Still Here, Are We?
Many of us have wrestled with the dilemma of feeling one's purpose in life has been fulfilled (or mucked up beyond repair), yet here we are, still lingering in the physical world and wondering, "What now?" If you've wondered too, check out Erin Yes's latest posting, a brief article about artist/philosopher Paul Johnston: "The Old Man Speaks."
Labels: Think Tank
# posted
by Fraser MacKenzie, Online Editor @ 2/11/2010 04:40:00 PM
11 February, 2010
Living Alive by Erin Yes
Our collection of articles on Consciousness Expansion has been updated with a new piece by poet/writer Erin Yes.
"Living Alive" touches on the development of intuition from childhood, and its function as a catalyst in manifesting unconscious urges through outward actions. It also discusses the importance of becoming aware of various levels of one's own stream of consciousness.
This article is "an overview of the life story and ideas of a man I knew in the 1980s," writes Erin. "He was one of the last survivors of the Bohemian generation who lived in Greenwich Village. His ideas came later in life, after a death and revival experience. He believed, as many Bohemians did, that man is essentially primitive."
Erin is writing a novel about his life and ideas and their friendship. You can check out more of her work on her blog at http://erinyespoetwriter.blogspot.com.
"Living Alive" touches on the development of intuition from childhood, and its function as a catalyst in manifesting unconscious urges through outward actions. It also discusses the importance of becoming aware of various levels of one's own stream of consciousness.
This article is "an overview of the life story and ideas of a man I knew in the 1980s," writes Erin. "He was one of the last survivors of the Bohemian generation who lived in Greenwich Village. His ideas came later in life, after a death and revival experience. He believed, as many Bohemians did, that man is essentially primitive."
Erin is writing a novel about his life and ideas and their friendship. You can check out more of her work on her blog at http://erinyespoetwriter.blogspot.com.
Labels: Think Tank
# posted
by Fraser MacKenzie, Online Editor @ 1/06/2010 05:00:00 PM
06 January, 2010
Christine Kane's "Been-There-Done-That" Guide to Criticism
[Editor's note: This article turned up in one of our journalers' e-mail box today and was passed along to me. I decided to share it with you because my daughter, who is in her freshman year at college and will be thoroughly peeved at me for mentioning this, recently received some rather harsh criticism regarding a paper she wrote. Because we encourage independent thinking and creativity here at Gatewood, most of the folks who work here have at least one or two stories they could tell in which they were hurt by someone's critique of their work. Most of them choose not to dwell on the slings and arrows of the past, but as long as one continues to be independent and creative, one runs the risk of being criticized. This is for all of you... for the next time it happens. And to my daughter: honey, read this, OK? :) --RC]
"Don't be distracted by criticism. Remember - the only taste of success some people get is to take a bite out of you." - Zig Ziglar
Here's one thing I'm pretty sure of:
I'm pretty sure you don't want a "Guide to Criticism."
In fact, you'd probably prefer a guide called: "How to Avoid Criticism and Ensure that Everybody Loves You Unequivocally til the Day You Die."
Unfortunately, that guide would also be called: "How to Have a Totally Boring Life."
Face it. When you play a bigger game, or step into your power - you'll most likely make some people uncomfortable. Unfortunately, in the face of discomfort, most people don't look within to find the source of it. They choose, instead, to lash out, criticize, or get cynical. All of us - myself included - have played this game!
That's because very few of us are taught Personal Responsibility. We are taught, instead, to blame other people for our results, our thoughts, and our emotions. We are taught to react.
The true moment of liberation in anyone's life is when she takes Personal Responsibility for it. When she starts to ask, "What is it in me that created this, or attracted it? How can I learn from it or turn it around?"
Let's assume, however, that 90% of the world doesn't practice this level of empowerment. That means that, most likely, someone will criticize you at some point in your life. And I'm not talking about constructive advice. I mean the harsh stuff. The stuff that hurts - because that's exactly what it's designed to do!
So, how do you handle it?
Well, I wish I could be with you the moment it happens. Cuz I've "Been-There-Done-That" and gotten the t-shirt! Instead, I'll send you a virtual hug and give you 7 practices that have worked for me.
1 - Make a decision.
Marla came to my women's retreat because she was "sick of playing small." I asked her what Playing Big looks like. A determined look crossed her face, and she said, "...to finally stop caring about what other people think of me."
If this is you, then it's time to make a decision. Decide right now that you will no longer live your life contorting your soul in an attempt to prevent criticism or judgment. Start with that one decision.
2 - SWSWSWSW.
Remember this: Some will. Some won't. So what? Someone's waiting.
An example:
After one of my big teleseminars, I received an email from someone who didn't like it. She sent a list of things that was wrong with it. (And me!)
I also received an email from a woman who was literally on her way to end her own life - and upon listening to that same teleseminar in her car, turned around and chose to start over again because of what I said.
This is classic SWSWSWSW. Apply it to your own gifts!
3 - Give yourself space to grieve.
Criticism is designed to hurt. And it often does. If you need some time to cry, then give yourself that gift. Call a friend who will listen.
Do yourself a favor, however, and set a limit. Give yourself til "Tuesday at 5pm." Or set the timer for 55 minutes. Then, choose to move on. Otherwise, it's easy to let it eat away at you indefinitely.
4 - Coach yourself.
A great technique that heals the effects of criticism is Brooke Castillo's Self-Coaching. In her book Self-Coaching 101, she provides fantastic techniques to heal any negative thought pattern. I've had great success using her work. You have to actually DO the work though. Get out your journal and write it all down!
5 - It's not about you.
Criticism is never about you. It's always about the person doing the criticizing. That might not help when you're hurting. But it's nice to be reminded!
6 - Protect yourself.
A university professor told me that there are student websites devoted solely to trashing teachers. Some of his colleagues check these sites everyday.
Don't do this! Don't seek out criticism. There are way too many places for victims and snarky people to congregate on the web.
Also, you can hire someone to filter your website email. My team filters all my email now, so that I can stay focused on my writing, my clients and on the good stuff that comes in!
7 - Decide again.
In the face of criticism, the only option is to decide again. Decide to keep shining and living life fully engaged.
Studies have shown that the most common regret among older Americans is of not having taken more risks. Don't let this be you!
In the awesome words of Marianne Williamson:
"Your playing small doesn't serve the world. There's nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you."
----------------
Performer, songwriter, and creativity consultant Christine Kane publishes her 'LiveCreative' weekly ezine with more than 4,000 subscribers. If you want to be the artist of your life and create authentic and lasting success, you can sign up for a FRE*E subscription to LiveCreative at www.christinekane.com.
"Don't be distracted by criticism. Remember - the only taste of success some people get is to take a bite out of you." - Zig Ziglar
Here's one thing I'm pretty sure of:
I'm pretty sure you don't want a "Guide to Criticism."
In fact, you'd probably prefer a guide called: "How to Avoid Criticism and Ensure that Everybody Loves You Unequivocally til the Day You Die."
Unfortunately, that guide would also be called: "How to Have a Totally Boring Life."
Face it. When you play a bigger game, or step into your power - you'll most likely make some people uncomfortable. Unfortunately, in the face of discomfort, most people don't look within to find the source of it. They choose, instead, to lash out, criticize, or get cynical. All of us - myself included - have played this game!
That's because very few of us are taught Personal Responsibility. We are taught, instead, to blame other people for our results, our thoughts, and our emotions. We are taught to react.
The true moment of liberation in anyone's life is when she takes Personal Responsibility for it. When she starts to ask, "What is it in me that created this, or attracted it? How can I learn from it or turn it around?"
Let's assume, however, that 90% of the world doesn't practice this level of empowerment. That means that, most likely, someone will criticize you at some point in your life. And I'm not talking about constructive advice. I mean the harsh stuff. The stuff that hurts - because that's exactly what it's designed to do!
So, how do you handle it?
Well, I wish I could be with you the moment it happens. Cuz I've "Been-There-Done-That" and gotten the t-shirt! Instead, I'll send you a virtual hug and give you 7 practices that have worked for me.
1 - Make a decision.
Marla came to my women's retreat because she was "sick of playing small." I asked her what Playing Big looks like. A determined look crossed her face, and she said, "...to finally stop caring about what other people think of me."
If this is you, then it's time to make a decision. Decide right now that you will no longer live your life contorting your soul in an attempt to prevent criticism or judgment. Start with that one decision.
2 - SWSWSWSW.
Remember this: Some will. Some won't. So what? Someone's waiting.
An example:
After one of my big teleseminars, I received an email from someone who didn't like it. She sent a list of things that was wrong with it. (And me!)
I also received an email from a woman who was literally on her way to end her own life - and upon listening to that same teleseminar in her car, turned around and chose to start over again because of what I said.
This is classic SWSWSWSW. Apply it to your own gifts!
3 - Give yourself space to grieve.
Criticism is designed to hurt. And it often does. If you need some time to cry, then give yourself that gift. Call a friend who will listen.
