act for spiritual development hank robb, ph.d., abpp
TRANSCRIPT
ACT for Spiritual Development
ACT for Spiritual Development
Hank Robb, Ph.D., ABPPHank Robb, Ph.D., ABPP
Joseph Campbell’s Four Functions of MythologyJoseph Campbell’s Four Functions of Mythology
Mystical Function(Making contact with “the mystery”)
Cosmological Function(Seeing “the mystery” through all things)
Social Function(“rationalizing” social action)
Individual Function(addressing life phases)
Mystical Function(Making contact with “the mystery”)
Cosmological Function(Seeing “the mystery” through all things)
Social Function(“rationalizing” social action)
Individual Function(addressing life phases)
“Spiritual” Possibilities“Spiritual” PossibilitiesRELATIONSHIPS
I AM Divinity.
(though not the “you” you think you are)
I RELATE to Divinity.
ATTITUDESSay “yes” to the world as is.
Say “no” to the world as is.
Say “yes” after you “fix up” the world.
RELATIONSHIPS
I AM Divinity.
(though not the “you” you think you are)
I RELATE to Divinity.
ATTITUDESSay “yes” to the world as is.
Say “no” to the world as is.
Say “yes” after you “fix up” the world.
Kundalini“Hierarchy of Spiritual Energy”
Kundalini“Hierarchy of Spiritual Energy”
Mystery Without a Face (Rapture)Mystery With a Face (Rapture)
Aggressive Action to Change SelfCompassion
Aggressive Action Directed OutwardPursuit of Sensual Pleasure
Hanging on to Existence
Mystery Without a Face (Rapture)Mystery With a Face (Rapture)
Aggressive Action to Change SelfCompassion
Aggressive Action Directed OutwardPursuit of Sensual Pleasure
Hanging on to Existence
AssumptionsAssumptions Your are one being in one
universe. Your are one being in one
universe.
AssumptionsAssumptions If you have the usual body parts, you have
hands and feet. They are part of your one being. You also have a spirit.
If you have the usual body parts, you have
hands and feet. They are part of your one being. You also have a spirit.
AssumptionsAssumptions That, too, is part of your one
being. That, too, is part of your one
being.
AssumptionsAssumptions Your feet are not your
hands and your hands are not your spirit and they are
all part of the one being that is you.
Your feet are not your hands and your hands are not your spirit and they are
all part of the one being that is you.
AssumptionsAssumptions Conditions of the universe arose that brought you into
existence and, one-day, conditions will change and
you will go out of existence.
Conditions of the universe arose that brought you into
existence and, one-day, conditions will change and
you will go out of existence.
AssumptionsAssumptions There is no spirit that is
separate from the one being that is you. There is no body
that is separate from the one being that is you.
There is no spirit that is separate from the one being that is you. There is no body
that is separate from the one being that is you.
AssumptionsAssumptions The spirit of your one being
will end when the body of your one being ends
because you are one being.
The spirit of your one being will end when the body of
your one being ends because you are one being.
AssumptionsAssumptions The actions you take in your
one life will affect the one universe of which you are now a part and that was
here before you and will be here after you.
The actions you take in your one life will affect the one universe of which you are now a part and that was
here before you and will be here after you.
AssumptionsAssumptions Those effects may be characterized as great or small, good or evil, or in a
variety of other ways. None of us knows, for sure, what
effects each of us will have.
Those effects may be characterized as great or small, good or evil, or in a
variety of other ways. None of us knows, for sure, what
effects each of us will have.
AssumptionsAssumptions However, each may know what effect was intended, if, indeed, one was intended.
However, each may know what effect was intended, if, indeed, one was intended.
AssumptionsAssumptionsWhatever you are going to do will have to be done here and now in this place and in this moment because there is no “other place” and no “other
moment.”
Whatever you are going to do will have to be done here and now in this place and in this moment because there is no “other place” and no “other
moment.”
AssumptionsAssumptions If these assumptions fit for you, and you are looking for spiritual development, perhaps this mode of development will prove helpful.
If these assumptions fit for you, and you are looking for spiritual development, perhaps this mode of development will prove helpful.
MetaphorMetaphor The Spiritual Reality
approach, like many other spiritual approaches, makes
use of metaphor.
The Spiritual Reality approach, like many other
spiritual approaches, makes use of metaphor.
MetaphorMetaphor When I was in high school, I
learned a poem titled, The Highwayman. The poem began, “The road was a
ribbon of moonlight.”
When I was in high school, I learned a poem titled, The Highwayman. The poem began, “The road was a
ribbon of moonlight.”
