Cardwell C. Nuckols MA, PhD

Cardwell C. Nuckols MA, PhD cnuckols@elitecorp.org
Psychology, spirituality and true happiness Cardwell C. Nuckols MA, PhD

Rudyard Kipling ( ) Do not care overly much for wealth or power or fame or one day you will meet someone who cares for none of these things and you might realize how poor you have become.

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
What lies behind us and What lies before us are Tiny matters compared to What lies within us.

INTRODUCTION REHABILITATION OR HEALING OVERALL WELL-BEING
SUPERFICIAL SOCIETY 90-95 % STATE BELIEF IN GOD OF THEIR UNDERSTANDING NONLINEAR (NON DUALITY) AND LINEAR (DUALITY) NEUROBIOLOGY

FATHER THOMAS KEATING “THIS PREDICAMENT IS IDENTIFIED BY A NEED FOR ESCAPE FROM THE CIRCLE OF EVER-RECURRING EVIL HABITS WITH THEIR ENSUING MISERY. THE CHRISTIAN TRADITION REGARDS THE CURE OF THIS MALAISE AS A RETURN TO INTIMACY WITH GOD, WHICH IS THE SOURCE OF HUMAN WHOLENESS.” THE HEART OF THE WORLD, PG. 40

FATHER THOMAS KEATING “ACCORDING TO ALL GREAT RELIGIONS OF THE WORLD, THE ESSENTIAL WORK OF EVERY HUMAN LIFE IS TO PREPARE FOR UNION WITH THE ULTIMATE REALITY.” THE HEART OF THE WORLD, PG. 40

Linear (Duality) vs. Non-linear (Non-Duality)
OBJECTIVE NEWTONIAN PHYSICS MANIFEST WORLD (CONTENT) SEPARATE SELF EGO CAUSE-EFFECT BLAME WORLD OF OPPOSITES SUBJECTIVE (SPIRITUAL) QUANTUM PHYSICS UNMANIFEST WORLD (CONTEXT) “ONENESS” EFFECT PARADOX OF THE OPPOSITES

OVERVIEW HIDE AND SEEK WHERE ARE YOU? WHO ARE YOU? PATHWAYS TO TRUE HAPPINESS TECHNIQUES TOOLS

HIDE AND SEEK

WHERE ARE YOU? FIRST HALF OF THE SPIRITUAL JOURNEY GOD MYSELF
WHY ARE YOU HIDING? GENESIS 3-GOD’S QUESTION TO ADAM AND EVE WHERE AM I? IN RELATION TO ….. GOD MYSELF OTHER HUMANS

WHERE ARE YOU? WHEN ANSWERED HONESTLY ONE BEGINS THE SPIRITUAL SEARCH
GOD WANTS YOU TO COME OUT FROM HIDING AND BECOME INTIMATE ADAM AND EVE DUALITY SEPARATES ONE FROM GOD WITHOUT THE EXPERIENCE OF NON-LINEAR CONSCIOUSNESS NOTHING QUITE WORKS OUT RIGHT

WHERE ARE YOU? “STRIVE TO ENTER IN THROUGH THE NARROW DOOR; FOR I SAY TO YOU, THAT MANY WILL SEEK TO ENTER IN AND WILL NOT BE ABLE.” LUKE 13:24

WHERE ARE YOU? INVOLVED IN A SEARCH FOR HAPPINESS IN ALL THE WRONG PLACES EVERYONE IS LOOKING FOR IT VERY FEW KNOW WHERE TO FIND IT THOSE LOOKING GET LOTS OF HELP FROM OTHERS LOOKING WHO ALSO DON’T KNOW WHERE TO FIND IT GIVES A SENSE OF SOLIDARITY BUT NOT SECURITY

WHERE ARE YOU? SEEK-A SPIRITUAL HUNGER
WE ARE DESIGNED FOR AND DESIRE FOR HAPPINESS, TRUTH AND LOVE WITHOUT END AT AROUND YO DEVELOP SELF-REFLECTIVE CONSCIOUSNESS ABILITY TO QUESTION AND DOUBT WHAT ONE KNOWS, TO DENY OR AFFFIRM ONE’S BELIEFS, JUDGE ONE’S PERCEPTIONS AND TO REFLECT ON ONE’S PAST

WHERE ARE YOU? INSTINCTUAL PROGRAMS ARE ALL WE HAVE TO BUILD PROGRAMS FOR HAPPINESS, LOVE AND TRUTH WITHOUT REASON TO MODIFY THESE PROGRAMS WE BUILD A UNIVERSE WITH OURSELVES AT THE CENTER (EGO) EVERYTHING IS EVALUATED BASED ON MEETING OUR NEEDS FOR HAPPINESS

WHERE ARE YOU? WHAT HAPPENS IF OUR SECURITY, AFFECTION AND CONTROL NEEDS ARE DEPRIVED COMPENSATE-LOOK FOR SYMBOLS WITHIN OUR ENVIRONMENT IF UNBEARABLE-REPRESSED INTO UNCONSCIOUS HIDE THE PAIN WE CANNOT FACE LEAVING ONE TO REPRESS (REPEAT PAINFUL EVENTS UNCONSCIOUSLY) OR COMPENSATE WITH EXTERNAL FORMS OF PLEASURE TO OFFSET PAIN START OF THE “ADDICTIVE PROCESS”

WHERE ARE YOU? AROUND AGES 4-8 INTERNALIZE VALUES OF FAMILY, PEER GROUP, RELIGION, NATIONALITY, RACE, GENDER AND SEXUAL IDENTITY SOURCE OF OPINIONS POSITIONALITIES MOTIVES BIASES PREJUDICES

WHERE ARE YOU? JESUS SAID YOU NEED TO HATE YOUR PARENTS IN ORDER TO BE HIS DISCIPLE SHOULD LOVE, RESPECT AND CARE FOR YOUR PARENTS IN THEIR OLD AGE (4TH COMMANDMENT OF THE TORAH) BUT SHOULD NOT BE NAIVELY LOYAL TO ANY PERSON OR GROUP THAT DISREGARDS INJUSTICES IN NEED OF CORRECTION

WHERE ARE YOU? Repent-To change the direction from which you are looking for TRUE happiness (sin-to miss the mark) So you are free to follow the values of your own conscience (INTENTION) Without being fearful of upsetting the group We are members of the whole human race NOT NON-ATTACHMENT BUT DETACHMENT Wear the world like a light garment