Do yourself a favor, however, and set a limit. Give yourself til "Tuesday at 5pm." Or set the timer for 55 minutes. Then, choose to move on. Otherwise, it's easy to let it eat away at you indefinitely.
4 - Coach yourself.
A great technique that heals the effects of criticism is Brooke Castillo's Self-Coaching. In her book Self-Coaching 101, she provides fantastic techniques to heal any negative thought pattern. I've had great success using her work. You have to actually DO the work though. Get out your journal and write it all down!
5 - It's not about you.
Criticism is never about you. It's always about the person doing the criticizing. That might not help when you're hurting. But it's nice to be reminded!
6 - Protect yourself.
A university professor told me that there are student websites devoted solely to trashing teachers. Some of his colleagues check these sites everyday.
Don't do this! Don't seek out criticism. There are way too many places for victims and snarky people to congregate on the web.
Also, you can hire someone to filter your website email. My team filters all my email now, so that I can stay focused on my writing, my clients and on the good stuff that comes in!
7 - Decide again.
In the face of criticism, the only option is to decide again. Decide to keep shining and living life fully engaged.
Studies have shown that the most common regret among older Americans is of not having taken more risks. Don't let this be you!
In the awesome words of Marianne Williamson:
"Your playing small doesn't serve the world. There's nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you."
----------------
Performer, songwriter, and creativity consultant Christine Kane publishes her 'LiveCreative' weekly ezine with more than 4,000 subscribers. If you want to be the artist of your life and create authentic and lasting success, you can sign up for a FRE*E subscription to LiveCreative at www.christinekane.com.
Labels: Music, Subversive Ideas, Think Tank
# posted
by Rob Colfax, Senior Editor @ 7/29/2009 02:59:00 PM
29 July, 2009
9 Irresistible Reasons to Go Complaint-Free Starting Now
by Christine Kane
In my upcoming Uplevel Your Life Mastery Program, there's a contract.
It's a commitment that each participant will go complaint-free, criticism-free, whine-free, and gossip-free for the full seven weeks of the course. That's 49 days, baby!
What does that have to do with Upleveling your Life?
Everything!
First off, let's get one thing out of the way: It's not about "being nice." This is much deeper.
It's about understanding the power of your Attention.
If you have a big juicy Intention or Dream - then your attention is the daily practice of manifesting that goal or dream. It is the essence of Creativity.
So, if I'm working with you, I want you to experience the power of shifting your attention from the so-called problem, so it can attract the many solutions!
Here are 9 Irresistible Reasons to Go Complaint-Free Today:
1 - When you're complaint-free, you find solutions rather than staying mucked in the problem.
If you don't offer yourself the option of complaining, then you train your brain to actually find solutions and get ideas. As Maya Angelou says, "If you don't like something, change it. If you can't change it, change your attitude. Don't complain."
2 - When you're complaint-free, you shrink your ego.
Complaining is like weight-training for your ego.
It makes your ego stronger because it makes someone or something else wrong. And it makes you right. Your ego becomes inflated and puffed up. When you cease the complaining/criticizing/gossiping habit, you tell your ego that your spirit is in charge, not your ego!
3 - When you're complaint free for 21-Days, you've started a new habit and created a new you.
Experts tell us it takes 21-days to form a new habit. And while it does take some trial and error to get through those 21-days, most of my clients notice that after only 7-days, they tolerate negativity less. After 2-weeks, they report that when they slip up, they can instantly self-correct!
4 - When you're complaint-free, it's a conversation starter.
Imaginary scenario:
Hal rushes into your office to gossip.
You get to simply smile and say, "Gosh Hal, you know, I'd love to join in, but I'm in the middle of Upleveling my Life. I signed a contract to go Complaint/Gossip-Free. Wanna look at it?"
Hal says, "Huh? What's that?"
Poof! The energy of the conversation shifts! It goes in a different direction and you get to experience that wildly exciting lightness where gossip would have once existed!
5 - When you're complaint-free, it's a conversation deepener.
Hal will listen for a while and then say, "Wow, that's a really great idea. I always notice how easy it is to complain, and I want to be more self-responsible..."
You'll share a deeper connection when you each admit that you want to live happier and more focused lives.
6 - When you're complaint-free, you attract new energy.
My clients have reported this one change so frequently, that I barely blink an eye anymore.
When you go complaint free, you simply start attracting more positive people to you. The negative people will walk away and think you're a complete idiot. But then, you'll start noticing positive curious people entering your life because you're so much fun to be around.
7 - When you're complaint-free, you banish lazy thinking.
Think about it.
You can't get much lazier than complaining and gossiping. It's the same well-worn neural pathway you've trudged down day after day, along with 95% of the population. When you're complaint-free, you go a different route. With alertness and alacrity, you find new ways of seeing things. (Plus, you get to use words like alacrity!)
8 - When you're complaint-free, you create happiness.
It's challenging at first, yes.
But after a few weeks, the common response I get from my clients is this: "You know what? I'm SO much happier!"
That's because complaining is just a habit, and it does nothing but drag us down. When your attention is forced to find new places to land, your subconscious becomes a "happiness-seeking missile." And because you're so powerful, you find it!
9 - When you're complaint free with a group, you get to soar on the updraft of the great group energy.
When groups work together, magic happens. It's why I created a Platinum Coaching and Mastermind group this year. It's why I invite my blog readers to join in on prayer lists each time I lead my women's retreats. When you link up with a group of like-minded people, effortlessness is created.
So - create a cool updraft with the many thousands of people who subscribe to this eZine. Go complaint-free!
==================
Performer, songwriter, and creativity consultant Christine Kane publishes her 'LiveCreative' weekly ezine with more than 4,000 subscribers. If you want to be the artist of your life and create authentic and lasting success, you can sign up for a FRE*E subscription to LiveCreative at www.christinekane.com.
WANT TO SEE HUNDREDS MORE ARTICLES LIKE THIS ONE?
See Christine's blog - Be Creative. Be Conscious. Be Courageous - at ChristineKane.com/blog.
In my upcoming Uplevel Your Life Mastery Program, there's a contract.
It's a commitment that each participant will go complaint-free, criticism-free, whine-free, and gossip-free for the full seven weeks of the course. That's 49 days, baby!
What does that have to do with Upleveling your Life?
Everything!
First off, let's get one thing out of the way: It's not about "being nice." This is much deeper.
It's about understanding the power of your Attention.
If you have a big juicy Intention or Dream - then your attention is the daily practice of manifesting that goal or dream. It is the essence of Creativity.
So, if I'm working with you, I want you to experience the power of shifting your attention from the so-called problem, so it can attract the many solutions!
Here are 9 Irresistible Reasons to Go Complaint-Free Today:
1 - When you're complaint-free, you find solutions rather than staying mucked in the problem.
If you don't offer yourself the option of complaining, then you train your brain to actually find solutions and get ideas. As Maya Angelou says, "If you don't like something, change it. If you can't change it, change your attitude. Don't complain."
2 - When you're complaint-free, you shrink your ego.
Complaining is like weight-training for your ego.
It makes your ego stronger because it makes someone or something else wrong. And it makes you right. Your ego becomes inflated and puffed up. When you cease the complaining/criticizing/gossiping habit, you tell your ego that your spirit is in charge, not your ego!
3 - When you're complaint free for 21-Days, you've started a new habit and created a new you.
Experts tell us it takes 21-days to form a new habit. And while it does take some trial and error to get through those 21-days, most of my clients notice that after only 7-days, they tolerate negativity less. After 2-weeks, they report that when they slip up, they can instantly self-correct!
4 - When you're complaint-free, it's a conversation starter.
Imaginary scenario:
Hal rushes into your office to gossip.
You get to simply smile and say, "Gosh Hal, you know, I'd love to join in, but I'm in the middle of Upleveling my Life. I signed a contract to go Complaint/Gossip-Free. Wanna look at it?"
Hal says, "Huh? What's that?"
Poof! The energy of the conversation shifts! It goes in a different direction and you get to experience that wildly exciting lightness where gossip would have once existed!
5 - When you're complaint-free, it's a conversation deepener.
Hal will listen for a while and then say, "Wow, that's a really great idea. I always notice how easy it is to complain, and I want to be more self-responsible..."
You'll share a deeper connection when you each admit that you want to live happier and more focused lives.
6 - When you're complaint-free, you attract new energy.
My clients have reported this one change so frequently, that I barely blink an eye anymore.
When you go complaint free, you simply start attracting more positive people to you. The negative people will walk away and think you're a complete idiot. But then, you'll start noticing positive curious people entering your life because you're so much fun to be around.
7 - When you're complaint-free, you banish lazy thinking.
Think about it.
You can't get much lazier than complaining and gossiping. It's the same well-worn neural pathway you've trudged down day after day, along with 95% of the population. When you're complaint-free, you go a different route. With alertness and alacrity, you find new ways of seeing things. (Plus, you get to use words like alacrity!)
