“They recognise that they are responsible for their own actions and intentions, and they relive the downstream consequences, or domino effect, of their actions on other living beings. They relive their own actions through the eyes of the other living entity, human or animal, and deeply feel how they felt in that moment.”
I found myself thinking, isn't this what spiritual disciplines such as self-examination, confession, and examen are meant to help us to do over time? If so, they could be thought of as a kind of living into what we may face ultimately anyhow. Which is a theological theme arguably from the gospels about the 'presence of the future', living proleptically ...
There's so much to talk about here. Maybe the most potent thing not said is how MDMA could be a gentler way to get a nasty life turned into a loving one. (I'd give a big reward to anyone who can slip Trump a pill!)
Starting in May of 1994, I held a year-long set of monthly meetings: https://suespeaks.org/mightycompanions/page5.html. From my intro: “Willis Harman, world-changing president of IONS, agreed he would help me form a Los Angeles group for intelligent thought. He felt things were going to get worse in the world before they got better, and it was his belief, as it is mine, that groups such as this could set new patterns of ideation that would help humanity navigate through the hard times ahead.” The group was comprised of leaderful people from different religions, and the objective was to illustrate that the heart of all religions was the same do unto others.
I stumbled across this when using the search term "conscious" for something else, Alex. Serendipity works! Wonderfully articulated. I shall now embrace the apocalypse, if not the fossil fuels shill.
My father had a near-death experience (that characteristically, he only spoke to my mother about). It followed the common pattern and undoubtedly removed any fear of death that he might have had. His last words to me, informing me that he had refused an operation (which had a minimal chance of success) were, "I have had a happy life, and have no fear of death." It remains deeply comforting.
Trump has now had a couple of near death experiences (apparently) and it doesn’t seem to have changed him! Not that I am inciting anyone to try again! (See Karoline Leavett’s press conference)
Beautiful, as ever, Alex - thank you. 🙏
Really enjoyed this (as usual) thought-provoking piece Alex. A good, positive and somehow warming start to my Tuesday morning.
As I read this bit:
“They recognise that they are responsible for their own actions and intentions, and they relive the downstream consequences, or domino effect, of their actions on other living beings. They relive their own actions through the eyes of the other living entity, human or animal, and deeply feel how they felt in that moment.”
I found myself thinking, isn't this what spiritual disciplines such as self-examination, confession, and examen are meant to help us to do over time? If so, they could be thought of as a kind of living into what we may face ultimately anyhow. Which is a theological theme arguably from the gospels about the 'presence of the future', living proleptically ...
Love this Andii, thank you - v much agree and would add contemplative practices (eg centering prayer, in the Christian context) to your list
Indeed. And good preaching can do it too.
First, hearken to you featured in my Substack yesterday:
https://suzannetaylor.substack.com/p/how-to-get-us-feeling-good. Come have a say.
There's so much to talk about here. Maybe the most potent thing not said is how MDMA could be a gentler way to get a nasty life turned into a loving one. (I'd give a big reward to anyone who can slip Trump a pill!)
Starting in May of 1994, I held a year-long set of monthly meetings: https://suespeaks.org/mightycompanions/page5.html. From my intro: “Willis Harman, world-changing president of IONS, agreed he would help me form a Los Angeles group for intelligent thought. He felt things were going to get worse in the world before they got better, and it was his belief, as it is mine, that groups such as this could set new patterns of ideation that would help humanity navigate through the hard times ahead.” The group was comprised of leaderful people from different religions, and the objective was to illustrate that the heart of all religions was the same do unto others.
I stumbled across this when using the search term "conscious" for something else, Alex. Serendipity works! Wonderfully articulated. I shall now embrace the apocalypse, if not the fossil fuels shill.
My father had a near-death experience (that characteristically, he only spoke to my mother about). It followed the common pattern and undoubtedly removed any fear of death that he might have had. His last words to me, informing me that he had refused an operation (which had a minimal chance of success) were, "I have had a happy life, and have no fear of death." It remains deeply comforting.
Wow, thanks so much for sharing that - what an amazing story
Trump has now had a couple of near death experiences (apparently) and it doesn’t seem to have changed him! Not that I am inciting anyone to try again! (See Karoline Leavett’s press conference)
The greatest commandment: love your neighbor because your neighbor is you. Literally. Love God because all is one.