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The beautiful song "Hero" by Mariah Carey portrays the theme of transcendentalism by implying that only you are going to be there for yourself 100% of the time, and that you are your own 'hero'. Carey begins the song by singing, "There's a hero if you look inside your heart". She is acknowledging the eternal-self that is present within you. She later sings "If you search within yourself, and that emptiness you felt, will disappear".
Here Carey is exemplifying transcendentalism by further explaining how the eternal-self within you, is all you really need to feel whole.

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One Moment in Time- Whitney Houston (SONG 2)

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One Moment in Time- Whitney Houston (SONG 2)

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This inspirational song performed by Whitney Houston at the 1998 Olympics, gives an empowering message about reaching the pinnacle of your life. The song, written by Albert Hammond and John Bettis, states, "I want one moment in time; When I'm more than I thought I could be". The song is talking about having a feeling that you are worth more/have accomplished more than you ever thought. The song then expresses, "When all of my dreams are a heartbeat away;
And the answers are all up to me". Houston is assuring that the solutions to all of the problems we face, as an individual and as a whole, are within reach.

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Whitney Houston- one moment in time lyrics

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I Hope You Dance- Lee Ann Womack (SONG 3)

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I Hope You Dance- Lee Ann Womack (SONG 3)

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This inspirational song by Lee Ann Womack encourages you to take advantage of every moment, and to keep striving to make the best of yourself. Womack proclaims, "And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance; I hope you dance". Rather than literally meaning to dance whenever you get the chance, Womack's lyrics have a deeper meaning which is that you should take advantage of the opportunities given to you in life, even if it means stepping out of your comfort zone. She then later claims, "I hope you never fear those mountains in the distance". She is using the "mountains in the distance" as a metaphor for the future. Just as you have to climb a mountain to get to the top, you have to work for whatever it is that you want in life.

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Lee Ann Womack - I Hope You Dance (Official Music Video)

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This piece of art shows transcendentalism by portraying a woman,as a seed, blossoming into a tree. It exemplifies how we can blossom into something great, just as nature does. Though the woman in this picture is underground, she is beginning to extend her arms and legs into whatever she dreams to become.

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This artwork, which is The Mountain Goat's album cover for "Transcendental you", is 3 people flying through the sky while demons are facing them. The demons in the painting depict the challenges and obstacles you will face in your pursuit of happiness. The people in the painting are shown 'shooting for the stars'. The message portrayed in this painting is to keep chasing your dreams, despite the challenges you may face.

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This melted crayon art shows how humans are capable of keeping their eyes open to see new and powerful things and ideas. The vibrant colors in the artwork represent the new things that we are capable of opening our eyes up to. The use and variety of the colors show the importance of nature and how humans can express themselves through nature.

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In this podcast, The Minimalist talk about different transcendental ideas such as being materialistic, and greed within our society today. They also discuss how we strive for perfection and let society tell us who we should be, rather than not conforming to the social patterns of the world. They explain that these ideas of being 'perfect' oftentimes lead us to failure.

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Like other transcendentalist, Channing loves nature. His poem portrays the idea that while we are constantly experiencing different emotions and feelings, nature is always consistent. It also claims that nature brings us peace and joy.

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william ellery channing (1818-1901). nature. george willis cooke

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comp. 1903. the poets of transcendentalism: an anthology

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William Ellery Channing (1818-1901). Nature. George Willis Cooke, comp. 1903. The Poets of Transcendentalism: An Anthology

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William Ellery Channing (1818-1901). Nature. George Willis Cooke, comp. 1903. The Poets of Transcendentalism: An Anthology

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Thoreau is portraying the ideas of transcendentalism with the thought that the way you view and judge things is what matters, regardless of what it actually is. This ties to the idea of always having a positive attitude towards, and seeing the good in things. In poor situations, you should always try and look at the bright side.

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In this quote, Emerson is explaining that while you are chasing whatever it is that you want to do, there are going to be people who doubt you and try to get in your way. No matter which path you choose to go down, someone will cast doubt upon you. You will encounter several obstacles while you are trying to get where you want to be. It takes a courageous person to overlook these obstacles and stay on track to what they want to become.

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How to Deeply Connect your Body with Nature- Bess O'Connor (ARTICLE 1)

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How to Deeply Connect your Body with Nature- Bess O'Connor (ARTICLE 1)

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In this article, Bess O'Conner discusses the many ways in which we are a part of nature ourselves. She states "Realize that nature is not just something on the outside in your environment, but a part of your very being". Though there is the transcendental idea that we are nature ourselves, the society we live in has masked us into separate beings.

