Thursday, October 20, 2005

Indigo Children - Hope for the future?

In the post below titled "The Adversarial Mindset vs. Impartiality and Objectivity," I ended by expressing the hope that "Perhaps we can help find the balance between the realistic skepticism required for self-preservation and the optimistic hope of open-mindedness, objectivity and cooperation required... also for our self-preservation. Let's wish ourselves good fortune and do what we can." This was written in the context of our work at JRE Grassroots, a politically oriented website and community where I'm a site administrator. I used to loathe politics, but learned long ago that, as Pericles said in 430 BC, "Just because you do not take an interest in politics doesn't mean politics won't take an interest in you." Our political process, flawed as it is, is still one of the ways we can work for positive change on a national and global scale, so I 'got involved.' There are many other ways, however, people can work to promote tolerance, understanding, peace, and respect for each other and the planet.

Please read that post for context, if you haven't already.

I've just become aware of a phenomenon. Well, I've been aware of the phenomenon itself for many years, but I just learned that others have also become aware of it, and it now has a name. In the last decade or two, more and more children have been discovered to have some unique and impressive traits. Unusual intelligence, and perceptive and analytical abilities, a maturity and wisdom far beyond their years, remarkable musical or other artistic talents, psychic or metaphysical potential or ability, and other characteristics that seem to indicate that something unusual is going on. Their gifts come at a price, however - society isn't really geared to nurturing prodigies who are more often than not non-conformists, impatient with dysfunctional systems, and otherwise frustrated by the way things are in the world today. They don't fit in very well, and they suffer because of it, feeling isolated and unable to relate to current cultural mindsets. They are often misdiagnosed with attention deficit disorder, or hyperactivity, or autisim, or some other mental aberration, and all too often medicated with drugs that may do more harm than good. This phenomenon has been noticed, researched, measured and studied in depth by professionals in the mental health and educational fields. They are known as the Indigo Children, and many believe they may actually be the vanguard of a new stage in human evolution. You can learn more about Indigo Children here. I've also added a link to that site (Metagifted.Org) to the sidebar. Anyway, learning about this has been very interesting, and has given me not only explanations for some of the anomalies in my own life, and a feeling of understanding and connection, but also the hope that there might be enough of these children with the wisdom and power to help guide us through the major changes we'll need to make to restore some balance to our lives, our cultures, and the planet.

I think we're going to be hearing more about these kids.

Peace...

Monday, September 26, 2005

Alternative Creation Theories?

If the government wants to allow schools to expand their 'science' cirriculum beyond scientifically based creation theories, and teach religion-based theories, shouldn't they include theories taught by other religious groups (such as Native American and other indiginous peoples) as well as Judeo-Christian based creation stories? Shouldn't we learn how one tribe's ancestors crawled out of a hole in the earth, or another tribe emerged from the womb of a turtle? I'm sure there are a great diversity of creation stories and myths that could be presented as viable theories - probably enough to completely fill a student's schedule for several semesters, anyway. Or should we just stick to science in the schools, and leave religion to the churches, mosques, tabernacles, synagogues, dioceses, and other religious institutions or organizations?

Thursday, August 18, 2005

The Adversarial Mindset vs. Impartiality and Objectivity

The Adversarial Mindset vs. Impartiality and Objectivity:

Oxymoron? Paradox? Catch 22? A Balance to be Found?

A while ago I made an entry comparing the definitions of patriotism and nationalism, noting that nationalism is anathema to the concepts of freedom and tolerance. A psychological prerequisite to the cultural phenomena of nationalism is an adversarial mindset. Without a predisposition to render all issues into a linear, two-dimensional context - and further, mistakenly assume that the two perspectives, the two perceived realities, being at opposite ends of the continuum, must be incompatible - nationalism, and other manifestations of a narrow, confrontational mindset, would be virtually impossible.

This urge to polarize everything, to break things down into simple black and white, is deeply ingrained - it's a fundamental instinct that enables us to survive in a world filled with conflicts of all sorts. Competition with other species - and, as homo sapiens evolved and developed social structures, between tribes and nations - for land, food, and other resources has been a fact of life since the pre-dawn of our history. There has always been an "I and you," and an "us and them" in our reality, from the individual level up through the family, tribe, neighborhood, city, county, state, national, political, religious, ethnic, and other social and cultural distinctions that define and often separate us from each other.

