Troubleshooting And Repairing A Broken System

Troubleshooting And Repairing A Broken System

from the book. 

An Electrician’s Guide To The Galaxy

There is an inmost center in us all, where truth abides in fullness;….and, to know, rather consists in opening out a way where the imprisoned splendor may escape, then in effecting entry for a light supposed to be without.” —-Robert Browning

Being a broken human being rarely gets a lot of positive feedback, or life affirming attention from others.  It certainly is not a lifestyle choice for those who finally choose to awaken, which I finally did at the age of 31 years.

How did I attempt to bring healing to my broken interior? .I acknowledged that, of myself and my old ways, I was heading nowhere, and that I was doomed to repeat the same mistakes over and over again

I did not have childhood training nor did I spontaneously develop capacities for insight, positive change, and growth until later in life.  I needed to develop the emotional and spiritual fortitude to look at the entirety of my life, and then incorporate the experience into my evolving understanding of myself, which also impacts the whole of life in a more positive manner.  By developing the power of insight, I brought a new level of healing and awareness into each new present moment of experience.  Some call this process mindfulness, though I just call it taking personal inventory, and improving my conscious contact with my higher power as I learned through practicing the 12 steps of Alcoholics Anonymous.  I have come to believe that these powers may bring me to sanity, no matter how often I might have falled in the past.

Part of maintaining sanity is to allow for the continuous evolution of understanding and experience of who we are, and what God or Higher Power is, apart from all religious dogma, ignorance, politics, and superstition.  If we only continue to believe in things that we don’t understand, like our religions and their man-made or divinely inspired theories, it becomes nothing short of superstitious reasoning, if we are not also informed and inspired by this Truth.  We must attempt to understand the mental ecology, and the history, of human beings, as we are the ones who create and embrace all such ideas, divinely inspired, or, most likely, otherwise..  This insight is essential if we want to cultivate any hope at all of troubleshooting and repairing any damaged human system.

There was no minister, church, support group, therapist, Care Unit counselor, Indian guru, psychiatrist, mother, father,  sister, wife, friend, daughter, son, pet dog, or Jesus Christ figure that could dig into my unique version of the human soul, and remove the thorns/swords that had been thrust into my side since my birth.  My internal wounding and the resultant unsustainable suffering became the impetus to begin my inward journey.   I examined the chaotic areas of my life and then attempted to mine the treasure from my unique relationship with all suffering and it’s vast shadow.  To not face myself would mean to continue living the second-hand/passed down story of dysfunction that I inherited from our culture and from my ancestors, from which we cannot ever completely heal, without first becoming aware of our internalized, unconscious subservience to those controlling agendas.

For my work career, I was paid to install functional electrical systems and/or observe existing installations and systems, identify problems and inefficiencies, and offer solutions.  I progressed to troubleshooting my less than optimal self, beginning in earnest in 1987.  I eventually identified my common issues by connecting the dots to the rest of humanity.  It is amazing how many human systems, including those within myself, are resistant to healing change, however!  The cultural hypnotism with its imprisonment continues, mostly unabated.  Yet, healing is a powerful current that runs through us, whether we recognize its presence, or not.  Those that recognize it have the potential for an amazing life.  Those that don’t by offering resistance to their greatest good are certainly taking their chances.

I needed to use some of the same basic observational and functional skills that psychologists and therapists use while witnessing patients, while both assessing their stories, and working cooperatively with the patient.  The intention is to help the broken or under performing person experience enhanced functionality and, thus, experience a greater good.  Therapists and psychologists have exposed and developed many therapeutic clues and tools over the last four or five generations as to how to identify he sources of suffering, as well as techniques for its treatment.  Basic psychological/spiritual maps or schematics, such as those derived through studying conflicted internal family systems and resultant control issues,  human archetypes, and the long term effects of family trauma, have been created.  This background gives them an enhanced understanding, finer tuned intuition, and abilities to help troubleshoot and, hopefully, bring repair to the willing, though suffering patients.

I came to intuit that complex control systems and processes that were electro-mechanical and/or chemical equivalents for some limited functions of the human mind.  We come to expect that certain “inputs” will deliver desired “outputs”, while maintaining some sort of balance within the whole process.  But we need good information, and a well ordered and maintained internal system, to get the desired results.

I have witnessed many failed, or failing systems, human and mechanical,  for most of my life. The first failing system that I ever witnessed was our American capitalistic inspired religious and economic philosophies, especially as they negatively, and eventually, catastrophically influenced our world, the family system, and myself.  If we can find the errors in reasoning and historical conditioning, which contributes mightily to each of our personal narratives, we can begin a search for the underlying truth behind all situations, while shedding the cloaks of illusion that continues to clothe so much of the human race.

Stories where our unique personal value have been sacrificed to maintain some unloving sense of family and/or cultural order, or disorder, will be fertile grounds for exploration.  Also, the over processed junk food narratives of the collective human experience can become coupled to our own unique and vulnerable,  sense of self.  This promotes the  creation of  the stampede of self, and other, defeating perceptions, rather than exposing new pathways to an sense of our self enhanced with profound experiences of wonder, love of our self and each other, and an appreciation for the totality of life on this planet. Regardless of the perfection, or the imperfection of our upbringing, problems inevitably arise throughout the entirety of life, within this world that we share..  Yet,  if they can be seen within a more expansive context, where we can become more self-aware, consciously engage in troubleshooting and repairing our own issues, and become open to traveling new paths of consciousness, the negative effects can be minimized, and resilience and spiritual competency can be maximized.

We need a life guided and informed by the understanding of the totality of our lives, with the threads of our life’s meaning stretching from our sense of self towards infinity and back again, rather than as an imprisoning cocoon around our lives.  We can live a purpose filled life,  inspired by the desire to be the best version of ourselves, while serving the highest interests of each other and the Earth with all of its life. Without overcoming our wounding by cultivating a spiritually enhanced meaning and purpose, life’s inevitable vicissitudes may cause our lapse into the depths of despair, depression, powerlessness, and extraordinary suffering, with little hope for our escape.  The Big Bang of our entry into Consciousness itself might just turn into the Big Bust, if we unconsciously cling to an unhealed understanding of Life.

Troubleshooting Logic and Technique

The desire to fix a treasured object that has been damaged,  bring a cure to a child’s disease, or to end one’s suffering is the manifestation of love.  Love must be the guiding light while facilitating repairs and regeneration of any broken person, place, or thing.  Bringing a hammer to a situation that requires a jeweler’s screw driver is a typical overreaction, is self defeating and reveals a life needing greater sensitivity and insight into itself. It is our desire to repair and improve, not damage further and destroy, so a conscious process must be undertaken to initiate repairs to any malfunctioning system, human or mechanical.

Some people just want to watch the world prosper, and to end the unhealed  other’s need to keep it burning.

Troubleshooting is a form of problem solving, often applied to repair failed products or processes on a machine, a system, or even a human life. It is a logical, systematic search for the source of a problem in order to solve it, and make the product, process or person functional again.

The first step in good problem analysis is to describe the problem completely. Without a problem description, we will not know where to start investigating the cause of the problem. Is it a systemic failure, is it limited to just one component or individual, is it transient or constant in nature.

This step includes asking ourselves such basic questions as:

1. What are the symptoms?
2. Where is the problem happening?
3. When does the problem happen?
4. Under which conditions does the problem happen?
5. Is there a fundamental flaw in the design or its very nature?

1. What Are The Symptoms?

When starting to describe a problem, the most obvious question is “What is the problem?” This might seem like a straightforward question; however, it can be broken down into several other questions to create a more descriptive picture of the problem. These questions can include:

• .Who or what is reporting the problem?
• What are the symptoms and feedback messages?
• How do we fail? For example: loop or repetition of unnecessary or unwanted behavior, hang or quitting or stopping before a process is successfully completed, is it intentional or unintentional  performance degradation, is it an incorrect attitude and belief?.
• What is the affect on all relationships?

2. Where Is The Problem Happening?

Determining where the problem originates is not always easy, but it is one of the most important steps in resolving a problem. Many layers of (mis)understanding can exist between the reporting and failing components of the personal system under review. The supporting society, family, and network of friends are only a few components to be considered when we are investigating problems.

• Is the problem isolated and specific, or common to multiple arenas within life?
• Is the current environment and understanding capable of being supported by a personal healing intention, or are broader, more socially encompassing changes necessary?
• Are reports of problems originating within the self, others, or a combination of the two?
• Are there currently cultural power brokers attempting to dictate the way life’s route should be traveled?
• Is the source of the history of the problem purely an individual one, or universal in its expression?

These types of questions will help us isolate the problem layer, and are necessary to determine the problem source. Remember that just because one layer or part of our self is reporting a problem, it does not always mean the root cause exists there. Part of identifying where a problem is occurring is understanding the environment in which it exists. For instance, sometimes it is our overactive limbic system, including our ancient reptilian brain, that tries to take control when the fear and anxiety response is overactive.  Mindfulness helps to reroute our response through higher intelligence regions of the brain such as the neo-cortex to deal with these types of events, where necessary.

We should always take some time to completely describe the problem environment, including the historical mindset, its present understanding, all corresponding intentions, and biological health information. Confirm that we are operating within an environment that can be of support to us, or that, conversely, we can give support to, as many problems can be explained by discovering understandings and agendas that are not meant to run together, or have not previously been successfully used together.

3. When and Under Which Conditions Does The Problem Happen?

Developing a detailed time line of events leading up to a failure is another necessary step in problem analysis, especially for those cases that are one-time occurrences. We can most easily do this by working backwards –start at the time an error was reported (as exact as possible, perhaps using the timeline approach), and work backwards through available memory and history. Usually we only have to look as far as the latest event that we have experienced conflict or despair, however, this is not always easy to do and will only come with practice. Knowing when to stop is especially difficult when there are potentially multiple layers of dysfunction, each with its own diagnostic information. The intersection of society with the individual always creates multiple layers of interaction and mutual expectations, with the potential for far more “failures” than “successes”.

• Does the problem only happen at a certain period of one’s life?
• How often does it happen?
• What sequence of events leads up to the time the problem is reported?
• Does the problem happen after an environment change such as after creating new friendships, getting another job, or moving to a new neighborhood?

Responding to questions like this will help us create a detailed time line of events, and will provide us with a frame of reference in which to investigate.

4. Under Which Conditions Does The Problem Happen?

Knowing what else is happening at the time of a problem is important for any complete problem description. If a problem occurs in a certain environment or under certain conditions, that can be a key indicator of the problem cause.

• Does the problem always occur when performing the same task, or with the same people?
• Does a certain sequence of events need to occur for the problem to surface?
• Do other aspects of our lives fail at the same time?

Asking, then attempting to answer these types of questions will help us to explain the environment in which the problem occurs, and correlate any relationship  dependencies. Remember that just because multiple problems might have occurred around the same time, it does not necessarily mean that they are always related.

5. Is there a fundamental flaw in the system, does it appear ubiquitously?

Some designs just never quite reach their true potential for system’s operation and stability, and require a total paradigm shift, or adjustment, to see the process differently, and bring repairs to it.  If we have tested all available solutions, and nothing works, we have either approached the problem incorrectly, or we have exposed a flaw in the designer’s understanding and/or a failure in the implementation of the designer’s intention.  We may have reached the most recalcitrant of problems, which are those that are expressions of a normalized unconscious dysfunction.

We live and operate in the background of our oft times toxic patriarchal culture, know that a collective healing message will not be spoken and cannot be acknowledged because of the Conspiracy of Silence predominating within our culture. Our culture is broken, which leads to broken people, and families. Yet, collectively, America has created a culture of denial, where we don’t look at our fundamental problems together, and confront them directly. To the extent that the broken individual might indicate a brokenness of our culture, is the extent that the broken individual is marginalized and minimized by the entrenched power brokers of our civilization and their sycophants. There are many economic, religious, and political leaders who have derived the greatest personal and economic benefits through the exploitation of the those who have no voice, and it is perceived as an existential threat for them to examine the damaged structure that gave rise to their own predominance.

To summarize troubleshooting theory, I have included the following:

My troubleshooting questions;

• What is the history and  intention behind the original system design?
• Has the system ever worked properly?
• Does the system presently work?
• If not, what are the present day ;problems?.
• What are the history of the problems?
• Are the problems a failure of the system and its original design, poor overall  maintenance, and/or ignorance or malfeasance by the human operator?
• Can this process be improved, or stabilized without a total rebuild?
• What are the best options for repair?
• Who is going to help me?
• How much can I help myself?

This is BIG PICTURE troubleshooting, for sure.  In some religious mythology, mankind is seen to have been born with a tragic flaw, which resists all attempts to correct it.  In Christian mythology, mankind is referred to as “fallen” as if an angel has fallen to earth.  It is implied here that the “designer” is not at fault, it is the system operator, or human being, who has embraced disorder and chaos as primary system operating parameters. People that unconsciously practice the principles of toxic masculinity, the dark aspects of the common knowledge game, and follow the herd like the proverbial lemmings are most susceptible to this kind of system failure.  These people appear to be constitutionally incapable of finding an honest, collaborative, loving way to see themselves, and to express their interconnections with all of life.

“Some people just want to watch their worlds burn”

becomes an indictment against these “fallen angels”.  This system will not right itself, and will resist all attempts from others to bring repair and functionality to it.  Without the intervention of a miracle, they are doomed to a life characterized by the failure of all life support systems, with the inevitable loss of good health, peace with an ordered existence, and balance.  In the purported words of Jesus, they are “the seeds that have been thrown upon rocky ground”..Stupidity takes on many forms, and those who cling most ferociously to their faults have more than a nodding familiarity with attenuated intelligence.

