"Amazing what one can learn in a few minutes." Amazing, too, what one can learn from cancer. Not that I know, Gail, but you do, and thanks for sharing your lessons with us! (Also, I hope you check out that intriguing book--I bet it's chock full of lessons.)
"The Answer to How, is Yes" has been one of the text resources in my Facilitative Leadership Class for many years. The students wrestle with the concept. I learn a lot.
That sounds fascinating! Making “Yes” the natural answer. Not, “I can’t because.” Or, “I’d really like to, but...” Numerous chances to not participate in life.
I was thinking about our last exchange today when this quote came from Krishnamurti
"The observer and the observed have always their own space. Therefore there is always a sense of conflict." The question for me is whether I, or a person, can be intentionally the observer and the observed? Is the observer in the past.... or can the observer be the observed as in the merger of past, present, future in the now? K seems to answer yes, yet not with intention....of thought.
Hi Bruce, I’m sorry to not have replied sooner. Yesterday entailed various preparations for Tropical Storm Nicole as her projected path wobbled about. No damage here. Second, I wanted to retrieve a book from storage that you may be familiar with: THE EYE of the I, by David R. Hawkins.
My reason? Hawkins presents his analysis and conclusions on spirituality, consciousness, and mankind’s place in all of that. The dear friend who gifted me this book is herself a “spiritual seeker” with a sweeping blend beginning with her Christian Science upbringing that over time has embraced elements from many other frameworks.
I did not finish this book. Why? Perhaps due to my own low level of enlightenment, spiritual awareness, and general unfamiliarity with many of Hawkins’ tenets. And unlike JK, Hawkins works from a massive entanglement of science, medicine, religions, and spirituality broadly speaking. I quickly scanned sections of the book before writing. I believe that some of what I found “un-relatable” 18 years ago has become less so from exposing myself to information I no longer reject as too esoteric.
While very different from JK’s fundamental position, Hawkins incorporates elements of experimental design, critical thinking, hard science, and an array of subject matter sources to underpin his conclusions. E.g. he analyzed “A Course in Miracles,” assigned a score from his numerical scaling of non-linear processes (consciousness), then explained how/why it works. Not unlike preparing to read Castaneda’s books!
My apologies for the “essay” as it does not directly answer your questions. More like, “Ask that guy. He probably knows something about it!”
Whoa, lots to ponder. Thanks. Remember we touched on those "moments" that appear to be in my words/lingo "beyond thought". OW Holmes spoke to the concept of "simplicity on the other side of complexity". It is that space that beckons me.... as insight.
Thanks for that context. I searched OW Holmes. Besides being a major magnet school in Dallas, I searched some of Holmes’ writings. I quickly saw works by later philosophers using bell curves to denote the transformation of reasoning/existence from simple (minded) to complex to simple. The result of understanding/testing the complex, and thus creating a new state of simplicity. The result of understanding.
As an aside, do you imagine that praying for others in need utilizes quantum mechanics? Not being entertaining. My wife’s 3-day old grand nephew has some medical problems. Beth’s other family members, from her dad on down to this baby’s parents, are deeply and actively religious. This has given rise to both prayer requests and offering of same for both the baby and its immediate family. I purposely chose quantum mechanics to avoid reliance on the roles of deities, ministers/rabbis/priests/shaman. Rather, the direct flow of energy as sub-atomic particles to alter body chemistry, immune function, etc. I’m not proposing that that is what Beth’s family believes at all. Their comfort zone embraces God/Jesus Christ. In my mind, not really all that different from sacrifices of children into the cauldron of active volcanoes to ensure a bountiful harvest.
Reflecting on what I just wrote, the Holmesian bell curve just might apply. SIMPLE: a child is born and survives or doesn’t survive. Rituals develop to allow full expression of grief or joy. COMPLEX: In response to either outcome, medical understanding began to accrue. Pioneers like Pasteur and Leeuwenhoek laid part of the foundation for how we tick, and today we’re using sub-atomic particles to treat various cancers. SIMPLE (again): And now there’s a fork in the road. We either believe that treating illness is “simple” owing to being on the frontiers of medicine. Or, if intention coupled with quantum mechanics can achieve cures, we’re in a new phase of Pasteur-like discovery.
In the early ‘70s I worked with a psychologist that employed systematic desensitization to treat patients presenting a wide range of phobias and anxiety disorders. He invented a miniaturized “use at home” device that allowed patients to self-treat between sessions. The psychologist told me of his own use of such equipment and knowledge. He had chronic sinus infections and his doctor stated that very invasive sinus scraping was the only answer. Meeting with the ENT surgeon, he asserted that he could control both pain and bleeding. The doc scoffed! Bob insisted that was his expectation for surgery. He had to agree to have an anesthesiologist present to intervene once the pain became unbearable. It did not. No appreciable bleeding. No facial bruising. Fully recovered in two days. Bob was an atheist. No medium or other spiritualist. Simply directing his understanding of what was effective, resulting in a “simple” result. It all made perfect sense to me. I had the willingness to accept that he could easily do what I could not.
