An Extravagant Hypothesis
As a hypothesis, I propose that humanity may be undergoing a rapid transition from the biological to the psychic phase of species evolution in the next few years. The inertia of physical forces, chemical processes and cellular mechanisms, precisely coordinated over billions of years, has brought us to this make or break point. In order to continue our evolution, we need to reach a deeper level of species consciousness and self-awareness, transform our planetary culture and social systems so they serve the entire community of life, and integrate and anchor psychic capacities as part of a new paradigm and mythological substrate. This shift would also require a different approach to technological progress. We would use technology to create long-term benefits for people and planet, rather than shortsighted profits for individuals and corporations.
As individuals, we have the choice to contribute to this process in essential ways. We can shift from passive spectators to active participants, taking full responsibility for our own development and the unfolding of the whole. Currently, the first wave of individuals who are part of this tipping point phenomenon are learning to observe themselves as participators within the cosmos, and to act in our earthly realm with impartiality and compassion.
According to this hypothesis, as this level of presence crystallizes among the few, it will become increasingly available to wider circles of humanity, until it encompasses the entirety. We will supersede the confusion and destruction caused by the modern process of individuation by establishing new models of inclusive collaboration. As one aspect of this phase shift in consciousness, we will see a shift from hierarchic to holarchic models of social organization, and the melding of masculine rationality with feminine intuition. The form of the modern nation-state, obsessed with defending its own insecure boundaries, will be outmoded by a global direct democracy in which local communities realize themselves as fractal expressions of the whole, like healthy cells of the planetary organism.
Many mystical traditions propose that what we experience as reality is actually a kind of waking dream, projected from an infinite source of consciousness. According to this hypothesis, each of us can identify with our personal ego -- the dream character in the dream play -- or switch our center of identification to the projecting source. While the ego is trapped in limitation, the projecting source is infinite and free. Given the right marketing campaign, the awareness of our connection with this infinite creative source could permeate the global mind in the same way a new pop song or advertising jingle insinuates itself into the collective subconscious.
The uncertainty that many of us feel right now is, in itself, part of this transitional process. Whether we like it or not, the responsibility for the future of the species has now been placed in our hands. If we don't answer this call, our species will experience traumatic outcomes and cataclysms as the negative feedback loops of climate change, species extinction, resource depletion, fundamentalist violence and overpopulation create hell on earth, perhaps leading to our own extinction.
As I have discussed in previous works, there are good reasons to think that the positive feedback loops could also come together and self-reinforce to create a successful outcome -- what Buckminster Fuller described as a "win-win" situation for global humanity. It appears that successive transformations of human civilization happen at exponentially faster rates of linear time: while the agricultural revolution took thousands of years, the industrial age took under two hundred years, and the knowledge or information age required only a few decades. By this model, as Peter Russell has suggested, the next revolution in human society could happen in two or three years. This would be a revolution of wisdom, of consciousness, that could, potentially, open the gates to the psychic phase of our development.
More and more people appear to be experiencing psychic phenomena -- synchronicities, intuitive realizations, telepathic episodes and even occasional phenomena such as sudden manifestations or telekinesis. Anecdotally, I also encounter many people now undergoing classic Kundalini experiences, which were once extremely rare. A number of scientists have proposed that the solar system and the earth are undergoing a transition to a higher energy state. The level of electromagnetic activity may be increasing on our planet, accelerating and intensifying our psychic evolution. We may find that there is a non-dual relationship between changes in our lives on earth and processes happening throughout our solar system and the galaxy.
The correlations between ancient mystical traditions and the discoveries of quantum physics and other modern scientific disciplines could be firmly established, and presented in popular media so that they become socially accepted. The empirical tools of modern science could be repurposed to facilitate the development of psychic awareness, while our communications technologies transmit a new understanding around the planet in an extremely concentrated timeframe. At the same time, we could use the mass media and the Internet to disseminate the best techniques for growing food locally, for producing renewable energies, for reinventing industries and creating complementary currencies, and so on.
Of course, I don't know if this hypothetical outcome will come to pass. However, I see no reason why it couldn't. The tools are there for us. All that is required is the individual and collective will to make use of them.
This article originally appeared in Conscious Choice.
Image by aussiegall, courtesy of Creative Commons license.
- 3-11-09
- Daniel Pinchbeck's blog
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Hypothesis?
> Anecdotally, I also encounter many people now
> undergoing classic Kundalini experiences,
> which were once extremely rare.