Are we ready to fearlessly search for the root causes for our individual and collective brokenness, or are we just looking for justification to stay the course, and continue on without any further self-examination and a deepening desire for change?

Defender Dan and the Human Psyche

“Until you make the unconscious conscious, it will direct your life and you will call it fate.”

― C.G. Jung

We are lost if we continue to ask the therapists, gurus, ministers, or best friends for emotional and spiritual assistance for the rest of our lives. It initially may appear disorienting and disillusioning when we finally discover for ourselves that there is no permanent assistance available from anyone that will bring healing changes to ourselves. We must come to terms with the reality that, as a human, we must eventually stand entirely on our own two feet, stop suffering through life, and live it fully, with true integrity.. No Bible and its prophets, our political or spiritual leaders, or anyone else can save us from our responsibility to become completely self-aware, or even enlightened.  With our evolving insight into the nature of Consciousness and God, and our identity embedded within this creative principle of the Universe, we see that we can become either agents of a loving, regenerative force, or,  in our ignorance, become the malevolent architects of Armageddon, and our mutual destruction.  Thus, we must learn how to troubleshoot and repair, and even transform our dysfunctional human existence, or our collective unconscious self-destructive intentions continue unto their inevitable dark finish.

Growing up, I was not provided with many clues for how to successfully manage the labyrinth of life and my mind, and how to troubleshoot and repair them as needed.. The maps provided for me were incomplete and mostly inaccurate. My life had been characterized by early and intermittent, and mostly unintentional, wounding by my parents, especially by my father and older sister. But outside of my family, there was a culture that supported this toxicity, while supplying many of its forms of institutionalized and normalized darkness.

My early exposure to the Christian religion was also traumatizing. My young self could see through its parade of self-debasing interpretations of God and Jesus, and I was confused and often repulsed by its ignorant and hateful theology, and many of its so-called Christian stories.  The threat of eternal damnation to Hell first given to a six-year-old boy did not go well with me, and I had my first taste of judgment against this cult of people, laughing with other non-religious friends at the stupidity of all such beliefs and nonsense, yet wondering if somehow these misanthropic statements might have some truth behind them.

I could not find other helpful guides, other than consistent loving support from my mother, my uncles,  and my mother’s parents, who always wanted the best for me, and my father, though he sometimes appeared to me as a confusing trickster.

Politicians and religious leaders often prey on people who don’t understand the world, and their relationship to it. People continue to wonder why the world is the way that it is, without investigating their role in its creation from moment to moment in their consciousness. I don’t. wonder about such things anymore. I just wonder how long civilization will continue before either healing through addressing these issues or disintegrating into chaos and civil war, as ignorance ignites itself into its inevitable self-destructive fire.

For instance, history will eventually record for the remnants of American civilization how easily gun promoters, local sheriff’s departments,  and politicians gaslit the rest of society through their distorted and often time evil interpretations of the 2nd Amendment.  These outliers pretended to be spokesmen for America’s basic rights, all the while denying all Americans the sense of safety and security from the dire, deadly threats by the many deranged men within society. The gun promoters rallied around the most flawed reasoning, manifesting a cult of death and mutual destruction.  They railed against their interests, believing in their obvious cultural con.  The disaster spreads like a virus with the continued normalization of this gun-loving insanity..

Guns, glory, gold, gonads, and gore. . . how much is enough to make you happy, American male?

In the 1950s and 1960s, America experienced a period of economic prosperity and global influence. Known for its role as the world policeman, the United States embraced its identity as a defender of freedom and liberty, a role that was solidified by its victory in World War II. Within this cultural context, toys like Defender Dan—a toy machine gun produced and marketed in the 1960s—carried immense symbolic value. For many, including myself, Defender Dan is more than just a relic of childhood; it serves as a powerful allegory for understanding the American male psyche, particularly among the Baby Boomer generation to which I belong.

Defender Dan was a plastic and metal representation of a powerful tool of war, designed to normalize and promote aggressive role-playing behavior among young boys. This toy delivered simulated death by plastic bullets, reflecting the cultural perception that such violent toys were necessary. The promotion of these toy weapons coincided with the Vietnam War, but a closer look at history reveals that toy weapons have been available for children during every era of war. These toys represent our culture’s unconscious endorsement of attack/defense postures and mutual bullying behaviors that frequently appear in human relationships. Symbolically, these weapons prepared young boys to continue as unconscious beings who, when feeling threatened, would rather “shoot first and ask questions later.”

Men, especially those from lower economic and educational backgrounds, were groomed to be enforcement agents and soldiers for American economic and philosophical imperialism. Psychologically susceptible American boys, through their practice with toy weapons, were being prepared to follow in their fathers’ footsteps. Our leaders stressed that our international bullying behavior was intended to enhance world peace and protect individual freedoms and liberties. The clinging to and the use of “adult versions” of weapons of war by spiritually underdeveloped citizens, such as white supremacist terrorists, demonstrates the power of the potential for evil arising from excess fear and the perceived need for protection from the effects of one’s errant philosophies.

My physical relationship with Defender Dan began in 1968. At that time, my mother worked at the Oak Lodge Fire Department as a dispatcher. The department had an annual toy drive, collecting and distributing donated toys to disadvantaged children within the local community. One of the toys donated was a Defender Dan Machine Gun. It was not a new toy; it had “minor damage” that made it suitable only for a boy and a father with mechanical skills who might be able to troubleshoot and repair it. My mother asked for it and was “gifted” the defective toy, which she gave to me for Christmas.

I was thirteen years old at the time, and when I opened the gift, I thought I might be “a little too old” to be receiving and playing with a toy gun, even one as massive as this. This thing took up a lot of space, much like hurtful, self-destructive, and other-destructive thoughts and judgments within our minds. It was quite an intimidating piece of hardware. I set the machine gun up and proceeded to fire about 20 plastic bullets at my sister—symbolic of the fact that all war is fratricide—before the gun jammed up internally and only misfired after that. Some friends of my parents showed up with their teenage daughter to visit, and it was then requested that I move the machine of war to the basement, much to my sister’s and my parents’ relief.

I was confused about what was expected of me. Why was I given something to play with that had known problems? Didn’t I deserve something new and perfect? My dad was disinterested in helping me fix it, and he was not mechanically inclined enough to offer much help. I certainly did not have a fully developed skillset in troubleshooting and repairing this fairly complex mechanical system, but I liked a good challenge and thought this endeavor might be worthwhile.

Ann C., the daughter of my parents’ friends, came downstairs to talk with me while her parents continued their visit upstairs. I tried one final time to get Defender Dan to work, but I could not get it to function properly and consistently. I began dismantling it, trying to understand how it worked so that I could find the problem and attempt to repair it. I also thought I might be able to impress Ann if I succeeded in fixing the machine. My dad came downstairs, saw the gun parts spread all over the basement floor, accused me of destroying the gift, and then proceeded to remove his belt and whip me right in front of Ann. That moment hurt in many different ways. In one sense, I succeeded because I am sure the sight of a thirteen-year-old boy getting his ass beat with a belt was indeed impressive. I was horribly shamed, a feeling not unusual to me. Defender Dan, and all the supporting behavior and attitudes behind its existence, became synonymous with fear and shame in my mind.

Defender Dan’s story illustrates the dual role of the toy machine gun as both a symbol of American cultural norms and a metaphor for the internal struggles of young men of the Baby Boomer generation, and all generations. On the one hand, it represents the societal expectation for males to engage in aggressive behavior and militarism. On the other hand, it highlights the psychological impact of these expectations on developing minds, perpetuating cycles of violence and dominance.

The cultural endorsement of such toys fosters an environment where boys are encouraged to adopt aggressive behaviors and attitudes. These early influences shape their identities, preparing them for roles as soldiers and enforcers of American imperialism. The psychological consequences of this conditioning are profound, leading to a society where violence and dominance are normalized.

The story of Defender Dan challenges us to reflect on how early influences, like toys, can shape our identities and perpetuate cycles of violence and dominance. It invites us to reconsider the cultural norms we unconsciously endorse and the impact they have on future generations. By acknowledging the symbolic significance of such toys, and the history behind them, we can begin to understand the deeper psychological and societal implications they carry.

In today’s world, where discussions around mental health, emotional intelligence, and non-violent conflict resolution are gaining traction, it is crucial to reevaluate the messages we send to young minds. We must move towards a more conscious and intentional approach to shaping the identities of future generations. This involves promoting values of empathy, understanding, and cooperation rather than aggression and dominance.

Defender Dan is more than just a toy machine gun from the 1960s. It is a powerful symbol of American cultural norms and a metaphor for the internal struggles of young men of all generations. By examining the cultural and psychological impact of human bellicosity and other non-collaborative attitudes, we can gain insights into the broader implications of promoting aggressive behavior and militarism. This is a call to action, encouraging readers to reflect on the early influences that shape identity and to consider the potential for change and conscious reevaluation of societal norms.

By fostering a culture that prioritizes empathy, understanding, and cooperation, we can break free from the cycles of violence and dominance that have long defined our history. In order to move beyond the shadows of Defender Dan and towards a future where every individual can thrive without fear and shame, we must first understand the very machinery of human consciousness itself,  so that we can collectively troubkeshoot and repair it, without introducing into it more chaos and darkness.

We will have to go back to the very beginning of psychological time, to the very advent of human consciousness, to begin our troubleshooting and repairing process for human consciousness. With our final insight into the true nature of Consciousness and God, and our identity embedded within this creative principle of the Universe, we can then see that we can become either agents of a loving, regenerative force, or, remaining in our ignorance, become the  malevolent architects of our own collective and individual destruction,

The Evolution of Human Consciousness Through Language and Storytelling

Over hundreds of thousands of years, human consciousness has evolved. The introduction of language and symbolic thinking in our primal minds marked a pivotal moment in this evolution. Language is more than a mere tool for communication; it is a defining feature of human consciousness. Before the advent of language, our ancestors’ cognitive capabilities were limited to predominantly instinctive responses to environmental stimuli, though fundamental lessons learned through pain and loss were constant advisors. However, the ability to use symbols and language transformed our ancestors’ minds, enabling them to create complex internal representations of the external world. And, those who could develop the best internal representations of the outer world, and a fuller understanding of its complex interrelationships, had a better chance of meeting its challenges.

This separation and awareness allowed for the creation of and a more conscious engagement with predictive mechanisms and goal-setting neural algorithms, enabling humans to consider more choices than purely instinctive responses or pain avoidance subroutines would allow. The knowledge of separation from the environment became an important input into human awareness. This separation facilitated a subject/object relationship, setting the knower apart from the world they were once united with both biologically and spiritually. Through this very process the universal experience of duality was birthed, and humanity was expelled, metaphorically, from the Garden of Eden.  Guess when religion’s many narratives began, if you dare.

Language allowed us to articulate our thoughts and experiences, creating a distinction between the knower (the self) and the known (the external world). The introduction of language allowed humans to express abstract concepts, share knowledge, and collaborate on a scale previously unimaginable. This cognitive leap facilitated the development of culture, the transmission of knowledge across generations, and the ability to predict and plan for future events. In essence, language became the bedrock upon which human civilization was built.

Human beings rely on five primary senses—sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch—as key inputs to our awareness. However, beyond these sensory inputs, consciousness itself plays a crucial role in shaping our awareness. Consciousness allows humans to not only perceive the environment but also to reflect upon and interpret those perceptions, a capability that forms the very basis of storytelling. And, these narrative based  perceptions become essential inputs to our consciousness, as important, or more so in some cases, than even our sensory inputs

One of the most fascinating outcomes of the evolution of human consciousness is our innate tendency to tell stories—both about ourselves and through our judgments of each other. Gossip, myth making, and storytelling  began almost immediately after we developed our narrative capacities. These became tools for navigating complex social dynamics and environmental challenges.  All subsequent narrative inspired dualities served as learning points, giving those who entertain these tools of perception the sense of the need to make choices, or even the fundamental sense of freedom of will to make those choices.

Why do humans gossip, create myths,  and tell stories of others and even about themselves? Stories are more than just entertainment; they are a fundamental way we make sense of the world. By creating all such  narratives, we can share experiences, impart lessons, and build connections. Stories help us process our thoughts, emotions, and reactions to life’s events, effectively creating a shared understanding within communities. Collaborative stories became a means of transmitting cultural values, norms, and knowledge, shaping the identity and cohesion of communities.

In societies, individuals who could weave the best stories were often recognized as leaders. Their ability to craft narratives that resonated with others enabled them to influence and direct group behavior effectively.  Those who could create compelling, collaborative stories were often seen as better leaders. Collaborative storytelling fostered unity, shared purpose, and collective understanding within a group. These stories not only served to entertain but also to educate, motivate, and guide communities

In many ways, storytelling served as a cognitive playground where humans could experiment with different perspectives and outcomes. This narrative exploration fostered empathy, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. It allowed individuals to learn from the experiences of others and apply those lessons to their own lives.

Narrative-inspired dualities—such as good versus evil, hero versus villain, and order versus chaos—have become integral to human cognition. These dualities serve as learning points, prompting individuals to make choices and consider the consequences of their actions. They instill a sense of agency and the perception of free will.