MetaphorMetaphor If on hearing this, one were to go outside
with scissors in order to cut up material to tie bows in one’s hair, then we would say
there and been a misunderstanding of language because there was never any
literal material made of moonlight for anyone, including the highwayman, to
interact with.
If on hearing this, one were to go outside with scissors in order to cut up material to tie bows in one’s hair, then we would say
there and been a misunderstanding of language because there was never any
literal material made of moonlight for anyone, including the highwayman, to
interact with.
MetaphorMetaphor In this presentation, I will try
diligently to point out metaphors when they are in
use.
In this presentation, I will try diligently to point out
metaphors when they are in use.
MetaphorMetaphor Even so, it may be useful not to take any talk too literally, especially when it is meant to open us to spiritual dimensions.
Even so, it may be useful not to take any talk too literally, especially when it is meant to open us to spiritual dimensions.
Root MetaphorRoot Metaphor
Diamonds are aspects of the universe found here on
earth.
Diamonds are aspects of the universe found here on
earth.
Root MetaphorRoot Metaphor
One aspect of diamonds is their potential for brilliance.
One aspect of diamonds is their potential for brilliance.
Root MetaphorRoot Metaphor Before the brilliance is brought forth, it is only a
potential within the diamond.
Before the brilliance is brought forth, it is only a
potential within the diamond.
Root MetaphorRoot Metaphor After it is brought forth, it is an aspect, or quality, of the
diamond itself. It is not “added on.”
After it is brought forth, it is an aspect, or quality, of the
diamond itself. It is not “added on.”
Root MetaphorRoot Metaphor The brilliance is not something
other than the diamond itself. The brilliance is an aspect, or quality, of the diamond. It is a way of being a diamond that
has been brought forth.
The brilliance is not something other than the diamond itself. The brilliance is an aspect, or quality, of the diamond. It is a way of being a diamond that
has been brought forth.
Root MetaphorRoot Metaphor If the diamond disintegrated,
so would the brilliance. Brilliance and the diamond
are one rather than two.
If the diamond disintegrated, so would the brilliance.
Brilliance and the diamond are one rather than two.
Root MetaphorRoot Metaphor
Bringing forth brilliance from a diamond includes cutting
and polishing it.
Bringing forth brilliance from
a diamond includes cutting and polishing it.
Root MetaphorRoot Metaphor And the cutting and polishing
must be done wisely.
And the cutting and polishing
must be done wisely.
Root MetaphorRoot Metaphor
So, as with diamonds, spiritual brilliance, that is potential in each human
being, can be brought forth.
So, as with diamonds, spiritual brilliance, that is potential in each human
being, can be brought forth.
Root MetaphorRoot Metaphor We, however, are not
inanimate objects. We don’t have to wait around. We can
get busy doing the job ourselves, and we can do it
wisely.
We, however, are not inanimate objects. We don’t have to wait around. We can
get busy doing the job ourselves, and we can do it
wisely.
Root MetaphorRoot Metaphor That is just the sort of thing
that this mode of spiritual development intends.
That is just the sort of thing
that this mode of spiritual development intends.
Root MetaphorRoot Metaphor Hopefully, no individuals hearing or reading these words buy that they will literally become brighter through the
mode of spiritual development outlined here or that they require
literal cutting or polishing. Believing such things means there has been a
linguistic error.
Hopefully, no individuals hearing or reading these words buy that they will literally become brighter through the
mode of spiritual development outlined here or that they require
literal cutting or polishing. Believing such things means there has been a
linguistic error.
Root MetaphorRoot Metaphor
Yet there is some sense in which spiritual brightness does brighten the world
where it is found.
Yet there is some sense in
which spiritual brightness does brighten the world
where it is found.
Root MetaphorRoot Metaphor
And don’t stop paying the electric bill because of the
previous sentence!
And don’t stop paying the electric bill because of the
previous sentence!
Caution!Caution! From this perspective, many
spiritual traditions contain metaphors that we may find
useful. Even so, we had better be careful. Many traditions do not make the unitary assumption of
Spiritual Reality.
From this perspective, many spiritual traditions contain
metaphors that we may find useful. Even so, we had better be
careful. Many traditions do not make the unitary assumption of
Spiritual Reality.
Caution!Caution! They operate on an assumption of
fundamental duality in which there is literally a second universe. Body and spirit are not of one
being but alternate entities that sometimes war and at other time
co-operate with each other.
They operate on an assumption of fundamental duality in which there
is literally a second universe. Body and spirit are not of one
being but alternate entities that sometimes war and at other time
co-operate with each other.
