Being Present

Today's world is one of increasingly evolving technological gadgetry. From our hand held to twitter updates, the pattern of our collective growth clearly seems aimed toward an integration of the mechanically invented and organically inherent. This trend seems so apparent, in fact, that at this time in our evolutionary history, our toys have essentially become an extension of who we are. I am not complaining, in fact I enjoy the wonders of exploring the power of the internet and cell phone as much as the next person. However, one thing that has struck me in recent weeks is the addictive distraction that being so readily and easily technologically accessible causes in our daily lives. For example, sitting in a restaurant, these days it is not so strange to see a couple sitting together, both on their hand held for much of the time, without any concern that they may be missing out on time with each other. Everywhere one turns, someone is walking with their handheld in conversation, almost blindly pushing their way down the street.

Again, I have no problem with these changes. I see them as a natural progression in the evolution of our species. One day sooner than we think the cell phones will be a part of our bodies. One concern I do have, however, is the lack of acknowledgement that in shifting our focus toward communication via toy, we are, in fact, shifting focus away from where we currently physically are in that moment. Just as in any group situation, by answering our phone while with another person, we are choosing to talk to someone else in that other person's presence. We are no longer present, but focused elsewhere. Just as it is not respectful to ignore someone we are in conversation with when another person interrupts, so too with conversations via toy. We haven't really stopped to consider such rules of etiquette yet because the changes are coming about so quickly and with such intensity.

I love my toys as much as anyone but I suggest we do not forget to be present and sit in the moment more often, even when it is not as exciting.

The Future of Psychology

"It is clear to me that we need a new psychology, one that is more in alignment with the findings of modern consciousness research, one that complements the image of the cosmos we are beginning to envision through the most recent discoveries in the physical sciences."       

                                                                                                   Stanislov Grof, MD
                                                                                                                  From The Holotropic Mind

Intention

I use the term intention to describe the energetic "Law of Attraction" that has recently been popularized in the book, The Secret, by Rhonda Byrne, with one significant notable clarification. I feel that setting one's intention upon a goal and focusing energy and attention on that goal provides the most effective and primary means by which to make the goal come about as a manifestation in the world. Using my energy to identify what I want and then work diligently toward what I want, thinking about it and having faith that ultimately I will accomplish this goal makes my chances of attaining the goal much more realistic. However, unlike the implication in the Secret at I read it, I do feel that there are limitations to what we can and cannot accomplish. For example, no matter how much energy and intention accomplishing something, sometimes the reality is that we don't always get what we want. We learn this as children, and I do feel that there's a time to let something go and let it go. I'm not saying that much is not possible using intention, I think it is. However it is also important to realize that we are limited beings working to expand. That said, close observation of the energy that we put into the world and the intention of our actions can bring about profound and life changing experiences that we may not have felt were possible before. I like the idea that I can put huge amounts of energy and intention into whatever AI feel is most important, that is very empowering. It is also empowering, however, to transcend my attachment to any outcome and know that I am ultimately able to faithfully accept the gifts that this world brings my way.

Integration

Science without religion is lame, religion without science is blind.

                                                         -Albert Einstein

Don't confuse the territory with the map.

                                                          -William James

Our world is made up of divisions. We categorize inherently as a method of making sense of the world. In this way, this map provides us with a useful tool of guidance with regard to the decisions and choices that we make, who we choose to align with and what values we identify with. Groups are discriminated against, sometimes viciously or receive extremely preferential treatment because of the status of their group in society. Yet this status is nothing more than a bunch of divisions made into a map, created and applied by the majority and accepted by those who do not know any better or do not know how to change it. Collectively, groups compete against each other in an attempt to gain power and influence in this working map that makes up our collective psyche.  Science and religion are an example of one of the largest of such rivalries today.

I wonder if we need to divide in this way. Transpersonal experiences often result in a feeling of complete unity and connection, during which the divisions of our world melt away and we see the world in a more realistic way. If this is true, and all of these divisions upon which we depend and have become so deeply attached to are nothing more than a map maintained by mainstream culture, then perhaps it is now time to step outside of the norm. Perhaps it is time to see religion and science as separate reflections of one reality.  Perhaps by choosing to experience a more inclusive state of mind we will come to live a more inclusive life. Living a more inclusive and accepting life could mean a much more peaceful and evolved existence in the future for our people.

Art

Art can be a very effective method of tapping and expressing aspects fo reality that are not able to be accurately described in words alone.

Are you looking?

I've noticed that becoming increasingly aware of the transpersonal aspects my life seems to have a great deal to do with setting an intention to be open to the possibility of multiple levels of reality occurring simultaneously. That as I go about my daily life, working, eating, showering..other more subtle levels of reality surround me and influence my life in ways less obvious. For example, I am driving to the store and I hear a song playing in my head. Looking out the window I notice a sign with a picture of the ocean on it. Realizing that I haven't turned my radio on yet, I switch it on and the song that was just playing over and over in my head is on the radio. Just then I think of a friend that I haven't heard from in a while. Arriving at the store, I pass someone wearing a "life's a beach" shirt that again reminds me of my friend. Just then I get a call from this same friend who happens to live at the beach. I could just disregard these happenings as mere coincidence or not even spend any time pondering their relevance. Or, I could open to the possibility that something else much more expansive and profound was at play. The more I open to these types of coincidences, the more apparent they become. The more I believe that these happenings are offering me guidance, the more guided I will become.

It's easy to fall asleep amidst the daily grind. I suggest that we don't.

Peak Experiences

According to Rhea White, A Mystical Exceptional Human Experience (EHE) is one that includes a "sense of unity with aspects of the world or consciousness generally not identified with, such as animals, plants, objects, other people, religious figures, the universe, or God" (White, 1997). One well known example of a mystical experience of called a "peak experience."

The term "peak experience" was created by the humanistic psychologist, Abraham Maslow. Although Maslow is most known for his evolutionary work in developing the "Hierarchy of Needs," which results in the ultimate goal of "Self Actualization," toward the end of his career he began to explore realms of awareness that reside beyond self actualization in the level of awareness known by many as transpersonal awareness. Peak experiences were said to be moments in which a person experiences a powerful shift in consciousness characterized by s sense of heightened perception and increased understanding about reality in which one feels deeply fulfilled or content emotionally. It's kind of like a really powerful and whole person "Aha moment." typically such experiences are prompted by a profound external experience such as witnessing a wonderful natural view, during intense physical exercise or some other very moving moment (Maslow, 1968).

Recall that in order to qualify this experience as an actual EHE, it must be integrated into one's life and be some kind of catalyst of change or growth. Have you ever had a peak experience? How did it change your life?

If you like, take a moment to reflect on a peak experience you have had. Perhaps you may want to journal or create some art inspired by this experience in order to reflect on the ways that you may or may not have fully integrated the lessons that were gifted to you. Maybe a reminder would be helpful.