Friday, May 21, 2010
Love Is Action
“I’ve heard people say that they cling to their painful thoughts because they’re afraid that without them, they wouldn’t be activists for peace. If I felt completely peaceful, they say, why would I bother taking action at all? My answer is, because that’s what love does. To think that we need sadness or outrage to motivate us to do what’s right is insane. As if the clearer and happier you get, the less kind you become. As if when someone finds freedom, she just sits around all day with drool running down her chin. My experience is the opposite. Love is action. It’s clear, it’s kind, it’s effortless, and it’s irresistible.” – Byron Katie
Saturday, May 15, 2010
Quantum Metaphysics
Quester came up with a saying that he wants to have made into a bumper sticker: “Now that science has proven that magick works, I’d like an apology.” The particular science he refers to here is the non-linear behavior of photons in quantum mechanics. I’ve been studying the intersection between the discoveries of quantum physics and consciousness, from a spiritually-minded layperson’s perspective, for quite a few years. If you’ve ever experienced mysterious synchronicities or phenomena unexplained by conventional Newtonian physics (no matter your belief system), it might interest you to know that science is still in the process of learning how the universe actually works.
Many scientists in quantum physics and related fields describe the non-causal behavior of tiny particles, with the caveat that atomic events don’t apply on a macro level, such as in our daily lives. Just recently an experiment at the University of California showed the laws of quantum mechanics at work on an object visible to the naked eye, but this new and controversial research is an exception. There are some leading-edge rebel thinkers, though, who have opened their minds and are exploring the possible ways our non-linear experiences might be operating under quantum-type principles.
I recently finished reading a couple of books that fit in this category, both published in the 1990s. The first is The Self-Aware Universe: How Consciousness Creates the Material World by Amit Goswami, Ph.D. The author, after exploring the history of quantum physics and detailing many of its basic theories, posits a philosophy that encompasses quantum mechanics as well as classical physics. Called monistic idealism, Goswami’s proposed philosophy posits that “both the world of matter and the world of mental phenomena, such as thought, are determined by consciousness.” He goes on to detail a fascinating story of hard science woven with discoveries of mystics throughout the ages.
The other book is The Dreaming Universe: A Mind-Expanding Journey Into the Realm Where Psyche and Physics Meet by Fred Alan Wolf, Ph.D. I was first introduced to Wolf as the crazy professor who appears very entertainingly in the DVD “The Secret.” I wasn’t surprised to learn that he’s a friend of Robert Anton Wilson, another pioneer in consciousness studies. In this book, Wolf takes us on a journey of discovery that ranges from quantum mechanics to neurological experiments, sleep studies, aboriginal beliefs, and near-death experiences. His ultimate conclusions, or perhaps questions, center on the imaginal realm, which lies between conscious awareness and the world of physical matter. Materialist philosophy says that consciousness arises from matter, yet there has been no satisfactory theory about how this happens. Wolf comes up with some thought-provoking ideas about how the universe dreams itself into existence.
Both of these books begin with explanations of significant research and experiments in the field of quantum physics, written such that a non-scientist reader can grasp the implications. The authors then proceed to pose more questions than they answer (which for me is a good sign), making tentative connections between quantum principles and many aspects of human consciousness. The most interesting part for me, however, is the speculative material. Each author describes his ideas of how the universe might operate, being clear that they are just theories. There is much delicious and satisfying food for thought contained within both texts.
If you haven’t explored the world of quantum metaphysics and would like to dive in, here are some books I’d recommend to get you started:
The Dancing Wu Li Masters by Gary Zukav
The Tao of Physics by Fritjof Capra
The Holographic Universe by Michael Talbot
On the other hand, if you’re a fellow student of this line of thought, please suggest your favorite books in the Comments section.
Many scientists in quantum physics and related fields describe the non-causal behavior of tiny particles, with the caveat that atomic events don’t apply on a macro level, such as in our daily lives. Just recently an experiment at the University of California showed the laws of quantum mechanics at work on an object visible to the naked eye, but this new and controversial research is an exception. There are some leading-edge rebel thinkers, though, who have opened their minds and are exploring the possible ways our non-linear experiences might be operating under quantum-type principles.