Where we draw the line between "us" and "them" depends entirely on the nature and context of the issue - and sometimes it's not up to us, it's drawn by circumstances beyond our control. And it's rarely a static line, nor a clear one, it expands and contracts according to situations, and our objectivity or subjectivity, blurring and sharpening as we learn more, constantly causing us to redefine our perceptions of reality according to the latest context and data. This need to define and divine our boundaries and allegiances, to draw and perceive the lines tween "us" and "them," is a survival mechanism, without which we wouldn't be able to make critical decisions.

It is not enough, however, to simply draw a line blindly wherever it may seem to suit us at the moment; nor is it safe to mistake someone else's imaginary line for a real one and base our decisions on it - we must separate ourselves from our fellow man with great care, and accept those separations imposed upon us by others with great reluctance and skepticism. The importance of doing so cannot be overstated. To fail in this endeavor to always strive for harmony over discord, to expand the boundaries of the inclusive circle of "us," will tip the delicate balance and spill out all our hopes for peace in the world. To fail to perceive a genuine threat from a legitimate "them" brings disaster - but to create a division where none really exists is equally foolhardy, and will also result in dire consequences. This attempt to find and maintain a balanced and realistic perspective on which to base our decisions is an endless dance.

There are a few tools we'll need to achieve this goal, though:

1. brutal honesty, both with ourselves and with each other;

2. a genuine recognition of our essential human commonality, and an understanding that we are collectively entrusted with the care and stewardship of the planet and all that is upon it, and that if we blow it we're screwed;

3. the genuine deep-seated respect for each other that must arise from recognizing our essential oneness, and our essential individual autonomy and rights;

4. a deep and abiding faith that, just as none of us are perfect, each of us making wrong and hurtful choices based on ignorance or selfishness from time to time, each also frequently acts with great compassion and goodness;

5. ...and time to adjust to this new reality, to get over the shock of paradigm shift. This might be the most difficult hurdle of all, to overcome the inertia of a billion systems seemingly hell-bent on self-destruction.

But the hard part is, this is a world-game that won't work right unless everybody plays... and by the same basic rules, of honesty, compassion and respect for our many differences. So how do we get from where we are now to that place?

I don't know the answer to that. I imagine it will take some sort of universal and transforming set of circumstances, a global epiphany, if you will, that catalyzes our collective consciousness (and conscience) and causes the seeds of reason to take root and grow. But I do know that in the meantime we must continue to have faith in the essential goodness of men - and, while discerning and guarding against erroneous information, lies, and fraud, we must sow seeds of peace and understanding, and support others who are also driven by the same desire for harmony.

I also know that those who spend their time sowing seeds of suspicion and fear, whose efforts serve to divide and alienate us from our brothers and sisters, are not themselves our enemy - they are merely wandering in their own darkness, blind to the opportunities that open before them and pass unnoticed. They are slaves to the real enemy: Ignorance. This is the enemy we must do battle with. We must find and root out the ignorance and resulting fear that lives within ourselves and within each other - and at the same time find, recognize and nurture the goodness that also lives within each of us.

Unfortunately, this is a seemingly endless process of spiritual growth and evolution, not something that can be rushed through, any more than one can expect adult behavior from a ten-year-old, or a house to be built in an hour. Lessons must be thoroughly learned, some several times over, foundations must be laid and built upon, before we finally "get it." Shortcuts result in poor workmanship and a shoddy product, and cost much more than they're worth in the time (we only imagine) we save.

Nonetheless, this seemingly monumental and impossible task, of educating ourselves and each other about the consequences of self-righteousness and disrespect for others, and the benefits of practicing and promoting mutual tolerance, understanding and respect, is one that demands our time and energy. Some would have you believe this dedication to open-mindedness is something they like to call "moral relativism," an affliction that renders one incapable of determining what one thinks might be right from what one thinks might be wrong. That's pure-dee bullcrap. Real moral relativism is a long way down the road from open-mindedness - let's use a little common sense here.