About as rare as the smile on Sting's wive's face, of course the smile on the second wive's face is a completely different story, no?
I think that the technical term for the above is "taunting" and I think that the technical term for this article is "wild conjecture"--I like Daniel's writing *much* better when he goes out and does primary research--actually interviews Crop Circle Experts, heads into the jungle chasing experience, writes about the books & authors with which he is working--that is the stuff that got me interested in his writings.
Articles like these are so easy to come by these days--we need much less speculation & a lot more investigation, in my opinion.
Also, according to Scientists at UCLA the purpose of a hypothesis is to create a testable explanations of phenomena--not to work out the possible implications of wild speculation, right?What Daniel proposes here is *very* hard to test since there is very little consensus on some of the basic terms used ("rapid", "species evolution", and "psychic") let alone accurate ways to measure said terms.
Thanks, David S
Community
Hmm, I'm still new to Reality Sandwich, cautiously beginning to embrace text as glowing screen instead of text as cozy, island book, but isn't this site about building community??
community list
Try http://www.ic.org/
Get involved with wich ever ones are close to you many are very welcoming.
Also Daniel, if you are reading these replies, it looks like there are a ton of intentional communities in upstate new york as well as california. Visit and write about some!
HYPOTHESIS?
I think this response to Daniel's blog illustrates the need for us to recognize different standards for determining the validity of information.
The statement about a hypothesis being "testable" (and I assume this means by empirical observation) is a correct statement of the scientific method.
Though some sciences such as quantum physics and certain aspects of molecular biology border on the metaphysical, let's recognize that hard science is limited to descriptions of the physical world and physical processes. We can call this the "objective" world for sake of dsicussion.
Non-material phenomena are the provinces of psychology, philosophy, metaphysics, and mystical experience. I arranged this in the order by which these more "subjective" studies shade away from the boundaries of the hard sciences and scientfic method, although the borderline is fuzzy as in the case of psychology.
Truth is a loaded term, but it would be hard to argue that truths do not lie within each of these "subjective" fields of endeavor mentioned above. We just have to recognize that the methodologies and descriptors are different because the "subjective sciences" are penetrating dimensions of reality beyond the material.
Since I believe everything is one, perhaps a better way to state it is that the objective and subjective sciences are describing different layers of the same reality.
Most of Daniel's blog was unscientific by the defintion above, but so what? Much of what he says correlates with the experience of people in the "subjective sciences" in this and in other ages. I just take it as a measuring stick against my own non-material experiences of what the furture might be.
I think there was value in his speculations for they show imagination and that is a non-material faculty even Einstein used to discern physical laws.
Where I might depart from some speculations of Daniel and others is not so much in the premises of how and why we are evolving, but in the specifics of how it will all shake out.
For some reason, the stated or implied results of such conjectures usually seem to gravitate toward a quasi-eco-socialistic utopia. I get wary when the rationale starts to describe or imply any particlar poltical form. The fact is, we don't know what concrete forms our evolution in consciousness will take.
Not that we can't speculate on it. I've done that myself in my new novel, Pope Annalisa (popeannalisa.com) but I submit that the more we try and shape it into a pre-existing political philosophy the more we are trying to squeeze an evolutionary unknown into the form of known flaw.
Socialism, globalism, and the eco-movement can be just as dangerous and totalitarian as fascism; perhaps even more so because they hold out utopian promises of equality. I hope people in the consciousness movement recognize that.
Whatever practical forms our evolution ultimately takes, I would hope the critical mass of our expanded awareness will come up with new social and poltical tools to match.
yes
not extravagant at all
i could not ask for a more synchronized, timely, and relevant grouping of thoughts than this. thank you daniel, again, for so gracefully formatting into words my very thoughts and intuitions, and no doubt those of many others.
what is so important at this time is the passionate nurturing of each and all toward this awakening. i keep imagining the rapid developement of psychic abilities before reaching this common ground; i see your thoughts and you see mine, shadows and demons included. imagine the purging required to clean our polluted noosphere! society as we know it will be forced to crumble. how can we buffer this transition? yes david, in this case logic and preparation are most important.
i especially like daniels vision of "a global direct democracy in which local communities realize themselves as fractal expressions of the whole, like healthy cells of the planetary organism." this simple analogy tames many concerns ive had with the terrifying idea of an oppressive new world order forcing, controlling, tracking, smacking us into "servitude in the name of the planet." we must all arrive at this conclusion together. communication is key... we are all servants of gaia without losing our freedom, of will... working toward the common realization of inherent connectedness, oneness, through community, cooperation, and coherence.
after years of lucid dreaming, i recently had my first "real" out-of-body/astral travel experience just the other day, and although it was but a glimmer of the infinite potential, it far exceeded the impact of any and all such similar experiences. it was scary, alien, comforting, but more importantly reminded me i'm already home, we all are. home is where the heart is. so lets change our hearts.