8 - When you're complaint-free, you create happiness.
It's challenging at first, yes.
But after a few weeks, the common response I get from my clients is this: "You know what? I'm SO much happier!"
That's because complaining is just a habit, and it does nothing but drag us down. When your attention is forced to find new places to land, your subconscious becomes a "happiness-seeking missile." And because you're so powerful, you find it!
9 - When you're complaint free with a group, you get to soar on the updraft of the great group energy.
When groups work together, magic happens. It's why I created a Platinum Coaching and Mastermind group this year. It's why I invite my blog readers to join in on prayer lists each time I lead my women's retreats. When you link up with a group of like-minded people, effortlessness is created.
So - create a cool updraft with the many thousands of people who subscribe to this eZine. Go complaint-free!
==================
Performer, songwriter, and creativity consultant Christine Kane publishes her 'LiveCreative' weekly ezine with more than 4,000 subscribers. If you want to be the artist of your life and create authentic and lasting success, you can sign up for a FRE*E subscription to LiveCreative at www.christinekane.com.
WANT TO SEE HUNDREDS MORE ARTICLES LIKE THIS ONE?
See Christine's blog - Be Creative. Be Conscious. Be Courageous - at ChristineKane.com/blog.
Labels: Subversive Ideas, Think Tank
# posted
by Fraser MacKenzie, Online Editor @ 3/11/2009 02:14:00 PM
11 March, 2009
The Top 10 Holiday "Shoulds" (and Permission to Just Breathe and Let them Go)
Editor's note: We hope you enjoy this wonderful article from Asheville musician/philosopher Christine Kane. I should've posted it earlier in the season, but that's OK. ;) It's never too late to get off the merry-go-round for a bit and BREATHE.
Do you know the "shoulds?" Those voices that occasionally creep around your head telling you that things aren't as good as they could be and that everything would be better if you behaved well?
Yea?
Well, you're not alone. We all go there from time to time. Some of us spend our every waking moment "shoulding" on ourselves!
In the coaching/mentoring work I do, I know one thing to be true about this time of year:
The Holiday Shoulds are a special breed of Should. The Holiday Shoulds are loud and insidious. If you're not conscious, they can make you believe that they're a rational way to think.
After all, during the holidays, people become almost hypnotized into believing that every moment should be a certain way, that every yard should look a certain way, that every family should behave a certain way - and that it's okay to beat themselves up for their own preferences or for not keeping up with the imaginary standard.
Here's a list of the Top Ten Holiday Shoulds, along with a thought or two about simply letting them go, and delighting in this moment. In the words of Byron Katie: "When I argue with What Is, I lose. But only 100% of the time."
1 - I should have a new outfit to wear to the Christmas party!
Last year's outfit is fine. Your shiny happy self tells a brighter story than something you bought at a store.
2 - I should have done hand-made Christmas cards! (Or, I should've done Christmas Cards at all!)
Relax. If you had time to delight in making cards, that would be great. But it's okay that you didn't. And as for not sending cards, you can send them out next year. (Or, be like my brother's family and send out Valentine Cards instead!)
3 - My kids/parents should behave differently!
Everyone is doing the best they can. What would happen if you simply accepted each person's path and choices - and let them be exactly where they are?
4 - I should've bought more expensive presents!
When gifting becomes about competition or keeping up, then it just drains you. Take a moment to remember who you are and how you want to love the people in your life. Nothing beats authenticity.
5 - I should go out and buy more [insert useless consumer good or processed food here.]
When you nervously become a consumer for no reason, challenge yourself to sit down, listen, and experience the emptiness. You might find that it's actually quite peaceful in there!
6 - I should've lost weight this year!
Become a champion of yourself. Make a list of five great things you accomplished this year, and let go of those things you didn't. You can revisit them in January.
7 - The Holidays should look more like the pretty scenes in a snow globe or on Christmas specials!
The cool thing about snow globes and such is the happy feeling they create inside of you. Instead of thinking everything should make you feel that way, try to capture the feeling you get from those things - and then carry that feeling to each moment in your life. I call this Positive Daydreaming.
8 - I should've made [Insert time-consuming baked good featured in Martha Stewart Magazine]!
See #5. And remember that Martha Stewart has a very large staff. And that there's rarely a shortage of sugary baked items during the holidays.
9 - My house should have better decorations!
See #8. And go take a nap.
10 - I should make better scrapbook pages after the holidays!
Doing good scrapbooks does not make you a good mother, sister, daughter or friend. Doing good scrapbooks makes you someone who has time to scrapbook. If you use photo-boxes or boring albums, you're still a wonderful human, and we'll all still love you.
**BONUS SHOULD**
11 - It should be The Most Wonderful Time of the Year
Christmas is lovely with all of its twinkle lights and confectionary goodies, AND there are many wonderful times each year. (I happen to love each and every time I hike in the woods, no matter what time of year it is!)
Wonderful is about your delight and how you feel on the inside. When you let go of what is not authentic delight for you, then you might be surprised at how simple the holidays become. You might find that wonderful is right here in this very moment.
**********
Performer, songwriter, and creativity consultant Christine Kane publishes her 'LiveCreative' weekly ezine with more than 4,000 subscribers. If you want to be the artist of your life and create authentic and lasting success, you can sign up for a FRE*E subscription to LiveCreative at www.christinekane.com
WANT TO SEE HUNDREDS MORE ARTICLES LIKE THIS ONE?
See Christine's blog - Be Creative. Be Conscious. Be Courageous - at ChristineKane.com/blog
Do you know the "shoulds?" Those voices that occasionally creep around your head telling you that things aren't as good as they could be and that everything would be better if you behaved well?
Yea?
Well, you're not alone. We all go there from time to time. Some of us spend our every waking moment "shoulding" on ourselves!
In the coaching/mentoring work I do, I know one thing to be true about this time of year:
The Holiday Shoulds are a special breed of Should. The Holiday Shoulds are loud and insidious. If you're not conscious, they can make you believe that they're a rational way to think.
After all, during the holidays, people become almost hypnotized into believing that every moment should be a certain way, that every yard should look a certain way, that every family should behave a certain way - and that it's okay to beat themselves up for their own preferences or for not keeping up with the imaginary standard.
Here's a list of the Top Ten Holiday Shoulds, along with a thought or two about simply letting them go, and delighting in this moment. In the words of Byron Katie: "When I argue with What Is, I lose. But only 100% of the time."
1 - I should have a new outfit to wear to the Christmas party!
Last year's outfit is fine. Your shiny happy self tells a brighter story than something you bought at a store.
2 - I should have done hand-made Christmas cards! (Or, I should've done Christmas Cards at all!)
Relax. If you had time to delight in making cards, that would be great. But it's okay that you didn't. And as for not sending cards, you can send them out next year. (Or, be like my brother's family and send out Valentine Cards instead!)
3 - My kids/parents should behave differently!
Everyone is doing the best they can. What would happen if you simply accepted each person's path and choices - and let them be exactly where they are?
4 - I should've bought more expensive presents!
When gifting becomes about competition or keeping up, then it just drains you. Take a moment to remember who you are and how you want to love the people in your life. Nothing beats authenticity.
5 - I should go out and buy more [insert useless consumer good or processed food here.]
When you nervously become a consumer for no reason, challenge yourself to sit down, listen, and experience the emptiness. You might find that it's actually quite peaceful in there!
6 - I should've lost weight this year!
Become a champion of yourself. Make a list of five great things you accomplished this year, and let go of those things you didn't. You can revisit them in January.
7 - The Holidays should look more like the pretty scenes in a snow globe or on Christmas specials!
The cool thing about snow globes and such is the happy feeling they create inside of you. Instead of thinking everything should make you feel that way, try to capture the feeling you get from those things - and then carry that feeling to each moment in your life. I call this Positive Daydreaming.
8 - I should've made [Insert time-consuming baked good featured in Martha Stewart Magazine]!
See #5. And remember that Martha Stewart has a very large staff. And that there's rarely a shortage of sugary baked items during the holidays.
9 - My house should have better decorations!
See #8. And go take a nap.
10 - I should make better scrapbook pages after the holidays!
Doing good scrapbooks does not make you a good mother, sister, daughter or friend. Doing good scrapbooks makes you someone who has time to scrapbook. If you use photo-boxes or boring albums, you're still a wonderful human, and we'll all still love you.
**BONUS SHOULD**
11 - It should be The Most Wonderful Time of the Year
Christmas is lovely with all of its twinkle lights and confectionary goodies, AND there are many wonderful times each year. (I happen to love each and every time I hike in the woods, no matter what time of year it is!)
Wonderful is about your delight and how you feel on the inside. When you let go of what is not authentic delight for you, then you might be surprised at how simple the holidays become. You might find that wonderful is right here in this very moment.