I recently finished reading a couple of books that fit in this category, both published in the 1990s. The first is The Self-Aware Universe: How Consciousness Creates the Material World by Amit Goswami, Ph.D. The author, after exploring the history of quantum physics and detailing many of its basic theories, posits a philosophy that encompasses quantum mechanics as well as classical physics. Called monistic idealism, Goswami’s proposed philosophy posits that “both the world of matter and the world of mental phenomena, such as thought, are determined by consciousness.” He goes on to detail a fascinating story of hard science woven with discoveries of mystics throughout the ages.
The other book is The Dreaming Universe: A Mind-Expanding Journey Into the Realm Where Psyche and Physics Meet by Fred Alan Wolf, Ph.D. I was first introduced to Wolf as the crazy professor who appears very entertainingly in the DVD “The Secret.” I wasn’t surprised to learn that he’s a friend of Robert Anton Wilson, another pioneer in consciousness studies. In this book, Wolf takes us on a journey of discovery that ranges from quantum mechanics to neurological experiments, sleep studies, aboriginal beliefs, and near-death experiences. His ultimate conclusions, or perhaps questions, center on the imaginal realm, which lies between conscious awareness and the world of physical matter. Materialist philosophy says that consciousness arises from matter, yet there has been no satisfactory theory about how this happens. Wolf comes up with some thought-provoking ideas about how the universe dreams itself into existence.
Both of these books begin with explanations of significant research and experiments in the field of quantum physics, written such that a non-scientist reader can grasp the implications. The authors then proceed to pose more questions than they answer (which for me is a good sign), making tentative connections between quantum principles and many aspects of human consciousness. The most interesting part for me, however, is the speculative material. Each author describes his ideas of how the universe might operate, being clear that they are just theories. There is much delicious and satisfying food for thought contained within both texts.
If you haven’t explored the world of quantum metaphysics and would like to dive in, here are some books I’d recommend to get you started:
The Dancing Wu Li Masters by Gary Zukav
The Tao of Physics by Fritjof Capra
The Holographic Universe by Michael Talbot
On the other hand, if you’re a fellow student of this line of thought, please suggest your favorite books in the Comments section.
Thursday, May 06, 2010
Proud Mama Moments
Last weekend we attended an annual Pagan event - a Beltane ritual and celebration, held on the beach at a state park. This was the 28th year! We haven't been attending quite that long, but we've been going as a family for the past several years. There were probably about 150 people there this year.
At the beginning of the day everyone gathers in a big circle for the ritual. The leaders of the ritual cast the circle, other Pagans help by calling the quarters, and the ritual basically gets everything magickally prepared for the main event, which is dancing the maypoles. This year there were 4 maypoles, with about 10 percussionists providing the music.
As head of EarthTides, I was asked to call North, and a few of us gathered before the ritual started, to make sure that we were all on the same page. The High Priestess for the ritual, a well-known and respected witch, decided she needed a bit of a helping hand to mix the salt and water and then sprinkle it around the circle. I did what we usually do in our community, which is to ask a young person to lend their aid - I asked if the Priestess would like ElvenTiger to come up and help out. I knew ElvenTiger would be glad to, and sure enough, when I asked her, she readily agreed.
ElvenTiger has been a Pagan since birth, and has worked with a few different circles, as well as apprenticing with a local Priestess of Brigid. So of course she did a great job, and had fun, too.
My proud mama moment happened after the circle, when the High Priestess thanked me for lending her my "wonder child." She had worried that ElvenTiger (who is 11) might be uncomfortable being up in front of such a big circle, in a setting with adults and kids of all ages. But when she asked ElvenTiger about it, she said calmly "it'll be fine." And when they walked around the circle, sprinkling the blessed salt water on the participants, the Priestess lost her place. She asked ElvenTiger if she recalled where they had started, and her reply was "oh, yes! I'll tell you when we get there." ElvenTiger later told me that they had started with the person next to Dryst, so she knew her brother would be the last one they sprinkled!
I'm so happy that ElvenTiger has matured into a graceful young woman who enjoys being helpful to people of all ages, and is comfortable in many different settings. She is unafraid of being in front of others, this child who was once very shy and seemed velcroed to my hip in social situations. She is beautiful and wise and kind, and I'm so proud and lucky to be her mother in this lifetime.