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The first step in connecting your body with nature is realizing that you are nature - not separate from - but an integral part of it all. Your body is made up of all the same elements, minerals and energy that makes up the planet. Many quantum physicists and scholars believe that everything in the outer universe is a reflection of our consciousness and our body. The percentage of water on the planet, for example reflects the same percentage of water in our bodies, etc.

And though it's true we are nature-beings, we can still fall out of alignment with our natural selves. Wellness is essentially being in tune with nature and aligning ourselves with the inherent wisdom that is within us all. At a certain time of night, for example, we get tired. That's the body's natural circadian rhythm at work. Whether or not we choose to go to sleep at that time, however, is up to us. And not listening to our body's (often blatant, but sometimes subtle) cues could be the difference between health and sickness.

A new study also shows what everyone already knows and feels - that spending time in nature dramatically reduces stress and is even anti-inflammatory. Researchers found that positive emotions experienced through nature, are linked to lower levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (proteins that signal the immune system to work harder).

Connecting with ourselves (a part of nature), our body's signals and the great outdoors are key in optimal wellbeing.

Here are 7 great ways to deeply connect your body with nature:

Change your mindstate. Realize that nature is not just something on the outside in your environment, but a part of your very being.

The same water that flows in the in the ocean runs through your bloodstream.

The same vitamins and minerals in nature are the very substance from which your bones and body are built.

The oxygen that we breathe is a from a symbiotic relationship between humans and trees in which we both provide the necessary element for one another to live and thrive.

The fire that burns to heat up our body is the same fire in any flame or even the sun.

Our bodies are created from nature and at the end of this incarnation we give our physical bodies back to Mother Earth. Through meditation and physically going outdoors, we naturally connect with our extended body.

Cloud- and star-gaze. Looking skyward can be a tool to transcend space-time reality. Many ancient civilizations looked to the stars for guidance and power.

As above, so below.

We are made up of stardust and learning about the stars can take us beyond the mundane and into supreme consciousness. Just like we used to do when we were children, cloud-gazing is a fun form of meditation. So again, look to the sky for that which is already within you, pure energy.

Go barefoot. Our skin breathes and absorbs vitamins and minerals from the earth. If you go barefoot on the beach, for example, the negative ions from the natural salts in the sand and sea are said to have magnificent healing effects on the body. If you're not near the sand, simply digging your feet into the dirt or soil can be of benefit. In short, let the skin of your feet touch the Earth, on the grass, soil or sand.

Sun and moon gazing. We all look up at the moon at night being that it's the brightest thing in the night sky. But have you ever looked ... for a long time and felt the connection with the moon? We all know the moon is responsible for fluctuations in the oceans high and low tides. But did you know that the moon has a significant effect on our emotional state or "internal waters" as well? Not to mention a woman's menstrual or "moon" cycle, is directly affected by the moon's waxing and waning.

Sun gazing is an interesting practice that has been going on for eons. Some people even report not needing food by simply gazing into the sun during certain times of the day (typically during sunrise and sunset). During these times the sun does not have harmful effects on the eyes and is even said to increase energy, vitality and eyesight.

Listen to your body. It's really simple - when you're tired - sleep. When you're hungry - eat. When you're energized - move your body. When you're in pain - listen up, ask "why?", and nurture yourself. It may be that you need a massage, to stretch more or maybe to just slow down ... you'll know ... just ask!

Get friendly with the elements. Whether that means you take a swim in the ocean or go camping in the forest, simply put - get into nature. Learn about crystals and minerals and their healing powers. Study the different plants, flowers, animals and all of life's creatures.

Breathe the air in an area abundant with trees.

Climb a boulder or mountain.

Listen to the birds, the wind in the trees and all the sweet sounds of nature.

Do meditative forms of movement such as tai chi, qi gong or yoga in nature.

Imagine roots growing into the ground from your feet and your arms being the branches of the tree...what fruits do you bare and what are you grounded into?

Imagine you are a hawk in the sky...how would you feel and where would you go?

Imagine you are any of your favorite animals and feel their energy in your body...because it is there.

You are able to tap into any part of nature, because it is inherently in you. No matter how long you stay indoors, at a desk or under fluorescent lighting. The truth remains - you are nature and nothing can take that away from you.

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How to Deeply Connect your Body with Nature

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The first step in connecting your body with nature is realizing that you are nature - not separate from - but an integral part of it all. Your body is made up of all the same elements, minerals and energy that makes up the planet.

