Esoteric Voices 1: Matthew Gilbert on IONS

Matthew Gilbert is the Director of Communications at the Institute of Noetic Sciences (IONS). In this podcast interview, Gilbert talks about the founding of IONS by Apollo 14 astronaut Edgar Mitchell after his samadhi experience of spiritual interconnectedness while coming back from the moon.

He describes how IONS has been a leader in scientifically exploring mind-body healing through their ground-breaking consciousness research. IONS is also known for their frontier science work in exploring anomalous psi phenomena and extended human capabilities.

Gilbert also talks about some of the practical and applicable insights of their research such as the importance of pro-social emotions. He talks about how altruism and compassion can positively effect the immune system and some of the health benefits of heart-centered generosity.

He also talks about how transformation is a fundamental shift in perspective when your assumptions about how the world works are challenged. What happens when a new set of assumptions starts to be introduced both individually and on a collective level?

Finally, he talks about the how paying attention to our beliefs is one of the most important aspects that can impact the movement towards transformation and increased resilience. He also mentions the importance of a mindfulness practice as well as being able to hold conflicting points of view simultaneously and acknowledging multiple truths in the world of paradox in which we live.

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Music by scottaltham, courtesy of Creative Commons license.