Caution!Caution! In these traditions, one
aspect of the duality is usually to be preferred over the other, typically the spirit
over the body.
In these traditions, one aspect of the duality is
usually to be preferred over the other, typically the spirit
over the body.
From the Spiritual Reality Perspective
From the Spiritual Reality Perspective
We are one being with one body and spirit just as we are one being with one pair of eyes and and one pair of ears as well as memories
of the past and hopes for the future.
We are one being with one body and spirit just as we are one being with one pair of eyes and and one pair of ears as well as memories
of the past and hopes for the future.
Metaphorically Speaking
Metaphorically Speaking
The Kingdome of the Father is spread upon the earth
but men and women do not see it.
The Kingdome of the Father is spread upon the earth
but men and women do not see it.
Metaphorically Speaking
Metaphorically Speaking
This is the golden lotus world.
This is the golden lotus world.
Metaphorically Speaking
Metaphorically Speaking
I and the Father are one.I and the Father are one.
Metaphorically Speaking
Metaphorically Speaking
I and my beloved are one.I and my beloved are one.
MindMind
In addition to our spirit and body, the one being we are also has a
mind.
Our mind is largely made up of thoughts, images and
sensations.
In addition to our spirit and body, the one being we are also has a
mind.
Our mind is largely made up of thoughts, images and
sensations.
ThoughtsThoughts
Those radio programs inside your head.
Those radio programs inside your head.
ImagesImages
Anything with a picture.Anything with a picture.
Bodily SensationsBodily Sensations
Your heart beating faster or slower. Your hands feeling
cooler or warmer. Your stomach feeling more tense
or more relaxed.
Your heart beating faster or slower. Your hands feeling
cooler or warmer. Your stomach feeling more tense
or more relaxed.
Thoughts, Images & Sensations
Thoughts, Images & Sensations
Sometimes you can control your thoughts, images &
sensations.
Sometimes you can control your thoughts, images &
sensations.
Thoughts, Images & Sensations
Thoughts, Images & Sensations
More often thoughts, images and sensations just “arrive.”
Jack and Jill went up the …
Little Miss Muffet sat on a …Little Miss Muffet sat on a …When was the last time “tuffet”
was in your head?
I didn’t know what a “tuffet”
was until I looked it up
I have a good “story” about how “tuffet”
got in my head and no real memory.
Lot’s of “stuff” that “shows up” is like that.
When was the last time “tuffet”
was in your head?
I didn’t know what a “tuffet”
was until I looked it up
I have a good “story” about how “tuffet”
got in my head and no real memory.
Lot’s of “stuff” that “shows up” is like that.
Thoughts, Images & Sensations
Thoughts, Images & Sensations
Thoughts, images and sensations come from your
personal learning history and your biological history.
Thoughts, images and sensations come from your
personal learning history and your biological history.
Finding Your Spiritual SelfFinding Your Spiritual SelfIt is “the possessor of the body.”
Long duration - as far back as you can remember.
Stable - like the eye of a hurricane.
Certainty of bodily control, if not control of thoughts, images or sensations, when
you are “there.”
Umpire PerspectiveUmpire PerspectiveThoughts are divided into true
and untrue. Images are divided into
attractive and unattractive.Sensations are divided into
pleasant and unpleasant.
Thoughts are divided into true and untrue.
Images are divided into attractive and unattractive.
Sensations are divided into pleasant and unpleasant.
Umpire PerspectiveUmpire Perspective
With the Umpire Perspective you sometimes get, “bad calls,” most typically with
thoughts.
With the Umpire Perspective you sometimes get, “bad calls,” most typically with
thoughts.
Observer PerspectiveObserver Perspective
You see that a thing is exactly what it is and nothing more
and nothing less.
You see that a thing is exactly what it is and nothing more
and nothing less.
Actuality PerspectiveActuality Perspective There is a difference between “you”
and your thoughts, images and sensations. “You” are the person who “has” thoughts, images or sensations.
There is a difference between your thoughts, images and sensations and the actual world.
There is a difference between “you” and your thoughts, images and sensations. “You” are the person who “has” thoughts, images or sensations.
There is a difference between your thoughts, images and sensations and the actual world.
You can make guesses about the future, but rarely can you make calls. A call of “true” for “One day I will
die,” exemplifies an exception.
You can make guesses about the future, but rarely can you make calls. A call of “true” for “One day I will
die,” exemplifies an exception.
“I cannot walk over to the door and back.”
“I cannot walk over to the door and back.”
“I cannot stay seated, I must stand up.”
“I cannot stay seated, I must stand up.”