The awareness of duality and the ability to engage with narrative allowed humans to transcend deterministic behaviors. It introduced the concept of moral and ethical decision-making, enabling individuals to evaluate their actions based on broader societal values and principles. This cognitive evolution has profound implications for modern societal and individual development.

In modern society, these cognitive advancements continue to play a crucial role. Language and storytelling remain powerful tools for education, social cohesion, and personal growth. Understanding the evolutionary roots of these capabilities can inspire us to harness them more effectively in addressing contemporary challenges.

The evolution of human consciousness is a testament to the transformative power of language and storytelling. These cognitive advancements have shaped our perception of reality, introduced the concept of duality, and enabled us to engage with the world in profoundly meaningful ways. By exploring the interplay between language, narrative, and consciousness, we can gain deeper insights into our own minds and the collective human experience.

As we continue to navigate the complexities of modern existence, we must remember the evolutionary lessons embedded in our consciousness. The ability to articulate thoughts, share stories, and consider multiple perspectives remains our greatest asset. By leveraging these capabilities, we can foster a more empathetic, ethical, and enlightened society.

Aligning Our Personal Story With Our Spiritual Journey

We all have personal stories we tell ourselves and others about our lives. These stories shape our identities and influence our spiritual journeys. However, many spiritual teachers believe that these narratives are often inaccurate and often overly self-absorbed. They suggest that our true essence is sacred and precious, and our personal stories should reflect this innate dignity.

There’s often a gap between our actual experiences and the stories we tell about them. This discrepancy can hinder our spiritual growth, as we may get stuck in a cycle of self-criticism or inflated self-importance. To move forward, we need to create narratives that align more closely with our genuine experiences and our inherent worth.

Representing our lives more accurately can help us align with our innate preciousness. When we see our lives fully, including both the good and the bad, we open the door to intuition and insight. This clarity can guide us toward a new, more compassionate narrative that supports our spiritual growth.

To align our personal stories with our spiritual possibilities, we need to see our lives in their entirety. This means acknowledging both our strengths and our weaknesses, our joys and our pains. In doing so, we invite insight and intuition to provide guidance on how to rewrite our stories in a way that honors our true essence.

Practical Steps to Align Your Personal Story

1. Self-Reflection

Start by setting aside time for regular self-reflection. Use a journal to document our thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Ask ourselves questions like:

• What stories do I tell about myself?
• How do these stories make me feel?
• Are they accurate representations of my experiences?

2. Reframing Techniques

Once we’ve identified the narratives that no longer serve us, work on reframing them. Instead of focusing on past mistakes or failures, highlight the lessons learned and the growth achieved. For example, instead of saying, “I failed at my last job,” reframe it as, “I learned valuable lessons that will help me succeed in the future.”

3. Seek Feedback

Share our reflections with trusted friends, mentors, or spiritual guides. Their perspectives can provide valuable insights and help us see aspects of our story that we might have missed.

4. Practice Self-Compassion

Be gentle with ourselves as we uncover and rewrite our narratives. Understand that everyone has flaws and makes mistakes. Treat ourselves with the same kindness and compassion that we would offer to a close friend.

5. Meditative Practices

Incorporate meditation into our routine to connect with our inner self. Meditation can help quiet the mind, making it easier to access intuition and insight. Use this time to explore our true essence and how it can be reflected in our personal story.

6. Continuous Adjustment

Remember that our narrative isn’t set in stone. As we grow and evolve, so will our story. Continuously revisit and adjust our narrative to ensure it remains aligned with our spiritual journey.

Our personal narrative has the power to shape our spiritual growth. By aligning our story with our true experiences and innate preciousness, we create a foundation for deeper self-compassion and spiritual advancement. Remember, the key is to see our life in its fullness and allow intuition and insight to guide us toward a new, more authentic narrative.

Ready to start your journey?

Begin with self-reflection and see where your new narrative takes you.

Crafting Your Life Narrative: A Journey of Self-Discovery

In our fast-paced world, where identities are often shaped by external influences, it’s easy to lose sight of who we truly are. For many, the process of developing a life narrative or personal story that accurately represents their identity can be daunting. Yet, it is through this introspection that we find clarity, purpose, and a deeper understanding of ourselves. Whether we are a creative professional, a personal development seeker, or a self-help enthusiast, refining our life narrative can be a transformative experience. Here’s how we can begin this profound journey.

One effective method for crafting our life narrative is the timeline approach. This technique involves dividing our life into distinct segments and reflecting on key memories from each period.

Breaking Down the Timeline

1. Pre-Birth Times:

• This period encompasses the stories and experiences of our parents and ancestors. Understanding their narratives provides context and depth to our own story.

2. Birth to Age Five:

• Reflect on early childhood memories. Even if they are fragmented, they often hold the essence of our formative years.

3. Five-Year Increments:

• From the age of five onwards, break our life into five-year increments. For each segment, identify the twenty greatest memories. These could be moments of joy, sorrow, learning, or change.

Once we have identified significant memories from each segment, write connecting stories that weave these moments together. This process not only helps in recalling details but also in understanding the overarching themes and patterns of our lives.

Another approach that complements the timeliness technique is practicing the 12 Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). While traditionally associated with addiction recovery, these steps offer profound insights and tools for self-discovery that can enrich your life narrative.

1. Admit Powerlessness:

• Recognize areas of our life where we feel powerless. This acceptance is the first step towards meaningful change.

2. Take Inventory:

• Conduct a thorough moral inventory of our self. Identify strengths, weaknesses, fears, and resentments.

3. Make Amends:

• Address unresolved conflicts. Making amends can bring closure and healing, allowing us to move forward with a clear conscience.

Each step adds a layer of introspection, helping us peel back the layers of our life to reveal our true self.

While the timeline approach and the 12 Steps provide a solid foundation, there are other practices that can further enhance our life narrative.

Keeping a daily journal is a powerful tool for self-reflection. By noting down our thoughts, feelings, and experiences, we can identify recurring themes and patterns in our life. Over time, these entries become a rich source of material for our life narrative.

Pay attention to themes that repeatedly surface in our reflections and writings. These could be values, dreams, challenges, or relationships. Identifying these themes can provide insights into what truly matters to us and how they have shaped our life.

Crafting a meaningful life narrative is a deeply personal and ongoing process. Through the combination of the timeliness approach, the practice of the 12 Steps of AA, and additional introspective techniques like journaling, we can develop a story that accurately represents our identity. This narrative not only fosters a deeper understanding of self but also enhances personal growth, allowing us to live a more authentic and fulfilling life.

Remember, our life story is unique and deserves to be told. Begin our introspective journey today, and discover the power of storytelling in shaping our life’s path.

Ready to start crafting your life narrative?

Join our community of self-help enthusiasts and creative professionals dedicated to personal growth and storytelling. 

Creating an Enhanced Life Narrative and Higher Consciousness Through the 12 Steps of Recovery

In the quest for a better life story, or even higher consciousness, many look towards spiritual practices, meditation, and self-reflection. One often overlooked yet profoundly impactful method comes from the 12 Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). Originally designed to help individuals recover from alcoholism and addiction, these steps can also be a guide for anyone seeking to enhance their narrative, elevate their consciousness and make meaningful, positive changes in their lives.

Understanding the Classic 12 Steps of AA

It is important to understand the original framework established by AA, and then see how that simple skeleton can get fleshed out by real life experiences and subsequently derived insight and evolving understanding.

1. We admitted we were powerless over alcohol—that our lives had become unmanageable.
2. Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.
3. Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood Him.
4. Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves.
5. Admitted to God, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs.
6. Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character.
7. Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings.
8. Made a list of all persons we had harmed, and became willing to make amends to them all.
9. Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others.
10. Continued to take personal inventory and when we were wrong promptly admitted it.
11. Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God, as we understood Him, praying only for knowledge of His will for us and the power to carry that out.
12. Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these steps, we tried to carry this message to alcoholics, and to practice these principles in all our affairs

The Reinterpreted 12 Steps for Higher Consciousness

These original steps serve as a foundation for personal transformation. However, they can be reinterpreted to address broader spiritual and psychological growth. Here’s a spiritually reinterpreted version of the 12 steps:

1. Through our own extended suffering, we finally found the desire to want it to end. We admitted that when we become self-destructively habituated to any substance, situation, or perception, or judgement and/or lack of forgiveness in our relationships with others, we lose our freedom of choice, bring unnecessary trauma into our lives, and into the lives of others, and, thus, fail to achieve any lasting sense of inner peace and joy. We finally realize that our lives have been lived unconsciously, and have become unmanageable as a result of that neglect.
2.  With our new found hope and openness for change, came the desire to begin to awaken to higher possibilities for our lives. We realized that, in our essence, we have an interior, though neglected, power that will heal us and restore us to balance, if we pursue it in earnest. We now realize that we have not been living up to our full potential as human beings.
3. We made a decision to turn our will, and our lives, over to the care of our higher interior power. We become open to the possibility of embracing a new Truth for our lives. We want to access the power to continuously evolve, and we want to cultivate our heart to be more loving to ourselves and to others. We decide to let go of ANYTHING that impedes our progress towards happiness, healing and wholeness. We realize that without the deepest of desires, and intentions, to change our behavior, we will not be transformed.
4.  We made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves. We have lived a life without a high sense of self-esteem, and we have made unfortunate choices because of the scarcity consciousness that has resulted from it. We realize that when we find the blocks to our evolution, and become willing to remove them, our new found insight will guide our paths with precision to the Truth of our existence. This is our entrance onto the path of mindfulness and higher consciousness.
5. We admitted that we were not being truthful with ourselves and with others, and by talking with another who we may trust, yet not be beholden to, about our errors in judgement and in actions towards our self and others, we can better deal with the shame and self-judgement that so often arises from the deadly secrets that we once felt that we must keep. Just by honestly talking with someone else, our burdens can be lifted. Our secrets need no longer keep us imprisoned, and mentally ill. When two or more people come together in the spirit of truth and honesty, mutual compassion and empathy also become part of the gathering.
6. We became entirely willing to let go of our attachments to unhealthy attitudes, behavior, and people. We wish to see clearly, without the limitations of our past, of our family history, and of our cultural conditioning, with all of their embedded trauma.
7. We open our hearts through humility and the willingness to change to embrace a new possibility for our life. Our new found sense of connection with our higher interior power inspires us to become more grateful for the gifts that we now have, and we are now spiritually preparing to finally give back to the world in a meaningful, positive way. We want to finally let go of all of the emotional charged memories which keep us trapped in a dead past. Rejoice, for the old demons are being transformed into the new angels!
8. While we were unconscious to our higher potential as human beings, we brought emotional, spiritual and perhaps even physical harm to other innocent beings, and we want to try bring healing and peace to those who have suffered from the effects of our ignorance. We realize that through the mirror of all of our relationships, dysfunctional or otherwise, we are granted a view into how we truly see ourselves. We want to see through the eyes of Truth, and not through the pain and suffering that unfulfilled relationships may have brought to us.
9.  We made direct amends wherever possible to all people we may have brought harm to, except when to do so would bring further injury to them or to others. Our guilt will not be assuaged at the expense of others. We make full application of our new found wisdom, and our renewed desire to bring no harm to any sentient being. We want our world, and our own personal sense of self, to feel safe from further attacks from us, and our honest disclosure of our mistakes to those impacted by our errors in judgement will continue to support that intention.
10. We continued to take personal inventory, and, when wrong, promptly admit it. We have become honest with ourselves. We practice mindfulness, and continue to develop our capacity for insight into ourselves. We now know ourselves, and we now know many of the potential impediments to experiencing and expressing the Truth of our being. We no longer solely abide in old modes of thought, and now we are more focused on the beauty of the present moment.
11. We sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with the Truth of our being, praying only for knowledge of Truth, and the willingness to live within its infinite domain. We now understand that this whole process of recovery is a meditation on life, and that the evolving, healing life that we are now experiencing is our living prayer. Each time we drink from the deep interior waters revealed to us by meditation, more of our painful dreams are dissolved. We finally realize that the capacity to change, to evolve, to grow in our infinite spirit is the whole point of our human existence. We are now traveling upon new paths of consciousness.
12. Having had a spiritual awakening as a result of these steps, we attempted to carry our message of recovery to our world, while continuing to practice these principles in all our affairs. We have finally become whole, and are now conscious, caring human beings. We have accepted full personal responsibility for our lives, including healing our past, and keeping our present balanced and harmonious, and we no longer blame others for who we are now. We are now experiencing prosperity on many levels, and have witnessed the healing of ourselves. We have saved the world—from ourselves. Our life is now our truest teacher. We realize that we have no power to bring salvation to others, yet, it is our responsibility to point to the way of healing for others who may still be suffering, and who may finally become interested in overcoming their own limitations.

The Journey from Suffering to Awakening

Creating higher consciousness involves more than just following a set of steps; it requires a deep, ongoing commitment to self-awareness, honesty, and transformation. Recovery is not limited to those struggling with addiction but is a pathway for anyone seeking to heal and grow.

“Be mindful, oh Mankind, of all the painful secrets that we must keep,

For, by our suffering silence, we will not awaken, but just die alone, powerless, and asleep.”

This advice reflects the essence of the 12 steps—breaking the silence, facing our truths, and striving for a higher state of being.

This practice is a wonderful methodology for developing an expanded and insight filled life narrative.

The Voice For Awakening

The slowly shifting sands of time

Create ever taller hills for lost souls to climb.

Yet, in selfish, hateful worlds of so little reason and rhyme,

The seeker must arise, to find Truth and Love Sublime.

