Ma Song
Sharon at the awesome Gum trees and Galaxies blog, just the title which I think is so cool just makes me want to pop in for a read nominated me to participate in the Travel picture challenge. I mean do I have travel pictures…haha… Gum trees and galaxies blogs about travel, adventure, books, life and stuff especially if your passion is all of those plus the environment it then makes this blog a must-read who knows what little gems you may find…
The challenge is about visual images so we need to post a favourite travel picture for 10 days without explanation and nominate someone else to participate.
If I nominate you and you don’t want to participate, please do not feel obliged, but if you do, please link back to me so that I can see your post, in these curtailed times vicarious travel is a lovely escape, I would love to see what you choose to post.
Actually, I am finding it hard to decide who to nominate, if you would like to be nominated leave me a comment and I will send the next one your way.
Retired? No one told me! 
I’m no good at this kind of thing but…I am fascinated by the pic you posted. I know you’re not supposed to ‘explain’ it but…are they sewing stuff onto him????
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes…The Vegetarian festival in Phuket is quite visual and they perform things like putting a sword through their mouths from side to side they induce some sort of trance like status …very colourful but very graphic the mnd boggles at times x
LikeLiked by 1 person
…a sword? I’m cringing just thinking about it. I know some of the yogis [?] are adept at autohypnosis, but they have to come out of it eventually. I can’t imagine how much it would hurt then. 😦
LikeLiked by 1 person
It seems not from what I have witnessed… the mind is a powerful thing.. x
LikeLiked by 1 person
Western scientists glibly label it autohypnosis or autosuggestion, but what kind of mechanism in the brain allows anyone to consciously shut off the parts of the brain that feel pain? If I were a scientist, I’d be studying this like mad!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m sure they are but it takes a lot training to reach that state of mind if you watch them they never even flinch its as if they are out of body for want of a better word but still aware and functioning.. Fascinating..
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes. That level of pain would be impossible to ‘fake’. And yes, I’m sure only a few people ever get to the point of being able to do what they guy in your photo can do, but… it can’t just be ‘mind over matter’! Flinching when hurt is part of the autonomic nervous system, a bit like breathing. Taking conscious control of that system is..huge. Ditto the guys who walk on hot coals etc etc. I would love to know what their mental techniques do to the /brain/ to make these feats possible.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Meeks…I just dug this comment out of spam did you enjoy it in there with the low life and educate them while you were there? Anyway, in answer to your comment, The control they display is incredible to reach that stage of consciousness …They believe they are possessed by a Phra( angels spirit). and are chosen.
LikeLiked by 2 people
lmao! I did my best, Carol, but I wasn’t in there long enough. Thanks for rescuing me though. 😀
So they don’t see it as something they do but something an external spirit does? Yet never has a human being been in greater control of his/her own mind and body.
Are they very religious?
LikeLiked by 2 people
Yes, I would say Buddism plays a big part even in everyday life it is a constant here…Move into a new house, buy a new car…the monks come and bless it(although) with the amount of traffic accidents here… not sure of the effect that making religious symbols on the inside roof on the drivers side of your car and chanting is having much effect…sigh xx
LikeLiked by 2 people
Ah…it’s the thought that counts? 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
I´m already doing this. We may run out of people. This one is amazing!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Darlene it is an amazing festival just not for the faint hearted 🙂 xx
LikeLike
Are those things glued on, or pierced? I can’t see enough detail in the small photo.
(Just my failing eyes)
Best wishes, Pete.
LikeLiked by 1 person
All piereced on or through the body …from the smallest pin to the largest sword or whatever…it is quite graphic at times and the Ma Song induce a trance like state so as not to feel anything…Not for the faint hearted if watching x
LikeLiked by 2 people
Not my sort of thing. Piercings make me squirm! I could never have one, and get put off by seeing them on people. (I’m used to pierced ears for earrings of course, but would never have them myself.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I have pierced ears but that’s it my daughter has her tongue pireced ….something I couldn’t do the same with tattoos…Not for me x
LikeLiked by 1 person
I really dislike tattoos and ‘unusual’ piercings too.
LikeLiked by 1 person
My hubby hates them I have always told him if he really p…. Me off I will get one… Haha x
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh my!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Awesome photos, so exotic and so colorful!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Dolly yes this festival has everything 🙂 x
LikeLiked by 1 person
You are welcome, darling.
LikeLike
I’m enjoying this challenge so far – chose not to try and nominate a new person every day, just rolling with it and of course linking to you every day – tomorrow more fun travel!
LikeLiked by 2 people
I can’t think of anymore just linking back to Sharon from today as she nominated me if anyone wants to they can….Love your Central Park one looking forward to the other days 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
New post up now! Thanks for including me in this!
LikeLiked by 1 person