**********
Performer, songwriter, and creativity consultant Christine Kane publishes her 'LiveCreative' weekly ezine with more than 4,000 subscribers. If you want to be the artist of your life and create authentic and lasting success, you can sign up for a FRE*E subscription to LiveCreative at www.christinekane.com
WANT TO SEE HUNDREDS MORE ARTICLES LIKE THIS ONE?
See Christine's blog - Be Creative. Be Conscious. Be Courageous - at ChristineKane.com/blog
Labels: Subversive Ideas, Think Tank
# posted
by Fraser MacKenzie, Online Editor @ 12/24/2008 05:34:00 PM
24 December, 2008
Christine Kane's Reasons to Write
Asheville musician/blogger Christine Kane has an excellent post on writing. Go over and check out her 11 Irresistible Reasons to Write Every Day. You owe it to yourself.
Labels: Literary Arts, Think Tank
# posted
by Fraser MacKenzie, Online Editor @ 4/19/2008 01:24:00 PM
19 April, 2008
Emotional Throughput
San Francisco psychotherapist Marty Cooper writes an excellent and insightful blog combining some of the best ideas of Western psychotherapy and Eastern philosophy. His most recent entry explores the idea of growth through "emotional throughput"--rather than building up walls to protect ourselves from feelings that threaten to overwhelm us, he suggests, why not imagine opening and closing shutters instead? It's your choice what to let in, and also your choice whether to keep it inside or let it pass through. Check out his entry at The Wild Moods: Open on both sides: Emotional "Throughput".
Labels: Think Tank
# posted
by Rob Colfax, Senior Editor @ 1/11/2008 04:40:00 PM
11 January, 2008
Thunderbolts of the Gods on Google Video
The folks at the Thunderbolts Project have posted Thunderbolts of the Gods at Google Video, so the entire 64-minute DVD is now available for you to view online. It'll be there through the month of May, so go and have a look. It's a fascinating perspective on our universe.
Labels: Think Tank
# posted
by Rob Colfax, Senior Editor @ 5/22/2007 03:32:00 AM
22 May, 2007
Opening a Dialogue with the Universe
"The moment one definitely commits oneself, then providence moves too. A whole stream of events issues from the decision, raising in one’s favor all manner of unforeseen incidents, meetings and material assistance, which no man could have dreamt would have come his way."
--Scottish mountain-climber W.H. Murray in his book Evidence of Things Not Seen: a Mountaineer's Tale
Joe Dispenza made a similar comment in the film What the Bleep Do We Know?!, indicating that when you set your intentions and commit to creating your own reality (even for just one day, or for a few minutes of the day), interesting things begin to happen: small coincidences abound, information you can use is drawn to you, and people who can help are seemingly placed in your path.
Too often we're afraid to announce our intentions to the universe (or even ourselves). We don't want to commit ourselves to the possibility that what we want could actually happen--maybe we've heard too often the cautionary warning, "Be careful what you wish for." We're creatures of uncertainty and vacillation. We want to reserve the right to back out or change our minds.
But committing yourself to something you want or need to happen doesn't mean you aren't allowed to renegotiate later. The universe is flexible. Go ahead and tell it what you want (religions have been doing this for years--they call it prayer, magicians call it casting a spell, but it's the same principle--shh). You can fine-tune your ideas and hammer out the details as you go along.
Think of it as beginning a conversation with the universe. Clarify your intentions, and then watch and listen to see what happens as you go about your day; it could be in the form of a chance encounter, an enlightening dream, a interesting message in your voicemail--but something will happen. The universe is not a silent partner; it will communicate freely with you once you open a dialogue. What will you choose to discuss with it?
--Scottish mountain-climber W.H. Murray in his book Evidence of Things Not Seen: a Mountaineer's Tale
Joe Dispenza made a similar comment in the film What the Bleep Do We Know?!, indicating that when you set your intentions and commit to creating your own reality (even for just one day, or for a few minutes of the day), interesting things begin to happen: small coincidences abound, information you can use is drawn to you, and people who can help are seemingly placed in your path.
Too often we're afraid to announce our intentions to the universe (or even ourselves). We don't want to commit ourselves to the possibility that what we want could actually happen--maybe we've heard too often the cautionary warning, "Be careful what you wish for." We're creatures of uncertainty and vacillation. We want to reserve the right to back out or change our minds.
But committing yourself to something you want or need to happen doesn't mean you aren't allowed to renegotiate later. The universe is flexible. Go ahead and tell it what you want (religions have been doing this for years--they call it prayer, magicians call it casting a spell, but it's the same principle--shh). You can fine-tune your ideas and hammer out the details as you go along.
Think of it as beginning a conversation with the universe. Clarify your intentions, and then watch and listen to see what happens as you go about your day; it could be in the form of a chance encounter, an enlightening dream, a interesting message in your voicemail--but something will happen. The universe is not a silent partner; it will communicate freely with you once you open a dialogue. What will you choose to discuss with it?
Labels: Think Tank
# posted
by Rob Colfax, Senior Editor @ 5/06/2007 01:21:00 PM
06 May, 2007
How to Build a Flying Saucer
Do I need to add that cautionary disclaimer about how you shouldn't try this at home?
How to Build a Flying Saucer (And Other Proposals in Speculative Engineering)
It's now free online, so go ahead and have a look.
How to Build a Flying Saucer (And Other Proposals in Speculative Engineering)
It's now free online, so go ahead and have a look.
Labels: Subversive Ideas, Think Tank
# posted
by Patrick Redding, Contributing Editor @ 5/04/2007 12:35:00 PM
04 May, 2007
OK, So I Have Nothing Figured Out.
Recently recovered from our files, a piece from Jeremy Farris:
OK, so I have nothing figured out. So I thought I did. At twenty-five, what could I have figured out? Every philosophy I could come up with has already been pondered and explored to the point of being classified as a "school of thought." Every time I make a personal mental breakthrough, every lightbulb lit in my mind has already been burning somewhere for a really long time. I used to feel disappointed when what occurred to me as an "enlightened moment" became a drop in the ocean of the pre-explored.
Now, however, I realize something I had not before. It is a minority of people who pursue thought beyond the realm of what is already there. Most are satisfied, pacified zombies living by what comes on TV every night. Existing to make payments, accrue wealth, and die leaving nothing of substance behind.
I see the endless parade of nonessential people dying, nondescript existences. Blinking out randomly. Leaving only the residue of laziness and complacency at accomplishing nothing of significance.
It is the pursuit of knowledge, the process of mental growth, that separates me from them. I seek the end of my own understanding. I question what I do not grasp. The desire to break through my own outer limit is the key to the next level. When I stop searching for a better, deeper hold on all I interact with, I become what I loathe.
OK, so I have nothing figured out. Anything I can come up with has been thought, tested, practiced, proven and disapproved. I still seek to question authority, question myself, question others. I must, or I admit defeat. As long as there is something I don't know, I am obliged to keep searching. Pressing ever on to the place where faithfulness in pursuit is rewarded with truth. TRUTH IS THE GOAL, REALITY IS THE PROCESS, ENLIGHTENMENT IS THE PRIZE.
OK, so I have nothing figured out. So I thought I did. At twenty-five, what could I have figured out? Every philosophy I could come up with has already been pondered and explored to the point of being classified as a "school of thought." Every time I make a personal mental breakthrough, every lightbulb lit in my mind has already been burning somewhere for a really long time. I used to feel disappointed when what occurred to me as an "enlightened moment" became a drop in the ocean of the pre-explored.
Now, however, I realize something I had not before. It is a minority of people who pursue thought beyond the realm of what is already there. Most are satisfied, pacified zombies living by what comes on TV every night. Existing to make payments, accrue wealth, and die leaving nothing of substance behind.
I see the endless parade of nonessential people dying, nondescript existences. Blinking out randomly. Leaving only the residue of laziness and complacency at accomplishing nothing of significance.
It is the pursuit of knowledge, the process of mental growth, that separates me from them. I seek the end of my own understanding. I question what I do not grasp. The desire to break through my own outer limit is the key to the next level. When I stop searching for a better, deeper hold on all I interact with, I become what I loathe.
OK, so I have nothing figured out. Anything I can come up with has been thought, tested, practiced, proven and disapproved. I still seek to question authority, question myself, question others. I must, or I admit defeat. As long as there is something I don't know, I am obliged to keep searching. Pressing ever on to the place where faithfulness in pursuit is rewarded with truth. TRUTH IS THE GOAL, REALITY IS THE PROCESS, ENLIGHTENMENT IS THE PRIZE.
Labels: Think Tank
# posted
by Fraser MacKenzie, Online Editor @ 2/04/2007 12:05:00 PM
04 February, 2007
So Long, Molly
"We are the people who run this country. We are the deciders. And every single day, every single one of us needs to step outside and take some action to help stop this war. Raise hell. Think of something to make the ridiculous look ridiculous. Make our troops know we're for them and trying to get them out of there.... We need people in the streets, banging pots and pans and demanding, 'Stop it, now!'"