Realizing higher consciousness involves releasing attachments, transcending conditioned beliefs, and awakening to the present moment’s beauty and sacredness.

Recovery and higher consciousness are about finding your personal truth and making amends with yourself and others. It’s a lifelong process that brings profound peace, joy, and fulfillment.  And it creates perfect foundations for better life narratives.

If you’re seeking to elevate your consciousness, consider exploring the 12 steps and reinterpreting them in ways that resonate with your spiritual and psychological needs. Remember, this journey is not just about overcoming addiction; it’s about achieving a higher state of being and living a life filled with purpose, love, and clarity.

It is also about presenting to yourself, and to the world, the best possible life narrative.

It is a long, happy life, for those who finally find their personal Truth.

Moving Beyond Duality to a Unified Vision

In the intricate tapestry of human perception, duality reigns supreme. We categorize, separate, and judge, often leading to an entrenched sense of division and conflict. But what if we could shift our perceptual direction towards unity? What if we embraced a mystical understanding that all we see and perceive are reflections of ourselves?

Duality is not an incidental component of our awareness; it is deeply woven into the fabric of our societal and personal narratives. From the moment we are born, we are taught to differentiate—good vs. bad, success vs. failure, prosperous vs.scarce, self vs. other. This binary thinking shapes our worldview, reinforcing the illusion of separateness. The consequences are evident in our interpersonal relationships, our societal structures, and even our global interactions. Conflict thrives in this fertile ground of division.

However, there is a growing recognition among philosophers, spiritual seekers, and conscious living advocates that this dualistic perception is not the ultimate truth. It is but a shadow on the wall of Plato’s cave, obscuring a more profound reality waiting to be discovered.

Shifting towards a more unified vision requires a fundamental change in how we perceive the world and ourselves. This shift is not merely an intellectual exercise; it demands a transformation of our very being. To begin, we must cultivate an awareness that transcends the superficial layers of duality.

One way to facilitate this shift is through mindfulness practices. By cultivating present-moment awareness, we can begin to see beyond the labels and judgments that typically govern our perceptions. Mindfulness allows us to witness the transient nature of thoughts and emotions, revealing the underlying unity that connects all experiences.

A mystical understanding invites us to see the external world as a reflection of our internal state. This perspective is not new; it echoes the teachings of ancient wisdom traditions across cultures. When we recognize that the world mirrors our inner landscape, we open the door to empathy and interconnectedness.

Imagine viewing every interaction as a reflection of your own consciousness. The anger you encounter in another becomes an opportunity to explore unresolved anger within yourself. The kindness you receive serves as a reminder of your own capacity for compassion. This recognition fosters a profound sense of responsibility and interconnectedness.

While the concept of shifting from duality to unity might seem abstract, practical steps can help ground this transformation in everyday life. Here are a few suggestions:

1. Mindfulness Practices: Engage in daily mindfulness meditation to develop present-moment awareness. This practice helps dissolve the habitual patterns of dualistic thinking and opens the door to a more unified perception.
2. Conscious Language Use: Words shape our reality. Pay attention to the language you use, both internally and externally. Opt for inclusive language that reflects unity rather than division.
3. Self-Reflection: Regularly engage in self-reflection to explore your inner world. Journaling, therapy, or contemplative practices can help uncover the subconscious beliefs that perpetuate duality.
4. Empathy Exercises: Practice empathy by putting yourself in others’ shoes. This exercise helps bridge the gap between self and other, fostering a sense of connectedness.
5. Community Engagement: Participate in communities or groups that prioritize unity and holistic understanding. Engaging with like-minded individuals can reinforce your commitment to this perceptual shift.

In a world increasingly marked by division and conflict, the call to move beyond duality and adopt a more unified vision has never been more urgent. By shifting our perceptual direction and embracing a mystical understanding, we can recognize that all we see and perceive are indeed reflections of ourselves. This recognition paves the way for empathy, interconnectedness, and ultimately, a more harmonious existence.

The path to unity begins with small, deliberate steps. Through mindfulness practices, conscious language use, and self-reflection, we can transform our perception and, consequently, our world. It is a journey that requires courage, patience, and unwavering commitment. Yet, the rewards—both individually and collectively—are immeasurable.

Would you dare to see the world through the lens of unity, and create new narratives of collaboration and the oneness of all being?

The choice is yours, and the time is now.

Enhancing Non-Dualistic Perception through Conscious Reframing

In our fast-paced, object-centric society, the concept of non-dualistic perception is a breath of fresh air. At its core, this philosophy challenges the conventional ways we view and interact with the world. By consciously reframing our language and thought patterns, we can break free from the limitations imposed by objectification, fostering a deeper connection with the infinite foundation of our being.

Non-dualistic perception is rooted in the understanding that all phenomena are interconnected and arise from the same foundational source. Unlike dualistic thinking, which categorizes and separates, non-dualism encourages us to perceive the unity and oneness underlying all experiences. This perspective is not only relevant but essential in today’s fragmented world, where division and isolation often prevail.

Objectification is the process of perceiving and treating something or someone as an object, separate from ourselves. This practice is deeply ingrained in our language and thought patterns. When we say, “I see a tree,” we are inherently creating a separation between ourselves and the tree. This separation limits our understanding of reality, reinforcing the illusion of disconnection.

Research has shown that objectification can lead to a range of negative consequences, including reduced empathy, increased prejudice, and impaired mental well-being. By perpetuating the notion that we are separate from the world around us, we undermine our ability to experience true interconnectedness and harmony.

One technique for enhancing non-dualistic perception is consciously remembering to not objectify that which we witness. Rather than thinking or saying, “I see a tree,” we can instead say, or think, “I see another manifestation of my infinite foundation of being, appearing as the name ‘tree.'” This simple yet profound shift in language can transform our perception, allowing us to recognize the deeper unity underlying all forms.

By reframing our language in this way, we begin to break down the barriers of separation that have been constructed by objectification. We start to see the world not as a collection of discrete objects, but as a dynamic and interconnected whole.

Several individuals and communities have embraced non-dualistic perception, experiencing profound positive changes in their lives. For example, the Zen community in Japan practices a form of meditation known as “zazen,” which encourages practitioners to perceive all phenomena as interconnected and arising from the same source. This practice has been shown to enhance emotional well-being, reduce stress, and increase compassion.

Similarly, the indigenous peoples of the Amazon rainforest maintain a deep connection with nature, viewing all beings as manifestations of the same life force. This perspective fosters a sense of stewardship and respect for the environment, leading to sustainable practices that preserve the delicate balance of their ecosystem.

Practical Advice for Incorporating Non-Dualistic Perception

If you’re interested in incorporating non-dualistic perception into your daily life, here are some practical steps to get started:

1. Mindful Language: Begin by consciously reframing your language to avoid objectification. Practice referring to people, objects, and experiences as manifestations of the same foundational source.
2. Meditative Practices: Engage in meditation or mindfulness practices that promote a sense of interconnectedness. Techniques such as loving-kindness meditation or guided visualizations can help cultivate this perspective.
3. Observation Without Judgment: When observing the world around you, try to do so without labeling or categorizing. Simply witness the beauty and complexity of each moment without imposing judgments or separations.
4. Connect with Nature: Spend time in nature and practice perceiving the natural world as an extension of your own being. Recognize the interconnectedness of all life forms and the shared energy that flows through them.
5. Engage in Community: Join groups or communities that share a non-dualistic perspective. Engaging with like-minded individuals can provide support, inspiration, and opportunities for deeper exploration.

Widespread adoption of non-dualistic perception has the potential to transform both individual lives and societal structures. On a personal level, this practice can lead to enhanced well-being, greater empathy, and a deeper sense of fulfillment. By recognizing our interconnectedness, we can cultivate compassion, reduce prejudice, and foster harmonious relationships.

On a societal level, non-dualistic perception can address some of the most pressing issues of our time, including environmental degradation, social inequality, and political division. By shifting our collective consciousness towards unity and interconnectedness, we can create a more just, sustainable, and compassionate world.

Incorporating non-dualistic perception into our lives is not just a philosophical exercise; it is a practical and transformative approach to living. By consciously reframing our language and thought patterns, we can transcend the limitations of objectification and experience the profound interconnectedness that underlies all existence.

“There is nothing either good or bad, but thinking makes it so”,  from William Shakespeare’s play Hamlet

Waking Up from the Dream of Divine Duality

For centuries, mankind has been fascinated by the concept of duality—particularly the separation between the knower and the known, the self and the other, the divine and the mortal. I have explored the origin of this inherent duality, tracing it back to the advent of verbal communication, and I now propose a path toward awakening from the illusory nature of these dualities.

Developmental psychologists, anthropologists, and linguistic theorists have long posited that the creation of self-awareness is intimately tied to our understanding and use of language. When early humans developed the ability to use words and symbols to represent their world, they initiated a monumental shift in consciousness.

Before this leap in verbal development, humans lived in a state of natural union with their environment. There was no conceptual separation between themselves and the world around them. They existed in harmony with their surroundings, including what might be called the “creator” or “divine.”

With the dawn of verbal ability, humans gained a powerful tool for communication and conceptualization. However, this development came at a cost. The use of words and symbols created a mental divide—a duality—between the self (the knower) and the external world (the known). This separation allowed for the emergence of narratives that shaped human culture and society, but it also distanced us from our natural state of unity.

One of the most profound narratives to emerge from this dualistic thinking is the concept of the divine. In our early verbal explorations, humans began to create representations of the creator through language and symbolism. These representations, while sincere, were ultimately illusory. They served as necessary constructs for the young evolving consciousness, providing a framework for understanding the mysteries of existence.

As humans continued to evolve philosophically and spiritually, some began to see through the veil of these verbal creations. The realization dawned that our linguistic representations of the divine were not the ultimate truth but rather tools for a developing mind. This awakening is akin to waking up from a dream—recognizing that the dualistic narratives we have constructed are but shadows of a deeper, unified reality.

Understanding the illusory nature of duality is not merely an intellectual exercise; it is a crucial step towards a more profound connection with our environment and each other. By transcending dualistic thinking, we can foster a deeper sense of unity and harmony. This shift is essential for addressing some of the most pressing issues of our time, from environmental degradation to social fragmentation.

Practical Steps for Awakening

1. Mindfulness and Meditation:

• Engage in practices that quiet the mind and promote inner stillness. These practices help dissolve the mental constructs that reinforce duality.

2. Study and Reflection:

• Delve into philosophical and spiritual texts that challenge dualistic thinking and offer insights into the nature of unity.

3. Community and Dialogue:

• Participate in discussions and communities that support the exploration of non-dualistic perspectives. Sharing experiences and insights can facilitate collective awakening.

4. Connection with Nature:

• Spend time in natural settings to reconnect with the environment in a way that transcends verbal labels and concepts.

The awakening from the dream of divine duality is both a philosophical and spiritual evolution. By recognizing the limitations imposed by language and symbol, we can move towards a more profound understanding that transcends dualistic thinking. This shift is not only necessary for our personal growth but also for fostering a deeper connection with the world around us.

Join me in this journey of awakening. Engage with these ideas, reflect on your own experiences, and participate in the ongoing dialogue. Together, we can transcend the illusions that have shaped our consciousness, move away from the divisiveness spawned by all such religious concepts,  and step into a reality of unity and harmony.

When did I begin to wake up from the dream of divine duality?

The classic battle within consciousness’s duality of good versus evil took on a significance within me at a young age, where my subconscious mind tried it’s best to work towards an ultimate resolution.

Sometimes we can dream our way towards an awakening out of another dream.

The Dream That Changed My Life Forever

Dreams have fascinated humans for centuries. They hold mysteries, wonders, and sometimes, unnerving truths. At eight years old, I experienced a dream so vivid, so intense, that it left an indelible mark on my life. It wasn’t just a figment of my imagination; it felt like a profound spiritual experience. I continue to explore that unforgettable dream and its impact on my personal growth, understanding, and quest for deeper meaning. I present the dream in full at the end of this work, though I will provide excerpts in advance of that for explanatory purposes.

Imagine a shaman standing at the edge of a lake in a high mountain region. The air is crisp, and the atmosphere is charged with an inexplicable energy. The shaman, having received a divine directive, gathers villagers and instructs them to throw every golden figurine and sacred symbol into the lake. Stripped of all protections, each villager must then face “the evil one” alone in their homes.

The shaman, now vulnerable, summons the forces of darkness. Sparks fly from his fingertips as he battles an unseen adversary hidden in the fog. He fights with all his might, determined to vanquish this force that has terrorized his village. But as his energy wanes, a chilling realization dawns upon him—the face of the evil one might be his own.

Confused and intrigued, I discussed the dream with my older sister Pam, who had a budding interest in reincarnation and psychic experiences. She suggested that the dream could be a manifestation of past life memories or spiritual challenges. Her insights, though partial, provided some comfort but left many questions unanswered.

This dream stayed with me, lingering in my thoughts and sparking a curiosity about its meaning. It was during a period when I slept very little and often found myself reviewing the day’s events before finally drifting off to sleep. Despite my youthful immaturity, this dream nudged me towards self-awareness, making me ponder deeper existential questions.

My quest for understanding led me to explore various fields—dream analysis, spirituality, and psychology.Over many years I devoured books on dream interpretation, sought insights from spiritual texts, and even dabbled in psychological theories. None offered a complete explanation, but each added a layer of understanding to the complex tapestry of my dream.

