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AM I ON THE SAME PLANET AS OTHER PEOPLE?
Yes, it's almost time for our next SNAPSHOT - a journey into parallel universes which asks: why do we all interpret the world so differently, and why, when we talk, do we feel as though wer'e talking about totally different events? Weird!
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AM I ON THE SAME PLANET AS OTHER PEOPLE?
THE AUSTRALIAN 3 PRINCIPLES TELECONFERENCE SERIES:
August to October 2011
I'm pleased to give you all advance notice of this series (hosted by Elsie Spittle and Chip Chipman) and initiated by Terrie Sanders who says "Elsie and Chip speak from the heart on the wisdom of the 3 Principles, giving participants the opportunity for insight to deepen their understanding."
If you are unfamiliar with our hosts, here is a short introduction to ELSIE SPITTLE & CHIP CHIPMAN
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*This event is also available in New Zealand
And as always, I hope you enjoy...
Podcasts: a wonderful medium that allows us to communicate ideas to millions of people at one time. With podcasts, we learn again to really listen and absorb the spoken word (and in my experience at least, really listening is a dying art). Each month there will be a new podcast, each representing an eclectic array of views on this year's theme: our human experience. Some will be science-based while others will be philosophic in tone. Some will provide perspectives that challenge the Three Principles stance - some will amplify the listener's understanding of the Principles.
Guest Writers: a section where readers are prompted to reflect on any aspect of the Three Principles, or how they have grown "from the inside out". If you would like to share your insights and experience for publication you are most welcome. Before you do, please READ THE CONTRIBUTOR GUIDELINES.
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As always, to those who have sent messages of encouragement, comments and reflections since I began this Message Board; and who have also encouraged others to join - many thanks. I deeply appreciate your support.
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The Message Board Feature Article
THE HUMAN EXPERIENCE Part 6:
Choose Life
Good friends Andrew and Frank were having lunch together when Rose arrived. Frank beckoned her to join them and after a warm hug she sat. Introductions over, he asked "Well Rose, how was your month's leave?"
"It was great" she replied, "I had some time with the kids during school holidays and then after they went back, I spent time doing things around the house. It doesn't sound exciting; but it was great."
Suddenly, their conversation was broken by a commotion at the counter between the barista and a customer. "I said no sugar you stupid idiot!" he yelled, upturning his to-go coffee on the floor and stomping out, shouting that he'll never return.
After a few minutes, the shocked silence passed and the cafe returned to its usual chatty atmosphere.
"I just can't understand how a guy can lose it over a cup of coffee," said Andrew, "he must be nut case."
"Well I can," said Frank, "not over a cuppa maybe, but I've been there. About three weeks ago I was at my desk and Lorraine placed a file in my in-tray. Suddenly I exploded. I was in a rage about me being the only one who works, while everyone else sits back and has a good time at my expense. I picked up the file, threw it into the air and stormed out; nearly taking the door off its hinges."
"Yes Andrew, me!" said Frank, seeing his mate's look of surprise. "What's more," he continued, "I went down to the courtyard garden, you know the one just off the main entrance? I roared like a wounded lion.. thank god no one was there to witness my outburst. So, yes, I understand, and know it well."
For a while, Andrew was speechless. "What happened when you returned?"
"I sat in the garden for about ten minutes or so, my face flushed and my heart beating. Unexpectedly, Lorraine arrived. She asked me if I was OK. I was dumfounded by her concern... I stared at her, speechless; my eyes flooding."
It was clear that for Frank there was still some raw emotion.
"Long story short, it struck me that I'm a good man, just acting like a nut-case. More to the point, I could see something had to change and the change wasn't about the things outside of me but what was inside of me... From that moment on I've focused on calming down more often, and this gives me the space to notice where I am - emotionally I mean. Strange as it might seem, I've been feeling much more relaxed. I do still get angry; but not to the extent that I lose it."
"Rose, you'll appreciate this," said Frank with a half smile on his face "since that day; each morning and evening on the train I just sit and notice my breathing. I just know I have an opportunity to settle down and I want to take it."
"You're not going all new-Agey on us are you?" said Andrew.
"No, just less a nut-case and better for it," retorted Frank as he stood up "sorry guys; I have to go. See you at the office Rose... Andrew, I'll give you a call about next weekend."