WHERE ARE YOU? Repent (CONTINUED)
GROW UP-GIVE UP CHILDISH WAYS CONSCIOUSNESS IS DOORWAY TO INTUITIVE AND UNITIVE LEVELS PRESENCE OF GOD “FOR I DO NOT KNOW WHAT I DO; AND I DO NOT DO THE THING WHICH I WANT, BUT I DO THE THING WHICH I HATE. THAT IS EXACTLY WHAT I DO.” ST. PAUL, ROMANS 7:15

ROMANS 7 15 FOR I DO NOT KNOW WHAT I DO; AND I DO NOT DO THE THING WHICH I WANT, BUT I DO THE THING WHICH I HATE. THAT IS EXACTLY WHAT I DO. 16 SO THEN IF I DO THAT WHICH I DO NOT WISH TO DO, I CAN TESTIFY CONCERNING THE LAW THAT IS GOOD. 17 NOW THEN IT IS NOT I WHO DO IT BUT SIN WHICH DOMINATE ME.

ROMANS 7 18 YET I KNOW THAT IT DOES NOT FULLY DOMINATE ME (THAT IS IN MY FLESH): BUT AS FAR AS GOOD IS CONCERNED, THE CHOICE IS EASY FOR ME TO MAKE, BUT TO DO IT IS DIFFICULT TO ME. 19 FOR IT IS NOT THE GOOD THAT I WISH TO DO, THAT I DO; BUT IT IS THE EVIL THAT I DO NOT WISH TO DO, THAT I DO.

ROMANS 7 20 NOW IF I DO THAT WHICH I DO NOT WISH, THEN IT IS NOT I WHO DO IT, BUT THE SIN WHICH DOMINATES ME. 21 I FIND THEREFORE THAT THE LAW AGREES WITH MY CONSCIENCE WHEN I WISH TO DO GOOD, BUT EVIL IS ALWAYS NEAR, DISTRACTING ME. 22 FOR I DELIGHT IN THE LAW OF GOD AFTER THE INWARD MAN;

ROMANS 7 23 BUT I SEE ANOTHER LAW IN MY MEMBERS, WARNING AGAINST THE LAW OF MY MIND, AND IT MAKES ME CAPTIVE TO THE LAW OF SIN WHICH IS IN MY MEMBERS. 24 O WRETCHED MAN THAT I AM! WHO SHALL DELIVER ME FROM THIS MORTAL BODY? 25 I THANK GOD FOR DELIVERANCE THROUGH OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST. NOW THEREFORE WITH MY MIND I AM SERVANT OF THE LAW OF GOD; BUT WITH MY FLESH I AM A SERVANT OF THE LAW OF SIN.

FIRST EPISTLE OF JOHN CHAPTER 3
15 LOVE NOT THE WORLD, NEITHER THE THINGS THAT ARE IN THE WORLD. HE WHO LOVES THE WORLD, THE LOVE OF THE FATHER IS NOT IN HIM. 16 FOR ALL THAT IS IN THE WORLD IS THE LUST OF THE BODY, THE COVETOUSNESS OF THE EYES, AND THE PRIDE OF MATERIAL THINGS; THESE THINGS DO NOT COME FROM THE FATHER BUT FROM THE WORLD. 17 AND THE WORLD PASSES AWAY, AND THE LUST THEREOF; BUT HE WHO DOES THE WILL OF GOD ABIDES FOREVER.

WHO ARE YOU? SECOND HALF OF THE SPIRITUAL JOURNEY
DIVINE THERAPY AND AA BASED ON FACT THAT YOU KNOW WHERE YOU ARE AND YOUR LIFE IS “UNMANAGEABLE” EMOTIONS OF ANGER, ANXIETY, DEPRESSION, ETC. ARE OFTEN SIGNS UNCONSCIOUS PROGRAMS HAVE BEEN TRIGGERED TRIGGERS OLD UNCONSCIOUS VALUE SYSTEMS (UNMET NEEDS)

WHO ARE YOU? BECAUSE OF UNMET INSTINCTUAL NEEDS LIFE IS CONTROLLED BY EXTERNAL EVENTS AND OUR EMOTIONAL REACTIONS TO THEM FINDING SPOUSE WHO WE WORK FOR THINGS WE BUY THINGS WE DO IMPEDIMENT TO FREE WILL

FALL OF MAN DOCTRINE OF THE FALL AS THEOLOGICAL EXPLANATION OF THE PERVASIVE DISEASE OF THE HUMAN CONDITION BETTER EXPLAINED BY PSYCHOLOGY FREUD PIAGET

FREUD Psychic remnant of inadequate attention
Very prevalent in West (LOW SELF-ESTEEM) Involves early life neglect Perceived by individual as “inner emptiness” During meditation history of estrangement will surface as early unmet longing

FREUD Freud taught that for successful therapy
Remembering of early forgotten aspects of childhood was critical Three approaches: CATHARSIS FREE ASSOCIATIONS REPEATING Represented a shift to the present

MOST SIMPLY REPRODUCE IT
FREUD Doesn’t involve exploration of past but looking at present behavior Rather than recalling an early formative experience MOST SIMPLY REPRODUCE IT

FREUD One crucial and defining feature: THEY REMAIN UNAWARE

FREUD Unresolved psychological issues can block our true “being”
Comes from losing access to or lack of development of the capacities needed to respond creatively to challenge Power Love Flexibility Confidence Trust 35

JEAN PIGET JEAN PIGET LOOKED AT THE ROOTS OF UNCONSCIOUS EMOTIONAL PROGRAMS FOR HAPPINESS EACH OF US NEEDS TO BE REASSURED AND AFFIRMED IF CHILD DOES NOT RECEIVE LEADS TO Defensive strategies Compensatory measures CHILD EMOTIONALLY GETS STUCK AT THE LEVEL OF DEPRIVATION

JEAN PIGET OVER TIME THIS FIXATION HARDENS INTO A PROGRAM FOR HAPPINESS SUPPORTED BY THOUGHTS Opinions Positionalities BEHAVIORS EMOTIONS LATER EXPERIENCES THAT TRIGGER THE PROGRAM ARE EVALUATED AS HELPFUL OR HARMFUL TO THE PROGRAM