The illusion of “loosing control” is like other illusions, e.g. the
“sunrise” and “sunset.” It looks, feels and seems a
way that it isn’t.
The illusion of “loosing control” is like other illusions, e.g. the
“sunrise” and “sunset.” It looks, feels and seems a
way that it isn’t.
“I am a banana.”“I am a banana.”You are not a yellow fruit.
And neither are you a bunch of sounds - “ba-na-na.”
Did you notice the latter?
You are not a yellow fruit.
And neither are you a bunch of sounds - “ba-na-na.”
Did you notice the latter?
Formula for Human Liberation
Formula for Human Liberation
By making myself do something unpleasant, and refraining from
doing something pleasant, in the service of something I make more important, I will never have to be
a slave to circumstance.
By making myself do something unpleasant, and refraining from
doing something pleasant, in the service of something I make more important, I will never have to be
a slave to circumstance.
This was the point of high school.
This was the point of high school.
And most of us missed it!
And most of us missed it!
In high school you do unpleasant homework, and don’t do things that
would be a lot more pleasant.
In high school you do unpleasant homework, and don’t do things that
would be a lot more pleasant.
Just to annoy yourself?
No.
In the service of actually learning something or simply making
better grades.
Just to annoy yourself?
No.
In the service of actually learning something or simply making
better grades.
Leading PrinciplesLeading PrinciplesLeading Principles are like using a compass
to go East or West rather than North.
Follow a compass North and you will reach magnetic North. The compass will spin around and every time you walk away it will point you back to where you came
from.
Leading Principles are like using a compass to go East or West rather than North.
Follow a compass North and you will reach magnetic North. The compass will spin around and every time you walk away it will point you back to where you came
from.
Leading PrinciplesLeading Principles Go East or West with your compass and
you will never come to some place like magnetic North.
Go East or West with your compass and you will never come to some place like
magnetic North.
Goals versesLeading Principles
Goals versesLeading Principles
Goals are places at which you can “arrive.”
Have a baby.
Get married.
Graduate high school
Goals are places at which you can “arrive.”
Have a baby.
Get married.
Graduate high school
Goals versesLeading Principles
Goals versesLeading Principles
Leading Principles give direction rather than describe places to “arrive.”
When would you be “arrive” at:Be the best parent I can be?Be the best mate I can be?
Be as educated as I can be?You can always get up the next day and
keep going!
Leading Principles give direction rather than describe places to “arrive.”
When would you be “arrive” at:Be the best parent I can be?Be the best mate I can be?
Be as educated as I can be?You can always get up the next day and
keep going!
Leading PrinciplesLeading PrinciplesGive direction rather than
location & do so without regard to location.
Provide direction through the wilderness of life rather than a
path through it.
Give direction rather than location & do so without regard
to location.
Provide direction through the wilderness of life rather than a
path through it.
Leading PrinciplesLeading Principles“The path” is where you’ve been. If
you are “on a path,” it is someone else’s path because NO ONE has
lived your life before.
You are the only one who can do it!
“The path” is where you’ve been. If you are “on a path,” it is someone else’s path because NO ONE has
lived your life before.
You are the only one who can do it!
Leading PrinciplesLeading PrinciplesStart walking.
At what point are you “unable” to “change directions?”
That is the experience of “human freedom.”
Start walking.
At what point are you “unable” to “change directions?”
That is the experience of “human freedom.”
The world is filled with contingent requirements,
The world is filled with contingent requirements,
and you have a choice as to how you fulfill them.
and you have a choice as to how you fulfill them.
To make this slide show, I had to make it.
To make this slide show, I had to make it.
And I had a choice of the “banner” under which I went about the activity.
“I choose to. I choose to. I choose to.”
OR
“I have to. I have to. I have to.”
And I had a choice of the “banner” under which I went about the activity.
“I choose to. I choose to. I choose to.”
OR
“I have to. I have to. I have to.”
“I choose to. I choose to. I choose to” is the banner of human liberation.
“I have to. I have to. I have to” is the banner of human slavery.
And WATCH OUT for slave revolts!
“I choose to. I choose to. I choose to” is the banner of human liberation.
“I have to. I have to. I have to” is the banner of human slavery.
And WATCH OUT for slave revolts!
Under which banner are you acting?
Under which banner are you acting?
Heinrich ZimmerHeinrich ZimmerThe best things can’t be told.
The second best are misunderstood.
The third best are what we talk about.
Why?
The best things can’t be told.
The second best are misunderstood.
The third best are what we talk about.
Why?
Because in talking about things that can’t be told (only experienced) we use the language of things we do talk about as
metaphors.
