11/11/24 Recently, I revisited Stanley Kubrick's masterpiece, 2001: A Space Odyssey, a film that never fails to provoke deep thought and reflection. As the credits rolled, I found myself pondering the iconic monolith—those mysterious black structures that catalyze leaps in human evolution throughout the film. In the movie, the monoliths serve as a catalyst for significant evolutionary advancements. From the dawn of man to space exploration, each encounter with a monolith sparks a profound transformation. This got me thinking: in our current world, are we in need of another monolithic encounter to propel us forward? Recent events have shown that humanity seems to be at a crossroads. Instead of evolving, there are times it feels like we are regressing. Division, misinformation, and societal challenges paint a picture of a species struggling to find its next evolutionary step. In this context, I can't help but draw a parallel to the "monoliths" we carry around every day—our smartphones. These devices, while powerful tools for communication and information, often serve as modern-day distractions rather than catalysts for progress. They hold immense potential, but how often do we use them to foster true knowledge, connection, and evolution? What we need is a new kind of monolith—an event or breakthrough that encourages us to look beyond our screens and reconnect with the essence of what makes us human. Whether it's through technological innovation that truly enhances our understanding of each other and the universe, or a collective awakening to the importance of empathy and collaboration, the next step in our evolution requires more than just passive consumption of digital content. As I ponder the monoliths of Kubrick's universe, I hope for a future where we find our own catalysts for growth. The tools are in our hands; now we need the vision and willingness to use them wisely. |
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11/10/24Imagine it—Summer 1992 in Portland, a city cradled by forests where golden sunlight filtered through the trees and illuminated the buildings near Powell's Books. I turned the big two-five and fate decides to gift me a night to remember. The scene is set at the Roseland Theater, a cathedral of the gothic sound. My friend and I, two kindred spirits, stepped into that sacred space where music transcends the ordinary. We were there to witness one of my favorite goth musicians, the harbinger of shadow and light, Peter Murphy. The show wasn't just a performance; it was a journey into the depths of the human psyche, a brush with the archetypes that Jung whispered about. Back then, I didn't fully grasp the significance of it all. But as years rolled on, I understood—sometimes to grow, you must delve into the shadowlands. It's in those dark, fertile places that creativity, courage, and infinite possibilities spring forth. We often celebrate the sunlit days of growth, but true nourishment comes when we plunge our roots deep into the gothic soil. It’s there, in the haunting melodies and dimly lit spaces, that we draw up the essence of life, breathe in the air of possibility, and dance to the rhythm of gothic reverie. Being it was my birthday, my friend gifted me a Peter Murphy t-shirt, a talisman of that night. I wore it like armor, carrying the magic of that evening with me. Alas, during a stint at my grandmother's house, the shirt disappeared—likely banished by her, mistaking the dark enchantment for devil magic. But oh, it was magic, the kind that transports you to realms brimming with that darling, dark wonder. Here's to the darkness that nourishes our roots and the light that dances in the shadows.
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11/6/24Imagine this: Just as a plant, in all its natural splendor, culminates in the blooming of a flower, so too does our psyche unfold in the form of dreams. The plant doesn’t need to be told how to bloom; it simply follows its nature. Similarly, our psyche, in its intricate wisdom, produces symbols in our dreams naturally and effortlessly. Jung saw dreams as the blossoming of our inner world, a manifestation of our deepest feelings, thoughts, and unconscious desires. Each symbol in a dream is like a petal, part of a larger bloom that represents the wholeness of our inner life. Every dream, in this view, is evidence of our mind's continuous process of symbolization—transforming abstract feelings into vivid images and narratives. So, next time you find yourself wandering through the maze of a dream, think of it as your psyche in full bloom, revealing the hidden parts of yourself in the most beautiful and mysterious ways. |
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11/6/24Throughout my life, I’ve explored various spiritual paths, searching for something that resonates deeply with my soul. I grew up immersed in the traditions of Christianity, but over time, I found myself yearning for something more—a philosophy that speaks to the vast, interconnected mysteries of existence.
To me, Christianity felt increasingly like a "dead desert religion"—rigid, dogmatic, and distant from the vibrant, living essence of spiritual exploration. In contrast, the Eastern traditions of Buddhism, Advaita Vedanta, and Taoism have offered me profound insights and a more holistic understanding of life.
Buddhism teaches the power of mindfulness and the liberation that comes from seeing the world as it truly is, free from the illusions of ego and desire. Advaita Vedanta reveals the non-dual nature of reality, encouraging us to see beyond the superficial distinctions that separate us. Taoism celebrates the harmony and flow of the natural world, guiding us to live in accordance with the Tao—the fundamental nature of the universe.
In addition, Jungian psychology has provided me with invaluable tools for personal growth and self-discovery. Carl Jung’s work on archetypes and the collective unconscious has deepened my appreciation for the symbolic and mythological dimensions of the human psyche.
Together, these paths have opened my eyes to a rich tapestry of wisdom and a way of being that feels deeply alive and authentic. They invite me to embrace life’s mysteries with curiosity, compassion, and an open heart.
I share this not to dismiss the beliefs of others, but to express my own spiritual journey and the profound sense of connection and wonder I’ve found in the philosophies of the East.
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Previously published:All 20 blog entries The myth is the public dream and the dream is the private myth. RSS | Sitemap |
