Thank you for expressing so beautifully what I have been feeling in the last 7 years since finding EP. Yes I navigate better in the world through EP principles or at least I understand it better, but it became such a sad world to live in, so devoid of mystery and magic. As I gently add back some of my woo-woo beliefs and practices, I start feeling more alive! It's almost a coming home to myself, a feeling I had lost in the process of becoming scientifically educated. Now I can start integrating both and see what the outcomes are. And this may be the key to an evolutionary "successful" and more joyful journey as a (biological) woman in this "toxic-masculinity-patriarchal-world".
Jen!!! This is SUPERB!!! You outdo yourself again and again with each post!!! THANK YOU!!!! I am fortunate to understand and profoundly resonate with your views based on my experience and inclinations. To affirm and perhaps expand the conversation (probably too much), I'll mention a podcast that thrilled me today: https://edgeofmindpodcast.com/sean-esbjorn-hargens-on-how-exo-studies-leads-to-endo-inner-discoveries/
So much to unpack here. Thank you, I enjoy your writing. I think the scientific study of perception altering drugs is potentially a very good way to systemically evaluate the commonalities between “embiggened” subjective experiences. Feelings of connectivity and spirituality are the norm. And we can still use EP to explain why.
Where these concepts become difficult to grasp is in their application on a day to day basis. Like hmm, okay, I see how there could be some unknown, magical, beautiful force at play and I can let go of some misery tied to innate competition and inadequacy as a result… for all of a second. And then what? Keep reminding myself of this when I step on the scale, see a new gray hair and feel the weight of everyone’s judgment on my singleness (fill in the blank for whatever your competitive challenge is)? Maybe it’s exactly as Ram dass says, be here now and dismiss the self flagellating EP thoughts over and over, until it becomes a habit. Reading this gives me reassurance that I don’t have to throw the baby out with the bath water, but the practice of it seems harder than the tools offered by EP.
It feels like such a big hug to read the words I have been feeling but couldn’t put into words myself. Losing all the mystery sucks, getting some back has been a relief. In contrast to all that we know (even with EP!) I know I’ll never know why this nature exists and what the endgame is, or if an endgame exists, etc. I’m looking forward to checking out Hoffman and everything you’ve mentioned on your reading list currently. You break it down much better than any of these people imo though 😁 so I eagerly await any more of your metaphysical musings!
Thank you for expressing so beautifully what I have been feeling in the last 7 years since finding EP. Yes I navigate better in the world through EP principles or at least I understand it better, but it became such a sad world to live in, so devoid of mystery and magic. As I gently add back some of my woo-woo beliefs and practices, I start feeling more alive! It's almost a coming home to myself, a feeling I had lost in the process of becoming scientifically educated. Now I can start integrating both and see what the outcomes are. And this may be the key to an evolutionary "successful" and more joyful journey as a (biological) woman in this "toxic-masculinity-patriarchal-world".
Jen!!! This is SUPERB!!! You outdo yourself again and again with each post!!! THANK YOU!!!! I am fortunate to understand and profoundly resonate with your views based on my experience and inclinations. To affirm and perhaps expand the conversation (probably too much), I'll mention a podcast that thrilled me today: https://edgeofmindpodcast.com/sean-esbjorn-hargens-on-how-exo-studies-leads-to-endo-inner-discoveries/
So much to unpack here. Thank you, I enjoy your writing. I think the scientific study of perception altering drugs is potentially a very good way to systemically evaluate the commonalities between “embiggened” subjective experiences. Feelings of connectivity and spirituality are the norm. And we can still use EP to explain why.
I like listening to this researcher: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/profiles/details/roland-griffiths
https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-psychology-podcast/id942777522?i=1000591579469
A quick introductory read that is sort of related, by a familiar author - Michael Pollen - This is Your Mind on Plants.
I should more correctly say “Feelings of connectivity and spirituality are common”
Where these concepts become difficult to grasp is in their application on a day to day basis. Like hmm, okay, I see how there could be some unknown, magical, beautiful force at play and I can let go of some misery tied to innate competition and inadequacy as a result… for all of a second. And then what? Keep reminding myself of this when I step on the scale, see a new gray hair and feel the weight of everyone’s judgment on my singleness (fill in the blank for whatever your competitive challenge is)? Maybe it’s exactly as Ram dass says, be here now and dismiss the self flagellating EP thoughts over and over, until it becomes a habit. Reading this gives me reassurance that I don’t have to throw the baby out with the bath water, but the practice of it seems harder than the tools offered by EP.
It feels like such a big hug to read the words I have been feeling but couldn’t put into words myself. Losing all the mystery sucks, getting some back has been a relief. In contrast to all that we know (even with EP!) I know I’ll never know why this nature exists and what the endgame is, or if an endgame exists, etc. I’m looking forward to checking out Hoffman and everything you’ve mentioned on your reading list currently. You break it down much better than any of these people imo though 😁 so I eagerly await any more of your metaphysical musings!