This is very New Age Daniel, and that aint good...
I agree with Davidgiven above.
This article seems very pie-in-the-sky New Age idealism which isn't very realistic.
I recently saw the most awful videos about what neo nazis are doing in Russia! I red what they believe in. They also claim they believe in 'nature'---just like errrm us, but in nature they imagine wants to get rid of the weak and inferior races kinda thing? Just like their predecessors the Nazis, and theirs, the American Eugenics Movement, etc! Where, pray, is ignorant evil such as that going to suddenly go when the 'vibratory planetary levels' increase the old 'Kundalini' ...etc??
I often feel that the 'hope' for help always seems to be in some MONO-event. The assumption: in a Rapture--a big global event where the good are whisked away to heaven; the idea of 2012 being when the 'secret government' unleash their technology, a 'project bluebeam extravaganza' of holographic gods, prophets, UFOs, and real secret advanced technology which again will gbe an event that will change the whole globe. And so on
But isn't reality much more not like that. Where some people don't even know what is going on somewhere's else. Where groups of people have different styles, sense of time etc?
I mean I admit to being as confused about things as the next person. Not only about what has happening, but is happening, and what will happen.
I am not personally aware of spontaneous sychronicities, kundalini experiences, etc. (though I have my moments), nor with people I know. I know there is lots of stress, and hope for change . As there has always been in civilization, and modern world.
In your article, Daniel, I was surprised not to hear you mention psychedelics/sacred medicine once. This subject to me is the major taboo that needs us being aware of and talking about it, all the time! It is not called sacred medicine by the Indigenous peoples for nothing. I firmly believe that the sacred medicines are our means to heal.
Because what is really causing the self-destruction all around, and extrenal destruction of the life systems which are nature, are not the other species, but 'our 'worldviews which can become rigid and toxic. And only sacred medicine can heal this by encouraging flowing of blocked emotional energies, not romantic dreams.
Please can I ask people to support the Save Our Shrooms Campaign in Holland http://www.saveourshrooms.org/
Thanks ;)
psychic change will happen but evil New world order could form
... Nice mention of the secret government unleashing their fancy impressive technology to push us in a controlled state which is very threatening. But hopfully the win-win situation would unfold in which the only reality is one of love, and the bad guys (grays/reptilians david icke nuts will say, illuminati occultist, or black magicians) won't have any power anymore.
Thanks for the little reminder....
These days it seems like I can't win. I talk to people using language and a tone similar to what is in this article- from reinvigorating local community to potential psychic evolution- which is indeed what I feel primarily in my heart, and people accuse me of being quixotic. I then shift to talking about the fallacy of the fractional reserve system, the inevitability of peak oil and climate change, and the gambit of factors that make up the current systems of unsustainability, and I'm accused of being a paranoid doomer, championing the fall of civilization.
So given those two options, I'm trying to stick with being quixotic. I feel mentally, emotionally, spiritually and psychically healthier when I do. If there's one hard lesson I've learned (and indeed it continues to be a hard one to swallow) is that you can't brow-beat people into "waking up." That doesn't do you any good, and in fact it leaves you vulnerable to be dragged down into the collective blindness that blankets humankind right now.
The Scientific Method is very useful when kept in its proper place- the linear domain of reductionism, determinism, and objectivity. But just because something can't be tested or measured using the Scientific Method doesn't mean for a moment that those things are not just as important as what we've achieved through the understanding that Science has given us. Psychic phenomena, synchronicity, and the like are subjective experiences, and one of the primary tenants of the Scientific Method is to deny the importance of subjectivity. Therefore, trying to use the Scientific Method to test or measure these phenomena is about as effective as filling a beaker with orange juice in order to determine how good the OJ tastes.
It seems to me that Daniel DID write this article with the research he has done in mind. Simply because he has done so much research I think pretty much precludes anything he writes to be conjecture, simply by default.
Either way, I enjoyed this article. It was a simple reminder that synchronicities, consciousness exploration, and immediate experience are all far more useful and important to us than abstract concepts like the Dow Jones Average or the value of the dollar.