The symbols in my dream—the priest/shaman, the lake, the golden figurines, the duality of good versus evil—held significant meanings. The priest/shaman could represent a spiritual guide or inner wisdom, while the lake symbolized the subconscious mind. Casting away the golden figurines might signify letting go of material attachments or false idols. The battle with the dark force, culminating in the revelation of the evil one’s face, pointed to an internal struggle with the shadow self, or the unconscious portion of the mind that automatically generates duality, good vs. evil, light vs, dark, etc. as innate qualities of perception.

THE DREAM acted as a catalyst for my personal growth. It awakened a sense of self-awareness and spurred me to seek answers beyond the mundane. This quest led me to travel to Peru, where I felt an eerie familiarity with Lake Titicaca and the Incan civilization. The dream had planted a seed of curiosity that blossomed into a lifelong passion for exploration and understanding.

Dreams are more than just random images; they can be powerful messages from our subconscious mind. My dream, though mysterious, guided me towards self-awareness and personal development. I encourage you to share your own dream experiences and seek understanding. Who knows what profound insights you might uncover?

The battle between the past and present, between happiness and sorrow, and between good and evil, has dramatically ebbed in my mind and heart.

The intention for unity and healing drives my present-day life experience, and duality, though always a temptation in perception, no longer dominates my heart and mental space.

I am at peace.

Here is THE DREAM  as recounted by me as an eight year old boy:

The priest, having received his directive from “on high”, then returned to his village along the lake in the high mountain region.  He gathered all of the villagers together, and informed them that they were to take every golden figurine, every sacred symbol that they owned, and they were to throw them all into the lake, and never to think about them again.  Then, he told each villager that they must each go into their own home, and face the “evil one” without any protection or care from any of their gods or their symbols of the sacred.

The priest then returned to his own home, having tossed all of his own idols and treasures into the deep blue lake.  He stripped himself bare of all clothing, and then began to summon the forces of the dark.  He became surrounded by a fog, and as he lifted his hands, sparks started flying out of his fingertips at the unknown force of darkness that lay just beyond his visual field, still hidden beyond the boundaries of the fog.   The priest refocused his energy into his arms, and hands, and the sparks grew into a steady energy field, extending from his body, his heart, and his spirit, towards his unknown adversary.  He was determined to overcome this force, this dark energy, and he redoubled his efforts.  The priest’s heart began to race out of control, he began to sweat profusely, and a growing sense of fear and dread began to take hold of his entire being, as he finally understood that his energy could not last forever.  Yes, for him to continue this battle, he must sacrifice all of his life force. Yet, he felt that he had no choice but to keep engaging the enemy, to finally see the face of the force that had terrorized his village since time began.  He desperately strained and stretched to see the object of his fear and disdain, even as the ebbing energy field flowing from his fingertips continued to cut through the fog.  Suddenly, a face began materializing before his faltering gaze.  As he collapsed to the floor, almost drained of all life, he could no longer fight an undeniable truth– the face of the evil one might be his own!

If you found this exploration of human consciousness intriguing, consider subscribing to my blog site for more thought-provoking articles. Join the community of philosophy enthusiasts, educators, spiritual seekers,  and thought leaders in the pursuit of knowledge and self-discovery.

The following material was taken from my unpublished book. I will be integrating this material into the book.

It is sometimes heady material.

Ab Electricuan’s Guide To Our Galaxy

The Symphony of Sassy: Understanding Non-Verbal Communication Across Species

In our daily interactions with our beloved cat, Sassy, we have come to appreciate the profound depth of non-verbal communication. Every time we speak to her, she responds with sweet, resonant sounds that convey a range of emotions and intentions. This reciprocal exchange of sounds is the simplest form of communication, yet it is laden with meaning and significance. It is a testament to the fundamental role of non-verbal communication in fostering understanding and peaceful coexistence, not just between humans and animals, but across all species.

Non-verbal communication forms the bedrock of interaction within and between species. Before the advent of structured language, our ancestors likely engaged in these primal exchanges of sounds. These vocalizations, devoid of threatening actions, allowed for the exploration of mutual relationships and laid the groundwork for peaceful collaboration. This is not merely an observation of modern interactions but a glimpse into the evolutionary processes that shaped our very ability to communicate.

Shared vocalizations serve as a precursor to more complex social structures and sophisticated forms of communication. In the animal kingdom, these sounds are not random; they are carefully modulated to convey specific messages. Birds sing to mark their territory, whales call to each other across vast oceans, and primates use a variety of sounds to indicate danger, express affection, or establish social hierarchies.

For humans, these early vocalizations were crucial in the development of language. They provided a way to share information, coordinate activities, and build social bonds. The evolution of language from these simple sounds underscores the importance of non-verbal communication in shaping human societies.

Ethology, the study of animal behavior, provides valuable insights into the communication patterns of various species. Observations of animals in their natural habitats reveal striking similarities in how different species use sounds to interact with their environment and each other. For instance, the complex songs of birds, the ultrasonic calls of bats, and the infrasonic communications of elephants all demonstrate the diverse ways in which vocalizations are employed for survival and social interaction.

Human anthropology, on the other hand, offers a perspective on how our ancestors might have used similar non-verbal cues to foster cooperation and understanding. The rhythmic chants of early human communities, the drum beats used to communicate across distances, and the expressive body language observed in pre-linguistic societies all point to a rich tapestry of non-verbal communication that predates spoken language.

Recognizing and respecting non-verbal signals is crucial in fostering empathy and cooperation. In diverse ecosystems, animals rely on these cues to maintain harmony and avoid conflict. By observing and interpreting these signals, humans can learn to coexist more peacefully with the natural world. This understanding also extends to human societies, where non-verbal communication plays a key role in building trust, resolving conflicts, and enhancing social cohesion.

In today’s fast-paced world, the subtle art of non-verbal communication can often be overlooked. However, its importance cannot be overstated. By tuning in to these primal exchanges, we can enhance our empathy and deepen our connections with both animals and fellow humans. This recognition can lead to a more harmonious coexistence, where mutual respect and understanding are paramount.

The story of Sassy and her sweet responses to our voices is a small yet profound reminder of the power of non-verbal communication. It is a testament to the evolutionary significance of shared vocalizations and their role in fostering understanding and peaceful coexistence. By appreciating and respecting these primal exchanges, we can build a more empathetic and cooperative world.

If you are intrigued by the fascinating world of non-verbal communication and its implications for both animal and human societies, we invite you to explore further. Engage with ethologists, anthropologists, and fellow enthusiasts to deepen your understanding and contribute to the ongoing dialogue about our interconnectedness. Together, we can decode the symphony of sounds that bind us all.

The Origin of Language: Exploring Sentience, Intention, and the Depths of Existence

There are two primary modes that the human race uses for witnessing and interfacing with the world.  Without an understanding of what those lenses are and how they are utilized, we remain fairly unconscious beings and guided, or controlled, by both the dictates of others and the history our own biology. Those two avenues are through our linguistic heritage and capacity to verbally cataologue and understand the world, and through the avenue of pure,, non-verbal awareness.  Let us start this exploration into the nature of our capacity for knowing through a brief exploration of our verbal abilities.  The exploration into our non-verbal cues has been indicated throughout this work, but will be expanded in a later chapter

Human evolution is a mosaic paved with countless wonders, but language is among the most transformative. The stirrings of language in our ancestral past were an inspired step igniting the gift of complex communication. Language was both a tool and a technology — a system of knowledge that was developed, honed, and transmitted with intention. Language is often heralded as one of humanity’s defining characteristics, a unique gift that has propelled us to unparalleled heights of culture, communication, and cognitive complexity. The words of our language have inspired the downtrodden, built empires, started wars, kindled romances, crafted laws, and educated listeners throughout the ages. But what is the source of our capacity for words and language, and how did they develop?

The pathway of how we came to possess this intricate communication system remains veiled in mystery and debate, yet it had to arise from a humble beginning deep in our past. Many have undertaken intellectual, religious, philosophical, and mythological journeys to explore those early days. This type of venture compels us to examine the roots of our own being because to query the origin of language is to probe the essence of our humanity. It’s about touching the fabric of what it means to be sentient and to be able to articulate the narrative of our own existence.

Helen Keller’s unique story touches upon the foundational energy behind her adaptation to symbolic representation and, by inference, the early human race’s. The young Helen Keller has a story that illuminates the profound leap from signs to symbols, from sensation to understanding, and the unlocking of her language at the water pump epitomizes that pivotal moment in history – when representation and meaning merged into clarity and identity as a unique self. Helen’s transformation would have been impossible without Anne Sullivan’s relentless teaching. This journey from void to voice is not simply a linguistic leap but a cognitive transformation. Our brain’s intricate dance of synapses and neurons, crafting symbols, assigning meaning, and progressively shaping the tapestry of language as we evolve – a process as natural to us now as breathing, yet as miraculous as the cosmos.

The dawn of consciousness is inseparable from the birth of language. When sentient thoughts began, language must have arisen concurrently or soon afterward. We all know what happens when we develop a new idea- we must share it with someone! That first spark of awareness may have been a solitary glimmer in one mind or a collective awakening, a covenant between human beings caught in the same mesh of existence. But it took two or more in a collective effort to share in the experience, to make it real, lasting, and, ultimately, teachable to others. There is a need to convey specific meanings imbued by a shared understanding within a community. The existence of shared intention supports the idea of a collective awakening to language’s potential.

Intentionality requires a community — an understanding, on some level, that there are others with whom one wishes to communicate. Early hominids in their small clans, driven by survival and societal needs, may have possessed an emergent sense of this intentionality. From this shared drive, the collective effort to develop and fine-tune vocalizations could have progressed to the structured forms of communication that we now recognize as language.

Language in its infancy was a mere compilation of sounds, and evolved over many generations to become a purposeful construct. Vocabulary was initially conceived through intention. The first thoughts and the words fashioned to represent those thoughts probably revolved around immediate biological safety needs and defining and describing the living environment, including each other. By its very nature and evolution, language establishes that there ARE separate, individual biological entities seeking to share their thoughts with each other. Hence, its origin isn’t just an artifact of evolution – it is the framework for our individual and collective identities.

Did the ability for human language evolve painstakingly slowly, one person at a time? Or, did it spring forth spontaneously in the collective human consciousness, akin to the 100th monkey effect, fueled by collective learning and intention? For a long time, the predominant view in linguistic anthropology favored gradual development as the mode through which human language emerged. This traditional narrative points to a slow and meticulous progression from primitive vocalizations akin to those of our hominid ancestors to the complex syntax and semantics of modern human speech. Proponents of this perspective emphasize the need for physical adaptations, such as brain and vocal tract changes, as preconditions for the linguistic dexterity we see today.

Clues from ancient history and archaeology echo the power of community in language evolution. The emergence of symbolic communication and complex tools coincide with the expansion of early human populations, suggesting a correlation between group interaction and cultural development. Perhaps language acquisition was no different — a collective step into a new realm of possibility that concurrently broadened the horizons of human thought and potential. Within the collective domain, language’s rules and nuances are agreed upon, and from thence, new terms, rules, or meanings can rapidly emerge within a community. This social aspect links human language intrinsically to the collective consciousness that stewards its growth.

Group dynamics are foundational to the acquisition and evolution of language. Children do not learn to speak in isolation but within the community of their family, village, and beyond. Speech is a collective endeavor — it exists to communicate, and a communicator requires an audience. The complexities inherent in language demand a collective effort not only to teach but also to standardize and maintain the linguistic framework over time.

Collective learning has fueled many human innovations, and language is no exception. The sharing and refining of knowledge within communities, facilitated by social interaction, has the power to transcend individual limitations. In the context of collective consciousness, it is posited that social groups can manifest interconnections and shared knowledge that influence the learning and behavior of individuals, paving the way for rapid shifts in cultural practices.

When it comes to language acquisition, observing and interacting with a collective that values and utilizes speech can dramatically accelerate individual learning, much like how the 100th monkey effect accelerates the spread of new practices. The 100th monkey effect, though often shrouded in skepticism, is deeply evocative. It suggests a critical mass phenomenon akin to the mob mind, where a behavior or idea spreads rapidly through a population once a certain number of individuals adopt it. When applied to our linguistic evolution, could this principle offer a new lens through which to perceive the emergence of language?

Observed behaviors in specific monkey communities have been cited as a nod to the 100th monkey principle, and this collective learning is applied to the human condition with compelling implications. Humans, too, exhibit the capacity for rapid dissemination and acquisition of knowledge when the collective will or urgency is present. It is within this socio-linguistic framework that the leap from primitive vocalizations to structured language systems can be reconsidered.

Communal groups, separated by time and distance, have given rise to a diverse tapestry of languages, each endowed with its speakers’ intentional nuances and adaptations. This linguistic diversity is a testament to the role of collective consciousness in language evolution. It is the shared vision and intentionment of a community that sustains and shapes its language, reflecting its people’s collective wisdom and character.

The debate on the origin of human language has yet to be settled. Still, a narrative that fuses the 100th monkey principle with the power of collective learning and intention presents a compelling framework for understanding the complexity of language evolution. Our capacity for speech, once considered a slow and solitary march, may have arisen from a confluence of factors within the collective human consciousness, sparking a linguistic revolution that forever changed the trajectory of our species. This collective awakening to language speaks to our shared heritage and the communal threads that continue to weave the human story. 