FALL OF MAN PROGRAM IS REINFORCED BY FAMILY, CULTURE AND PEER GROUP
ERICKSON-TRUST (HOPE) BALANCED AGAINST MISTRUST AS ADULTS WE YEARN FOR AN UNSELF-CONCIOUS UNITY THAT WAS LOST DUE TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE SEPARATE SELF

FALL OF MAN CARL ROGERS THREE PARENTAL CHARACTERISTICS
ABILITY TO ACCEPT CHILD’S FEELINGS AND STRIVINGS ABILITY TO ACCEPT OWN FEELINGS THAT CERTAIN OF THE CHILD’S BEHAVIORS ARE UNDESIRABLE COMMUNICATION OF ACCEPTANCE OF THE CHILD AS A PERSON

FALL OF MAN THESE PARENTAL CHARACTERISTICS CREATE CONDITIONS OF WORTH THROUGH WHICH CHILD FILTERS EXPERIENCE SUBCEPTION-INDIVIDUAL PERCEIVES THREAT BUT DOEN’T ADMIT IT TO FULL AWARENESS IN HIGHER COGNITIVE CENTERS; CREATES ONSET OF DEFENSIVE PERSONALITY DISORGANIZATION

FALL OF MAN GOAL IS HAPPINESS BUT FALSE SELF DOESN’T KNOW WHERE TO FIND IT FROM ST. AUGUSTINE’S THEOLOGY OF ORIGINAL SIN THE CONSEQUENCES ARE.. ILLUSION DON’T KNOW WHAT TRUE HAPPINESS IS OR WHERE TO FIND IT CONCUPISCENCE WE ARE MADE FOR HAPPINESS BUT TRY TO FIND IT IN THE WRONG PLACES

FALL OF MAN FROM ST. AUGUSTINE’S THEOLOGY OF ORIGINAL SIN THE CONSEQUENCES ARE..(CONT.) WEAKNESS OF WILL EVEN IF WE DISCOVER WHAT AND WHERE TRUE HAPPINESS IS OUR WILL IS TOO WEAK TO DO ANYTHING NOT GOING TO HAPPEN THRU OUR OWN EFFORT NEED TO ATTACH TO SOMETHING GREATER THAN OURSELVES

FALL OF MAN DEEP SEATED INSTINCTUAL DRIVES OUR WILL IS TOO WEAK TO RECOVER WE EMOTIONALLY REACT TO PEOPLE, PLACES AND THINGS EVERYTHING JUDGED BY.. “IS THIS GOOD FOR MY INSTINCTUAL PROGRAMS FOR HAPPINESS OR NOT?”

FALL OF MAN WESTERN PSYCHOLOGY SCHEMAS SCRIPTS DYSFUNCTIONAL THOUGHTS
NEGATIVE SELF-TALK STINKIN’ THINKIN’

PATHWAYS TO TRUE HAPPINESS
PATWAY I: SURRENDERING SECONDARY GAIN OF THE EGO PATHWAY II: CONTEMPLATIVE CHRISTIAN APPROACH PATHWAYIII: PSYCHOEDUCATION-THE BEATITUDES THE BEATITUDES CAN BE USED AS A TRUE PATH TO UNITY WITH GOD OTHER SPIRITUAL PATHWAYS INCLUDING AA

THE EGO TO SELF RATIO EGO SELF EGO SELF EGO SELF

PATHWAY I: SURRENDERING SECONDARY GAIN OF THE EGO
NEGATIVE EMOTIONS EGO’S VALUE SYSTEMS FOR HAPPINESS REVERBERATING LOOPS OF NEGATIVE THOUGHT AND EMOTION THE EGO AND SECONDARY GAIN SURRENDERING SECONDARY GAIN RIGHT BRAIN CONSCIOUSNESS

SURRENDERING SECONDARY GAIN OF THE EGO
STIMULI NEGATIVE EMOTION EGO’S UNCONSCIOUS VALUE SYSTEMS COGNITIVE LOOPS SECONDARY GAIN EMOTIONAL LOOPS

NEGATIVE EMOTIONS Once triggered chemicals released by the brain surge thru the body causing a physiological response Within 90 seconds the chemicals have dissipated if one chooses to allow this to happen For example, moving back into the moment

NEGATIVE EMOTIONS Ego is not unconditionally attached to my happiness
At 90 seconds can go into a spiraling negative interrelated thought and emotional loop or Monitor body for signs of stress Label feelings Increase PFC Reduce amygdala Have PFC speak- “Really not interested in being angry right now.” Change Behavior

NEGATIVE EMOTIONS If you approach me with anger and frustration the choices are Can engage and reflect your anger in my obsessing left hemisphere Can become empathic (right hemisphere)and approach you with compassion and a non-judgmental heart

DO I WANT TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR WHAT I ATTRACT IN MY LIFE?
NEGATIVE EMOTIONS The important question becomes…. DO I WANT TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR WHAT I ATTRACT IN MY LIFE?

EGO’S VALUE SYSTEMS FOR HAPPINESS
HEINZ KOHUT-EGO PSYCHOLOGY GRANDIOSE SELF (EGO) IS FORMED BY INTERNALIZING “ALL GOOD” AND EXTERNALIZING “ALL BAD” EXPERIENCES

EGO IS IMPERSONAL EVERYONE’S ACTS ABOUT THE SAME SELF-SERVING EGOTISTICAL POSITIVE GAIN RESULTING IN GUILT GREED RAGE JEALOUSY ENDLESS SUFFERING

SECURITY AND SURVIVAL AFFECTION AND ESTEEM POWER AND CONTROL

EGO’S UNCONSCIOUS VALUE SYSTEMS FOR HAPPINESS
SECURITY AND SURVIVAL Regular pay check and retirement plan as opposed to career risk taking Looking for someone or something that makes you feel protected or secure RELATIONSHIP EMPLOYMENT FEELING OF “SOMETHING MISSING” A PERVASIVE EXISTENTIAL ANXIETY REGARDING LOSS, A KNOT IN CHEST OR ABDOMEN A FEAR OF DISCONNECTION FROM OTHERS AND OURSELVES (OUR OWN HEART)