--from Molly Ivins' Jan. 11, 2007 column "Stand Up Against the Surge"
Columnist Molly Ivins passed away Wednesday, 31 Jan. 2007, after a long battle with breast cancer. She skewered several White House administrations and countless Texas politicians with her barbed wit. You can read editor Anthony Zurcher's tribute here:
http://www.creators.com/opinion/molly-ivins/molly-ivins-tribute.html
--from Molly Ivins' Jan. 11, 2007 column "Stand Up Against the Surge"
Columnist Molly Ivins passed away Wednesday, 31 Jan. 2007, after a long battle with breast cancer. She skewered several White House administrations and countless Texas politicians with her barbed wit. You can read editor Anthony Zurcher's tribute here:
http://www.creators.com/opinion/molly-ivins/molly-ivins-tribute.html
Labels: Subversive Ideas, Think Tank
# posted
by Fraser MacKenzie, Online Editor @ 1/31/2007 11:44:00 PM
31 January, 2007
For Anyone Running In Place
"It is very singular how little men seem to realize that they are not caught in the grip of a mechanism from which there is no escape, but that the treadmill is one upon which they remain merely because they have not noticed that it fails to take them up to a higher level."
--from Bertrand Russell's The Conquest of Happiness
What do you think will happen if you step off the treadmill? Is it time to find out?
If you're running in place, it only takes one step to change course.
--from Bertrand Russell's The Conquest of Happiness
What do you think will happen if you step off the treadmill? Is it time to find out?
If you're running in place, it only takes one step to change course.
Labels: Think Tank
# posted
by Rob Colfax, Senior Editor @ 1/31/2007 10:49:00 PM
Faster Goal Achievement (New Steve Pavlina Podcast)
Steve Pavlina's latest podcast (#18) discusses how to more efficiently use your visualization skills as you go about creating a better reality for yourself. In essence, this is facilitated by creating a better you -- or at least being able to imagine the better you -- in order to bring about the desired results. But Steve explains it much better, so go on over and have a listen.
Labels: Think Tank
# posted
by Fraser MacKenzie, Online Editor @ 1/14/2007 09:11:00 PM
14 January, 2007
New from Nick Redfern
Nearthwort Obtain (the multidimensional adventurer's handbook) has a new podcast interview with ufologist Nick Redfern. Nick's more than just a UFO expert; he's knowledgeable about all sorts of Fortean phenomena. In this interview, he shares some insightful remarks comparing the British and U.S. press response to events such as the recent UFO sighting above O'Hare airport. He also discusses his new book, which is due out next month.
Labels: Think Tank
# posted
by Patrick Redding, Contributing Editor @ 1/12/2007 08:13:00 PM
12 January, 2007
Changing Trains
"Please pardon my levity, I don't see how to take death seriously. It seems absurd," writes Robert Anton Wilson.
I agree. From a certain perspective, death is no more than getting out of your car. It's moving from one house to another, or changing trains. Sometimes you need to move; you outgrow your one-bedroom apartment and need more space to stretch out. This death and dying bit is nothing more than that, just a sidestep into a larger reality.
I agree. From a certain perspective, death is no more than getting out of your car. It's moving from one house to another, or changing trains. Sometimes you need to move; you outgrow your one-bedroom apartment and need more space to stretch out. This death and dying bit is nothing more than that, just a sidestep into a larger reality.
Labels: Think Tank
# posted
by K.C. Collins, Field Correspondent @ 1/11/2007 03:41:00 PM
11 January, 2007
The Paradox of an Advanced Civilization
There's an interesting article in the current issue of Wired about an enigma regarding the Inca civilization. According to most researchers and historians, the people who built Machu Picchu and developed a system of high-altitude roadways and messenger service spreading across a 3,000 mile empire somehow never learned to write. Harvard anthropologist Gary Urton is exploring the possibility that they may have simply had a very different system of recording things -- one involving bundles of knotted strings called khipu.
The article is intriguing, and it made me start to wonder: why should it be assumed that an advanced civilization would necessarily need to write?
Think about it. Why do we write in the first place?
Read the rest...
The article is intriguing, and it made me start to wonder: why should it be assumed that an advanced civilization would necessarily need to write?
Think about it. Why do we write in the first place?
Read the rest...
Labels: Think Tank
# posted
by Fraser MacKenzie, Online Editor @ 1/05/2007 02:22:00 PM
05 January, 2007
Interview with Barry McCabe
An excerpt from P.L. Miller's interview with Irish Celtic-blues guitarist Barry McCabe:
"It’s great to see that more and more artists are either taking control of their own careers these days or wrestling them back from the various companies that abused them for years. To be honest, I was never that busy with chasing the ‘big deal.’ I always felt the deck was rigged in that sense. You’ve seen acts that had ‘made it’ but then everything seemed to go wrong for them. You've heard the horror stories of bands sinking deeper and deeper into debt even though they were selling lots of records. You’ve read reports of artists who’d been ripped off since day one (especially the old blues guys).
"So basically I stayed outside of all that. I’m a very independent-minded character anyway (some might say too much so) but if you care enough about what you create, how can you then just throw it to the wolves? My songs and my music are my babies and I treat them as such. I know I’ve got to put them on a record, or a disc, or available for download but I do it with the utmost care. They are not just means to an end. I don’t write or play music so that I can own a big house with a swimming pool or whatever else some guys chase. I have no problem with it if it comes along on my terms, but I’m not going to change what I do just to get it."
Of course, you know Barry has lots more to say. You can read the rest of the interview at www.gatewoodjournal.org/mind26.html.
"It’s great to see that more and more artists are either taking control of their own careers these days or wrestling them back from the various companies that abused them for years. To be honest, I was never that busy with chasing the ‘big deal.’ I always felt the deck was rigged in that sense. You’ve seen acts that had ‘made it’ but then everything seemed to go wrong for them. You've heard the horror stories of bands sinking deeper and deeper into debt even though they were selling lots of records. You’ve read reports of artists who’d been ripped off since day one (especially the old blues guys).
"So basically I stayed outside of all that. I’m a very independent-minded character anyway (some might say too much so) but if you care enough about what you create, how can you then just throw it to the wolves? My songs and my music are my babies and I treat them as such. I know I’ve got to put them on a record, or a disc, or available for download but I do it with the utmost care. They are not just means to an end. I don’t write or play music so that I can own a big house with a swimming pool or whatever else some guys chase. I have no problem with it if it comes along on my terms, but I’m not going to change what I do just to get it."
Of course, you know Barry has lots more to say. You can read the rest of the interview at www.gatewoodjournal.org/mind26.html.
Labels: Music, Think Tank
# posted
by Rob Colfax, Senior Editor @ 12/03/2006 03:59:00 PM
03 December, 2006
Bytes for Your Brain
Our home page now features a section we're calling "Feed Your Head." It's designed to bring you a small daily dose of interesting material on a variety of subjects as well as some linguistic fun to challenge your brain a bit. This material is provided to us by The Free Dictionary, where you can find even more fun facts to fill up your mental filing cabinet.
Also, especially for all our writer and student visitors, we now offer you the ability to search Merriam-Webster's online dictionary and thesaurus straight from our site. You'll find that at the bottom of our home page. Happy word-hunting!
Also, especially for all our writer and student visitors, we now offer you the ability to search Merriam-Webster's online dictionary and thesaurus straight from our site. You'll find that at the bottom of our home page. Happy word-hunting!
Labels: Think Tank
# posted
by Rob Colfax, Senior Editor @ 11/27/2006 08:50:00 PM
27 November, 2006
Links for Our Smart Readers
Someone recently told me about Steve Pavlina and his website, and I've finally made the time to check it out. In case you aren't familiar with it, the site is called "Personal Development for Smart People." It's full of all sorts of articles and resources on personal growth, and one of the things that I really like about it is that Steve seems very different from a lot of the self-proclaimed self-help gurus out there. For one thing, the information is sound stuff that you can try yourself without any training or seminars - you don't need anything but an open mind and the willingness to make an honest effort. You don't have to register or become a member of anything to explore the site; you don't have to buy a book or a set of CDs or DVDs that you know you'll watch once (maybe) and then toss back into the closet. The philosophy is very laid-back; he simply shares stories about his own experiences and ideas, and if you can use them, great.
An added bonus is the "Audio" section of his site, where you can listen to free podcasts right online or download them to listen to later. Currently there are seventeen available, varying in length; all are intriguing and will definitely make you think. (It's not necessary to listen to them in order either.) I downloaded several and have been listening to them at work. There's not a bit of "filler" - every single one has plenty of thought-provoking ideas as well as suggestions on how to best implement the mental exercises for your own needs.
Three of the podcasts are done by Steve's wife Erin, who has her own site. While his is geared more toward people interested in making life changes in the areas of work and personal growth, hers has more of a paranormal flavor. I enjoyed it as well; if you've had any experiences like that yourself, or just find the subject interesting, you'll want to check out the site. She's very matter-of-fact about what her work as a medium, and the articles she's posted on her site are thoughtful and well-written, with just the right touch of humor.
