You probably shouldn't watch this video if you have a weak stomach

Today in my psychology class we were discussing the idea of pain, and how it can often be a mind over matter thing. We began discourse on how people who have strong convictions about something, for example in a religious context, often say they do not feel pain even in a situation where they obviously should. Then we watched this video in which people chose to suspend themselves from hooks piercing their body in various places. Although in this instance it is not necessarily religious, it is a spiritual experience for them. The practice also originated as religious. It was considered a great honor to be the individual chosen to perform the suspension. 

This reminded me of what we discussed previously regarding harming oneself for religious beliefs. I thought everyone might find it interesting.

definitions?

So i Have been thinking about religion a lot lately. I looked up "religion" on dictionary.com and this is what it said:

re·li·gion      [ri-lij-uhn] Pronunciation Key - Show IPA Pronunciation

–noun

1.	a set of beliefs concerning the cause, nature, and purpose of the universe, esp. when considered as the creation of a superhuman agency or agencies, usually involving devotional and ritual observances, and often containing a moral code governing the conduct of human affairs.

2.	a specific fundamental set of beliefs and practices generally agreed upon by a number of persons or sects: the Christian religion; the Buddhist religion.

3.	the body of persons adhering to a particular set of beliefs and practices: a world council of religions.

4.	the life or state of a monk, nun, etc.: to enter religion.

5.	the practice of religious beliefs; ritual observance of faith.

6.	something one believes in and follows devotedly; a point or matter of ethics or conscience: to make a religion of fighting prejudice.

7.	religions, Archaic. religious rites.

8.	Archaic. strict faithfulness; devotion: a religion to one's vow.

—Idiom

9.

get religion, Informal. a. to acquire a deep conviction of the validity of religious beliefs and practices. b. to resolve to mend one's errant ways: The company got religion and stopped making dangerous products. It seems like something huge and complicated to simplify into 9 basic points. Religion affects everyone everywhere in the world. Even someone who does not believe in religion becomes defined by that and in a way it is a religion. For many people it defines the purpose of their life. There are so many different types which tie in with many different cultures and languages. How can you simplify one of the most universal and controversial ideas in the modern world?

coexisting

I decided a good topic to start this blog with would be why I wanted to take the World Religions in the first place. I am a very curious person and I love to learn, especially about different cultures. I have always believed that you can't judge or put down anything that you aren't well informed about. Religion seems to me to be one of those topics that people often criticize harshly even when they are ignorant about it. Everyone is entitled to their opinion, but they should base it on information rather than speculation. 

I chose this image, because I feel like it embodies my feelings. I first saw this as a bumper sticker. Later I found this image with the meanings of each symbol. I love the idea of various religions not necessarily agreeing with each other but understanding and living in harmony.