SECURITY AND SURVIVAL (continued) Fear of Aloneness and Disconnection Fear of abandonment, loss or death “Fundamental Aloneness”- “how to be at home with ourselves” Affairs-often to avoid aloneness Want others to take away our fears “If someone will pay attention to me my loneliness will disappear.” If partner is reading a book and you expect attention can experience abandonment Will demand or inappropriately try to attract attention

SECURITY AND SURVIVAL (continued) Only way to transcend is not to avoid the loneliness but to invite it in Must feel these fears and take responsibility for the feelings To develop genuine intimacy must first overcome our neediness and fear of aloneness

THE NEXT FRONTIER:EMOTIONAL SOBRIETY, BILL WILSON, JANUARY, 1958 “SUDDENLY I REALIZED WHAT THE MATTER WAS. MY BASIC FLAW HAD ALWAYS BEEN DEPENDENCE-ALMOST ABSOLUTE DEPENDENCE-ON PEOPLE OR CIRCUMSTANCES TO SUPPLY ME WITH PRESTIGE, SECURITY, AND THE LIKE. FAILING TO GET THESE THINGS ACCORDING TO MY PERFECTIONISTIC DREAMS AND SPECIFICATIONS, I HAD FOUGHT FOR THEM. AND WHEN DEFEAT CAME SO DID MY DEPRESSION.

AFFECTION AND ESTEEM Always looking for someone or something to make you feel good about yourself Join an organization or do volunteer work as a way to seek appreciation or to be seen as a “good person” Always telling others the good things we have done looking for admiration “Roller-Coaster”

AFFECTION AND ESTEEM (continued) Basic Fear of Unworthiness Creates a narcissistic grandiosity Live by comparison and contrast “I’ll never measure up” Generally inadequate and unworthy of love “No matter what I do…” Leads to forcefully proving ourselves Self-critical and perfectionistic

AFFECTION AND ESTEEM (continued) Or giving up Both means allow one to avoid the basic fear of unworthiness Merciless self-judgment Example-Fear of public speaking triggers dread and shame of public failure and humiliation This threatens our projected self-image of who we are supposed to be and confirms our negative belief of unworthiness “Fear of failure feels fatal” The fear is the path

POWER AND CONTROL WANT TO DICTATE WHAT IS GOING TO HAPPEN IN EVERY SITUATION, CANNOT BE HAPPY UNLESS YOU DO WHEN FRUSTRATED EXPERIENCE GRIEF, ANGER, DESPAIR, ETC. PROJECT PROBLEM ONTO ANOTHER PUTS YOU INTO COMPETITION WITH MILLIONS OF OTHERS Need to be in charge because “I Know Best”

POWER AND CONTROL (continued) Fear of Losing Safety and Control Like an anxiety disorder-if I don’t control something bad will happen These individuals tend to be very linear and rational and when you speak to them about nonlinear realities they often respond.. “I already know all of that” or “It doesn’t matter anyway”

POWER AND CONTROL (continued) Nonlinear cannot be controlled Words like love and energy create a problem for someone in a rigid linear reality Makes one feel uncertain and insecure Triggered by any sign of danger and insecurity (real or perceived) Limbic response Often imaginary fears that will lose control Be criticized What I am doing is wrong

POWER AND CONTROL (continued) In spiritual practice bring the fear and anxiety to the forefront and must “let go with both hands” Brings us face to face with darkest emotion and unhealed pain Fundamental security develops with willingness to work through the emotion and fear May use rage to express inner feelings of powerlessness

Everyone experiences some level of developmental problems leading to… REPRESSION OF PAINFUL AND FRUSTRATING EXPERIENCES INTO THE UNCONCONSCIOUS DEVELOPMENT OF COMPENSATORY ATTITUDES AND BEHAVIORS Needs become drives EGO OR FALSE SELF BECOMES FIRMLY ENTRENCHED

Developed to compensate for the pain of unfulfilled instinctual needs SUPPRESS PAINFUL AFFECT BUT ENERGY REMAINS IN OUR BODIES WE REMAIN UNAWARE OF THE EFFECTS OF THIS INTENSE ENERGY ON OUR LIFE By time you reach the age of reason around years of age and develop full reflective self-consciousness these programs from infancy and childhood are fully in place

THE NEED TO GRATIFY OUR CHILDISH PROGRAMS FOR HAPPINESS CAN TURN INTO ADOLESCENT AND ADULT DEMANDS. WE EXPECT OTHERS TO MEET OUR EXPECTATIONS The ego is compelled by fear to live in the past and future. God is only in the present moment. FEAR

EGO’S UNCONSCOUS VALUE SYSTEMS FOR HAPPINESS
THE FOUNDATIONS OF THE FALSE SELF ARE…. ENERGY INVESTED INTO THE EMOTIONAL PROGRAMS FOR HAPPINESS Emotions are the key to discovering our programs for happiness TENDENCY TO OVERIDENTIFY WITH ACCEPTED VALUES PRE-PROGRAMMED BY FAMILY, COMMUNITY, CULTURE, CUSTOMS, ETC. POSITIONALITIES OPINIONS MOTIVES

Jesus Said…. “If you want to save your life, you will bring yourself to ruin. But if you bring yourself to nothing, you will find out who you are.” (Matthew. 10:39)

SECONDARY GAIN SECONDARY GAIN Unconscious appeasement of the Ego
Secondary to a negative experience The negative emotions are the gain Precipitates reverberating and escalating cognitions and emotions COGNITIONS “They don’t know what they are doing.” “People always do this to me.” “Why can’t they see they are wrong.”