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The power of intuition- Katrine Kjaer (VIDEO)

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The power of intuition- Katrine Kjaer (VIDEO)

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In her TED Talk, Katrine Kjaer talks about the "inner-voice" or gut feeling we get, known as intuition. She goes into detail about how ignoring our intuition can come with consequences, and gives a few personal examples. Kjaer exclaims, "If you are not honest with yourself about what you really want, it can be hard to find the motivation to succeed". She then explains that you might set your priorities for yourself according to the expectations of society and not according to yourself, which will result in you being discontent with your life.

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The power of intuition | Katrine Kjaer | TEDxHSG

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Minimalist Living- Christopher Murray (ARTICLE 2)

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Minimalist Living- Christopher Murray (ARTICLE 2)

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"Minimalist Living", by Christopher Murray, discuss the advantages of living as a minimalist. The article claims, "For many minimalists, the philosophy is about getting rid of excess stuff and living life based on experiences rather than worldly possessions". Transcendentalism talks a lot about how we loose ourselves in the things we have, when we should be striving to acquire experiences rather than possessions.

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Minimalism is a word that carries a lot of weight these days. Ironic, considering it refers to a lifestyle that is all about living with less.

Documentaries, podcasts, and books have been made and written all about minimalism and how it can change your life for the better-leaving you debt free and with extra time to work on personal relationships.

For many minimalists, the philosophy is about getting rid of excess stuff and living life based on experiences rather than worldly possessions. You can probably see how having less stuff can also free up your life financially.

Although it may just seem like a millennial fad to most, minimalism, when practiced for the right reasons, can benefit your life significantly.

What are the benefits of being a minimalist?

The following benefits of minimalism come from blogs dedicated to educating people about minimalism. These blogs include: The Minimalists, Becoming Minimalist, and Miss Minimalist. They all say that becoming a minimalist can help you:

Be free from financial worry

Get rid of clutter that doesn't add value to your life

Spend more on experiences rather than stuff

Be happier and less stressed

Go green

Develop better relationships

And so much more...

Now, let's talk more in-depth about why (or if) you should become a minimalist, and how to go about doing so. I'll also talk about some very real problems with the minimalist philosophy.

Let's be honest, you don't need all your stuff-so get rid of some of it

Almost everyone owns something (or a bunch of things) they don't really need. While minimalism takes getting rid of stuff to an extreme, if you pick a couple major items to sell, you could make a little extra cash.

The Minimalists-Joshua Fields Millburn and Ryan Nicodemus-have helped minimalism grow via their documentary, podcast, and recently their nationwide tour. They incorporate a rule in their teachings- the 90/90 rule -that makes a lot of sense.

Look at a possession. Pick something. Anything. Have you used that item in the last 90 days? If you haven't, will you use it in the next 90? If not, then it's okay to let go.

You would think it would be easy to get rid of something you hadn't used in the last 90 days, but this is harder than it seems. Sittings in my apartment, I can see a handful of things I could easily live without (namely, my large book collection), but it's hard to imagine giving those things up. At the same time, when it comes time to move, I'm certain I'll wish I could fill up just my car with my belongings instead of renting a moving van.

If you're more willing than most and can part with most of your possessions, chances are you could probably rake in extra cash by selling them.

You probably don't need a huge apartment/house either

If you have less stuff you can get by on living in a smaller place. Which can be a huge cost saving factor.

Studio apartments are cheaper than one or two bedroom apartments. And, if you're really into the idea of living as a minimalist, but don't want to rent, the tiny house market is booming.

Smaller places also cost lest in utilities. Heating a large apartment in the winter can run you an extra $100 or more a month. The same goes for air conditioning in the summer.

It's easier to budget if you have less expenses

One of the reasons budgeting is so difficult these days is because we have so many extra bills that other generations didn't really have to think about. Internet (and all those streaming apps like Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, etc.) didn't exist when our parents were our age. This also goes for factoring in expenses such as the lease cost of an iPhone.

Just think about how much you could save if you didn't pay for internet, paid less for your phone, didn't have to buy a car and pay car insurance, etc. That, of course, assumes you could continue with your daily life without those things-which many of us could, no matter how difficult it may seem.

If you think minimalism is just about getting rid of your stuff, that's not entirely true. There are minimalist budget systems that rely on the "less is more" theory. Here are some key components of this kind of budget:

Use just one credit card (preferably one that offers rewards, if you're credit worthy enough). If you pay your bills this way, you'll earn rewards and not have to worry about which card links up with which bill.