Is our life environment really just a hologram. Is purported dark matter of the Universe central to that thinking re holography? As I am clueless about “The Big Bang” it’s safe to say I’m not quite to the stage of reasoned understanding much less simplicity. Quite different from declaring that mere poppycock!
OMGoodness... I could not have imagined that referencing the Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr. quote “I would not give a fig for the simplicity this side of complexity, but I would give my life for the simplicity on the other side of complexity" would take you on that journey. Reading yours reminded me of a conversation with Ilia Delio. Are you familiar with her work/thought? This youtube video is quite long. You can find shorter resources for her thinking. This one is the full monty, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FXUkhBM-4PA .
From the brightly colored chocolate bars, fireplace in the background, to Calliope’s shared wisdom this post spoke to my heart! The story typist shared about meeting Francis was poignant. Beth became a “great aunt” again yesterday and her dad a great-grandfather x 5! George Carlin quipped once that we should remember that the elderly are really just “bent kids.” That line is blurred for me at times...
I delighted in reading/seeing the chocolate bars you brought along today! I often see “Yes,” “Help others,” and “Be kind” as instincts you wear well.
In the rooms of AA I often heard, “You have to give it away to keep it.” The “it?” The combination of lessons from the Twelve Steps, fellowship with others, sponsorship, and service opportunities that helped us in our own recovery journey. In short, be willing and able to meet a newcomer at his/her first meeting with a warm welcome and directions to the coffee maker! Thus Calliope might liken the Chili chocolate to “it.”
As always, Gail, I’m grateful for all I’ve been learning from you. The “old dogs/new tricks” rule isn’t fully operative for me. 😄
Thank you Bobby. A work in progress, as are we all. I’ve always liked Bob Dylan’s lyric: “He who ain’t busy being born is busy dying.” I’ve heard it said, “You’re worth it, so work it.” Left foot, right foot. With occasional hops, skips, and a jump.
"Amazing what one can learn in a few minutes." Amazing, too, what one can learn from cancer. Not that I know, Gail, but you do, and thanks for sharing your lessons with us! (Also, I hope you check out that intriguing book--I bet it's chock full of lessons.)
"The Answer to How, is Yes" has been one of the text resources in my Facilitative Leadership Class for many years. The students wrestle with the concept. I learn a lot.
That sounds fascinating! Making “Yes” the natural answer. Not, “I can’t because.” Or, “I’d really like to, but...” Numerous chances to not participate in life.
I was thinking about our last exchange today when this quote came from Krishnamurti
"The observer and the observed have always their own space. Therefore there is always a sense of conflict." The question for me is whether I, or a person, can be intentionally the observer and the observed? Is the observer in the past.... or can the observer be the observed as in the merger of past, present, future in the now? K seems to answer yes, yet not with intention....of thought.
From Public Talk 10, Saanen, 31 July 1966
Hi Bruce, I’m sorry to not have replied sooner. Yesterday entailed various preparations for Tropical Storm Nicole as her projected path wobbled about. No damage here. Second, I wanted to retrieve a book from storage that you may be familiar with: THE EYE of the I, by David R. Hawkins.
My reason? Hawkins presents his analysis and conclusions on spirituality, consciousness, and mankind’s place in all of that. The dear friend who gifted me this book is herself a “spiritual seeker” with a sweeping blend beginning with her Christian Science upbringing that over time has embraced elements from many other frameworks.
I did not finish this book. Why? Perhaps due to my own low level of enlightenment, spiritual awareness, and general unfamiliarity with many of Hawkins’ tenets. And unlike JK, Hawkins works from a massive entanglement of science, medicine, religions, and spirituality broadly speaking. I quickly scanned sections of the book before writing. I believe that some of what I found “un-relatable” 18 years ago has become less so from exposing myself to information I no longer reject as too esoteric.
While very different from JK’s fundamental position, Hawkins incorporates elements of experimental design, critical thinking, hard science, and an array of subject matter sources to underpin his conclusions. E.g. he analyzed “A Course in Miracles,” assigned a score from his numerical scaling of non-linear processes (consciousness), then explained how/why it works. Not unlike preparing to read Castaneda’s books!
My apologies for the “essay” as it does not directly answer your questions. More like, “Ask that guy. He probably knows something about it!”
Whoa, lots to ponder. Thanks. Remember we touched on those "moments" that appear to be in my words/lingo "beyond thought". OW Holmes spoke to the concept of "simplicity on the other side of complexity". It is that space that beckons me.... as insight.
Thanks for that context. I searched OW Holmes. Besides being a major magnet school in Dallas, I searched some of Holmes’ writings. I quickly saw works by later philosophers using bell curves to denote the transformation of reasoning/existence from simple (minded) to complex to simple. The result of understanding/testing the complex, and thus creating a new state of simplicity. The result of understanding.