SECONDARY GAIN Precipitates reverberating and escalating cognitions and emotions (continued) EMOTIONS Anger Anxiety Depression Leading to Resentments Revenge Prejudice Self-harm

REVERBERATING LOOPS OF NEGATIVE THOUGHT AND EMOTION
Internal verbal abuse is not acceptable Most susceptible when under stress, physically tired, not sleeping well, emotionally vulnerable, hungry, etc. Powerful thoughts simultaneously run multiple circuits of emotion and physiology

GIVING UP SECONDARY GAIN
STEP ONE: Understanding that resistance is the cause of continuing problems (human property) HEALING can take place utilizing both psychological and spiritual tools SPIRITUAL TOOLS INCLUDE… ACCEPTANCE SURRENDER

STEP TWO Bring secondary gain into conscious awareness What do you say to yourself after a failure? GOAL: ACCEPTANCE

STEP TWO (CONTINUED) Look for the theme in the history of RESULTS Explore Secondary Gain What is the Ego getting out of this? What do you say to yourself after a results failure? What do you do to self or others? This probative process brings the information from right to left hemisphere where logic and order prevail. History and pattern should yield ACCEPTANCE

STEP THREE: ARE YOU WILLING TO GIVE UP THE SECONDARY GAIN? DO YOU UNDERSTAND THAT IT IS SOFTWARE INSTALLED DURING EARLY LIFE? IT IS NOT YOU! GOAL SURRENDER

STEP THREE (CONTINUED) SURRENDER the secondary gain to God or to your Higher Power COGNITIVE BEHAVIORAL approach allows for understanding how this process operates, to catch oneself in the self-defeating dynamic and ultimately change patterns

EXERCISE THINK BACK TO A SITUATION THAT CAUSED YOU UNDUE ANGER, ANXIETY, DEPRESSION, RESENTMENT, GRIEF, ETC. Using the flow model on page 7 Analyze the situation to discover the unconscious value system (think of your early life) What were your cognitive and emotional reactions? What was the reward?

EXERCISE SITUATION: EMOTION: THOUGHTS: UNCONSCIOUS VALUE SYSTEM:
REWARD:

PATHWAY II: CONTEMPLATIVE CHRISTIAN APPROACH
Contemplation is a more advanced spiritual practice (as compared to focused meditation). Focused meditation is a left brain dominant practice whereas contemplative prayer in the silence of God enlists the right hemisphere connected to all consciousness allowing for Divine insight. Detachment from the content of the ego leads to a sense of serenity. The more you relate to the subjective context (love, truth, caring, gratitude, acceptance, etc.) the greater the serenity.

CONTEMPLATIVE APPROACH
CONCEPT OF A DIVINE THERAPIST LOOKS AT THE SPIRITUAL JOURNEY AS A FORM OF PSYCHOTHERAPY DESIGNED TO HEAL THE EMOTIONAL WOUNDS OF CHILDHOOD AND OUR MECHANISMS FOR COPING WITH THEM (KEATING, INVITATION TO LOVE, PG 145) CONTEMPLATIVE JOURNEY INVOLVES THE PURIFICATION OF THE UNCONSCIOUS

IN DEEP REST (USING CENTERING PRAYER) REPRESSED MATERIAL IS RELEASED AS IT IS EXPERIENCED AND SURRENDERED TO GOD YIELDS HUMAN GROWTH INTO A FULLY RESPONSIBLE, SELF-REFLECTIVE CONSCIOUSNESS THE MORE THAT IS RELEASED THE CLOSER TO SPIRITUAL MATURITY ONE BECOMES

STEP ONE: AFFIRMATION OF BASIC GOODNESS (SELF) NOT YOUR PERSONALITY OR WHAT YOU HAVE BEEN TOLD YOU ARE GOD DOESN’T ASK YOU TO EARN ANYTHING-JUST BECOME THAT WHICH YOU ARE ILLUSION OF SIN NO AMOUNT OF DISREGARD FOR OUR OWN CONSCIENCE AND THE NEEDS AND RIGHTS OF OTHERS CAN TAKE AWAY OUR CAPACITY TO RECOVER FROM THE WOUNDS OF THE HUMAN CONDITION

AFFIRMATION OF BASIC GOODNESS (SELF)-CONTINUED WE ACT BASED ON CHILDHOOD BELIEF SYSTEMS-TRUE OR FALSE, CONSCIOUS OR UNCONSCIOUS-WITHOUT REEVALUATING THEM THE OVERIDENTIFICATION WITH THESE BELIEF SYSTEMS MAKE THEM ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO FULFILL The idea that we are unlovable, unworthy, or a failure is an insult to God Creates an inability for us to choose what we truly believe is right

STEP TWO:BECOMING AWARE OVER TIME OF WHATEVER IN US IS OPPOSED TO THE IMAGE IN STEP ONE USING LOSS, ADDICTION, TRAUMA OR OTHER FORMS OF TRAGEDY AS SPIRITUAL OPPORTUNITIES TO TAKE AWAY SUPPPORT SYSTEMS (BELIEFS) THAT KEEP THE FALSE SELF IN CONTROL BY REDUCING ATTACHMENTS TO OUR EMOTIONAL PROGRAMS FOR HAPPINESS AND OUR OVER-IDENTIFICATION WITH THE GROUP

STEP THREE: DISMANTLE THE EMOTIONAL PROGRAM-HEALING THE PROBLEM AND NOT MANAGING SYMPTOMS First notice the emotion(s) that most disturb you and name it Write down the particular event or memory that triggered the emotion Identify the program(s) that is its source

EXERCISE SECURITY AND SURVIVAL____ AFFECTION AND ESTEEM____
EMOTION: SPIRITUAL OPPORTUNITY: IDNETIFY PROGRAM(S) FOR HAPPINESS: SECURITY AND SURVIVAL____ AFFECTION AND ESTEEM____ POWER AND CONTROL______

Deliberately let go of the desire to avoid something or to have something-this undermines the habitual response “I give up my desire for (program).” May also develop an active prayer sentence such as “Oh Lord, come to my assistance!” Any contemplative prayer technique is helpful-CENTERING PRAYER or other TECHNIQUES (see TECHNIQUES section)

CENTERING PRAYER “BUT AS FOR YOU, WHEN YOU PRAY, ENTER INTO YOUR INNER CHAMBER AND LOCK YOUR DOOR, AND PRAY TO YOUR FATHER IN SECRET, AND YOUR FATHER WHO SEES IN SECRET SHALL REWARD YOU OPENLY.” MATTHEW 6:6

CENTERING PRAYER Puts you in the presence of God and consenting to HIS practice and presence within us Commits us to the liberation of conscious and unconscious motivations Helps bind us to everyone else in the human community Meaningful because of one’s intention to open oneself up to God

CENTERING PRAYER Prepares one for contemplation
Presence of God is true security-there is no other Give control and power to God By emptying oneself-BECOMING NOTHING-one receives LOVE (AFFECTION) and PERFECTION (ESTEEM) LEADS TO FREEDOM AND HAPPINESS