Because in talking about things that can’t be told (only experienced) we use the language of things we do talk about as
metaphors.
These metaphors are then concretized.
That is, people try to make hair ribbons out of the ribbon of
moonlight that “was” the road.
These metaphors are then concretized.
That is, people try to make hair ribbons out of the ribbon of
moonlight that “was” the road.
Joseph Campbell said,Joseph Campbell said,
“Mythology is other people’s religion,
And religion is misunderstood mythology.”
Why misunderstood?
Same reason!
The metaphors are concretized and thereby become opaque, rather than
transparent, to transcendence.
“Mythology is other people’s religion,
And religion is misunderstood mythology.”
Why misunderstood?
Same reason!
The metaphors are concretized and thereby become opaque, rather than
transparent, to transcendence.
Transcendence?Transcendence?
Yes!
You transcended your desire not to do your homework and do other fun stuff and
did your homework any way!
By following your Leading Principles, you acted in ways you didn’t feel like acting.
Yes!
You transcended your desire not to do your homework and do other fun stuff and
did your homework any way!
By following your Leading Principles, you acted in ways you didn’t feel like acting.
“Midlife Crisis”“Midlife Crisis”Getting to the top of the ladder
and finding it’s against the wrong wall.
Typically produced by following someone else’s agenda.
Getting to the top of the ladder and finding it’s against the
wrong wall.
Typically produced by following someone else’s agenda.
Formula for Human Serenity in Action
Formula for Human Serenity in Action
Let me accept (give my permission for) life as I find it, (as life is, was or may be) even though I may not approve of what I find, wisdom to see what would be good to
change, willingness to act and willingness to follow through, and gratitude for the opportunity to live my life as best I can.
Let me accept (give my permission for) life as I find it, (as life is, was or may be) even though I may not approve of what I find, wisdom to see what would be good to
change, willingness to act and willingness to follow through, and gratitude for the opportunity to live my life as best I can.
Giving your permission IS NOT
giving your approval.
Giving your permission IS NOT
giving your approval. That for which you give your approve is
one thing.
That for which you give your permission is something else.
My wife approves of pickles in tuna fish.
I don’t!
That for which you give your approve is one thing.
That for which you give your permission is something else.
My wife approves of pickles in tuna fish.
I don’t!
When you don’t give your permission for Life to be as it is
was or may be who suffers,
When you don’t give your permission for Life to be as it is
was or may be who suffers,
You or Life?You or Life?
Two Kinds of Willingness
Two Kinds of Willingness
Willingness with your feet.
Willingness with your heart.
Willingness with your feet.
Willingness with your heart.
Willingness with your heart is more metaphorical than
willingness with your feet.
Willingness with your heart is more metaphorical than
willingness with your feet. You can see people moving their feet (as
well as their hands, arms and mouth).
When it comes to willingness with your heart, I’m not talking about that big muscle
in the middle of your chest!
You can see people moving their feet (as well as their hands, arms and mouth).
When it comes to willingness with your heart, I’m not talking about that big muscle
in the middle of your chest!
Make A Fist.Make A Fist.
All it takes to have an open hand is to stop holding your hand closed.
Willingness is like that.
Just stop holding your heart closed and it will open all by itself.
You don’t have to do something.
You have to stop doing something.
All it takes to have an open hand is to stop holding your hand closed.
Willingness is like that.
Just stop holding your heart closed and it will open all by itself.
You don’t have to do something.
You have to stop doing something.
Cup Your HandsCup Your Hands
Metaphorically speaking, you can “hold gently” experiences that are themselves
not gentle.
Just let them rest there, held gently,
doing whatever it is that they do,
while you “hold them gently.”
Metaphorically speaking, you can “hold gently” experiences that are themselves
not gentle.
Just let them rest there, held gently,
doing whatever it is that they do,
while you “hold them gently.”
The Buddhists & the Rolling Stones
agree:
The Buddhists & the Rolling Stones
agree: “You don’t always get
what you want!” “You don’t always get
what you want!”
SO,SO,
Simply being alive means experiencing
sorrow.
Simply being alive means experiencing
sorrow.
Treat the reality that all life is sorrowful as problem to be solved
and it won’t be long before you come up with the answer.
Treat the reality that all life is sorrowful as problem to be solved
and it won’t be long before you come up with the answer.
KILL YOURSELF!KILL YOURSELF!
Life is best treated as an experience to be had
Life is best treated as an experience to be had
not a problem to be solved.not a problem to be solved.
And SOMETIMES you actually get what you want!