It can be readily seen how deeply imprinted we have become by the collective spirit and physical adaptations that speaking a language requires. Understanding language’s start may provide hints as to any potential answer to the question of whether restarting, redefining, or rebuilding our vocabulary can bring us more into alignment with creating an ever-evolving sense of identity and enhanced potential for healing.

Bridging Ancient Mythology and Modern Linguistics

The quest to understand the origins of human language is laced with intrigue, mired in complexity, and underscored by the profound capacity of the human mind to communicate. Fossil records and evolutionary biology provide a timeline of our species’ emergence and divergence, while neuroscientists map the intricate networks that form the language-centric regions of the human brain. But perhaps the oldest, often-overlooked archives on language’s beginnings are the rich mythologies spun by ancient cultures and indigenous peoples.

One of the most mystical quests is the search for the very first word uttered at the dawn of human consciousness. What was the first primal word – an affirmation of the self, an attempt to name the elements, or perhaps a call to another?  Contemplating the first word is more than an academic exercise; it prompts us to marvel at the enigma of consciousness and language, and the physiological and spiritual gap between the self and the other that language’s origins created.

Set against the backdrop of oral traditions and divine intervention, the stories that form the tapestry of many ancient cultures often speak of language as a gift from the gods. Hurrian mythology, for instance, credits the goddess Ḫepat with the creation of language. The creation stories of the Aboriginal Australians describe how ancestral beings sing the world into existence, language intricately weaving reality.

Religious texts, revered by billions, also offer hints shrouded in metaphor. In the book of John, “In the beginning was the Word,” speaks to the concept of divine Logos, where the very utterance of a word manifests reality. These narratives aren’t merely exotic flights of fancy; they serve as the foundational beliefs of societies and offer a lens through which to view the sacredness of communication.

Fast forward to the modern era, and linguistic research is grappling with the complexities of syntax, phonetics, and cognitive abilities required for the formation of language. The emergence of writing systems provided our civilization with an avenue to record and codify languages, lending a tangible structure to an otherwise ethereal mechanism of human interaction.

The field of biolinguistics seeks to merge biology and evolution to study the source and function of language in the human species. Key figures such as Noam Chomsky have proposed that certain linguistic capacities are innate, part of our genetic heritage. The study of historical linguistics traces the evolution and divergence of language families, drawing parallels with human migration patterns and historical events. Sounds and symbols transform into an intricate system of meaning, capturing our thoughts and experiences.

While ancient myths don’t align with the empirical method of scientific inquiry, they are invaluable in understanding the cultural and symbolic significance of language. When we overlay modern linguistic theories onto ancient creation myths, intriguing parallels emerge. The notion of language as a divine gift in mythology finds representation in the proposed evolutionary leaps that led to the development of complex human language.

It’s as if the echo of the Phoenix singing from the Ashes strikes a chord with Chomsky’s belief in a linguistic Big Bang, a primal event that birthed syntax and grammar. And the Logos concept echoes the cognitive foundations required for meaningful and deliberate speech. The gap between the mystical and the scientific begins to narrow, and what was once shrouded in myth now bears a striking resemblance to the complex systems studied by linguists today.

The convergence of ancient narratives and modern scientific inquiry is more than an academic exercise; it’s a bridge we can walk to gain a deeper appreciation of the phenomenon of human language. As a language enthusiast and an appreciator of mythologies, I find that the songs of creation hold wisdom that can still guide our understanding of language today.

The act of storytelling, so deeply ingrained in human culture, is a testament to the power of language not just as a means of communication but as a tool of solidarity and expression. The blending of these narratives with linguistic research enriches the intellectual tapestry that weaves through time, connecting us to our ancestors in ways that academic jargon alone cannot.

Bridging ancient mythologies with modern linguistic studies invites us to recognize the layers of sacredness that embody language. These narratives offer us the luxury of viewing the scientifically untestable with the anticipatory awe of those who once looked upon the sky and told stories of celestial beings.

While we relentlessly pursue scientific truths, there is a unique form of knowledge— undeniably human and at times intangible—that the ancients have preserved in their stories. By cherishing and scrutinizing these stories for deeper meaning, we do more than simply entertain ourselves with tales of the past — we pay tribute to the very essence of our humanity. The next time we speak, write, or sign, we echo the language of our forebears, and in that echo, we hear the universe of human experience made manifest.

To Be Born In A Long Forgotten Past, To Be Reborn In The Now

The intersection of science, religion, and philosophy enriches our exploration of consciousness. Scientific theories about the origin of consciousness offer valuable insights into the workings of our minds, complementing religious and philosophical perspectives. By engaging in interdisciplinary dialogue, we can better understand the complex nature of consciousness and bridge gaps between different realms of human experience. To truly grasp the nature of consciousness, we must embrace all such dialogue and integration. Science, religion, and philosophy each offer unique perspectives, and by engaging in meaningful conversations across disciplines, we can gain a more comprehensive understanding of our conscious experience. It is through this interdisciplinary dialogue that we can forge a path towards a holistic exploration of consciousness, and create stories that playfully, artfully, and/or accurately represent their successful fusion into new understanding.

Our theories of ourselves and all of our concepts of the past are not real in any absolute sense, being only a collection of memories, social/historical narratives and all such related assumptions.  But we won’t let that truth get in the way of telling meaningful stories. So let’s take a creative, whirlwind tour through history, dating back to, perhaps, a million years ago or more.  The last thing I want to do is to create alternative facts and implant false memories that were never real, just like many want-to-be biblical scholars,  malicious fake news generators and conspiracy theorists of today attempt to do.  The best way to get to new answers is to ask new questions.

So, here we go!

• What was our mental atmosphere like back then, when mankind was first becoming conscious?
• With humanity’s dark history, the survival of the fittest evolutionary imperative, and the fear of dangerous animals (which includes human strangers not of one’s tribe and not prone to collaborative behavior) what can we speculate about the original nature of that consciousness?
• Based on our present understanding, could one surmise that trauma and suffering have been with mankind from the beginning?
• Is the Garden of Eden story, and many other myths and legends from other cultures, merely stories created by ancient peoples seeking the same answers?

The previous questions are riddled with assumptions, and the answers that we might supply to questions of this nature are subject to both speculation and revisionist history.  We must apply the tools of historical, anthropological, sociological, psychological, mythological, and spiritual analysis and discernment in any endeavor of this nature.  I will only touch upon the highlights of this epoch of mankind, and you should not believe me, any more than you might believe the scientists, anthropologists, sociologists, and biblical writers who have already undertaken their studies and often vain attempts at understanding.

We only need to look within ourselves, and to our pasts, to see how uncertain our memories are, and extrapolate that to our human history, which is also plagued by short-term, medium-term, and long-term memory loss. We can see how impossible it is to accurately recall and recreate memories from times long past, especially of the times when we were babies or children, though the recollections of others, coupled with insight can help in this daunting journey of discovery.  Yet, as the evolution of our biological being can be witnessed through observing the stages of the development of the human embryo through its birth, so might we be able to observe the historical, evolutionary unfoldment of humanity, replicated in a compressed form through our unfoldment, from a primatively conscious state as a newborn baby into the consciousness of a personal sense of self, to see if a parallel understanding may be derived.

Without a recorded history, and supersubstantial archeological records, a careless investigation and exploration can become yet another Rorschach test for all inquisitors, and we will only mostly confirm what we already think that we know.  We can attempt to create our best representation of what we think their truths might have been in the earliest iterations of mankind, the times that existed before verbal accounts were being passed down through the generations. Even though our present history has only about 5000 years of written records, some cultures have historical narratives that appear to have been passed down for at least 30,000 years.  The aborigines of Australia claim a 60,000-year narrative, while Central and South American indigenous peoples and their shamans also claim lineages of tens of thousands of years.

Western European civilization appears to be an outgrowth of the migration of African tribal members at least 13000-30000 years ago.  Cave drawings in Spain and France show sophisticated art capabilities, and, apparently, versions of animal and spirit worship. Many ancient cultures created sculpted objects resembling the human penis, and the pregnant woman, so the need for fertility and the reverence for all associated body parts appears to be a fundamental need for our race. Other caves have been found showing even earlier creative endeavors. The human race has a long history, indeed, though finding a physical, or even spiritual, starting point is probably impossible.

The earliest human creatures spoke primarily with gestures, grunts, and body language, with their evolving vocal cords eventually joining in the conversation at some unknown point in the distant past. They standardized certain utterances, sounds that became words that were supposed to represent that which they were seeing, doing, using, or eating.  Eventually, mankind made the quantum leap to symbolic writing, where animal and plant etchings once used to symbolically represent aspects of daily life were replaced by crude symbols, which evolved into hieroglyphics, and then cuneiform alphabets. It must have seemed like magic to the first humans who realized, and then taught others, that their thoughts could be approximated and shared through words, and then through an ever-evolving symbolic representation.

It appears that the creation, or formation of a new world had been made possible through words and concepts that were arising in the evolving consciousness.  Formerly, there were mainly biological systems with limited freedom of choice responding to environmental influences, with a more instinctual response coupled with real life experience conditioning to meeting the needs of the body, and of whatever family or community that existed.  We could call that world the “real world”, as it dealt with the harsh realities of a world not yet under the subjugation of the human mind. 

One of the most mystical quests is the search for the very first word uttered at the dawn of human consciousness, that word that started our inexorable transition out of a previous purely nature connected state. What was the first primal word – an affirmation of the self, an attempt to name the elements, or perhaps a call to another?  Contemplating the first word is more than an academic exercise; it prompts us to marvel at the enigma of consciousness and language, and the eventual perceptual and spiritual gap between the self and the other that language’s origins created.

The Evolution of Human Communication: Parallels Between Pre-Verbal Sounds

Communication, the thread that weaves the very fabric of human society, is often seen as a sophisticated skill, honed and developed through the ages. But beyond the first words we speak and the complex language structures we have built, there lies a primordial echo. I believe that it is important to understand the pre-verbal sounds of a baby before their first words, and to draw a parallel between these delicate utterances and the pre-verbal grunts and groans that once laid the foundation of human communication in the time of our ancient ancestors.

As children, we are taught that the “goo” and “ga” sounds we first make are mere precursors to the richness of our spoken language. A harkening back to a time before enlightenment, clarity, and the ability to convey the intricate workings of our thoughts. Likewise, within archeological, anthropological, and biological studies, we catch whispers of a similar pre-verbal form of communication among our ancient ancestors.

The formative months of a child’s life are often filled with the joyous onset of sound. A mother may hear her child’s coos and see them as the bridge to language, the sweet murmurings that burgeon into the vibrant tapestries of communication. Developmental studies have long celebrated these pre-linguistic sounds, indicating that they are not just random noise but critical building blocks of comprehension and discourse.

These sounds, it seems clear, are the result of an innate ability to communicate and seek connection. Before language shapes thoughts, these early gurgles and cries are the tools infants use to gauge reactions and express their needs. They are the inbuilt machinery of social beings who crave interaction from the very start — and it is to this start that we now turn our gaze across millennia.

In the murky half-light of prehistory, our forebears cast about, not with words, but with the guttural unity of community life. Anthropologists studying prehistoric artifacts and cave paintings have pieced together a picture of a time when communication was not just vital but acted as the mortar that bound these early societies.

Echoes of this past are found in the vocal mimicry employed by apes and other primates, as well as in the various clicks and other non-linguistic sounds used by indigenous peoples today to communicate over distance without disturbing their surroundings. It was through these pre-verbal means that our ancient kin empathized, warned, and celebrated together in the wild.

At first glance, the connection between the pre-linguistic sounds of a baby and those of our early ancestors may seem tenuous. However, both are characterized by a shared intent — an urge to connect, express, and understand long before any “intelligence” as we define it was present.

These pre-verbal forms of communication, though raw, were the bedrock upon which the edifice of spoken language was built. Like the infant’s cooing, they served not just as primal screams of survival but as the initial layers of empathy and understanding that would evolve by slow degrees into the grand tapestry of our linguistic capacity.

Understanding these parallels deepens our appreciation of human biology and behavior. It provides a lens through which to view the first external manifestations of our cognitive evolution. Seeing the commonalities in these sounds — the linking of an infant’s beginning to the dawn of our species — is to unlock a narrative that flows seamlessly from past to present.

It also challenges the distinction we sometimes make between “animal” and “human” forms of communication. By recognizing these parallels, we acknowledge that all communication is a continuum, anchored in our shared ancestry with the rest of the animal kingdom.

This revelation prompts a personal reflection. As we witness the development of language in children, we are witnessing an echo of millions of years of evolutionary development. The simple “goo” and “ga” are not just precursors to something greater; they are the resounding call of our hominid ancestors urging us toward deeper reflection.

The implications are profound. They speak to an inherent need for connection and community that has marked our existence from the very beginning. These pre-verbal sounds are less about the conveyance of information and more about the fostering of kinship.

Our pre-verbal sounds, from the first cries of an infant to the grunts shared around the communal fire, are the unadorned first chapters of a vast and complex story. By drawing these parallels, we do more than revel in the cuteness of baby babble; we lay bare the basal aspects of human communication and the resonance they still hold in our species’ character.

In understanding these parallels, we not only see the beginnings of what makes us uniquely human but are also reminded of the inalienable connection we share with all living beings — a symbolic return to the cradle of our shared communicative birth.

We are an over- civilized race now, but humanity still has some very basic needs that must be met, or we will not prosper as a species, but instead experience the failure to thrive, as some emotionally and familialy disadvantaged babies tragically experience.  Like our pre-verbal ancient ancestors empathized, cued off of each other’s smiles, warned, fosteres kinship, and celebrated together in the wild, so too must we access this non-verbal wisdom in our ordered modern existence.