Links:
www.stevepavlina.com
www.erinpavlina.com
An added bonus is the "Audio" section of his site, where you can listen to free podcasts right online or download them to listen to later. Currently there are seventeen available, varying in length; all are intriguing and will definitely make you think. (It's not necessary to listen to them in order either.) I downloaded several and have been listening to them at work. There's not a bit of "filler" - every single one has plenty of thought-provoking ideas as well as suggestions on how to best implement the mental exercises for your own needs.
Three of the podcasts are done by Steve's wife Erin, who has her own site. While his is geared more toward people interested in making life changes in the areas of work and personal growth, hers has more of a paranormal flavor. I enjoyed it as well; if you've had any experiences like that yourself, or just find the subject interesting, you'll want to check out the site. She's very matter-of-fact about what her work as a medium, and the articles she's posted on her site are thoughtful and well-written, with just the right touch of humor.
Links:
www.stevepavlina.com
www.erinpavlina.com
Labels: Think Tank
# posted
by Fraser MacKenzie, Online Editor @ 11/11/2006 09:10:00 PM
11 November, 2006
Because I Can
Last weekend my daughter was home from college. She's taken up walking in the mornings, not because she needs the exercise (she has the metabolism of a hummingbird) but because she'd decided that it was easier to walk from her apartment to classes at the university than to circle the various parking lots, hoping to find an empty space. She likes to sleep in, and none of her classes start before 10 a.m. By that time, she tells me, there's not a prayer of finding a parking space within a mile of the campus. She also told me when I asked, that no, the university would not refund the $35 parking-sticker fee I'd paid for at the beginning of the semester. When her mother overheard, this instigated a rather animated family discussion about how much it could possibly cost to pave or gravel a 300-square-foot spot and how universities all over the country must be racking up big bucks by requiring students to have parking decals without providing adequate parking facilities. But that's another story. Read the rest...Labels: Think Tank
# posted
by Rob Colfax, Senior Editor @ 11/05/2006 10:39:00 AM
05 November, 2006
"Convert Not" - New from Hunter MacKenzie
It's 10:00 a.m. There's a knock at your door. You weren't expecting anyone, so you look through the peephole and see two strangers on your doorstep. They look like a perfectly nice couple, except that one is carrying a stack of church literature and the other one has a plastic donation bucket in hand. They want to share the Good News with you and save your soul, and maybe reserve a ticket for you on the Heavenly Express (although with the amount of change rattling around in your pockets, it'll probably be coach class).
Ever wonder why no one shows up on your doorstep to tell you that you should discover your own purpose in life and take responsibility for yourself instead of depending on someone else to provide direction and salvation?
Hunter MacKenzie's latest is in our Hermetic Perspectives section: "Convert Not".
Ever wonder why no one shows up on your doorstep to tell you that you should discover your own purpose in life and take responsibility for yourself instead of depending on someone else to provide direction and salvation?
Hunter MacKenzie's latest is in our Hermetic Perspectives section: "Convert Not".
Labels: Subversive Ideas, Think Tank
# posted
by Fraser MacKenzie, Online Editor @ 9/20/2006 01:42:00 PM
20 September, 2006
Opportunity to Participate in Water Crystal Research
You're invited to participate in research on the effects of distant intention on water crystals. This is an experimental collaboration between the research of Dr. Masaru Emoto and Dr. Dean Radin of the Institute of Noetic Sciences. It's a very simple task of rating a set of images presented to you online, and takes about 10-15 minutes. You'll find more information as well as the link to get started at http://www.psiarcade.com/crystal2/intro.html.
Labels: Think Tank
# posted
by Fraser MacKenzie, Online Editor @ 9/10/2006 07:22:00 PM
10 September, 2006
A Piece of Sky
The sun was just coming up as I walked outside this morning. It looked like a red disc floating through wispy layers of grayish-purple fog, and I watched it as I continued up the hill near my house. I reached the top of the hill before I knew it, and stopped for a moment to stretch and catch my breath. When I glanced back toward the horizon, I took in the view and noticed all the other stuff I hadn't seen while I was gazing at the bright red sun: lots of telephone wires, a crane and bulldozer parked at a construction site across the way, light poles, traffic, etc. It was almost jarring to see the difference between the awesome sunrise I'd been watching earlier and the wide-angle view of the beginnings of the day that I now saw. What happened?
Nothing had changed, of course, except my own view; the sun had barely risen a few degrees higher as I made the short trek up the hillside. What was different was that my focus had shifted: instead of looking only at the rising sun, maintaining that intimate connection with it, my eyes now took in everything indiscriminately and the spell was broken. Photographers are familiar with this; they zero in on some part of a landscape and crop out the extraneous things on the sides that don't contribute to the power of the composition. We can edit our own compositions too, deciding what we will and won't allow to clutter our vision at any given time.
We don't want to have tunnel vision, of course; we don't want to be overly optimistic Pollyannas, refusing to acknowledge the carnage and crap all around us. We have to look at things realistically most of the time, whatever that means; "realistic" is a far more relative term than people think it is. But sometimes it's good to narrow the focus a bit, to ignore the distractions and the drone of everyday life, and just look at that one thing that inspires or moves or encourages you. We need to take time, now and then, to feed our minds something besides the mundane reality we deal with on a daily basis. It might be a piece of the sky; it might be a few moments with a child or a dog.
What's your focus right now?
Nothing had changed, of course, except my own view; the sun had barely risen a few degrees higher as I made the short trek up the hillside. What was different was that my focus had shifted: instead of looking only at the rising sun, maintaining that intimate connection with it, my eyes now took in everything indiscriminately and the spell was broken. Photographers are familiar with this; they zero in on some part of a landscape and crop out the extraneous things on the sides that don't contribute to the power of the composition. We can edit our own compositions too, deciding what we will and won't allow to clutter our vision at any given time.
We don't want to have tunnel vision, of course; we don't want to be overly optimistic Pollyannas, refusing to acknowledge the carnage and crap all around us. We have to look at things realistically most of the time, whatever that means; "realistic" is a far more relative term than people think it is. But sometimes it's good to narrow the focus a bit, to ignore the distractions and the drone of everyday life, and just look at that one thing that inspires or moves or encourages you. We need to take time, now and then, to feed our minds something besides the mundane reality we deal with on a daily basis. It might be a piece of the sky; it might be a few moments with a child or a dog.
What's your focus right now?
Labels: Think Tank
# posted
by Rob Colfax, Senior Editor @ 8/27/2006 12:28:00 PM
27 August, 2006
Piero Ferrucci and Psychosynthesis
Piero Ferrucci believes that each of us has a healthy core and that we have several ways to tap into that source. This, of course, is a somewhat different perspective from many of his predecessors and contemporaries in the field of psychology, who favor a more biochemical or analytical approach to the workings of the mind.
Ferrucci's mentor Robert Assagioli was a colleague of Sigmund Freud and Carl Jung; by challenging the emphasis on pathology, Assagioli developed the idea that psychosynthesis is the key to a healthy mental outlook. The focus of psychosynthesis is bringing together disparate aspects of one's personality in order to form a more cohesive, authentic, and higher-functioning self.
Ferrucci feels that suffering comes from denying the best parts of ourselves. "We not only suppress violence and sex--as Freud said--but more to the point we suppress love and inner beauty because that’s much scarier," he comments. "It is much easier to be like everyone else. If you’re creative, happy and joyful, you are probably different from others.”
For more, check out the great article on Dr. Ferucci at http://www.odemagazine.com/article.php?aID=4066&l=en.
Ferrucci's mentor Robert Assagioli was a colleague of Sigmund Freud and Carl Jung; by challenging the emphasis on pathology, Assagioli developed the idea that psychosynthesis is the key to a healthy mental outlook. The focus of psychosynthesis is bringing together disparate aspects of one's personality in order to form a more cohesive, authentic, and higher-functioning self.
Ferrucci feels that suffering comes from denying the best parts of ourselves. "We not only suppress violence and sex--as Freud said--but more to the point we suppress love and inner beauty because that’s much scarier," he comments. "It is much easier to be like everyone else. If you’re creative, happy and joyful, you are probably different from others.”
For more, check out the great article on Dr. Ferucci at http://www.odemagazine.com/article.php?aID=4066&l=en.
Labels: Think Tank
# posted
by Fraser MacKenzie, Online Editor @ 8/25/2006 10:01:00 PM
25 August, 2006
The Divine Joker
Do you ever think that maybe the universe has a sense of humor? Have you ever wondered whether some things are just so patently silly and ridiculous that they're not meant to be taken as truth? Maybe sometimes we suffer from a sort of psychic astigmatism, a blurring of the inner vision that prevents us from spotting the hoax, getting the joke, or seeing the humor.
Read the full article...
Read the full article...