Ironically enough, the only thing we shouldn't be open-minded about is being narrow-minded... there's no room for it in any workable plan to help bring peace and prosperity to the planet. Self-righteous people who talk a lot but don't listen much make me extremely nervous. I instinctively distrust them, as they're entirely too sure of their own assumptions, too committed to their own little paradigms, to grow and evolve. They exist in a state of waking death, like zombie spiders, luring others into their petrified doctrinal webs of ignorance, fear and denial.

Peace to you and yours...

:~)aniel

Monday, July 04, 2005

Patriotism vs. Nationalism

Merriam Webster defines these as:

Patriotism:
Function: noun: love for or devotion to one's country

Nationalism:
Function: noun: loyalty and devotion to a nation; especially: a sense of national consciousness exalting one nation above all others and placing primary emphasis on promotion of its culture and interests as opposed to those of other nations or supranational groups.

Ignorance of the essential difference between these two attributes has apparently allowed many to slip across the divide unaware of their own narrow-mindedness. A couple of the fundamental things about America that inspire patriotism are it's dedication to and promotion of freedom and tolerance. While nationalism is a violation of these very prinicples, patriotism embodies and upholds them.

:~)

Saturday, June 25, 2005

Eminent Domain

The Supreme Court's decision to allow the Eminent Domain ruling to be used to transfer property from individual property owners to other private parties and corporations to "serve the public interest" is a travesty. Using this logic, any property could be transferred by government edict to another owner if it was thought (by someone) that such transfer would serve the public interest (whatever that's determined to be). Let's see... Bill Gates' house would make a great community recreation center or library, so we can start there. George Bush's ranch would make a wonderful Boy's Ranch, and that would certainly serve the public interest, so let's turn that over to some government agency or corporation, too. I'm sure many properties, all over the country, could be better used to "serve the public interest" under new ownership... or at least it could be so argued in any court of law. Where do you think this will this lead?

Friday, May 20, 2005

Politics and Religion...

The Relationship Between Politics and Religion

...has been at the root of much of the world's pain. These days we're hearing a lot about this impossible conjunction in the context of our nation's political woes, particularly as regards the appointment of judges to the Supreme Court. It is without a doubt a profoundly important issue, perhaps the most important issue facing Americans today. I believe, as did our Founding Fathers, that it is imperative to maintain a clear line of separation between church and state. To do otherwise is to invite the very circumstances the settlers of this nation intended to avoid... the oppressive rule of a theocratic government. The annals of history are chock full of evidence that supports this conclusion. Americans have diverse religious beliefs, and if the government is allowed to dabble in religion, show preference for any one doctrine or theology over another, or, worse yet, claim divine ordination, it won't be long before this "us and them" mindset pollutes our entire culture, and we'll have some subset of Catholics waging legislative war against a splinter group of Quakers. It's ridiculous to assume that the secular functions of a government are compatible with the clerical functions of a church. If we do not insist on having a purely secular government, devoid of any religious trappings, rhetoric or edicts, we will invite the same hate, dissension and tyrrany our ancestors fought so hard to escape. For those who think this nation was founded on Judeo-Christian principles, well, you're just wrong. This nation was founded on humanitarian principles of individual freedom (including the freedom to believe as we will), equality, and justice for all, and a clear admonishment was given to keep matters of church and state separate.

Footnote (7/4/2005):

I do not mean to imply that our nation's founders weren't influenced in their crafting of our government by their Christian convictions, nor do I discount the fact that the fundamental precept of Christianity (love for all men) is the same prinicple underpinning all advances in human rights (e.g. the Magna Carta). These steps forward in the spiritual evolution of man, however, do not owe their origin to the religion of Christianity. Love was around long before it was embodied in Christ, or preached in Christian churches - and it is currently evidenced and practiced by many who do not adhere precisely to the teachings of your favorite brand of church. If the government gets involved in any of this, things are gonna get messed up, you can count on it. If you really love your fellow man, regardless if his spiritual beliefs differ from yours, do him the honor of preventing the government from legislating anything regarding religion (with the exception that one may believe as one wishes). If you really love your God, then do Him (or Her, if you worship the Mother, or It, if you worship something else...) the honor of trusting Him/Her/It to be able to manage the spiritual end of things without having to get the government involved.

