inside of their hearts because of the kindred spirits they have met here.

Through Reiki and not making myself a stranger at social events around the city, I was introduced to people who commit their lives to helping those around them, abstaining entirely from judgement. People who, through knowing themselves, have a better understanding of those surrounding them. Sure, Reiki may seem more like witch craft to you than a scientific substitute, but I guarantee that you will feel yourself changed for nothing but the best if you indulge in this lifestyle. For one, I have noticed that my creativity has rocketed. My social skills have also improved: I have acquired the maturity of giving everyone a chance. I feel myself more able to concentrate on any given task, from scholarly ones to hobbies. These people exist everywhere. Although they may not be in flamboyant garments and waving a peace sign everywhere they go, they are on the right track. Wouldn't you say so?



2 comments:

  1. I don't think I've ever thought of you as a "hippie", before. Huh. Maybe it's just me, but I've always associated it with peace signs and sunglasses and tassels (ohgodwhy). That being said, I think this new wave of self-aware human beings is a good thing. If we as a society can start realizing that there's more to life than designer whatsits and superficial everythings, it's certainly not a bad thing.
    As for Reiki, I am quite curious about it. I've heard the term thrown about here and there on the Interwebs, but never really bothered to look into it. Is Reiki meant to substitute medicine in healing physical ailments, or is it more veered towards spiritual healing?

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    1. I'm not so sure I fit the hippie criteria either! Maybe it's the leg hair that does it. Regardless, I am glad that you agree. Such a trend can be nothing but beneficial to society as a whole as well as individuals.
      Yes, Reiki! I am glad that you asked. Through "bettering" your flow of energy by hands-on techniques, not only can mental stress or emotional trauma be lessened but physical discomforts too. Although I personally have never experienced the latter, it's probably because I have never walked into a Reiki session with an injury... Jokes aside, you can read a brief yet accurate description here: http://www.reiki.org/faq/whatisreiki.html

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