At the beginning of the day everyone gathers in a big circle for the ritual. The leaders of the ritual cast the circle, other Pagans help by calling the quarters, and the ritual basically gets everything magickally prepared for the main event, which is dancing the maypoles. This year there were 4 maypoles, with about 10 percussionists providing the music.
As head of EarthTides, I was asked to call North, and a few of us gathered before the ritual started, to make sure that we were all on the same page. The High Priestess for the ritual, a well-known and respected witch, decided she needed a bit of a helping hand to mix the salt and water and then sprinkle it around the circle. I did what we usually do in our community, which is to ask a young person to lend their aid - I asked if the Priestess would like ElvenTiger to come up and help out. I knew ElvenTiger would be glad to, and sure enough, when I asked her, she readily agreed.
ElvenTiger has been a Pagan since birth, and has worked with a few different circles, as well as apprenticing with a local Priestess of Brigid. So of course she did a great job, and had fun, too.
My proud mama moment happened after the circle, when the High Priestess thanked me for lending her my "wonder child." She had worried that ElvenTiger (who is 11) might be uncomfortable being up in front of such a big circle, in a setting with adults and kids of all ages. But when she asked ElvenTiger about it, she said calmly "it'll be fine." And when they walked around the circle, sprinkling the blessed salt water on the participants, the Priestess lost her place. She asked ElvenTiger if she recalled where they had started, and her reply was "oh, yes! I'll tell you when we get there." ElvenTiger later told me that they had started with the person next to Dryst, so she knew her brother would be the last one they sprinkled!
I'm so happy that ElvenTiger has matured into a graceful young woman who enjoys being helpful to people of all ages, and is comfortable in many different settings. She is unafraid of being in front of others, this child who was once very shy and seemed velcroed to my hip in social situations. She is beautiful and wise and kind, and I'm so proud and lucky to be her mother in this lifetime.
Friday, April 30, 2010
Writing a Paper
As well as unschooling with my own two kids, I'm now teaching and tutoring other kids in our homeschool support group. As the kids reach middle- and high-school age, some of them have requested more formal learning, particularly the kids who are interested in attending college. The other parents and adults in the community are offering math, art, and science courses. My best subject is language arts, and sure enough, I'm the English teacher. And I love it!
As part of this process, I've been helping a couple of the older boys with their writing. Dryst has started a blog, and a young man I'm tutoring is involved in an umbrella high school and needs a boost with his writing assignments. To help them with their projects, I've written a one-page list of guidelines for writing a basic academic paper. I thought I'd share it here:
Guidelines for Writing a Basic Academic Paper
I find it interesting that I don't remember how old I was when I learned these tools. I went to public school, and I'm guessing kids start this type of formal writing around 6th or 7th grade. I don't recall for certain, and things have changed since my school years. Anyway, it doesn't matter when, or even if, our unschooled kids learn these skills. The point is that they are ready for them, and asking for them.
I know that not all of my readers homeschool, or have kids. Even so, if you're someone who isn't naturally drawn to the written word but needs to write once in a while, these guidelines may come in handy. Or perhaps your public-schooled child needs a bit of assistance with their papers. Feel free to share these guidelines as you see fit!
As part of this process, I've been helping a couple of the older boys with their writing. Dryst has started a blog, and a young man I'm tutoring is involved in an umbrella high school and needs a boost with his writing assignments. To help them with their projects, I've written a one-page list of guidelines for writing a basic academic paper. I thought I'd share it here:
Guidelines for Writing a Basic Academic Paper
I find it interesting that I don't remember how old I was when I learned these tools. I went to public school, and I'm guessing kids start this type of formal writing around 6th or 7th grade. I don't recall for certain, and things have changed since my school years. Anyway, it doesn't matter when, or even if, our unschooled kids learn these skills. The point is that they are ready for them, and asking for them.
I know that not all of my readers homeschool, or have kids. Even so, if you're someone who isn't naturally drawn to the written word but needs to write once in a while, these guidelines may come in handy. Or perhaps your public-schooled child needs a bit of assistance with their papers. Feel free to share these guidelines as you see fit!
Thursday, April 29, 2010
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Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Renaissance Woman
You may have heard the term "Renaissance Man," applied to someone who dabbles in many different pursuits. While there is certainly something to be said for those who apply themselves to one skill and become a master at it, I am more of a "Renaissance Woman," myself. Life is fascinating, with so many different things to learn and practice. I enjoy exploring a variety of hobbies and activities.