Well said, my friend
~illuuminuus~ myspace.com/illuuminus
Thank you for speaking my mind Wakingsleep! When will our 'insiders' ever tire of correction and criticism I often wonder? I guess I tend toward making the erronious assumption that we can come to a general, harmonious accord here. I often think that if a person makes it this far in the the right direction then he/she must be a bit brighter than the rest. Heh. Yes, I do see my own ego at the heart of that fallacy. In any case, this article is a reiteration of the author's ever fluctuating and evolving view of Reality. It is a good and hopeful way of viewing our current situation that in no way requires rebuke. Pitiable degradations of the viewpoints of others can hardly be the way of a true shaman. Then again, not all shaman have been guilty of wisdom... But must we endure the same tired processes even here?
Even in disagreeing, the wise man admits he knows nothing.
I for one appreciate the way Daniel hypothesizes rather than 'instructs'. With the magnitude of the audience he has attracted to our realm of study, and dare I say 'the good' that he is doing, he might very easily be converted by the guru seeking crowd. Oh, believe me, they are out there just dying for someone to worship. I propose we give him a modicum of respect for what he does rather than spouting off angrily at every article he posts here.
By the way, Daniel, this article was a bit of a reiteration perhaps, but it reflects the very same viewpoint that I have been pondering and wrestling with for months now. There are sooooo many of us reaching this same conclusion every day...
the dreamer & the dream
Daniel,
under the construct of your hypothesis, to what factor do you attribute the "precise coordination over billions of years?"
Are we dreamers in a dream with a pre-determined outcome? Or are we dreamers dreaming the dream forward in such a way that each dream influences the Dream? Or something else? Care to share your speculations and intuitions concerning the source of the coordination?
@davidgiven — we need much less speculation & a lot more investigation
how much value do you place on imagination? What is the value of "investigation" if the paradigm examining the data is obsolete?
precise coordination
i am a supporter of the Vedantic perspective of sages like Ramesh and Nisargadatta. There is only one consciousness, beyond space and time, that projects itself into dream worlds in order to explore its own creative potential. So yes, everything is entirely determined and conditioned, and you will never be happy as long as you identify with this drama. However you have the potential to realize you are that singular source consciousness that is projecting.
Ramesh describes "enlightenment" as the extinction of personality.
"Will the transformation."-Rilke
Ramesh book recommendations?
Daniel, I always get a lot out of what you write. Thank you.
For far too long Nisagardatta's I Am That has been sitting patiently for me to take off my bookshelf and crack open.
Am not so familiar with Ramesh, can you recommend one of his? Thanks.
Who Cares!?
Ramesh's book aptly titled, Who Cares!?
"Will the transformation."-Rilke
Higher Altitudes In Shorter Intervals
Pyramids spiral
in exponential curvature,
laying time
like bricks we climb
to higher altitudes
in shorter intervals.
Air and breath thin
until we reach
their exhausting point,
where we sit still upon a tip
and watch, on top as one,
our vertical plateau of will.
I'm riding the exponential curve, and I know a lot of others are too! It's difficult to hold on, because time and space are in perpetual motion, but the ones who keep a good grip will grow stronger.
"Life without music would be a mistake" - Friedrich Nietzsche
Tonight and Friday in SF
Thought i would post these here - 2 events this week in SF - in case people are scanning the article but miss the news post.
yours, dp
Tonight:
Psychedelics & Spirituality A Dialogue with Daniel Pinchbeck & Dharmanidhi Sarasvati Wednesday, March 11 7-9pm Throughout human history the use of psychoactive substances has played a prominent role in spiritual development. There are differing opinions on the importance or necessity of psychoactives for the contemporary spiritual aspirant. In this discussion, two experts in the field of human consciousness will highlight divergent opinions on the merits of psychedelic use in the quest for spiritual growth. This event will be held at The Lipman Room on the UC Berkeley Campus. Directions to the Lipman Room Cost: $20
Friday:
Daniel Pinchbeck will be joining us on Friday, March 13 for a dynamic conversation engaging perspectives on 2012, the evolution of consciousness, community building and co-creating the new paradigm.
A respected author and cultural visionary, Daniel's books include Breaking Open the Head, The Mystery of 2012, and most recently, a collection of essays featuring a who's who of contemporary thinkers entitled Toward 2012: Perspectives on the Next Age.
Precious Life Wellness VIllage is an emerging sanctuary in the heart of the city. Both a holistic healing clinic and community education center, this project promises to be a profound resource for the greater bay area community. Featuring on-going classes in movement, permaculture, martial arts, yoga, creative expression and spiritual practice, PLWV is a collective vision offered up for the benefit of all.