And SOMETIMES you actually get what you want!
You experience “fulfillment.”
Life is full of sorrow and fulfillment,
And the place in between!
You experience “fulfillment.”
Life is full of sorrow and fulfillment,
And the place in between!
Some fulfillments are like vegetables,
Some fulfillments are like vegetables,
They nourish you.
Others are like cotton candy.
They taste good in the moment and have little or no nourishment.
They nourish you.
Others are like cotton candy.
They taste good in the moment and have little or no nourishment.
Some fulfillments are cool.Some fulfillments are cool.
Some fulfillments are very cool.
And some fulfillments are
WAY COOL!
Some fulfillments are very cool.
And some fulfillments are
WAY COOL!
Doc, how will I know which fulfillments will prove , for me,
WAY COOL?
Doc, how will I know which fulfillments will prove , for me,
WAY COOL?I have no idea!
And neither does anybody else,
even when they claim they do.
I have no idea!
And neither does anybody else,
even when they claim they do.
PURSUING WAY COOLPURSUING WAY COOL
Try different things and listen for the “echo” inside yourself.
“Way Cool” is like one instrument playing softly and if you follow it, it
becomes louder and more orchestrated or it fades because it
was an illusion.
Try different things and listen for the “echo” inside yourself.
“Way Cool” is like one instrument playing softly and if you follow it, it
becomes louder and more orchestrated or it fades because it
was an illusion.
Searching for WAY COOL, like searching for most things,
means going on an adventure.
Searching for WAY COOL, like searching for most things,
means going on an adventure.
Adventures have at least two aspects.
You can’t know for sure how they will turn out.
There has to be at least some danger.
Adventures have at least two aspects.
You can’t know for sure how they will turn out.
There has to be at least some danger.
That’s why jumping off a one story building is an adventure
and jumping off a ten story building isn’t.
That’s why jumping off a one story building is an adventure
and jumping off a ten story building isn’t.
We know how that turns out!We know how that turns out!
Going into any aspect of life is like going into a movie.
Going into any aspect of life is like going into a movie.
There’s a price of admission to be paid with your hands, arms, feet
and mouth as well as your thoughts, images and sensations.
Will you pay?
Will you pay willingly?
There’s a price of admission to be paid with your hands, arms, feet
and mouth as well as your thoughts, images and sensations.
Will you pay?
Will you pay willingly?
You can’t go if you won’t pay.You can’t go if you won’t pay.
And if you won’t pay willingly, the trip will be bumpier!
And if you won’t pay willingly, the trip will be bumpier!
“Will I find ice cream WAY COOL?”
“Will I find ice cream WAY COOL?”
You could ask those who never had any.
You could ask those who have had some.
You could read a book about it.
You could eat some ice cream.
You could ask those who never had any.
You could ask those who have had some.
You could read a book about it.
You could eat some ice cream.
Thriving requires SurvivingThriving requires Surviving
and
Surviving isn’t Thriving
and
Surviving isn’t Thriving
While all other beings are living their lives as best they can,
While all other beings are living their lives as best they can,
as far as we know,
only we can TRY to live our lives as best we can.
We can act WITH purpose, ON purpose.
as far as we know,
only we can TRY to live our lives as best we can.
We can act WITH purpose, ON purpose.
“Happy” and “Unhappy” are names for two relationships we
can have with our lives containing sorrow, fulfillment and
the in between.
“Happy” and “Unhappy” are names for two relationships we
can have with our lives containing sorrow, fulfillment and
the in between.
Us
Our Relationship with
Life as Sorrow, Fulfillment and In Between.
Us
Our Relationship with
Life as Sorrow, Fulfillment and In Between.
HAPPINESSHAPPINESS
Us
A Permission Giving Relationship with
Life as Sorrow, Fulfillment and In Between.
Us
A Permission Giving Relationship with
Life as Sorrow, Fulfillment and In Between.
UNHAPPINESSUNHAPPINESS
Us
A Permission Withholding Relationship with
Life as Sorrow, Fulfillment and In Between.
Us
A Permission Withholding Relationship with
Life as Sorrow, Fulfillment and In Between.
HAPPINESS IS NOT
FULFILLMENT
HAPPINESS IS NOT
FULFILLMENT
UNHAPPINESS IS NOT
SORROW
UNHAPPINESS IS NOT
SORROW
If you want HAPPINESS and don’t get it you will feel sad.
If you want HAPPINESS and don’t get it you will feel sad. And, your sorrow isn’t unhappiness.
You could be sad and happy by maintaining a permission giving relationship with life as
sorrow, fulfillment and in between.