Labels: Think Tank
# posted
by Rob Colfax, Senior Editor @ 8/20/2006 09:52:00 AM
20 August, 2006
Irish Guitarist Barry McCabe Talks About Beyond the Tears and the Gift of Music
A year or so ago, some of our staff here discovered an Irish blues guitarist named Barry McCabe on the CD Baby site. CD Baby, as some of you may know, specializes in marketing the music of independent artists; you don't go there to buy the latest blockbuster single you heard all over the radio--you go there to find quality music by musicians who haven't been co-opted by the corporate conglomerates. Barry McCabe caught our attention at first because we thought he sounded remarkably like another Irish guitarist, the "Last of the Independents," the late Rory Gallagher (although after listening to "Alberta" off Barry's Absolutely Live disc, Erin commented that she thought Barry was the more versatile vocalist of the two). Delving into his more recent CD The Peace Within, I noticed a broadening and deepening of musical perspective as Barry worked with piper Davy Spillane to create a compelling blend of Celtic blues.
Recently Barry McCabe has been hard at work on the new CD Beyond the Tears, as well as taking time out to play at clubs and blues festivals here and there. The CD is due out September 9; however, it's now available for pre-ordering online, and Barry has four tracks available for free download in the music section of his site (all the other tracks have samples available for listening as well). In addition to this, he's taking a unique approach to the new CD's release: recognizing that his listeners quickly become ardent fans who want to share their new discovery with their friends, he's giving away an extra CD free to everyone who pre-orders the new CD, so you have one for yourself and one to pass along to someone else who'd enjoy the music. (You can do this when you're not beholden to a bunch of corporate fat-cats, you see.)
From what we've sampled so far of the new disc, it sounds like it's every bit up to his usual high standards. Things start off with a Chuck Berry-style rocker reminiscent of Dave Edmunds, progress through a very smooth cover of Van Morrison's "Crazy Love," cruise the moody waters of a Peter Green-ish "Trouble" and finish up with the folky acoustic simplicity of "Sunset Waltz."
In his latest newsletter, Barry writes about how the new CD came about:
"OK, a little bit of background on the CD itself and the recording process.
"The songs on the CD are all ‘roughly’ connected in that they relate to this character called Johnny. As I say on the CD sleeve – who’s Johnny? Johnny is the personification of many people we see – or don’t – around us every day. Johnny is the misunderstood, the lonely, the outcast, the unfortunate, the part of society and ourselves we’d rather not know about.
"The idea to do an entire album based on one character hit me one evening as I was sitting in the car waiting for someone. The idea took shape in my mind pretty quickly and as I sketched it out on a piece of paper even some of the song titles were already there. I had been ‘waiting’ for an idea to hang the album on for a while so now that I had it I could get to work.
"I called up the guys in the band, told them to dust off the equipment and that the new CD was now a ‘work in progress’. It’s not always fair on them as they often have to wait on me and as I work very much on ‘feel’ I often have to wait for things myself!!
"We started working on 'Lonely Road' first and it fell into place quite fast. It was exciting to work on it but it was also a bit strange as this time I was going to attempt to write a complete album without ‘testing’ the songs on the road first. This time I had the feeling that I should leave everything until the last minute and basically work off what we’d hear back in the studio when we laid down the backing tracks. It was a terrifying idea at times but again I just ‘felt’ this was the right thing to do.
"I had a rough draft of 'I Wonder' ready and we ran through it just once as we were finishing up one evening. Then working in that strange fashion I have I basically did NOTHING for about another year. I was still working things out in my head but I didn’t get together with the guys anymore. I decided to buy myself a small 4-track recorder and proceeded to lay down a basic guitar track and a basic vocal. Then I overdubbed either a harmony vocal or one or two guitar parts.
"I had the idea all along to bring some friends in on the recording session and I was absolutely thrilled when they ALL said ‘yes’. I’ve known Johnny (Fean) for many, many years (from his days in Horslips) and he’s one of the most soulful guitarists you could ever ask to meet. He’s also a BIG Peter Green fan.
"Pat (McManus) is actually a cousin of mine and obviously I’ve known him for quite awhile too. Pat was with us in the studio from the very start and played a huge part in the album turning out the way it did. I’ve known Mark (Feltham) since his Rory days but got to know him much better over the last while as we kept bumping into each other at festivals across Europe. I’ll write more about these guys later (and their contributions) but it’s sufficient to say that they are among the top players of the world.
"When I did finally get back to working on the new songs I ended up turning out a song a day sometimes. It became a very prolific period for me and I felt inspired. I was laying it all down on my 4-track and as soon as I had what I wanted for the album I sent the rough mixes off to the guys. We met up the Saturday before going into the studio and we raced through the material. We worked up a very rough version of each song and that’s as far as I wanted to go with it. We all arrived at the studio the following Monday and proceeded to get stuck in. We worked really fast but at a very leisurely pace. There was no pressure on anyone and when we had what we thought was a good take we’d move on. We recorded in a very ‘live’ situation, meaning we all played in the same room without using headphones – just working off each other live. The up side of working like this is EVERYONE is REALLY in tune with each other. You get that special feel of it, when everyone is in the same place at the same time. The down side of it is that everyone’s got to get it right as there is no possibility to overdub because of the ‘leakage’ from the mic’s (in other words you’d hear the bass on some of the drum mics’s, etc.). Intense but in the end worth it, I think.
"I’ll write more about the experience later but hopefully now you’ll feel some of the same experiences we felt going through getting the music this far."
Regarding the promo in effect for pre-ordering the new CD, Barry writes, "Maybe it’s the heat or my generous nature, I don’t know, but we’re going to try the following and hope that it works. As a ‘thank you’ for your support, and for pre-ordering the new CD, all copies bought during the pre-order period will be autographed - AND - we’re going to give you all an extra CD for FREE with every CD that you buy. I know a lot of you have bought extra copies of my previous CDs for your friends (or maybe it was your enemies!) or had some of your friends bug you to make them a copy, so we thought we’d make it as easy as possible for you this time by actually doing some of the hard work for you already. This way they get their own copy (12 page full colour booklet and all).
"Music is a gift and it should be shared as much as possible. We’re starting the ball rolling by giving you a ‘gift’ with your purchase. We hope that whoever receives the ‘gift’ from you will in turn tell someone else about it and that way we can keep the ‘chain of giving’ moving forward. With the purchase of this CD someone somewhere will always be getting a ‘gift’ of music for free!
"I really hope we can make this work. Obviously we’re cutting our profit margin to the bone to try and achieve this so we’d be very grateful if you can alert your friends to this action. Only by doing that can we keep it moving forward and keep giving someone something for free."
So here are your links for Beyond the Tears:
Download 4 Tracks Free (and preview all tracks)
http://www.barrymccabe.com/music/?id=5
Pre-order from CD Baby (and get an extra one free - both are signed copies)
http://cdbaby.com/cd/bmcband4
Best wishes to Barry on the upcoming release, and thanks for sharing your music and insights with us.
Recently Barry McCabe has been hard at work on the new CD Beyond the Tears, as well as taking time out to play at clubs and blues festivals here and there. The CD is due out September 9; however, it's now available for pre-ordering online, and Barry has four tracks available for free download in the music section of his site (all the other tracks have samples available for listening as well). In addition to this, he's taking a unique approach to the new CD's release: recognizing that his listeners quickly become ardent fans who want to share their new discovery with their friends, he's giving away an extra CD free to everyone who pre-orders the new CD, so you have one for yourself and one to pass along to someone else who'd enjoy the music. (You can do this when you're not beholden to a bunch of corporate fat-cats, you see.)
From what we've sampled so far of the new disc, it sounds like it's every bit up to his usual high standards. Things start off with a Chuck Berry-style rocker reminiscent of Dave Edmunds, progress through a very smooth cover of Van Morrison's "Crazy Love," cruise the moody waters of a Peter Green-ish "Trouble" and finish up with the folky acoustic simplicity of "Sunset Waltz."
In his latest newsletter, Barry writes about how the new CD came about:
"OK, a little bit of background on the CD itself and the recording process.
"The songs on the CD are all ‘roughly’ connected in that they relate to this character called Johnny. As I say on the CD sleeve – who’s Johnny? Johnny is the personification of many people we see – or don’t – around us every day. Johnny is the misunderstood, the lonely, the outcast, the unfortunate, the part of society and ourselves we’d rather not know about.
"The idea to do an entire album based on one character hit me one evening as I was sitting in the car waiting for someone. The idea took shape in my mind pretty quickly and as I sketched it out on a piece of paper even some of the song titles were already there. I had been ‘waiting’ for an idea to hang the album on for a while so now that I had it I could get to work.
"I called up the guys in the band, told them to dust off the equipment and that the new CD was now a ‘work in progress’. It’s not always fair on them as they often have to wait on me and as I work very much on ‘feel’ I often have to wait for things myself!!