Friday March 13, 2009 7pm suggested donation $13-20
Precious Life Wellness Village 2116 Berkeley Way Berkeley, CA 94704 "Will the transformation."-Rilke
Anastasia Book Series
Hello
I was wondering if yu had heard of these writings from Siberia as they may be something in which yu would feel a deep connection--
http://www.ringingcedars.com/
“In the book you are going to write, Vladimir, there will be unobtrusive combinations, formulations made up of letters,
and they will arouse in the majority of people good and radiant feelings. These feelings are capable of overcoming ailments of body and soul, and will facilitate the birth of a new awareness inherent in people of the future. Believe me, Vladimir, this is not mysticism—it is in accord with
the laws of the Universe.”— Anastasia
all the best on yur journey to peace
Anastasia
Hi there
I have heard about these books through Nexus Magazine - apparently they have sold millions, mostly in Russia I think, but aren't widely known over here and don't even have a Wikipedia entry last I checked. The story behind them of this wise Siberian woman living in the woods is very interesting and seems to be real. I will probably try the first in the series and see how it is.
Ringing Cedars...
~illuuminuus~ myspace.com/illuuminus
Indigobliss,
I found this work to be fascinating and provocative. Glad to see others here who did as well. The sacred attachment to our Earth and to the soil and the plantlife is something we have forgotten that needs remembering. I also find the concept of 'sungazing' to be so attractive... As unlikely as it seems, it's an idea that has captured my imagination. This could very well be the direction of our next evolution...
You Raw Vegans think you're the cat's meow? Hmph. Meet the Suneaters...
But seriously, What could be more beautiful than subsisting on direct starlight??
Ringing Cedars
"The direction of our evolution"
The concepts of the book are refreshingly simplistic, I often feel exhausted with all the existential theories, quantums, etc. out there!
Make or break
I will base my approach to the article on the following citation:
"The tools are there for us. All that is required is the individual and collective will to make use of them." Published earlier on 'Conscious choice'.
Whether we consider our present awareness level as a result of a locally created 'cosensus realitytunnel' process or as an expression of a general cosmic dreamstate, the basic ideas appears similar and valid.
Looking at the pragmatically observed consequences, this dreamstate/lowlevel awareness is dysfunctional (on the assumption, that it isn't a wise move to destroy ourselves and the planet).
The suggestion of a 'make or break' outcome also sounds reasonable, implying that purely mechanistic causality will FORCE us to react. But as the above citation and its first appearance on 'CONSCIOUS choice' contains elements of 'will', 'choice' and 'consciousness', I will suggest that a closer look at 'conscious willing' could lead to a much more pleasant alternative, than the 'make or break' situation.
I acknowledge the almost incredible naive optimism in this suggestion, but we haven't got much to loose, have we? Criticism that this could be too abstract is justified, as the actual EXPERIENCING of the 'conscious willing' process (if such exist) can't be transferred direct verbally. Still something valuable could come through the media of verbal information.
My guess is, that many contributors to RS are 'outsiders' (in the Colin Wilson sense), and as such less influenced by major cosensus-realities, and in a possible position of looking at their 'liberation' from cosensus.
How did it happen? Was it a mechanical process, or did elements of 'will' play a part?
The World
Marketing campaign
I find Daniel's idea of a marketing campaign interesting. A couple days ago I spotted an ad on the side of a streetcar saying:
"THERE PROBABLY IS NO GOD.
Now stop worrying and enjoy your life."
This would be seen as positive or negative depending on your view of what god is. However it's curious to see an ad campaign promoting a philosophical point like this.
The idea of a marketing campaign for the infinite creative source sounds hilarious when phrased as such, but in its essence, the purpose of advertising is to stimulate thoughts in a particular direction. It doesn't make anyone believe anything; it can draw attention to an idea.
Synchronicity side note - a google of "atheist street car ad" turned up this as the first result - note the streetcar numbers next to the ads.
Re: poeting
Inward peace and outward
Re 2: poeting
OK, I asked for it.
I give verbal appreciation of your subtle sense of humour, (as you can't see me smiling while reading your post).
Consciousness marketing
The idea that the internet and marketing techniques are useful in the outward spread of new global consciousness is cringe-worthy.
All these systems are built in a mainframe of consciousness that has been developing for thousands, millions of years. If, as Daniel believes, we are entering a phase of conscious acceleration; what need of these communication conventions of the past?