You could be sad and unhappy by maintaining a permission withholding
relationship with life as sorrow, fulfillment and in between.
And, your sorrow isn’t unhappiness.
You could be sad and happy by maintaining a permission giving relationship with life as
sorrow, fulfillment and in between.
You could be sad and unhappy by maintaining a permission withholding
relationship with life as sorrow, fulfillment and in between.
If you want HAPPINESS and get it, you will feel fulfillment.If you want HAPPINESS and get it, you will feel fulfillment. And, your fulfillment isn’t happiness.
You will experience fulfillment because you wanted
a certain relationship with life as sorrow, fulfillment and in between
and you got that relationship.
At least for the moment!
And, your fulfillment isn’t happiness.
You will experience fulfillment because you wanted
a certain relationship with life as sorrow, fulfillment and in between
and you got that relationship.
At least for the moment!
And -And -
You can walk and chew gum at the same time!
You don’t HAVE TO spend your whole life pursuing HAPPINESS.
Pursue whatever your WAY COOL(S) is/are and maintain a relationship of HAPPINESS
while doing it.
You can walk and chew gum at the same time!
You don’t HAVE TO spend your whole life pursuing HAPPINESS.
Pursue whatever your WAY COOL(S) is/are and maintain a relationship of HAPPINESS
while doing it.
This mode of spiritual development does not aim at either fulfillment or happiness.
This mode of spiritual development does not aim at either fulfillment or happiness.
It aims at fulfillment and happiness!
And that aim requires developing psychological
flexibility!
It aims at fulfillment and happiness!
And that aim requires developing psychological
flexibility!
Spiritual LoveSpiritual Love Looking out for someone’s, or
something’s, long-term best interests.
It is a choice.
A choice not necessarily related to affection, affiliation, or sexual
attraction.
Looking out for someone’s, or something’s, long-term best
interests.
It is a choice.
A choice not necessarily related to affection, affiliation, or sexual
attraction.
You can love yourself, as well as others, but maybe not at the
same time.
You can love yourself, as well as others, but maybe not at the
same time.
The price of being a sensitive human being is that you will feel
the pain of others.
The price of being a sensitive human being is that you will feel
the pain of others.
The price of living YOUR life will be bringing pain, in the form of sorrow, into the lives of others.
The price of living YOUR life will be bringing pain, in the form of sorrow, into the lives of others.
Why?Why?
Because in living YOUR life, you will not always be giving others what they want.
And sorrow is what happens when people don’t get what they want.
And, if you are a sensitive human being, you will feel the sorrow you are giving
them!
Because in living YOUR life, you will not always be giving others what they want.
And sorrow is what happens when people don’t get what they want.
And, if you are a sensitive human being, you will feel the sorrow you are giving
them!
And what the hell kind of world is that?!
And what the hell kind of world is that?!
The one we appear
to be living in!
The one we appear
to be living in!
ForgivenessForgiveness
Forgiveness means you stop holding the facts against
someone (e.g. your mate) or something (e.g. the world in
general).
Forgiveness means you stop holding the facts against
someone (e.g. your mate) or something (e.g. the world in
general).
Forgiveness does not mean forgetting the facts, excusing the facts,
or anything other than not holding the facts against someone or something.
Forgiveness does not mean forgetting the facts, excusing the facts,
or anything other than not holding the facts against someone or something.
If you stop holding the facts against someone or something, that doesn’t mean you couldn’t
start doing it again.
If you stop holding the facts against someone or something, that doesn’t mean you couldn’t
start doing it again.
And the fact that you started doing it again doesn’t mean you
couldn’t stop doing it,
And the fact that you started doing it again doesn’t mean you
couldn’t stop doing it,
AGAIN!AGAIN!
Forgiveness is like pushing your finger hard against someone, or
something, and then “letting go.”
Forgiveness is like pushing your finger hard against someone, or
something, and then “letting go.”
If you are pushing hard against someone else, then
If you are pushing hard against someone else, then
you have to release their pain in order to release yours.
That’s the price of admission to letting go of the pain of
unforgiveness.
you have to release their pain in order to release yours.
That’s the price of admission to letting go of the pain of
unforgiveness.
And how often are you pushing against something other than an
actual living being?
And how often are you pushing against something other than an
actual living being?
There’s no one “there” and yet you keep pushing, pushing,
pushing.
There’s no one “there” and yet you keep pushing, pushing,
pushing.
The only pain being generated is YOURS!
The only pain being generated is YOURS!
Of course, if you want to keep pushing, a good story can help.Of course, if you want to keep
pushing, a good story can help.