CENTERING PRAYER “Whoever would save his life would lose it and whoever loses his life will find it” Matthew 16:25

CENTERING PRAYER Life as a continuous “dying to self”, giving up smaller self to discover SELF Christian moral theology- “dying of self”-will (ego) and its opinions, motives, etc. Willing to let go of what “I” want to create a space for the Divine If latch on to a thought, feeling or revelation it is an attachment that will take you back to ego

CENTERING PRAYER Core gesture of Jesus’ life-KENOSIS (SELF-EMPTYING)
Paul seems to see “self-emptying” as the core reality underlying every moment of Jesus’ journey Two types of love EROS-human love as mans way to God AGAPE-Divine love as God’s way to man What if they are the same pathway? HOLY SPIRIT

CENTERING PRAYER Most believe the way to God is “up”-ascend
To ascend requires energy (EROS) Vast majority of worlds spiritual approaches work on basis of “conservation of energy” Storing or attaining thru conservation (not spending on worldly pleasures) and concentration (chi or life force purified and concentrated by prayer, fasting and ascetic practices) Works thru self-mastery

CENTERING PRAYER Another path is more in line with AGAPE
Not thru storing but giving it all away Energy of consciousness is infinite Dissolution of the ego not achieved by renunciation and guarding the purity of being but thru radical giving of everything Jesus gave himself fully into life and death-this is what he taught and what he did A love that reaches “oneness” thru complete vulnerability

CENTERING PRAYER VULNERABILITY
LOVE OF CHRIST MANIFESTED BY COMPLETE VULNERABILITY UNLIMITED READINESS TO FORGIVE TO HURT OVER AND OVER AGAIN WITHOUT LOVING LESS BUT LOVING MORE OPENESS TO GIVING USUALLY ENCOUNTERS PERSECUTION

CENTERING PRAYER VULNERABILITY
BEST WAY TO RECEIVE DIVINE LOVE IS TO GIVE IT AWAY BEING VULNERABLE MEANS LOVING ONE ANOTHER AS JESUS LOVES US IF INJURED IN PROCESS CREATES GREAT OPPORTUNITY FOR FORGIVENESS AND MERCY

CENTERING PRAYER Garden of Gethsemane
Surrounded by fear, contradiction and betrayal he released everything including life itself This connects one instantly to the wellspring (CONSCIOUSNESS) JESUS WAS CALLED UPON “TO BE SIN” (2COR 5:21), TO TAKE UPON HIMSELF THE SINS OF ALL AND TO SENSE ALIENATION FOR GOD Self-emptying is not the means to something but is the full expression of the meaning

CENTERING PRAYER Pathway to happiness lies in and in fact is coextensive with the sacramental act of giving it all away making self-giving the core gesture through which meaning and purpose of our life is converged KENOSIS-LOVE MADE FULL IN THE ACT OF GIVING ITSELF AWAY SELF-GIVING AIMS TO ATTAIN NOTHING

CENTERING PRAYER “THE HUMILITY OF GOD IS TO CEASE TO BE GOD. WITHIN THE TRINITY THERE IS THE TOTAL EMPTYING OF THE FATHER INTO THE SON AND THE SON INTO THE FATHER. WHAT BINDS THEM TOGETHER IS THE SPIRIT, THE MUTUAL LOVE OF THE FATHER AND THE SON. EACH MEMBER OF THE TRINITY LIVES IN THE OTHERS RATHER THAN IN ITSELF.” KEATING, THE MYSTERY OF CHRIST, PG. 100

STAGE OF PERFECT WISDOM:CONNECTED BY HOLY SPIRIT ONE TO ANOTHER
GOD SON YOU

STAGE OF PERFECT WISDOM:CONNECTED BY HOLY SPIRIT ONE TO ANOTHER
HEALING IS ON AN ENERGY LEVEL WHEN TENSION IS REDUCED THE BODY RELEASES UNCONSCIOUS PENT-UP ENERGY PAINFUL FORGOTTEN OR REPRESSED MEMORIES SURFACE FACE THESE EMOTIONAL MEMORIES AND FEEL THEM BY EMPTYING ONESELF OF NEGATIVE ENERGY (EMOTIONS), ONE CAN BE FILLED BY THE HOLY SPIRIT HOLY SPIRIT CAN BE EXPERIENCED ONLY WHEN INNER LIFE IS ATTUNED TO IT AND CONDITIONS ARE RIGHT

CENTERING PRAYER “THIS DISPOSITION OF GIVING EVERYTHING AWAY-ONE’S TIME, ENERGY, SPACE, VIRTUES, SPIRITUALITY, AND FINALLY ONESELF-IS NOT REALLY GIVING ANYTHING AWAY BECAUSE, IN THE TRUEST SENSE, WHATEVER WE GIVE AWAY, WE ARE GIVING TO OURSELVES. THE GESTURE OF OPENING ONE’S HAND IS THE SAME GESTURE AS RECEIVING.” KEATING, THE MYSTERY OF CHRIST, PG 106

CENTERING PRAYER Movement beyond conversation to communion with Christ
Conversation or listening to the word of God in Scripture (Lectio Divina) gives way to communion Gregory the Great (sixth century) summarizes the Christian contemplative tradition as “resting in God”

CENTERING PRAYER “RESTING IN GOD”
“COME TO ME, ALL YOU WHO LABOR AND ARE HEAVY LADEN, AND I WILL GIVE YOU REST.” MATTHEW 11:28 REST COMES FROM THE EARLY CONTEMPLATIVE MONKS OF THE EGYPTIAN DESERT AND MEANS “WANTING WHAT GOD WANTS” AND NOT WHAT THE EGO WANTS

STEP FOUR: THE NIGHT OF SENSE (JOHN OF THE CROSS) AN INTUITIVE AWARENESS OF FACTS Cannot find happiness in the gratification of emotional programs Cannot find happiness through the symbols of security and survival, power and control or affection and esteem Once profoundly understood creates an internal freedom and opens up a space for the Holy Spirit to enter

THE NIGHT OF SENSE (JOHN OF THE CROSS) AN INTUITIVE AWARENESS OF FACTS-(continued) This awareness can create disillusionment, discouragement, depressive symptoms or period of mourning Natural process of mourning is response to loss of something we loved Possible feeling of loss of Grace (projection into God of our grief and belief He is displeased with us)