The Word Being Made Flesh, And Dwelling Amongst Us As Ourselves

With the advent of symbolic representation of the real world, a concurrent, though alternate “reality” was created that only existed in the minds of those entertaining those new concepts and symbols.  To the point that this alternate reality created within the mind, both individually and culturally, matched up with the conditions of the real world, one could say that becoming verbally conscious was an amazing evolutionary leap for humanity.  They now lived in two intimately related and interdependent worlds, that of their sensory inputs and biology, and that of their minds.

Once symbology is introduced into the human mind, absolutely remarkable, if not miraculous, phenomena start appearing.  Consciousness expressed through symbology appears to have a self-organizing principle innate to it, and as it weighs and measures and assigns names to the objects of its awareness, a personal sense of being is also introduced into the biological system entertaining the symbology.  Thus, the “word” or the act of first recognizing that a verbal sound or a specific set of symbols can represent an environmental influence is the initial generative force behind the creation of the awakening of the personal sense of self.

I began this chapter with a question about when mankind first became conscious, and the story of Helen Keller is a remarkable account of that very universal process happening to a handicapped individual.  Helen Keller gives an outstanding narrative of the beginning of her sense of self, a new self that seemed to arise out of her more instinctual, or even chaotic biological response to life. 

“The only thing worse than being blind is having sight but no vision.” – Helen Keller

Helen Keller’s story is one that has captivated and inspired generations. Born in 1880, she faced unimaginable challenges from a young age. At just 19 months old, a severe illness left her deaf and blind. But it was through her unwavering resilience and the pivotal moment that marked the beginning of her sense of self that she became an iconic figure, teaching us valuable lessons about human potential.

As I reflect on Helen Keller’s journey, I am struck by the profound significance of that breakthrough moment. It was a beautiful spring day when her teacher, Anne Sullivan, led her to the water pump. As the cool water flowed over one hand, Anne spelled out the word “water” into Helen’s other hand. In that instant, Helen made the connection between the tactile sensation and the word, and her world opened up. It was a transformative moment, not just for Helen, but for all those who have been touched by her story.

Anne Sullivan, herself visually impaired, played a crucial role in guiding Helen through her education. With innovative teaching methods and unwavering dedication, Anne helped Helen navigate the complexities of language and communication. Their bond went beyond that of student and teacher; it was a deep connection rooted in mutual understanding and trust.

Helen Keller’s journey has profound implications for our understanding of human potential. Her story reminds us that, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges, we have the capacity to grow, learn, and achieve great things. It is a testament to the power of resilience and determination.  It is a testament to the power inherent in becoming conscious.

In our own lives, we have the power to shape our identity and forge our own path. Helen Keller’s story teaches us that the choices we make, the knowledge we seek, and the connections we form all contribute to our sense of self. It is through these choices that we define who we are and what we can become.

Understanding the word and its symbolism opened the miraculous door to Helen Keller’s self, and both phenomena seem to have arisen concurrently.  Helen Keller’s new sense of self arose out of a life-giving and sustaining symbol, and she grew into a creative, profound, and spiritually wise human being, beloved by all who knew her. The word water became flesh to her, covering her biological skeleton with the flesh of a life imbued with the meaning of words.

So far, neuroscientists have found that there are no images, videos, or sound bites in our brains. There are only patterns of synapses firing.  Everything our senses see, hear, smell, taste, and feel is converted into these patterns. This is the only way we know the world. The sight, warmth, and flavor of our favorite foods all exist for us only as synapses firing in specific patterns. Even the obsession with chocolate bars is just a pattern.  Our brains process all sensory data in the same way, whether it comes from our eyes, ears, mouth, fingers, or nose, or even areas, not under public scrutiny. Any pattern in the world that our senses can sense gets mapped by our synapses in pretty much the same way.

Helen Keller’s, and our own, experiences happened because our brain’s activity became another source of sensory input. This one seemingly small change would allow our brains to become aware of their processes, and themselves and to become conscious.  And it would allow us–for the first time in history–to develop a sense of self.  This is a direct result of the profound mystery of the development of the word that is first recognized within an individual self and then shared with others.

How does our brain do this, or is this a manifestation of something beyond the brain? Brains can process electromagnetic light waves, auditory sound waves, and molecules of aroma, but how, exactly, does it process the Word?  Is just the sound of the word sufficient?  As we now know, just the sound of the word is not sufficient for the creation of this interior insight and understanding. Something now is playing the keys of our brain’s interior synapses, and the music we hear is the melody of OUR SELF.  Are our neural patterns creating our sense of self? 

Ha, the mystery remains, as well as our sense of self.

Once humans evolved consciousness, our internal sensations, emotions, and thoughts went online and became available to make us aware of who we are. Our internally observed neural activity told us:

• what we like, and don’t like
• who we love, and don’t love
• how things make us feel, or how there is only numbness where feelings should be
• what we think, and what we think about what we think
• how, and maybe why, we behave in the sometimes odd ways that we do
• what we want, and how far beyond our moral boundaries we’ve increasingly gone to get it

Because this inward-directed, self-sensing part of our brain can itself be seen as an input, we can be aware of ourselves being aware of ourselves being aware our ourselves, times infinity.

The experience of having conscious awareness happens on levels beyond the physical plane, without typical sensorial awareness. It can feel so extraordinary and exalted that it seems like it must be the result of something more than just brain chemistry, perhaps even a manifestation of something of an otherworldly, or even divine, nature. Our nervous systems are a vast universe of sensations, feelings, and thoughts. Conscious awareness has added a window to this interior dimension where the immeasurable and the unknowable may be accessed, caressed, or manhandled, by our sense of self.

Consciousness has completely changed the nature of our experience, as well as the state of nature across the entire planet. There are real mysteries here, what exactly is, or isn’t consciousness, and what does it feel like to have it?

It can be argued that once the mind of man finally became conscious of its self, and then that others also might also have a self, it opened the doors to a collective mind that entertained and hosted the symbolic representations of all of the other individual life forms, human or animal, that it was witnessing, as well as itself. It also opened Pandora’s Box, or the doors to all manners of the mistaken judgment of others, and of self, opening the internal windows to illusion and fantasy, and that tragic fact of the unfoldment of consciousness remains not only a historical fact but a present reality.

When was mankind’s first W A T E R moment?  Some neurobiologists guess that it happened when our neo-cortex first came online, about 30-60 thousand years ago.  I am not so sure.  It could be said that individual man, and collective man, may have left the Garden Of Eden state with that same evolutionary unfoldment in consciousness.

In the mystical literature of the Bible, as recorded through the words of New Testament scribe John:

“The Word. became flesh, and dwelt among us”.

We cannot be certain as to what the first words taught to each other in the dawning times of human consciousness were, but by historical evidence, it would appear that the language of survival, defense, killing, eating, competition for mates and sexual activity, and, eventually, attempts at understanding their place in the universe, probably dominated early language-building cultures.  Remember, this matrix of information and ignorance becomes the very foundation of collective consciousness, the very consciousness that we continue to add to and access daily, even in our modern times.

With the advent of symbolic representation, our history was no longer dependent upon oral transmission, yet oral transmission still, to this very day remains a powerful, and primary, form of communication, especially for those not proficient in their reading ability, and lacking in intellectual and spiritual discernment.  Words spoken in groups of people have infinitely more power in the present moment than words read from a book by an individual in the privacy of the home.  We all have witnessed the remarkable power of the mob mind, and need only look at the insurrection on January 6, 2021, to see the insane, crazy-making energy they can stir up within people disconnected from reality.

There are two or more sides to every story, and the epoch of mankind certainly could have been defined historically by its nearly infinite number of interactions between members of our worldwide community, past and present, and all of the resultant stories derived through those connections, be they ordered or chaotic in nature.  But, in the interest of brevity and our need to create meaning and bring order out of the apparent chaos of the limitless multitudes, we tend to select the stories that appear to not only carry the ethos of the age in which they originated but also appear to support the perceptual agendas of the writers.

Our present civilization now proudly touts its written “recorded history”. History is created and maintained by the institutionalized powers and transferred to all members of the community. Our history continues to be written to accommodate the prevailing victorious powers and understandings of the age in which it was first written.

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In the distant past, and even today among the few uncivilized indigenous tribes left, the mother, father, and whatever tribe or supportive community transferred all of their wisdom and knowledge about hunting, weapon construction and use, tool construction and use, gathering, childbirth and rearing, wound care, fire building, and survival to the children, until they were of age, and could join their father, or their mother, in the daily grind, or branch out and seek their fortune elsewhere.  Today, our parents and our culture continue the same process, transferring their knowledge, sacred or otherwise, to our children.  So, not only do we live in two worlds, we also have two identities to deal with.  Our collective/cultural self and our sense of self are rarely one person, though both now travel with us, wherever we might travel.  The civilized being is plagued by schizophrenia, whether we want to face that difficult truth, or not.

We have more than a biological evolution, we also have an ongoing emotional, intellectual, and spiritual evolution.  Our latter history, which is written, shows our ability to philosophize and to form creative narratives about what the world once was, what it is now, and where it might be going in the future.  Our vision of what the world once was will always be just a best guess, and, just like now, our ancestors wrote their histories and proposed myths and legends to explain that which was pre-existent to their own lives.  Our myths and legends serve us well in this regard, and many times they complement what we have discovered through all of the sciences, spiritual literature, as well as through our intuitive natures.

Who tells the story?  Many times, the greatest, most courageous and intelligent heroes of our race remain anonymous, though their stories were captured by others..  They died before they could even create a story, thus the survivors, usually less qualified and relatively more uninformed, are the historians, and their story, not the story of the real heroes, is accepted as the narrative.  Religious texts abound with such exposition.  Our American history also has suffered under the need to present the prevailing propaganda of the time, as it looks back and interprets other’s historical accounts of what transpired, and molds it into a more self-supporting and self-aggrandizing cultural ethos and narrative.

When we were under the law of “survival of the fittest”, we had to measure up, and use all of our physical, emotional, and intuitive resources at maximum power, coupled with community and individual knowledge (wisdom) to have any hope of not becoming a meal for a stronger and hungrier predator than we were or a victim of a hunter/aggressor from another tribe.. Biologically, the men of our species usually were blessed with the greatest physical assets, while the women, through their capacity for becoming impregnated, were the carriers of the species’ future, plus messengers from a deeper realm of human potential through their heightened intuition and Earth-centered wisdom.  Women within many ancient cultures were regarded as healers and carriers of “medicine”.  They were loved, honored, respected, and protected by the community for those very reasons.  Modern anthropological studies continue to confirm that early indigenous women were held in at least as high esteem as the hunter/gatherer/warriors of ancient times, so it can be surmised that in our pre-history the balance of the masculine and the feminine through mutual understanding, acknowledgment, and equality existed and supported the good for all.

The larger the community became, the more the equilibrium between men and women became disturbed,  Size indicates prosperity, and the bigger communities either traded with friendly neighbors or were attacked by others seeking to help their tribes.  As our history shows an almost universal, steady progression of conflict and war, cultures took their strongest citizens and made them into defenders, or aggressors, to preserve the tribe’s rights to resources, which were usually scarce.  Biologically, the male warrior usually was considered as the best choice, and a whole consciousness eventually developed around that difference in biology.  The best male might be considered the one who brings home the most game, gathers the most berries, raises the most crops (a more recent development) and/or is most fearless and aggressive, within certain community-proscribed limits.  The best female might be considered the one most willing to support the hunter/gatherer and the defenders, through family support, maintenance of the home, meal preparation, healing of wounds, and birthing and raising the family, especially while the men go about their business.

Yet, mankind’s story, when told by the historical progression of women, would be much different than the story told by the history that men might present.  History is rarely described and defined by the ones who were stuck at home caring for the wounded and the children, by the submissive ones, by the artists or sculptors, or by the losers in any conflict.  Our history is no different, being described, and defined, by those in power, which are predominantly white male influences..

There is an imbalance within the field of the human spirit.  Masculine energy has dominated our specie’s relationship with the universe, the world, the plants and animals, and with each other for most of the recorded time, and well before the human race had any capacity to keep records.  Men carried the seed for life, yet they did not have the love, respect, and nurturing ability that the female of the species seemed to naturally possess.  Was this merely an environmental response, or a biological response, or a combination of the two?  The Hebrew Bible and its book of Genesis gives an interesting perspective,

Let me start by stating that metaphorical thinking is crucial when approaching all religious texts.  The Book of Genesis stands as one of the most influential texts in human history, yet the interpretation of Genesis presents challenges when examined through the lens of modern science and historical context. While some still hold fast to its literal truth, others see the value in exploring its meaning through metaphorical interpretations. Viewing Genesis as a metaphor allows us to delve into deeper truths about our existence and the nature of consciousness.  Though not scientifically or historically accurate, metaphors in religious texts serve as powerful tools for conveying timeless truths about the human experience and our place in the world.

Was it just a damned accident at our birth, when our mother ejected us from her womb’s safety, and forced us to figure out how we got here, and what we are supposed to be doing now that we are here in space and time?  All religions have a point of view on that question!  In the Hebrew-based mythological story of The Garden Of Eden, we even see the beginning of male denial and scapegoating of the female for humanity becoming alive and with consciousness. 

