Sometimes I forget exactly what the words and phrases I’m using actually mean! Here are a few of them.
Secular refers to things that are not religious, spiritual, or connected to a specific faith. It pertains to activities, institutions, or attitudes not governed by religious principles. In a broader sense, it implies a focus on worldly, non-religious matters and a separation from religious influence or authority.
Occult comes from the Latin word “occultus,” which means “hidden” or “concealed.” In its most basic sense, it refers to things that are secret, concealed, or not readily apparent. In a spiritual context, it may encompass practices, knowledge, or experiences that involve the supernatural, mystical, or hidden aspects of spirituality. This can include rituals, esoteric traditions, and a belief in forces beyond the observable or measurable. The spiritual meaning of “occult” varies across different belief systems and can range from seeking a deeper understanding of existence to engaging in rituals for spiritual development. In a secular context, “occult” is often used to describe mystical or supernatural phenomena that fall outside the realm of conventional understanding or scientific explanation. It can also refer to practices associated with esoteric knowledge, such as astrology, alchemy, and certain spiritual traditions.
Spiritual relates to matters of the spirit, soul, or inner, non-material aspects of life. It often involves a sense of connection to something beyond the physical and may encompass personal growth, self-discovery, and a search for meaning or purpose. Spirituality can be expressed through religious beliefs, but it can also be a broader concept that includes a sense of interconnectedness with the universe or a higher power, without being tied to a specific religious doctrine.
Restitution refers to the act of restoring or giving back something that was lost or taken away. It often involves the compensation or repayment for damages, losses, or injuries.
In a legal context, restitution typically refers to the compensation or restoration of a party’s rights or property that were violated or taken. It can be ordered by a court as a remedy in civil cases, where the goal is to make the injured party “whole” again by returning them to the position they were in before the harm occurred.
Restitution can also have broader meanings in different contexts. For example, in ethical or moral discussions, it might refer to making amends for wrongs or injustices. In the realm of art or cultural heritage, restitution can involve returning artworks or artifacts to their rightful owners or places of origin.
In summary, restitution involves the act of making things right, whether through compensation, restoration, or other means, after some form of loss or harm has occurred.
Déjà vu has its origins in French, where “déjà” means “already,” and “vu” means “seen.” When combined, “déjà vu” literally translates to “already seen.” The phrase captures the sensation of feeling that a current experience has been experienced or witnessed before, even though it is happening for the first time. It’s often described as a sense of familiarity or recognition in a new or unfamiliar setting. In popular culture, it is often referenced in literature, films, and music to convey a sense of repetition or familiarity. Artists may use it metaphorically to explore themes of destiny, time loops, or the cyclical nature of events.
Cryptids – to many cryptids are living breathing creatures who had previously been relegated to the realms of myth and legend, and have emerged from the shadows to reveal themselves as remarkable, living wonders. They believe that these extraordinary creatures, previously dismissed as figments of folklore, now stand as testaments to the rich biodiversity of our planet, surprising us with the diversity of life that exists beyond our conventional understanding. To others, they are animals or creatures that are reported to exist based on anecdotal evidence or folklore, but for which there is no scientific evidence to support their existence. To these folks, Cryptids are the subject of myths, legends, or local traditions, and because they are elusive and rarely if ever, observed by humans, they simply don’t exist. The term “cryptid” encompasses a wide range of creatures, and interest in these mysterious beings often involves cryptozoology, which is the study of animals whose existence is disputed or unsubstantiated.
Atrophy – refers to the wasting away or reduction in the size of cells, tissues, organs, or the entire body due to a lack of use, injury, or other underlying medical conditions.
Contraindications – this term refers to specific circumstances or conditions under which a particular medical treatment, procedure, or intervention is not recommended or may be potentially harmful. In other words, a contraindication is a factor or situation that makes a certain course of action inadvisable due to the likelihood of negative consequences.
For example, if a person has a specific health condition or is taking certain medications, it may be a contraindication for them to engage in a particular type of exercise, undergo a certain medical procedure, or follow a specific diet. Contraindications are important considerations in healthcare to ensure the safety and well-being of individuals, and they are typically assessed by healthcare professionals based on an individual’s medical history, current health status, and other relevant factors.
Beyond The Finish Line 