THE NIGHT OF SENSE (JOHN OF THE CROSS) AN INTUITIVE AWARENESS OF FACTS- (continued) Don’t be saddened by the fact that we could not live up to our idealized images of ourselves and how we should have or could have acted-EGO TRIP

STEP FIVE: THE NIGHT OF SPIRIT (JOHN OF THE CROSS) MOVEMENT OF THE HOLY SPIRIT DEEPENING OF THE RELATIONSHIP WITH THE DIVINE WILLINGNESS TO HOLD DESIRES IN ABEYANCE AND SURRENDER PERSONAL WILL AT EVERY MOMENT AS EACH THOUGHT, FEELING, DESIRE OR DEED IS SURRENDERED TO GOD THE MIND BECOMES INCREASINGLY SILENT NO “IN HERE” OR “OUT THERE”- ALL IS ONE (NO PROJECTIONS-PROBLEM IS NOT “OUT THERE”)

THE NIGHT OF SPIRIT (JOHN OF THE CROSS)-(continued) MOVEMENT TOWARD UNITY-BECOMING THE PRAYER PICK A VIRTUE AND INITIATE IN ALL OF YOUR AFFAIRS WITH EVERYONE AND EVERYTHING INCLUDING YOURSELF ALL OF THE TIME KINDNESS FORGIVENESS LOVE UNDERSTANDING

JOHN 18:21-23 (LAST SUPPER) “SO THAT THEY ALL MAY BE ONE;JUST AS THOU, MY FATHER, ART WITH ME, AND I AM WITH THEE, THAT THEY ALSO MAY BE ONE WITH US: SO THAT THE WORLD MAY BELIEVE THAT THOU DIDST SEND ME. AND THE GLORY WHICH THOU GAVEST ME, I GAVE TO THEM; SO THAT THEY MAY BE ONE JUST AS WE ARE ONE. I WITH THEM AND THOU WITH ME, THAT THEY MAY BECOME PERFECTED IN ONE; SO THAT THE WORLD MAY KNOW THAT THOU DIDST SEND ME, AND THAT THOU DIDST LOVE THEM JUST AS THOU DIDST LOVE ME.”

TO BE NO ONE IS TO BE EVERYONE. TO BE NO SELF IS TO BE THE TRUE SELF TO BE NOTHING IS TO BE EVERYTHING. WHEN YOU HAVE BEEN LIBERATED FROM THEM ALL (PROGRAMS FOR HAPPINESS), YOU ARE IN A SPACE THAT IS BOTH EMPTY OF SELF AND FULL OF GOD

“IF WE DON’T EXPERIENCE OURSELVES AS UNCONDITIONAL LOVE, WE HAVE MORE WORK TO DO, BECAUSE THAT IS WHO WE REALLY ARE.” KEATING, THE HUMAN CONDITION, PG 45

PATHWAY III: PSYCHOEDUCATION-THE BEATITUDES
AFFIRMATIONS (BEATITUDES) MATTHEW 5:1-12 SERMON ON THE MOUNT SUMARIZES JESUS’S TEACHINGS ABOUT TRUE HAPPINESS VIA THE DISMANTLING OF THE FALSE SELF ALLOWS GOD TO ENTER OUR LIVES ESPECIALLY DURING TIMES OF CONFLICT NEED TO ACCEPT PAINFUL CONDITIONS AND WORK TO MAKE THEM BETTER FOCUSES ON OUR SECURITY NEEDS THAT DEMAND MORE AND BETTER TO BE ALRIGHT

PSYCHOEDUCATION-THE BEATITUDES
BLESSED ARE THE HUMBLE, FOR THEIRS IS THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN Jesus died between two criminals, betrayed by a friend, abandoned by his disciples and rejected by religious and public authority Being is more important than doing Not how successful but who one is Destruction of one’s life is a classic way to SURRENDER Innate desire to feel secure is an obstacle to enjoying all that exists Accepting what is as it is

All creation is yours if you do not try to possess it (attachments) “IF YOU WANT TO POSSESS EVERYTHING DESIRE TO POSSESS NOTHING.” JOHN OF THE CROSS, ASCENT TO MT. CARMEL, BOOK I, CHAPTER 13, PG 11 Letting go of the neurotic search for more and better DISTORTED PROGRAMS FOR HAPPINESS AFFECTION AND ESTEEM POWER AND CONTROL

BLESSED ARE THEY WHO MOURN, FOR THEY SHALL BE COMFORTED Love distorted by selfishness desires to cling to ephemeral or illusory happiness When lose something you love it creates grief but also gives rise to a new freedom We learn we can live without what we previously thought to be essential Not to make external pleasures into idols Peace is the consolation We never lose anything that deserves to be loved we simply enter into a more mature relationship

DISTORTED PROGRAMS FOR HAPPINESS AFFECTION AND ESTEEM POWER AND CONTROL SECURITY AND SURVIVAL

BLESSED ARE THE MEEK, FOR THEY SHALL INHERIT THE EARTH Meek are those who do not get angry in the face of insult or injury They are taking apart their need to control others Refuse to injure others in spite of provocation Violence begets violence Non-judgmental May not approve but don’t make judgments

Allows for compassion for those still stuck in the need for power and control Not a passive attitude but one that reveals love GANDHI-AHISMA- “THE PRACTICE OF NONVIOLENCE” BASIC TENET OF INDIAN RELIGIONS SUCH AS BUDDHISM AND HINDUISM BELIEF THAT TO SHOW LOVE IS MANS TRUE NATURE

DISTORTED PROGRAMS FOR HAPPINESS POWER AND CONTROL The first three move one to further levels of self-consciousness and greater feelings of alienation. Might consider.. Service work such as volunteering, visiting the sick, feeding the hungry, etc.