Frank walked away from the table.
OUR INNATE GOOD
"... at that moment it struck me that I'm a good man, just acting like a nut-case." This powerful acknowledgement is a critical realisation for all of us. We can do so many 'nutty things' and lose the truth that we are 'good'. Not in the sense of good or bad; moral or immoral; but at our core essence. The critical question is: are we, or can we be, defective? It is a BIG IDEA. It is a BIG thought. In our world of 'evidence-based' proof, can this statement stand up to rigorous scrutiny?
The only evidence I can see is that when we have a BIG thought (or a little one for that matter); it determines our personal reality in that moment. If I think a customer is a 'nutter' then he or she is. The term 'self-fulfilling prophesy' has been well established in the study of psychology and this notion is well appreciated by the ordinary person on the street.
The philosophical idea of 'I think therefore I am' introduced by Descartes brings a philosophical argument to the same point of the power of human thought.
However, what is important is YOUR explanation to this basic question; not mine, nor psychologists, philosophers, your family and friends nor any other person (or written argument). Only yours.
Some years ago I chose 'In my essence I am good.' It was a conscious choice for me. However, for others it wasn't. For them it was an intuitive truth, and yet for others there is an internal war being waged with the outcome yet to be determined. Again, some think without a shadow of a doubt that they are fundamentally flawed or at least others can be.
"This day I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life ..."
These words from Yahweh (God) found in the Bible (Deuteronomy 30:19) were directed towards the chosen people who were about to enter the Promised Land. They had been released from slavery in Egypt, guided by Moses, given the fundamental law for life and invited to make a choice; a choice for LIFE.
Although one could place this last paragraph within a biblical and religious framework; I don't. For me, it merely highlights the stark reality of the power of a thought. The capacity to manifest thoughts in one's own mind is a gift to us human beings and they are also the fruit of our life; manifesting our life as blessing or curse...
The Human Experience Pt.7 continues next month...
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© David Bodman 2011. Permission to copy for personal use is granted.
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ALSO IN THIS ISSUE
Audio Podcasts
SPORTS: DISTANCE RUNNING
(Windows Media - 3.8mb)
Mick O'Regan from The Sports Factor interviews Herb Elliott, who is arguably Australia's greatest middle distance runner. This chat provides a wonderful insight into Herb's view on high performance and much more ... about life. In the second half of this podcast, meet Peter Roby, an American sports scientist who speaks about elite sports performers and the importance of empathy. ... hope you enjoy.
What's your experience?
Did you like this podcast?
Guest Writer: Allan Flood
Sacred realm of "So What"
What do you do when you've tried everything to resolve a life-issue and nothing works? I have a client scared about many health problems, some life-threatening, living in a state of high anxiety about their future, health, aging, spouse (who also has severe health issues) and work. From my experience, there are two primary ways of dealing with anxiety - either learn more about the problem to fix it or find ways to make the problem less important. The client above is in the legal profession and is an expert at fixing their problems with creativity and persistence. They're talented at exploring the "what if's" of issues.
Unfortunately, the direct, typically western cultural approach to solving life problems doesn't work as well as we get older and less healthy or bump up against life-issues that rock our boats. Since the "what if" approach isn't working, my client is learning to have faith in a "letting-go" attitude that might be summarized in the phrase "so what" rather than "what if". They are beginning to see that making issues less important by looking more deeply into their hearts for meaning and seeking heart-felt, self-transcending experiences will better serve them now and into the future.
We try to solve our problems at the level they occur rather than being open to deeper solutions, spiritual and heartfelt solutions, where the problem is there but is less important and has different meaning. For my client, this means becoming more aware of the "so what" thought path over the "what if" path in the moment of choice. This has opened them up to doing more activities that bring awe, gratitude, inspiration and purpose, takes them out of their self-preoccupation and into the sacred "so what" realm of heart and soul. My client has found sacredness in a museum of fine art. In that museum, their symptoms are lessened and even forgotten. They found a deeper solution than "what if".
When you've tried to solve an issue unsuccessfully, use the moment of choice to look in the direction of your heart for the sacred, the special, the inspiring and you will be surprised at the solutions you find. Go deep, not wide.
Links to Allan Flood:
Perfect Misfortune
(Kindle/Revised)
www.allanflood.com
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