A Meditation on the Ideas of Gary Zukav ............. back

The planet can be described as a disc balancing on the back of a turtle which rests on the back of another turtle turtles all the way down, the diverse array of possible cosmologies can be harmonized if we view them as metaphorical, as poems to reality, We search for a paradigm, a story, that satisfies, that "speaks" to us, that "rings true". "Reality" is not words, words only point at reality.

A cosmology is an answer to the question, "What are we doing here?", The most sophisticated current description of our world involves time, space and evolution the big bang setting up physical evolution, physical evolution providing a basis for biological evolution in turn providing the foundation for cultural evolution, the development of which we continue to enact. This seems a substantial, credible "guess" at what's going on.

In examining cultural evolution there is the notion of TODE (total operant dynamic energy) or Karma. Every act by humans in history (herstory) is accounted for in a dynamic summation seeking resolution. TODE is nudging us in all of our moments. The trajectory and momentum of herstory brings us here and pushes us on. It becomes obvious that that momentum is carrying us to an abyss of environmental catastrophe brought about by overpopulation, consumption and war, possibly nuclear holocaust. One way to look at it, as we did in the edge course, is that momentum toward catastrophe is supported and accelerated by the dominant cultural set of values and it is opposed by an alternative set of values now emerging.

Meditation takes us to a wordless space where we experience a psychologically refreshing glimpse of reality. Interfering with this glimpse is the "nudging" of TODE.

A shift in values toward sustainability involves reducing consumption, increasing simplicity, following the reduce-reuse-recycle strategy of environmentalism, and promoting non-violence, peace and justice. What Zukav adds to this value-shifting dialogue is the view that the strategies just outlined become incidental outcomes of a self-examination based on looking at consciousness in light of TODE and energy processing.

Zukav suggests that we exist in an energy field. Energy enters our bodies and is discharged at centers corresponding to the 7 Chakras of ancient Hindu thought. The processing of energy at these centers IS our emotional experience. Our capacity to shift values and become authentically empowered is determined by how we process energy at these centers. Zukav believes that the pain we experience as anger, fear, jealousy etc; is not caused by events in the external world but rather is TODE nudging as we process it.

Instead of acting out in response to pain (anger, ambition etc;) Zukav calls on us to develop the habit of scanning our centers, familiarizing ourselves with the unique goings on there (which then becomes a healing) until eventually we realize that we possess the capacity to CHOOSE joy over fear.

Energy Discharge Processing Center Functions

Energy is discharged at centers where we register the momentum and trajectory of Herstory (TODE-Total Operant Dynamic Energy) (Karma). His(Her)story is MADE by our choices at these centers.

When we attend to this process, instead of acting out, there is a healing which gradually makes it possible to intervene, to CHOOSE joy over doubt, Love over fear. As we increase the frequency of this choosing, we become authentically empowered, from which perspective we know what our gift is and we set about giving it, with harmony, cooperation, sharing and reverence for life..

Center Fear & Doubt Love & Trust

7th
Crown
Fear & Doubt Anxious, alone, vulnerable, isolated in an indifferent even hostile universe - fear of death, estranged, terror,
Love & Trust One with the Absolute, the unnameable, non-physical reality, the heart/essence of Reality - Love

6th Forehead (3rd eye)
Fear & Doubt Limited to 5 senses & analysis, blocked, closed, psychosis,
Love & Trust Access to intuition, psychic assistance, clairvoyance, extra-sensory perception, insight, wisdom, notice opportunities for spiritual growth,

5th
Throat
Fear & Doubt Constricted, confused, tentative, inarticulate, awkward, forced,
Love & Trust Articulate, clear, expressive, decisive,

4th
Heart Fear & Doubt Judgmental, jealous, competitive, ambitious, angry, sad, greed, seek external power, see others as means to advance self, impatient, critical, defensive, cold, distant, put-down, evaluate, compare, people as objects, gossip, seek validation elsewhere, self righteous,
Love & Trust Compassionate, caring, warmth, empathetic, open, sharing, harmony, cooperation, reverence for life, authentic power

3rd
Solar Plexus
Fear & DoubtStage fright, low self-esteem, self-doubt, fear of failure, worry, anxiety, "other" directed, neurotic,
Love & Trust Confident, competent, capable, self-assured, relaxed, open, courageous,

2nd
Womb
Fear & Doubt Use others, sexual cravings, sexual predation, exploitation,
Love & Trust Creative, Joi de Vivre, celebratory,

1st
Base
Fear & Doubt Alone, vulnerable, anxious, adrift, alienated, separate from life system, earth threatening, in-different, hostile, to be dominated, fear of death,
Love & Trust Centered, grounded, at ease, at home on compassionate living earth, nurturer, birther,

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