The OJ metaphor for science, used by Wakingsleep, was wonderful. It took about two chapters of 'The Invisible Landscape' and beautifully recast them as a small, condensed kernal of truth. Science itself, like our current forms of communication, are levels of conscious understanding that conform to our current global awareness. They are both the consciousness of our current mode of being.
I would assume then, possibly wrongly, that the acceleration would transform our Being into a completely new paradigm; making obsolete the archaic frameworks of our historical understanding. What use then would current 'marketing skills' have? If the cosmos is in charge of out flux then we need not worry over that which we have no control.
If, on the other hand, we are in control of this change (as Winmtn eludes to) are we not then just spreading ideal, in a manner which will be unescapably dogmatic, as every wave of human idea becomes, when it demands the attention of every individual in a complete global recognition? Would we have a sort of 'dictatorship of the consciousness'?
I may be castagated for using the term dogmatic; but only rarely does good come of the influential power of one or more, inflicting their beliefs on others; it creates duality and resentfulness. The difference between this understanding of the world now and into what it might become seems gravely important to all our conversations.
Rob Dickins
Journeyman in the psychedelic 21st
Who's on the 2012?
aside from the grand rapids
i liked this article, it was very easy to speed read.
but don't ask me what i think.I might tell you.
Re: cjmoore
i think
i see it now
dang, were my eagle eyes nailed shut or what?
the author
of sur-reality.
"like a bird on a wire"...like... "a drunk in a midnight choir",
i tried in my way............hmm, hm, hmnn.
We are the ones we are looking for
I think this article is correct. Humanity's next step will be psychological/spiritual.
Not everyone will jump to this next step, but it will happen, and probably on or before December 21, 2012. Get ready.
fire and wine and microchips
Daniel you have taken on the
Distracting Dogma Deviants
Think about it,...the cyber (spider)web that the earth finds itself wrapped up in, as described within The Hopi prophecy, that the human species has connected globally, is only now beginning to show the possibilities of how humanity can begin to de-code the illusions of mainstream dogma, media manipulation dumb downs, economic $lavery, religious guilt extremisms, governmental (to govern the mind)control, militaristic fear mongering is now being exposed to the layers of deceit perpetrated by these institutions against the evolution of humanity. Good Hypothesis Daniel, I agree with you ...We MUST collectively as individuals become the change we want to be able to spiritually share with all life forms on this fragile planet. Resisting Tyranny and surrendering to the Love of our Divine creator gives us All HOPE!Namaste! Visit;
Myztico Visionary Psychedelic Surrealism www.myztico.mosaicglobe.com
Well said myztico
... and great website! Amazing art, photography, music etc... but really amazing art bro!
Rob
Seeking Truth and Beauty... Always.
Kudos to you Mr. Pinchbeck,
change of heart
im like the tiniest fractal, an ignorant curl, seeking understanding and meaning through feeling. touching, grasping, "seeing", asking questions "who am i? what am i doing here?" stirring then fleeing. stretching outwards for the infinite being. teach me. let me. be me. wanting embrace then wanting freedom. loving and hating, NOT seeing, its wholeness. i wanna bite it. fruity, juicy loveliness. but too much apparently, its fleeting. i thank thee for the opportunity, bless you all, you are my eyes my ears my feet my hands my heart my soul. my healing. i want to kiss you all. theres that feeling, again.
i came across an incredible bit of advice recently going, "There is only one corner of the universe you can be certain of improving, and that is your own self."
weird, i just googled the quote to see if it had a source (Alduous Huxley) and the search results that came up are, "Preposterous Universe" (a humbling reminder), "What Brazil Can Expect from Obama on Environment, Economy, Energy - 'The important part of that phrase "green jobs" is not the green, it's the jobs.'" (what is this mad world? humbling, again), "He-Man.org" (ok i get it.), and finally "Are You Ready To Create A Life Beyond Imagination?" (yes.)
i find this observation horribly (in the best sense of the word) startling.
wasn't there a study done somewhere on the patterns/predictions made by individuals entering words or phrases into internet search engines, similar to using the bible as an 8-ball? (please forgive me for that horrible analogy) could we not then use google in the same manner? im out of control right now, but thats good right, im letting the isness just flow right through me. go on, tell me im nietzsche-y.
so we use the digital matrix like the external matrix via internal matrix. this is getting heavy. or lighter? i did have a similar inkling on the helpfulness of the internet in that its re-teaching us how to traverse this matrix, through a mini-me version. but now im thinking (im getting tired of this) what we (i) really only need is shamanic healing. forgiveness of the ego, not feeding. humbling. thats where id like to be. wow, i am, by golly! breathing, beating, uh oh 4:20! stoners unite! free the weed! on that note, im leaving. done thinking. see you in my (our) dreams!
for the record, for anyone who cares, the sun is in my ninth house. what a strange journey. it was as if centuries worth of experience were compressed into hours. i need a shower.
brothers, sisters, and geniuses: cant tell you enough: namaste. yours and IN love, that annoying tweeter, shadow in the sky, a bird, eye.