That bitch or bastard!
He, she or it WRONGED me!
I’m not going to let them get away with that!
They deserve a good smashing and bashing!
And I’m just the person to give it to them!
That bitch or bastard!
He, she or it WRONGED me!
I’m not going to let them get away with that!
They deserve a good smashing and bashing!
And I’m just the person to give it to them!
Did you ever hear
a story like that?
Did you ever hear
a story like that?
Did you ever tell
a story like that?
Did you ever tell
a story like that?
And by the way,And by the way,
YOU are one of the “someones” you could stop holding the
facts against.
YOU could forgive yourself.
AGAIN!
YOU are one of the “someones” you could stop holding the
facts against.
YOU could forgive yourself.
AGAIN!
And you could WILLINGLY
stop holding the facts against someone or something!
And you could WILLINGLY
stop holding the facts against someone or something!
NOW WE’RE TALKING
SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT!
NOW WE’RE TALKING
SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT!
ReconciliationReconciliation
Reconciliation means giving them, or it, a chance to do it again!
It means going on an adventure where at least some of the danger is being hurt in the same way you
were hurt the last time.
Reconciliation means giving them, or it, a chance to do it again!
It means going on an adventure where at least some of the danger is being hurt in the same way you
were hurt the last time.
And what would be the point of doing that?
And what would be the point of doing that?
I have no idea!
What would be the point of YOU doing that?
I have no idea!
What would be the point of YOU doing that?
What Leading Principle would you be instantiating by
reconciling?
What Leading Principle would you be instantiating by
reconciling?
Or by refusing to reconcile?Or by refusing to reconcile?
And you could do that WILLINGLY!
And you could do that WILLINGLY!
NOW WE’RE TALKING
SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT!
NOW WE’RE TALKING
SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT!
Order of ActionOrder of ActionFirst, willingly head in your chosen
direction.
This is not the same as just trying to get away from where you
currently are.
First, willingly head in your chosen direction.
This is not the same as just trying to get away from where you
currently are.
You can’t go without leaving.
You can’t leave without going.
You can’t go without leaving.
You can’t leave without going.
To which one are you giving the emphasis?
Going or leaving?
To which one are you giving the emphasis?
Going or leaving?
Order of ActionOrder of ActionThen, make yourself as
comfortable as possible while you keep on going.
Then, make yourself as comfortable as possible while
you keep on going.
There’s nothing wrong with
“smelling the roses along the way”
as long as it doesn’t make you late for
LIFE!
There’s nothing wrong with
“smelling the roses along the way”
as long as it doesn’t make you late for
LIFE!
Competence & ConfidenceCompetence & ConfidenceYou gain competence about anything
the same way you gained it about riding a bicycle.
First, get on and start riding.When you fall off, you don’t buy either,
“This means I can’t ride,” or
“It hurts so much to fall off, I won’t try any more.”
You gain competence about anything the same way you gained it about
riding a bicycle.First, get on and start riding.
When you fall off, you don’t buy either, “This means I can’t ride,”
or“It hurts so much to fall off, I won’t try
any more.”
Competence & ConfidenceYou gain confidence when you perform
successfully over time and give the credit for your performance to yourself.
Competence & ConfidenceYou gain confidence when you perform
successfully over time and give the credit for your performance to yourself.
Not to it was Tuesday.Not to the bike was red.
Not to the audience was friendly.And not to, “I just got lucky.”
Not to it was Tuesday.Not to the bike was red.
Not to the audience was friendly.And not to, “I just got lucky.”
The Parable of the SkydiverThe Parable of the Skydiver
Skydiver dove out of an airplane.
Neither the regular chute nor the emergency chute opened.
Skydiver realized there were at least four possibilities:
Skydiver dove out of an airplane.
Neither the regular chute nor the emergency chute opened.
Skydiver realized there were at least four possibilities:
The Parable of the SkydiverFace the ground and enjoy the ride down.
The Parable of the SkydiverFace the ground and enjoy the ride down.
Start worrying about what would happen when s/he hit the ground.
Review in exquisite detail exactly how s/he got into this situation.
Work as diligently as possible to get the emergency chute open.
Start worrying about what would happen when s/he hit the ground.
Review in exquisite detail exactly how s/he got into this situation.
Work as diligently as possible to get the emergency chute open.
ACT for Spiritual DevelopmentACT for Spiritual Development
Accept the world as it is, was or may be.
Choose, and willingly follow, your Leading Principles.
Teach others to do the same.
Accept the world as it is, was or may be.
Choose, and willingly follow, your Leading Principles.
Teach others to do the same.