Even in my previous career in public broadcasting, my job evolved gradually, such that I was doing many different tasks each week. Now, as a self-employed homeschooling Mom, my schedule is very flexible. On any given day, I might be working on one of my writing projects, learning about investing, doing math with Dryst, riding bikes with the family, doing an art project with ElvenTiger, gardening, reading about quantum physics...and of course there is the ever-present housework.
Of course, the challenge of pursuing this lifestyle is that of "getting things done." If I was focused exclusively on finishing my book of essays on Pagan living, it would probably be done and sent off to the publishers. But I prefer to find balance in each moment, day by day, because I've learned that the process is what's most important to me. In projects, as in life, I prefer to enjoy the journey rather than worry about the results. That doesn't mean that I don't have goals, and complete tasks. It does mean, though, that I'm focusing on being joyful no matter what I'm doing in each moment.
Even in my previous career in public broadcasting, my job evolved gradually, such that I was doing many different tasks each week. Now, as a self-employed homeschooling Mom, my schedule is very flexible. On any given day, I might be working on one of my writing projects, learning about investing, doing math with Dryst, riding bikes with the family, doing an art project with ElvenTiger, gardening, reading about quantum physics...and of course there is the ever-present housework.
Of course, the challenge of pursuing this lifestyle is that of "getting things done." If I was focused exclusively on finishing my book of essays on Pagan living, it would probably be done and sent off to the publishers. But I prefer to find balance in each moment, day by day, because I've learned that the process is what's most important to me. In projects, as in life, I prefer to enjoy the journey rather than worry about the results. That doesn't mean that I don't have goals, and complete tasks. It does mean, though, that I'm focusing on being joyful no matter what I'm doing in each moment.
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
On Spiritual Teachers
I am listening to an audio book that an online friend gave me, "A Thousand Names for Joy" by Byron Katie. It's awesome! She intersperses quotes from the Tao Te Ching, but this quote is actually from Katie herself:
"I don't ever see myself as a spiritual teacher. Of course, you can use me by asking me a question. I answer you. You hear what you think I say, and you set yourself free, or not. I am your projection. I am, for you, no more and no less than your story of me. You tell the story of how I am wonderful, or how I'm terrible. You see me as an enlightened being and make me into an all-knowing guru or faerie godmother. Or you see me as a Pollyanna-ish New Age flake, or simply as a good friend. You give me to you or you take me from you... I know what I am. I know what I'm not."
If you want to find out more about Byron Katie, click here. As for some thoughts on New Age practices and how they fit with my Pagan spirituality, I wrote an article about it, which you can find here.
"I don't ever see myself as a spiritual teacher. Of course, you can use me by asking me a question. I answer you. You hear what you think I say, and you set yourself free, or not. I am your projection. I am, for you, no more and no less than your story of me. You tell the story of how I am wonderful, or how I'm terrible. You see me as an enlightened being and make me into an all-knowing guru or faerie godmother. Or you see me as a Pollyanna-ish New Age flake, or simply as a good friend. You give me to you or you take me from you... I know what I am. I know what I'm not."
If you want to find out more about Byron Katie, click here. As for some thoughts on New Age practices and how they fit with my Pagan spirituality, I wrote an article about it, which you can find here.
Sunday, April 18, 2010
What We've Been Up To
It's been a busy and fun April so far! Here's an update.
On the last day of March, our homeschool group had its annual Midyear Review, which is comprised of presentations by the kids on something they've been working on this school year. Each kid chooses a topic or skill that they're excited about and shares it with the group. This year we had 14 kids presenting! It was a fun evening.
Dryst introduced the group to his new blog, Gameophyle. Check it out!
ElvenTiger performed a song she'd written, with the Feline Drummers as backup percussion.
She also wrapped up her basketball season. Her team went undefeated. Here are the first-place champions! Yay! (ElvenTiger is on the far right of the front row).
After the game, she celebrated with friends. One of her sweet best friends bought her a cake and decorated it!
Next for ElvenTiger will be travel soccer, starting this summer. She's already signed up.
Dryst has started lacrosse season, and he has a scrimmage tomorrow. He's still finishing up the indoor soccer season, too.