Have a single checking account, and a savings account just for an emergency fund. This makes it easy to transfer money between the two if need be. You also won't have to deal with pesky fees, and you'll lessen the potential for hackers if you have just one account (but be sure to use a very strong password). In addition, you'll be able to track your expenses much more easily.

Of course, this type of budgeting may only work for one type of person. This leads us to the complicated discussion of the problems within minimalism.

The problems with minimalism if you live on a low income

Minimalism has been hailed as a "rich, white, single person" lifestyle. They're the ones with the privilege of owning less. After all, if their car breaks down, they don't need a spare one for parts, they can just go buy a new one. And they don't have the task of entertaining kids with a variety of toys and, in today's day, technology.

Here are a few reasons why it's harder to be a minimalist if you aren't well off.

Buying food in bulk helps cut down on the food bill

Shopping every week for the freshest food, and keeping just what you need immediately is a luxury not all can afford.

Buying in bulk saves money over time. Stocking up on canned and frozen goods when they go on sale is the only option lower income families have to save on vegetables and other non-perishables.
Related: 6 Ways To Lower Your Monthly Food Bill
Low income folks can't afford "experiences"

Minimalism is a theory based on valuing experiences rather than things. While it's true that you don't necessarily need money to enjoy your interactions with others, things such as travel or going to the theater cost money that most just don't have. "Experiences" can cost as much, or more than the things we can accumulate.

The psychology behind owning is important to consider

There's a reason lower income people (especially those who grew up so) hold on so tightly to their possessions.

If you never had anything growing up, owning anything now holds great value in your mind.

Minimalism is about having the "right" things...aka expensive things

Quality over quantity is a popular phrase, especially in minimalism. But there's a reason Walmart and wholesale stores are so popular. They're what most people can afford.

It's easy to own just one piece of nice technology-a laptop, for example-if you're not constantly worried it will break and you won't have the money to repair it. I knew plenty of people in college who were technologically inclined and kept boxes of extra, worn out, laptops for their spare parts.

This also holds true for clothing. Sure, buying a pair of really nice, $300 boots could last you years, but coming up with that money upfront can be difficult for someone living paycheck to paycheck. The alternative? Keep buying $30 replacement boots every year, or couple of months.

Should you become a minimalist?-A personal account

I've been critical of minimalism in this post, but I truly believe it holds a lot of great values. You don't have to go all out and get rid of everything you own in favor of living a minimalist life. That is one of the great things about minimalism-you can pick and choose what's right for you.

Maybe you just use a minimalist budget like I described above, or maybe you get rid of those possessions that don't really make you happy and take up a hobby instead.

I wouldn't call myself a die-hard minimalist by any means, but I've spent quite some time listening to The Minimalists podcast and have been trying to teach myself to live with less.

I started slowly, by simply asking myself each time I wanted to buy something "does this bring meaning to my life." For nearly everything, the answer was no. If anything, this simple step has helped me start a substantial emergency fund in lieu of having a closet full of the same plaid flannel in different colors or books I'd never read laying around my apartment.

Summary

Whether or not you become any form of minimalist is entirely up to you, but living by a few of their simple philosophies can do wonders for your finances.

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Minimalist Living: How Can It Benefit Your Life Significantly

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Minimalism is a word that carries a lot of weight these days. Ironic, considering it refers to a lifestyle that is all about living with less. Documentaries, podcasts, and books have been made and written all about minimalism and how it can change your life for the better-leaving you debt free and with extra time to work on personal relationships.

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Transcendentalist are all about living in the present and taking advantage of whatever lies before you. Emerson is implying to take every opportunity that comes today by saying "launch yourself on every wave". There is no life quite like the one you are living now.

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This is a picture of the sunset that I took and added a quote to when I was younger. The transcendental idea that lies within the quote is to stop waiting around for the perfect opportunity that is never going to come and instead take advantage of what is already in front of you. The picture of the sunset helps to capture the beauty of nature and its healing powers.

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This is a photo of me taking a hike in the woods after a long, stressful week. All week I was getting so caught up in getting my schoolwork done and studying to make good grades, which is something I feel I do more for my parents and teachers rather than myself. Because the weather was so nice out, me and my best friend decided to go explore nature and find a little bit of peace in this chaotic world. Though in this picture we were walking down a path, right after we walked off the path, deeper into the woods, in order to surround ourselves with nothing but nature.

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Emerson is saying to not follow others, but instead do something different, and to choose your own destiny. He is implying to do something unique, and to create a new path for others to follow. You can not make something of yourself if you are doing the same as everyone around you.