Breaking it down, for a change
From my experience when a group of open minded people get together and focus positive energy on achieving a goal it can be done. I also know that prayer/meditation is very powerful for the purpose of healing, when done with the purest of intentions outside of oneself. I think this site should test the waters of our collective spirituality and attempt to have one or two nights a week where we all pray/meditate at the same time, in our 'own unique ways' to the God of our understanding (or whatever you believe), for the purposes of healing an area of the world that we could all agree needs a miracle.
This can only be done without negative thoughts and energy against anyone; in this online community, or against anyone else that has ever done you wrong in your mind; even the stereotype of a group that you may dislike or hate- whether they are ignorant or right it doesn't matter. Forgiveness means moving forward, letting go of it, and letting the past heal itself.
It saddens me to hear some of the wicked things that people, on here, have been saying about others. Don't you realize that when you hold on to resentments (bitterness, anger, and hate) toward a person or group of people all you're doing is letting that idea (IN YOUR HEAD) control you and make you miserable, when in fact you actually believe you're in total control and this person or that group is to blame. Stop being victims! Let go of this nonsense and self-pity and start standing up and being adults.
I'm saying this out of Love for you all and for our world which is falling apart in front of us. If everyone can humble themselves to Love one another and agree to do this in Love than I know something amazing can and will happen.
I recommend praying for the children; from radical fundamentalist homes, from broken homes, from abusive homes, from the disgusting deception that's brain washing them as soon as they can sit up and watch the TV, those that are suffering and starving, from the horrors of war that millions of children across the globe are watching out of their windows. I urge us all to pray for them- For some self-control, respect, morals, ethics, peace, hope, faith, and Love to enter their hearts and minds and souls.
Because each new wave of teenagers that's tuning in is more depraved from the basic fundamentals of morality than the next, and when they start tuning into 'the field' with the pollution they're being spoon fed there will be total chaos. If we all don't start looking outside of ourselves and start making a difference in the lives of the communities we live in than it's over. That's my solution, I'm already walking the walk and miracles are happening around me. I'm open for suggestions and constructive criticism, because there's no dictatorship when Love is concerned.
Peace, Love, and Blessings to all of you-
I couldn't agree with you
thank you
I agree, it will be awesome. It would be nice if a panel on this site was opened for such purposes, however no one needs permission from any man to pray/meditate/(send out positive energy, ect...).
So, I urge everyone to join me tonight to start healing the planet. I'm going to begin at 11pm MST- admission is free. Leave our ego at the doors of perception and we'll all meet at the Fountain of Living Water next to Tree of Life on the Sacred Mountain. (Seriously, I'm not making this into a joke)
Any suggestions for sending out positive healing energy?
If not I'll be praying for all people (of every religion, race, creed, ect...) to see the 'Light' exposing the corruption and lies of the world. And if anyone has someone close in their life who's suffering from a disease or handicap ask for a miracle to heal them.
I'll see you by the water, under the moon-
Peace and Blessings everybody
thank you
This is my favorite piece of your writing to date. Brave. Simple. And honest. Thank you for this one. It lifts me higher. I am reminded of Jesus saying to the Pharisees and cynical religious officials, of the perfected balance between his ego concealing the light and of the light concealing his ego, "Those who are with me gather together, and those who are against me scatter abroad."
Adam Elenbaas
JUST BEING
What's the Point?
This is the best of all worlds...or what?
Having read all the posts on this article, it strikes me, that they can roughly be put into two categories:
1/ Those who rely on deterministic outcomes (as already decided by BrahmaN, Yahweh or Allah)/Those who look for answers from outside authorities, ranging from beliefsystems to what your friendly neighbourhood guru has told you. This group is in majority.
2/ A few contributors, amongst them me, suggest, that we take a personal, individual responsibility, and try to DO something. Admittedly sometimes getting lost in semantic knots about doing as non-doing, secrectly being belief-system believers after all, and other pitfalls of individual responsibility ideology.
