Resource Weekly challenge thread

[LancyLoew]

Challenge 82: Kuji Kiri​

This week, we are going to be learning some hand dexterity techniques for relaxation and concentration.

What is Kuji Kiri?

Fun explanation video:

(Or search "What ninja hand seals were actually for" by LetsaskShogo on Youtube)

Basically, they're ancient focus techniques practiced by monks and samurai both as forms of prayer or a kind of meditation.
There are nine seals that need to be performed in succession; each representing a different element.
When looking into this yourself, you may find contradictory information on what signs come in what order and what they're called; but don't worry about finding the "right" sequence, just pick whichever you like.

Goal:
By learning to these seals, you'll occupy yourself with something new and will always have a fidgeting method in hand to calm or distract yourself.

Some resources you can learn from:
(NOTE: Be sure to warm up your hands and fingers up before you try this. Don't hurt yourself.)


(Or search "KUJI-IN: Learn To Perform The 9 Ninja MUDRAS" on youtube)

 

[trashhologram]

Challenge 82: Kuji Kiri​

This week, we are going to be learning some hand dexterity techniques for relaxation and concentration.

What is Kuji Kiri?

Fun explanation video:

(Or search "What ninja hand seals were actually for" by LetsaskShogo on Youtube)

Basically, they're ancient focus techniques practiced by monks and samurai both as forms of prayer or a kind of meditation.
There are nine seals that need to be performed in succession; each representing a different element.
When looking into this yourself, you may find contradictory information on what signs come in what order and what they're called; but don't worry about finding the "right" sequence, just pick whichever you like.

Goal:
By learning to these seals, you'll occupy yourself with something new and will always have a fidgeting method in hand to calm or distract yourself.

Some resources you can learn from:
(NOTE: Be sure to warm up your hands and fingers up before you try this. Don't hurt yourself.)


(Or search "KUJI-IN: Learn To Perform The 9 Ninja MUDRAS" on youtube)

Just tried out those in the picture. I'll check out a video about this later today. Very interesting, I hadn't heard of this before!

 

[Cansado_Depressivo]

Week Two Challenge: Start to learn a new language!

Why not try to learn a new language, just start with the basics and see how you go. Maybe you just want to brush up on an old language that's fine also.
Could be anything, computer language, fictional language like elvish or even sign language (which I also want to try to learn someday) Find some online resources or guides and share with us what you've done.

I decided to go with Korean, I watch a lot of South Korean shows but have never tried to learn the language. I've started with just the basics and just spoken not written yet, but I did do some swear words just for fun! I've started with a pen and pad as I remember things easier if I write them down but I will look at some digital resources like videos.

View attachment 122428

I don't know if it counts for the second week's challenge, but this is my 801-day streak learning Spanish on Duolingo.

 

[LancyLoew]

I don't know if it counts for the second week's challenge, but this is my 801-day streak learning Spanish on Duolingo.

View attachment 182449

I wish I had your dedication! Keep it up, that's impressive.

 

[Sasha Swift]

Hi, I've decided to not share anything from the journaling challenge, because I found out that I was getting distracted by what do I need to leave out to remain anonymous and also I couldn't help but think about what would others think of me. I've already been doing audio journal entries in form of audio every now and then. Writing things down instead is quite a bit different. My mind keeps wondering off to unrelated things and weird tangents. I also like the idea of getting to listen to my younger self some day. But it was worth trying, I just might end up lurking in this thread instead of actively posting, idk.

One more thing I need to ask, according to one thread I read on here, there is supposed to be a search function on this forum, but I cant find it, could you help with that? Sry, idk where else to ask, google is just telling me not to kill myself whenever I even think of including the name of this forum in a search quarry.

 

[Sasha Swift]

Hi, I've decided to not share anything from the journaling challenge, because I found out that I was getting distracted by what do I need to leave out to remain anonymous and also I couldn't help but think about what would others think of me. I've already been doing audio journal entries in form of audio every now and then. Writing things down instead is quite a bit different. My mind keeps wondering off to unrelated things and weird tangents. I also like the idea of getting to listen to my younger self some day. But it was worth trying, I just might end up lurking in this thread instead of actively posting, idk.

One more thing I need to ask, according to one thread I read on here, there is supposed to be a search function on this forum, but I cant find it, could you help with that? Sry, idk where else to ask, google is just telling me not to kill myself whenever I even think of including the name of this forum in a search quarry.

Nvm it popped up.

 

[LancyLoew]

Hi, I've decided to not share anything from the journaling challenge, because I found out that I was getting distracted by what do I need to leave out to remain anonymous and also I couldn't help but think about what would others think of me. I've already been doing audio journal entries in form of audio every now and then. Writing things down instead is quite a bit different. My mind keeps wondering off to unrelated things and weird tangents. I also like the idea of getting to listen to my younger self some day. But it was worth trying, I just might end up lurking in this thread instead of actively posting, idk.