In the story of the Garden of Ede, Adam and Eve,is a metaphor for the awakening of human consciousness. The forbidden fruit can be seen as symbolizing the pursuit of knowledge and self-awareness. As Adam and Eve partake in this forbidden fruit, they gain consciousness and self-reflection, shedding light on the human journey towards understanding ourselves and the world around them.. With eating of the fruit of the tree of knowledge of good and evil, man, and woman, now may hesitantly approach divine knowledge, yet forever remain outside of their original ignorant unconscious state of being.  The “flamings swords of the cherubim” guard the Garden and keep us out, for eternity, or at least until the judgmental.mind is quieted through spiritual practice, enhanced wisdom and understanding.  That becones the window where divine forgiveness shines through and the resetting of conscious intention towards loving self and other occurs. 

The serpent in the Garden of Eden remains a fascinating, enlightening archetypal image. The serpent is always in contact with the ground, or with the limbs in the trees, depending upon where it lives, so it serves as a great metaphor for those in continuous contact with our planet. And, mothers have a much more earth-centered understanding of life, being the bearers of human life itself, so the snake is also a metaphor for the earth-centered and connected woman.  As the Earth gave life to us, so did the woman give life to the human.  Women learned early about the Earth’s capacity to heal us, through judicious application of its plants and herbs, and spiritual awareness and empathy. Women tended to see a more complete picture than did the men, due to the very constitution of their neural networks.  Women tended to see the forests and the trees, while the men remained obsessed about the trees.  And, in a later development, the more earth-attuned women were persecuted and burned at the stake for being witches.

The serpent is also recognized for the way that it winds around its victims, or coils before it strikes.  It is an obvious reference to the cunning nature of thought itself, winding around its victims and coiling before it strikes.  Our limited thinking, even with all of its knowledge, attempts to baffle us with its bullshit, while it instinctively strikes out at others, or even ourselves, when feeling threatened.  The serpent metaphor does successfully represent our biological and instinctual needs, like our unevolved thinking nature, our natural reflexes, our unenlightened sexual activity and our need for self-preservation.  In some early cultures, the serpent was even worshiped as a God, or even feared as the devil, probably because of the pain, suffering, and sometimes death that ensued from failing to follow its edicts, such as avoiding contact with others, or thoughts within ourselves, of a poisonous nature.  The greatest poison in existence is our so-called knowledge of good and evil when is used to attack ourselves and/or each other. The greatest deceit in history is when mankind began defining the Divine in terms that were merely projections of its own limited understanding, and hypnotizing others with their own self-assured ignorance.

In the words of Joseph Campbell, “Anything that can be said or thought of God is, as it were, a screen between us and God.  If we take it literally, absolutely, we are in a way short-circuiting our own experience of an ultimately ineffable mystery, something that can not be talked about.  Half of the people in the world think the reference of a metaphor is a fact.  The other half of the world knows that it’s a lie.  So we have people who believe in God as a fact and people who believe that he’s not a fact, both theists and atheists.  The real position is to realize that the word God is metaphorical of a mystery, and the mystery is absolutely beyond all human comprehension”.

There is no return to the Garden of Eden while we ignorantly trust our collective perception derived knowledge of the divine.  All religions thus must be regarded as mere representations of truth, and not Truth itself.

An artist paints or sculpts its representation of a revered object, but the creative work never becomes alive.  As the Buddha proclaimed, the finger pointing at the moon is not the moon.  Thus, our pseudo-knowledge parading as truth and accepted as such removes us from our direct divine connection.

Before I enter the portion discussing the common knowledge game in detail, it is beneficial to provide some information about the physiological similarities and differences in the brain between men and women, and how we process information and express ourselves, as a result of those differences and similarities.  I will also post some quotes from the New Testament of the Christian Bible, to show how men have attempted to suppress the nature of the feminine, both within the women in their lives and culture and within their own “masculine” minds.  Both of these factors have ultimate importance in the Common Knowledge game, providing the basic foundation for perception of our collective consciousness, and unconsciousness.

Wow, there really is a difference! How did THAT get in there?

It’s no secret that men and women are different, biologically, historically, emotionally, and spiritually, and extend beyond what the eye can see. Research reveals major distinctions between male and female brains. Scientists generally study several areas of difference in male and female brains: including structure, activity, processing, and chemistry. The differences between male and female brains in these areas show up all over the world, but scientists also have discovered exceptions to every so-called gender rule. Some men are very sensitive, immensely talkative about their feelings, and naturally eschew the masculine way of doing things. As with all gender differences, no one way of doing things is better or worse. The differences are simply generalized differences in typical brain functioning, and it is important to remember that all differences have advantages and disadvantages.

The male and female brains are structurally different.  “Structural” refers to actual parts of the brain and the way they are built, including their size and/or mass. Females often have a larger hippocampus, our human memory center. Females also often have a higher density of neural connections in the hippocampus. As a result, women tend to input or absorb more sensorial and emotive information than males do.  Women tend to sense a lot more of what is going on around them throughout the day, and they retain that sensorial information more than men..Before birth, the male and female brains develop somewhat differently, with the right and left hemispheres of the male and female brains showing distinctive paths of development.

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Females tend to have verbal centers on both sides of the brain, while males tend to have verbal centers on only the left hemisphere. This is a significant difference, as females tend to use more words when discussing or describing objects of their concern. Males have fewer verbal centers in general and have less connectivity between their word centers and their memories or feelings. When it comes to discussing feelings and emotions and senses together, women tend to have an advantage..Another difference worth looking closely at is the activity difference between male and female brains. The female brain, in part thanks to far more natural blood flow throughout the brain at any given moment (more white matter processing), and because of a higher degree of blood flow in a concentration part of the brain called the cingulate gyrus, will often ruminate on and revisit emotional memories more than the male brain.

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Males, in general, are designed a bit differently. Males tend, after reflecting more briefly on an emotive memory, to analyze it somewhat, and then move on to the next task. During this process, they may also choose to change course and do something active and unrelated to feelings rather than analyze their feelings at all. Thus, observers may mistakenly believe that men avoid feelings in comparison to women or move to problem-solving too quickly.

Scientists have discovered approximately 100 gender differences in the brain, and the importance of these differences cannot be overstated. Understanding gender differences from a neurological perspective not only opens the door to a greater appreciation of the different genders, it also calls into question how we parent, educate, and support our children from a young age.  None of us are doomed to remain tethered to a solely male or a female perspective, though our culture and our religions certainly have dedicated much time, historically, to maintaining the status quo and the division between the sexes.

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There appears to be a physiological reason in the brain for why men and women see life differently from each other.  Men and women tend to process information and emotions somewhat differently.  Women tend to think more globally, and outwardly network with others, and also within all centers of their own brains, better than males.  Yet, there are aspects of many styles of processing available to both men, and women, depending on their own internal natures, and intentions.  And, through proper training, intention, and insight, men can actually process information and emotions in more intelligent, balanced, loving manners.  And men can become much more interested in, and sensitive to the needs of others, and their own emotional needs, if this becomes a conscious intention for them.  Studies have also shown that the internal nature of all brains can be changed, even after one reaches adulthood.  Men can become much more “feminine” in the way their brain processes emotions and information, showing the powerful transformative force that conscious “nurture” has upon “nature”..The bible has so many revealing statements and texts about the subjugation and disempowering of women, all in the name of maintaining “Godly” relations.  

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The Christian bible is replete with aphorisms and statements relegating women to the background of the “church”, and in all relations with life.  This oppression of women, and repression of so-called “feminine characteristics” within the male have been historically inculcated into the history and traditions of so-called “religious people”, and it reflects in the diseased and imbalanced relationships between some Christian and Jewish bodies of thought, and the world in general…These religious principles have also become established as conscious, and unconscious, norms for perception within the collective consciousness of America, and mankind in general.  Just having a political and philosophical need to keep the church and the state separate is not quite enough, apparently, to establish healthier norms for relationships between the sexes.  And, an unfortunate and dangerous outcome to this division between the man and woman is that the man is unconsciously conditioned to see the ‘feminine” aspects of himself in an objectified manner, and tries to oppress, control and dominate those aspects, emotions, and tendencies as if those parts were his “Christian wife”, rather than integrate them into a complete holism within himself..

• For man was not made from woman, but woman from man.-—1 Peter 3:1
• Likewise, wives, be subject to your own husbands, so that even if some do not obey the word, they may be won without a world by the conduct of their wives-–1 Corinthians
• The women should keep silent in the churches.  For they are not permitted to speak, but should be in submission, as the Law also says.  If there is anything they desire to learn, let them ask their husbands at home.  For it is shameful for a woman to speak in church—-1 Timothy 2:12-14
• I do not permit a woman to teach or to exercise authority over a man; rather, she is to remain quiet. For Adam was formed first, then Eve; and Adam was not deceived, but the woman was deceived and became a transgressor.—-1 Timothy 2:
• To the woman he said, “I will surely multiply your pain in childbearing; in pain you shall bring forth children.  Your desire shall be for your husband, and he shall rule over you.“—–Genesis 3:16

.So how on Earth, or in Heaven, do we bring balance back to ourselves, and with our relationships to each other, with our men and women, and with our planet Earth?.

Before I leave this discussion about myths and our origins, and the differences between the sexes, I would like to speculate that if I had a different early childhood, and if the first word that I learned was the unifying, life-giving word W A T E R, rather than the conflicted, confused, sometimes abandoned experience that I had around the words M O T H E R and F A T H E R,   I too, might have had a much less fragmented understanding of life, and a more positive experience as a child and young adult.  My early life experience and how consciousness ordered my sense of self was definitely not of the same nature as the beloved Helen Keller’s, though I was at least was loved by my grandparents, parents and pets.

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Once we become conscious, there does not appear to be any obvious way of going back to permanent unconsciousness of our self, except through neurological damage or disease.   Yet, many seekers of truth and knowledge throughout time have claimed that by meditating upon their body, their biology, and their breath, rather than the endless stream of words, thoughts, and concepts that seem to be constantly present, a door may open revealing the possibility of an enhanced experience of non-thought based awareness, however.

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I propose that there is a way to be born again, but it can be an unusual path for some, characterized by a surprise intuitive connection, or another, much more common path that embraces much pain and suffering initially.  In the latter situation, the aspirant must be disgusted with the past, and be willing to be freed from it and be open to new possibilities for a refreshed life experience.

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Does anyone know the way back “home”?

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Would we return to a pre-verbal or nonverbal state of being, or would we recognize words for what they are, and use them with more love and care, or perhaps a conscious blend of the two states? Perhaps we will discover that words only have limited, relative value rather than absolute value, in the search for our real origins.

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Jesus, in the New Testament, proclaims:

• “Unless you are born again, you cannot enter the kingdom of God.“, and
• ““It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God”, and, finally
• “My Kingdom is not of this world”.

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So, even prophets and biblical writers understood the difficulty of such an undertaking.  Jesus knew that those already rich, or overburdened, with their religious knowledge would be least likely to want to let it all go, and start over once they learned that they really knew nothing of the timeless divine knowledge. It is quite an insult to the ego, no matter how much so-called religious knowledge it is disguised with..

Most of the human race continues to be born into ancient times, using the tools of ancient, unenlightened thought, and they embody a continuation of the same mental and material processes that our ancient, mostly unenlightened ancestors practiced. If we can discontinue thinking the same thoughts about subjects we really don’t understand, our now opened minds become the now  innocent wombs for the birth of new understanding and awareness.  This is the “virgin birth” metaphorically referred to for Jesus Christ’s entry into this world.

“The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched – they must be felt with the heart.” – Helen Keller

     Yet, not all of our ancestors were ignorant, disconnected beings.  In the optimistic assessment of John Trudell,  all human beings are descendents of tribal people who were spiritually alive and intimately in love with the natural world, and children of Mother Earth.  When we were tribal people, we knew who we were, we knew where we were, and we knew our purpose.  This sacred perception of reality remains alive and well in our genetic memory.  We still carry it inside of us in a long neglected dusty box in the mind’s attic.

    There is an exciting alternative to the repetition and continuation of our human and personal history, however, but to be a part of that evolutionary leap, we must either access this long neglected dusty box, and/or be born again.  You don’t need to study my works to find the Truth, you just need to learn how to study yourself. You are the greatest teacher, healer, and redeemer that you will ever find, once you tune up your understanding.  We have to understand that which we attempt to understand with. We finally understand that to search for our divine source with just a mind stuffed with scriptures, words, and thoughts is like chasing a sunbeam with a flashlight.  But, in the quietness and love of our heart, we may finally discover our real self, and, perhaps, see with the real mystery of life.  It may become the greatest challenge of your life, yet the rewards make the whole process meaningful beyond all description.

Is it possible to finally learn who is the being searching for the divine?

Is it possible to see the divine in everyday life?

Have fun and learn, and then teach, or unteach, your children well! 

     What about the rest of you? Well, you will do what you feel that you need to do, without question, and your learning will come with much suffering and pain as a continuation of the historical momentum of humanity. Why would anybody want to change, anyway? I changed because I was going to die, and I wanted to see if life had any lasting, eternal meaning.  I had to stop telling Life solely what it meant to me and be watchful and silent enough so that Life could reveal more of its undiscovered meaning to me.   I had to let go of my misunderstandings of the words that I used and applied to Creation that I had oppressed and limited by using them ignorantly.

Are you ready to transmogrify?

Welcome to the next chapter!

“If everything around seems dark, look again, you may be the light”.  —Rumi