Math, art, and English classes are going well, as is our new 4-H club. Dryst was elected Vice President of our 4-H group. We've started watching another season of Dancing With the Stars with my Mom. We took a field trip to USM's Knap-In, put on by the anthropology students. Dryst made a flint arrow and learned to start a fire without matches.
Last week my brother gave us tickets to the "Stars on Ice" show, so we got to see Olympic figure skaters doing their routines. We went with some friends and had a wonderful time.
I've been doing a lot of yoga, writing, bike riding, contemplation, and reading. BlackLion and I are studying personal finances and investing. We're about to take a seminar called "Learn to Be Rich," presented by Robert Kiyosaki's Rich Dad Academy. And I've been jogging - yes, jogging. Dryst and I have started running together. I went to a lovely spring mini-retreat yesterday at Sun Salutations Yoga and Wellness. And I've set up my Air altar:
On the last day of March, our homeschool group had its annual Midyear Review, which is comprised of presentations by the kids on something they've been working on this school year. Each kid chooses a topic or skill that they're excited about and shares it with the group. This year we had 14 kids presenting! It was a fun evening.
Dryst introduced the group to his new blog, Gameophyle. Check it out!
ElvenTiger performed a song she'd written, with the Feline Drummers as backup percussion.
She also wrapped up her basketball season. Her team went undefeated. Here are the first-place champions! Yay! (ElvenTiger is on the far right of the front row).
After the game, she celebrated with friends. One of her sweet best friends bought her a cake and decorated it!
Next for ElvenTiger will be travel soccer, starting this summer. She's already signed up.
Dryst has started lacrosse season, and he has a scrimmage tomorrow. He's still finishing up the indoor soccer season, too.
Math, art, and English classes are going well, as is our new 4-H club. Dryst was elected Vice President of our 4-H group. We've started watching another season of Dancing With the Stars with my Mom. We took a field trip to USM's Knap-In, put on by the anthropology students. Dryst made a flint arrow and learned to start a fire without matches.
Last week my brother gave us tickets to the "Stars on Ice" show, so we got to see Olympic figure skaters doing their routines. We went with some friends and had a wonderful time.
I've been doing a lot of yoga, writing, bike riding, contemplation, and reading. BlackLion and I are studying personal finances and investing. We're about to take a seminar called "Learn to Be Rich," presented by Robert Kiyosaki's Rich Dad Academy. And I've been jogging - yes, jogging. Dryst and I have started running together. I went to a lovely spring mini-retreat yesterday at Sun Salutations Yoga and Wellness. And I've set up my Air altar:
Friday, April 02, 2010
Spring Inspirations
I'm glad and relieved about the coming of the spring and the month of April. It was a long, hard winter for me. Yes, the weather was relatively mild up here in Maine, but in my own personal weather system it was often quite stormy. The blue skies and fresh air are quite refreshing.
In my Elements Study Group, we're making the transition from exploring Earth to experiencing Air. Dryst said he thinks that spring should focus on water instead, since there's so much of it, but to me, the fresh spring breezes help bring in the new energies of this fertile season. This week I've experienced some of the shadow side of Air, in the form of miscommunication and misunderstanding, but I've also focused on breathing, and doing some writing. I woke up this morning with a fragment of a poem, and will see if the rest of it wants to come up for Air, too.
Here's a Christine Kane article I find inspiring and wanted to share with you. Despite the title, I think it would be useful to men as well as women. I particularly love her statement that "I’m convinced that all suffering comes from judgment." Check it out: "The Nine Skills Every Woman Should Master." Enjoy!
In my Elements Study Group, we're making the transition from exploring Earth to experiencing Air. Dryst said he thinks that spring should focus on water instead, since there's so much of it, but to me, the fresh spring breezes help bring in the new energies of this fertile season. This week I've experienced some of the shadow side of Air, in the form of miscommunication and misunderstanding, but I've also focused on breathing, and doing some writing. I woke up this morning with a fragment of a poem, and will see if the rest of it wants to come up for Air, too.
Here's a Christine Kane article I find inspiring and wanted to share with you. Despite the title, I think it would be useful to men as well as women. I particularly love her statement that "I’m convinced that all suffering comes from judgment." Check it out: "The Nine Skills Every Woman Should Master." Enjoy!
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