One more thing I need to ask, according to one thread I read on here, there is supposed to be a search function on this forum, but I cant find it, could you help with that? Sry, idk where else to ask, google is just telling me not to kill myself whenever I even think of including the name of this forum in a search quarry.

That's perfect! I didn't share it either for the same reason, so don't worry about it. But thank you for letting us know you're here, even if you're not active; it tells me it's worth doing this!

Challenge 83: Share a favorite fictional moment​

This is, again, a lighter one that requires only a day to complete. Simply describe an event/scene/place from a book, or game, or anything that resonates with you. Explain what happens and how it makes you feel.

Some questions you can ask yourself to help with writing:
-Why is this particular moment important to me?
-What can we learn from this?
-How has this affected me? / How has this changed my view on X?

Goal
The purpose of this challenge is to reminisce about a work of fiction that is important to you and also get the opportunity to share it with others and potentially connect with those who show similar interests. Hopefully we can start a discussion and exchange some perspectives, or discover a new piece of media to enjoy.

Important

To not get any potentially longer conversations mixed up with future challenges, I will post a new thread titled "Challenge 83 – Discussions" where you can participate. If you're seeing this later, you can use the search bar to find it by that exact title and my username.

 

[LancyLoew]

Challenge 84: Maintain a small habit​

This idea was conceived in my head when I discovered this video:

Although I never played a single Persona game, I liked the advice being given, despite it not being as revolutionary as I had expected.

In short, some of the main points he makes are:

• Be intentional
  -Avoid "going on autopilot", try to make all the things you do be productive in some way.
  ->This can be achieved by finding things you enjoy doing (such as reading, sketching, going on Duolingo) that you can do at any time to replace timewasting. That way, you don't start scrolling when you have nothing else to do; you have other options instead.
  -Think about your future self and their goals. Do the things that you feel/know contribute to who you want to be.
• Chain your activities
  -This means setting up your day in a way that lets you go from one habit to the next easily.
  ->Examples:
  1. When you set your alarm, place it next to the clothes you picked out for yourself the day before; so when you go to turn off your alarm it'll be easier to get out of bed, because you have one less thing you need to do to start the day.
  2. Have a thing you want to work on be already set up on your desk, so when you come home from work/school and sit down, the first thing in front of you is something productive.
  3. Make it so that working out is the last physical activity of the day and is followed by a shower and unwinding.
  4. Instead of going straight home after a program that takes you out of the house (school/work/gym), make use of already being outside and go to a cafe/library to study or read. ​
• Don't focus on eliminating bad habits
  -Instead of stopping what you know is bad, try doing more of what you know is good. Removing unproductive activities is about managing to do productive activities in place of them.​

Goal
You don't have to make a commitment to a whole schedule, just try applying some of the things from the video or what I said to maintain one or two productive habits you struggle with.

I, personally, will be making an effort to spend the one hour before my bedtime packing my bag and preparing myself for tomorrow, and actually going to sleep when I should; as well as waking up on time and starting with a shower that takes only 20 minutes instead of 85.
Extra
This ended up being a bit longer too… I wanted to thank anyone who took time to share something that they did. Please know that I am always open to feedback; if you feel like the challenges are too long, boring, difficult or uninspired, you can change that by letting me know what you think I should do differently. And especially if you have an idea for a challenge yourself, you're free to post it; just say so beforehand, so I don't post at the same time.

Thank you for reading, I wish you a pleasant day!​

 

[trashhologram]

I'm going to meditate every night before bed. It's helpful for me but I often just won't do it. I'll report back a week from now how I did.

 

[LancyLoew]

Challenge 85: Talk to someone​

My psychologist has told me that I should talk to more people outside my comfort zone, so she gave me the task to try making conversation with someone I don't need to speak to. And now I'm telling you to do the same.

Goal:
All you have to do is find a different person each day (can be someone you already know) and talk to them.
It can be brief, just saying 'hello' and asking how their day has been is enough if it's more than what you usually do.

The important thing is to step out of your comfort zone and interact with people around you.
I know that I will struggle with this, but I will do my best to try.

Thank you for reading,
and have a nice day!​

 

[SoulCage]

Challenge 85: Talk to someone​

My psychologist has told me that I should talk to more people outside my comfort zone, so she gave me the task to try making conversation with someone I don't need to speak to. And now I'm telling you to do the same.

Goal:
All you have to do is find a different person each day (can be someone you already know) and talk to them.
It can be brief, just saying 'hello' and asking how their day has been is enough if it's more than what you usually do.

The important thing is to step out of your comfort zone and interact with people around you.
I know that I will struggle with this, but I will do my best to try.

Thank you for reading,
and have a nice day!​

I talked to someone and have been told that everyone suffers and I am just stupid to seek help for my mental suffering.

People are pain.