Well... Category 1 supporters can with good conscience lean back and let things sort themselves out. Even saying that the present situation originates from group 2, which is a bunch of messing, interfering dualists, who bring disorder into an otherwise harmonic universe. So when Harmageddon comes around, group 1 can with follow it on TV, knowing they never participated in any way.
Marketing for consciousness
I think the progressive/"enlightened" community is actually doing a really good job in using creative tools of communication to make ripples in the collective consciousness, and you need only look at the recent election to see an example- Whether or not one likes President Obama (I do) it is pretty amazing how he has inspired and encouraged work from artists of all kinds, all over the world, and how much their creative works inspired a buzz around his campaign. Like it or not, that's some damn creative advertising and social marketing at work.
Advertising and marketing has played a huge part in constructing the myths that our society lives by, so it is absolutely a tool for social change.
I've been a writer and an advertising creative for almost six years now, and have been involved with many projects, both on a for-profit and a pro-bono basis, that have helped create positive change. As a few examples, in the past several years, I've worked on-
1. several successful voting rights projects with the ACLU.
2. a project that supports the reproductive rights of low-income women.
3. a multi-million dollar project that is bringing attention to standout artists and designers in Miami.
4. a deeply philosophical art book that is currently showing up in the hands of conscious world leaders and compassionate celebrities.
5. The world's first truly global boarding school.
6. Advertising environmentally-preferable paint products.
7. Extensive work with mainstream charities such as the United Way of Cleveland.
I don't mean to toot my own horn, I'm just giving examples on how creative advertising and marketing can create positive change. In my personal life, i also spend quite a bit of time exploring how myths and stories drive our perceptions and behavior.
It works, folks. Let's keep it up.
Marketing an ideology
The zen-disciple very exitedly came to his teacher and said: "Master, master, I got it. Nothing exists." The master punched his disciple hard on the nose, and the disciple got angry and said: "Hey, why did you do that?" to which the master answered: "If nothing exists, where does this anger come from?"
Demonstrating that you can't even trust zen-masters, because the master should have known, that the disciple's anger ofocurse originated from somewhere outside of the disciple. 'Somewhere outside' his reach.
So next time your car breaks down and your mechanic makes an extremely sloppy job of repairing it, and at the same time overcharges you, remember that it was predestined to be so, and your poor mechanic just is another will-less cog in the cosmic machinery.
From: 'Bogomil spaketh'ed thus', undertitled: Are even gurus responsible for their actions? vol. XXXVI. Revised version.
Balancing The Dialectic Of Progress
Daniel, I agree with both your own guarded enthusiasm and the unguarded skepticism voiced in some of the comments. Not that I believe this hypothesis to be especially "New Agey" - at least, not given the research you and I have both been exposed to in the last several years. It seems increasingly rational, sensible, and explicable (in spite of being beyond simple rationality as most modernists would use the term).
HOWEVER, I would be careful about calling this a "step forward" in any unequivocal sense. Progress makes things more complicated - better AND worse - and if we suddenly sidestep into a higher vibratory realm due to galactic convergences, and suddenly everyone is psychic and world-manifesting... ...then that still doesn't change the fact that every single human has to proceed developmentally through different moral stages of justice and compassion, first for self, then tribe, then species, then world.
And if suddenly the 70% or so of the human population that doesn't give a sh*t about anything beyond the well-being of their direct relations is endowed with magical abilities, we're looking at a "tyranny of the majority" far more profound than anything history has ever known. For this reason and many others, YOU know well enough that direct democracy works better on the local level than the global level. That hardly seems like a favorable solution.
Such a dimensional shift would be a shift SIDEWAYS, not "FORWARD," a move replete with its own set of problems as well as solutions. It may in fact be a Golden Age of cooperation and wisdom...but please remember that spiritual revelations lead to warfare about as frequently as they lead to spontaneous acts of love. The difference is in the person who receives the wisdom, how rigid they are in relation to their knowledge.
And just to throw this in there, apparently the increase in solar activity that through a process of magnetic entrainment is set to change the human hormone release schedules come Solar Cycle 24 (2011/2012) has been correlated with heightened rates of both CREATIVITY and WARFARE in human history.
Check it:
http://alexansary.com/Editorial/Sun%20spots%20and%20a%20weakened%20magne...
In this context, it remains up to us, perhaps, to determine whether we'll allow ourselves to be implements of creation or destruction...then again, that's just another duality, isn't it? :)
Ah, progress.
Michael Garfield - live painter & avant-guitarist