As an aside, do you imagine that praying for others in need utilizes quantum mechanics? Not being entertaining. My wife’s 3-day old grand nephew has some medical problems. Beth’s other family members, from her dad on down to this baby’s parents, are deeply and actively religious. This has given rise to both prayer requests and offering of same for both the baby and its immediate family. I purposely chose quantum mechanics to avoid reliance on the roles of deities, ministers/rabbis/priests/shaman. Rather, the direct flow of energy as sub-atomic particles to alter body chemistry, immune function, etc. I’m not proposing that that is what Beth’s family believes at all. Their comfort zone embraces God/Jesus Christ. In my mind, not really all that different from sacrifices of children into the cauldron of active volcanoes to ensure a bountiful harvest.
Reflecting on what I just wrote, the Holmesian bell curve just might apply. SIMPLE: a child is born and survives or doesn’t survive. Rituals develop to allow full expression of grief or joy. COMPLEX: In response to either outcome, medical understanding began to accrue. Pioneers like Pasteur and Leeuwenhoek laid part of the foundation for how we tick, and today we’re using sub-atomic particles to treat various cancers. SIMPLE (again): And now there’s a fork in the road. We either believe that treating illness is “simple” owing to being on the frontiers of medicine. Or, if intention coupled with quantum mechanics can achieve cures, we’re in a new phase of Pasteur-like discovery.
In the early ‘70s I worked with a psychologist that employed systematic desensitization to treat patients presenting a wide range of phobias and anxiety disorders. He invented a miniaturized “use at home” device that allowed patients to self-treat between sessions. The psychologist told me of his own use of such equipment and knowledge. He had chronic sinus infections and his doctor stated that very invasive sinus scraping was the only answer. Meeting with the ENT surgeon, he asserted that he could control both pain and bleeding. The doc scoffed! Bob insisted that was his expectation for surgery. He had to agree to have an anesthesiologist present to intervene once the pain became unbearable. It did not. No appreciable bleeding. No facial bruising. Fully recovered in two days. Bob was an atheist. No medium or other spiritualist. Simply directing his understanding of what was effective, resulting in a “simple” result. It all made perfect sense to me. I had the willingness to accept that he could easily do what I could not.
Is our life environment really just a hologram. Is purported dark matter of the Universe central to that thinking re holography? As I am clueless about “The Big Bang” it’s safe to say I’m not quite to the stage of reasoned understanding much less simplicity. Quite different from declaring that mere poppycock!
OMGoodness... I could not have imagined that referencing the Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr. quote “I would not give a fig for the simplicity this side of complexity, but I would give my life for the simplicity on the other side of complexity" would take you on that journey. Reading yours reminded me of a conversation with Ilia Delio. Are you familiar with her work/thought? This youtube video is quite long. You can find shorter resources for her thinking. This one is the full monty, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FXUkhBM-4PA .
Apron: “An apron is just a cape on backwards” 😁
(I thought for sure I had an unused chocolate quip somewhere... ah, well!)
I like that the calories etc. are by bar! As opposed to "50 CALORIES PER SERVING / 8 servings per package" that I seem to see so often.
Packaging can be sooo demoralizing!
From the brightly colored chocolate bars, fireplace in the background, to Calliope’s shared wisdom this post spoke to my heart! The story typist shared about meeting Francis was poignant. Beth became a “great aunt” again yesterday and her dad a great-grandfather x 5! George Carlin quipped once that we should remember that the elderly are really just “bent kids.” That line is blurred for me at times...
I delighted in reading/seeing the chocolate bars you brought along today! I often see “Yes,” “Help others,” and “Be kind” as instincts you wear well.
In the rooms of AA I often heard, “You have to give it away to keep it.” The “it?” The combination of lessons from the Twelve Steps, fellowship with others, sponsorship, and service opportunities that helped us in our own recovery journey. In short, be willing and able to meet a newcomer at his/her first meeting with a warm welcome and directions to the coffee maker! Thus Calliope might liken the Chili chocolate to “it.”
As always, Gail, I’m grateful for all I’ve been learning from you. The “old dogs/new tricks” rule isn’t fully operative for me. 😄
Spangler- The more I read and internalize your replies, the stronger my admiration grows... From my 32nd year, I sense your humanity... 😊
Thank you Bobby. A work in progress, as are we all. I’ve always liked Bob Dylan’s lyric: “He who ain’t busy being born is busy dying.” I’ve heard it said, “You’re worth it, so work it.” Left foot, right foot. With occasional hops, skips, and a jump.
“It’s not for us,” she whisper-hissed.
“Mmmmmm…” Calliope watched flames dance, “… It kind of is… ‘for us’… We receive such yummy feelings from giving it away.”
A beautiful lesson here 👆🏼for all of us...
“whisper-hissed?”
“whisper-hiss”
The word you've entered isn't in the dictionary. Click on a spelling suggestion below or try again using the search bar above. 🤔
https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/whisper-hiss
The Girl’s are such great teachers!
I’m even learning new words! 🙌🏼
And Typist?
New name? Conversationalist! 😉
Francis (Squared)!
Is it bizarre that when I hear “Francis” I also hear
James AND Ryan?
Our brains 🧠 are fabulous connectors of things...
James and Ryan? My brain is not making the connection. 🤔
https://savingprivateryan.fandom.com/wiki/James_Francis_Ryan
TY!