Tuesday, March 01, 2005

My Webshots Photo Albums

Howdy.

I've been posting pictures in my Webshots Photo Albums for about five years, for much of the time I was living on Orcas Island. The San Juan Islands in Washington are a stunningly beautiful place, and it's hard to take a bad picture there... I have over a thousand pictures posted in my albums, and I'm finally getting around to doing a major cleanup and reorganization, removing redundant or very similar photos, consolidating albums, and giving them more meaningful titles (often what was previously entered in the picture 'comments' area). I love to share the natural beauty of the San Juans with my friends, and the world. Please treat yourself to a visit to my albums. I added a link to the sidebar here, too.

Have a great day!

:~)aniel

Wednesday, February 23, 2005

Social Security Reform?

Okay, this seems pretty simple to me. Social Security is a program designed to help basically two different kinds of people -- retirees, and people who have a disability that prevents them from working. It was not intended to be an investment plan, in the conventional sense of the term, but rather a safety net that would be there for whoever needed it. Social Security and investment plans are not mutually exclusive -- anyone who chooses to invest in the stock market, or other investment plans, can do so without jeapordizing their Social Security benefits. Privatization of Social Security wouldn't fix the program, it would destroy it by redirecting funds that normally go into the Social Security fund elsewhere, leaving the program unable to provide a safety net for those who choose not to participate in other investment plans, or whose circumstances preclude such participation. Also, what happens to those whose investments don't earn expected returns and are left impoverished or destitute? They would be left to rot, dependent on handouts from family and friends, with no government program able to provide for them.

It appears to me to be another poorly disguised effort to keep wealth and power in the hands of the rich.

What do you think?

:~)aniel

Monday, February 21, 2005

Message Board

Howdy! Salutations from the high desert. Man, from the mountains to a sailboat to an island to the high desert, it's been a long and beautiful trip. Not without some bumps in the road, of course, they come with the territory, so to speak, but it's still been a beautiful trip -- I'm workin' on that "glass half full" premise, ya know?

Anyway, it seems the older I get, the more important friendship seems to be, and I've been more than fortunate in that area. I've met some great people along the way, and I'll take this opportunity to say "thank you" for sharing part of your life with me. I pray you're exponentially blessed.

Please use this topic (or post, or 'thread,' or whatever you want to call it...) to post a message (if it doesn't fit in one of the existing topics, and if you're in the mood). Leave a simple "hello," a few thoughts, some poetry (perhaps a haiku?), an epic essay on the state of the world, or anything you like.

Namasté...

:~)aniel

Thursday, February 17, 2005

A personal note...

Welcome to my blog, friend. The internet is an incredible thing, isn't it? Its scope encompasses just about the entire spectrum of human interest and endeavor, and its potential as a communication tool is virtually limitless. One of the things I've experienced in exploring and learning about it is a sense of being overwhelmed with the possibilities. Being a gregarious sort of guy (on some levels -- on others I'm just a reclusive hermit!) I have been fortunate enough to make quite a substantial number of friends in my life -- and, being fairly active on the internet, from time to time, in forums and message boards, I've become electronically acquainted with many more. The 'downside' to this phenomena is that I am all too often unable to give the personal attention you deserve. I've neglected to correspond with so many of you on a personal level, through email, phone calls, or snail mail, that I'll never be able to catch up, or pay you the proper respect I feel for you but don't seem to have the time to express adequately. Sometimes it's because I'm really too busy, and sometimes it's just because Im too lazy or don't seem to have the time or energy to devote to the task. I'd like you to know, though, that my intentions are much more noble than my actions this regard -- and that, even though I may neglect to observe the prescribed rituals of friendship, and may often seem aloof or withdrawn, you are always in my heart, and in my thoughts and prayers, and I am grateful for the light you share with me and the world.

:~)aniel

Greetings!

In contemplating what purpose this blog might serve, a number of ideas came to mind, but I wound up deciding on a forum for free expression, the exchange of thoughts and ideas, important or trivial. In other words, I couldn't decide what to use it for, or what to leave out! Please post some suggestions for topics you'd like to discuss here, in the comments of this post - I've got a few ideas, and I'll pick some of yours, and we'll start some new topics.

Thanks! Have a fine day!

:~)aniel