"We started working on 'Lonely Road' first and it fell into place quite fast. It was exciting to work on it but it was also a bit strange as this time I was going to attempt to write a complete album without ‘testing’ the songs on the road first. This time I had the feeling that I should leave everything until the last minute and basically work off what we’d hear back in the studio when we laid down the backing tracks. It was a terrifying idea at times but again I just ‘felt’ this was the right thing to do.
"I had a rough draft of 'I Wonder' ready and we ran through it just once as we were finishing up one evening. Then working in that strange fashion I have I basically did NOTHING for about another year. I was still working things out in my head but I didn’t get together with the guys anymore. I decided to buy myself a small 4-track recorder and proceeded to lay down a basic guitar track and a basic vocal. Then I overdubbed either a harmony vocal or one or two guitar parts.
"I had the idea all along to bring some friends in on the recording session and I was absolutely thrilled when they ALL said ‘yes’. I’ve known Johnny (Fean) for many, many years (from his days in Horslips) and he’s one of the most soulful guitarists you could ever ask to meet. He’s also a BIG Peter Green fan.
"Pat (McManus) is actually a cousin of mine and obviously I’ve known him for quite awhile too. Pat was with us in the studio from the very start and played a huge part in the album turning out the way it did. I’ve known Mark (Feltham) since his Rory days but got to know him much better over the last while as we kept bumping into each other at festivals across Europe. I’ll write more about these guys later (and their contributions) but it’s sufficient to say that they are among the top players of the world.
"When I did finally get back to working on the new songs I ended up turning out a song a day sometimes. It became a very prolific period for me and I felt inspired. I was laying it all down on my 4-track and as soon as I had what I wanted for the album I sent the rough mixes off to the guys. We met up the Saturday before going into the studio and we raced through the material. We worked up a very rough version of each song and that’s as far as I wanted to go with it. We all arrived at the studio the following Monday and proceeded to get stuck in. We worked really fast but at a very leisurely pace. There was no pressure on anyone and when we had what we thought was a good take we’d move on. We recorded in a very ‘live’ situation, meaning we all played in the same room without using headphones – just working off each other live. The up side of working like this is EVERYONE is REALLY in tune with each other. You get that special feel of it, when everyone is in the same place at the same time. The down side of it is that everyone’s got to get it right as there is no possibility to overdub because of the ‘leakage’ from the mic’s (in other words you’d hear the bass on some of the drum mics’s, etc.). Intense but in the end worth it, I think.
"I’ll write more about the experience later but hopefully now you’ll feel some of the same experiences we felt going through getting the music this far."
Regarding the promo in effect for pre-ordering the new CD, Barry writes, "Maybe it’s the heat or my generous nature, I don’t know, but we’re going to try the following and hope that it works. As a ‘thank you’ for your support, and for pre-ordering the new CD, all copies bought during the pre-order period will be autographed - AND - we’re going to give you all an extra CD for FREE with every CD that you buy. I know a lot of you have bought extra copies of my previous CDs for your friends (or maybe it was your enemies!) or had some of your friends bug you to make them a copy, so we thought we’d make it as easy as possible for you this time by actually doing some of the hard work for you already. This way they get their own copy (12 page full colour booklet and all).
"Music is a gift and it should be shared as much as possible. We’re starting the ball rolling by giving you a ‘gift’ with your purchase. We hope that whoever receives the ‘gift’ from you will in turn tell someone else about it and that way we can keep the ‘chain of giving’ moving forward. With the purchase of this CD someone somewhere will always be getting a ‘gift’ of music for free!
"I really hope we can make this work. Obviously we’re cutting our profit margin to the bone to try and achieve this so we’d be very grateful if you can alert your friends to this action. Only by doing that can we keep it moving forward and keep giving someone something for free."
So here are your links for Beyond the Tears:
Download 4 Tracks Free (and preview all tracks)
http://www.barrymccabe.com/music/?id=5
Pre-order from CD Baby (and get an extra one free - both are signed copies)
http://cdbaby.com/cd/bmcband4
Best wishes to Barry on the upcoming release, and thanks for sharing your music and insights with us.
Labels: Music, Think Tank
# posted
by Fraser MacKenzie, Online Editor @ 8/18/2006 11:11:00 AM
18 August, 2006
Gender and Magic(k)
Phil Hine has recently added some new articles to his site. One particularly notable piece is Lou Hart's "Magic Is a Many Gendered Thing"; this is a paper which was written for the annual Pagan Federation Conference held in Scotland last spring. It's a good overview of gender concepts in Western neo-pagan practices (concepts which are in dire need of a good update, in my opinion).
Labels: Think Tank
# posted
by Hunter MacKenzie, Field Correspondent @ 8/10/2006 10:38:00 AM
10 August, 2006
Quantum Tarot?
Bill Vincent doesn't necessarily believe you can "see into the future" with Tarot, or that the cards themselves hold any intrinsic magickal powers. However, he does point out that when shuffled, they become a random device that can interact with our thoughts and intent much as other "random" instruments have been demonstrably influenced by thoughts in controlled experimental situations. (To try a very crude version of this yourself, set your CD player on random and attempt to influence what song comes up. You might be surprised.) Check out the article at Quantum Thoughts on Tarot.
Labels: Think Tank
# posted
by Hunter MacKenzie, Field Correspondent @ 8/09/2006 05:01:00 PM
09 August, 2006
Shock Your Monkey-Brain
Thunderbolts.info, which has been undergoing some major updates lately, is now fully functional. If you're not familiar with what they're doing over there, this is a site dealing primarily with the theory of the electric universe and showing that gravity only plays a rather small role in the big picture (despite what the the "scientific establishment" still clinging to the Newtonian model would have us believe).
In their monograph Thunderbolts of the Gods, David Talbott and Wallace Thornhill write, "Today, nothing is more important to the future and credibility of science than liberation from the gravity-driven universe of prior theory. A mistaken supposition has not only prevented intelligent and sincere investigators from seeing what would otherwise be obvious, it has bred indifference to possibilities that could have inspired the sciences for decades."
Check out the new stuff at the site, and if you're looking for a good place to start, I recommend Michael Goodspeed's article "Electric Universe: A Cosmology for the 21st Century."
In their monograph Thunderbolts of the Gods, David Talbott and Wallace Thornhill write, "Today, nothing is more important to the future and credibility of science than liberation from the gravity-driven universe of prior theory. A mistaken supposition has not only prevented intelligent and sincere investigators from seeing what would otherwise be obvious, it has bred indifference to possibilities that could have inspired the sciences for decades."
Check out the new stuff at the site, and if you're looking for a good place to start, I recommend Michael Goodspeed's article "Electric Universe: A Cosmology for the 21st Century."
Labels: Think Tank
# posted
by Hunter MacKenzie, Field Correspondent @ 7/26/2006 10:02:00 AM
26 July, 2006
News from Thunderbolts
The Thunderbolts.info site has been undergoing some major updates of late. A few areas are still under construction, but there's plenty of new info to see while they complete the rest. For instance, you can now watch video clips from the Thunderbolts DVD. An upcoming feature will allow you to download "The Electric Comet," a recent presentation by Australian physicist Wallace Thornhill and mythologist David Talbott at the 33rd International Conference on Plasma Sciences. Check out the revamped site and put some electricity into your universe.
Labels: Think Tank
# posted
by Fraser MacKenzie, Online Editor @ 7/07/2006 08:49:00 PM
07 July, 2006
Bertrand Russell on the (In)Sane Society
"No one can deny, in face of the evidence, that it is easy, given military power, to produce a population of fanatical lunatics. It would be equally easy to produce a population of sane and reasonable people, but many governments do not wish to do so, since such people would fail to admire the politicians who are at the head of these governments."
--from Bertrand Russell's essay "An Outline of Intellectual Rubbish" in Unpopular Essays
--from Bertrand Russell's essay "An Outline of Intellectual Rubbish" in Unpopular Essays
Labels: Literary Arts, Subversive Ideas, Think Tank
# posted
by Fraser MacKenzie, Online Editor @ 6/15/2006 08:01:00 AM
15 June, 2006
Street Fighting Poets
"I like the 'positive hero' found in the turbulent trenches of civil wars by the North American Walt Whitman and the Soviet Mayakovsky, but there is also room in my heart for Lautreamont's mourning-clad hero, Laforgue's sighing knight errant, and Baudelaire's negative soldier.
"Beware of separating these halves of the apple of creation, for we may cut open our hearts and stop living. Beware! We have to demand of the poet that he take his place in the street and in the fight, as well as in the light and in the darkness."
--from Memoirs by Pablo Neruda, translated by Hardie St. Martin
"Beware of separating these halves of the apple of creation, for we may cut open our hearts and stop living. Beware! We have to demand of the poet that he take his place in the street and in the fight, as well as in the light and in the darkness."
--from Memoirs by Pablo Neruda, translated by Hardie St. Martin
Labels: Literary Arts, Think Tank
# posted
by Fraser MacKenzie, Online Editor @ 5/01/2006 09:30:00 AM