“TO SAY THAT I AM MADE IN THE IMAGE OF GOD IS TO SAY THAT LOVE IS THE REASON FOR MY EXISTENCE, FOR GOD IS LOVE. LOVE IS MY TRUE IDENTITY. SELFLESSNESS IS MY TRUE SELF.” THOMAS MERTON, BOOK OF HOURS, PG 143

BLESSED ARE THOSE WHO HUNGER AND THIRST FOR JUSTICE, FOR THEY SHALL BE WELL SATISFIED Hunger for HOLINESS and the TRUTH Life without the false self Overcoming the emotional programs of early childhood involving over-identification with social groups regarding acceptance and approval Remain loyal to family and social group but not absolutely Not clinging to naïve loyalty that refuses to see defects

Love is not a feeling it is a way of being Manifest Divine Love under all circumstances even if it goes against your peer group DISTORTED PROGRAMS FOR HAPPINESS SECURITY AND SURVIVAL OVER IDENTIFICATION WITH SOCIAL GROUPS

BLESSED ARE THE MERCIFUL, FOR THEY SHALL HAVE MERCY Moving beyond the self into selflessness “To love one another as I have loved you.” Love the person even if you find their personality (character defects) irritating May feel overwhelmed by the injustice of the world. If so.. Continue to work on SELF Reach out to others in need (inspiration of the Holy Spirit) Look at the opportunities right in front of you

Compassion toward ourselves Improve self-image Reduce self-hatred Not able to live up to the idealized image (compensation) of self (narcissistic pride) DISTORTED PROGRAMS FOR HAPPINESS AFFECTION AND ESTEEM POWER AND CONTROL GOD STARTS COMING TO US ON A MORE INTUITIVE BASIS

BLESSED ARE THE PURE IN HEART, FOR THEY SHALL SEE GOD Single-hearted see God as SELF, in others and in ordinary events of life- “oneness” Important component of contemplative prayer Transform the creative vision of transformation into day to day life Contemplative vision and its incarnation into everyday life leads to purity of heart freeing one from the false self giving way to freedom to serve others (MOVING BEYOND FALSE SELF) INTUITIVE LEVEL BEYOND PROGRAMS FOR HAPPINESS

PSYCHOEDUCATION-THE BEATITUDESSS
BLESSED ARE THE PEACEMAKERS, FOR THEY SHALL BE CALLED SONS OF GOD One who establishes peace with the self and becomes a servant of creation Delicate and complex balance between human nature and God’s will-not emotional but a way of being in the world Peacemakers are in a sense God acting in the world-Divine Empowerment

Commitment to enter the human family-we are not our own but belong to everyone TRANSCENDS THE EMOTIONS AND EMOTIONAL PROGRAMS FOURTH DIMENSION OF REALITY-DIVINE UNION NONATTACHED TO OUTCOME

BLESSED ARE THOSE WHO YOU ARE PERSECUTED FOR THE SAKE OF JUSTICE, FOR THEIRS IS THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN. BLESSED ARE YOU WHEN MEN REPROACH YOU AND PERSECUTE YOU AND SPEAK AGAINST YOU EVERY KIND OF EVIL, FALSELY, FOR MY SAKE The stage of perfect wisdom and humility-a nobody Being detached from all worldly goods and spiritual goods Finding happiness in persecution When you suffer in my name, rejoice for your reward will be in heaven Totally beyond self-interest and at peace with God and with others Thru them God is pouring divine light, love and life into the human family

TECHNIQUES CENTERING PRAYER WELCOMING PRAYER GUARD OF THE HEART
RIGHT BRAIN CONSCIOUSNESS

CENTERING PRAYER Methodology Choose a sacred word
Ask the Holy Spirit to inspire you with a short word suitable to you Examples include God, Jesus, Mary, Mother, Abba, Amen, Love , Peace, Faith, Silence, Peace or Mercy For some noticing one’s breath or an inward glance toward the Divine presence may be more suitable SACRED GAZE No visual image, turn inward as if to look at someone you love and recall that God is embracing you with a loving gaze

CENTERING PRAYER Methodology (continued)
Sit comfortably and introduce the sacred word as consent to God’s presence and action within When engaged with your “thoughts” return ever so gently to the sacred word, breath or gaze Thoughts include body sensations, feelings, images, concepts, insights and reflections Various types of thoughts include ordinary wanderings of the imagination and memory, thoughts giving rise to attractions or aversions, insights, self-reflection like “Am I doing this right?” and thoughts and feelings arising from the unconscious

CENTERING PRAYER Methodology (continued)
“Thoughts” are inevitable and normal By returning ever so gently a minimum of effort is indicated. This is the only activity involved Usual period is 20 minutes twice per day Physical sensations are normal and include slight pains, itches, twitches, lightness or heaviness. Tears are not uncommon

CENTERING PRAYER Represents a deepening of faith in God’s abiding presence Simply resting in God The principle benefits are experienced in daily life Familiarizes us with the language of God-SILENCE

WELCOMING PRAYER Surrender as an underlying attitude in daily life
Used in a psychotherapeutic context to extend Centering Prayer to gain relief from afflictive emotions of the ego Enhances the quality and quantity of awakened consciousness

WELCOMING PRAYER Designed by Mary Mrozowski-a psychiatric hospital administrator and literacy volunteer in prisons Redirects the emotional energy so that it is liberated from the egoic system and recaptured as vital energy for inner transformation Can be used with negative emotions, pain and false positives achieved by appeasement of the ego

WELCOMING PRAYER Three-step Model Focus and Sink In Welcome Let Go

WELCOMING PRAYER Focus and Sink In
Focus on the upset and feel the sensation in your body Don’t try to change anything just be present Don’t psychoanalyze yourself Tendency is strong in religious seekers to “make a religion out of the better moments” and repress the negative This is counterproductive as energy stays trapped in the body

WELCOMING PRAYER Welcome “Welcome anger, Welcome pain, etc.
Although it seems counterintuitive, while present in the sensation of your upset say ever so gently.. “Welcome anger, Welcome pain, etc. Don’t let the upset chase you from the presence of the moment By embracing what you once repressed you disarm it Awareness and surrender converge

WELCOMING PRAYER Let Go Letting go is just for now
Can say “I let go of my anger” or “I surrender my anger to God” Or a more complex version “I let go of my desire for security and survival” “I let go of my desire for esteem and affection” I let go of my desire for power and control”

WELCOMING PRAYER “A false self system is a system working at a low level of being, which is why it remains so mechanical and viciously self-reinforcing. With its vital energy largely locked up in its defenses and neurotic programming, there is little left over to reach escape velocity into real awakened consciousness, which both requires and produces a higher level of spiritual vibrancy than we are used to.” Bourgeault, Centering Prayer and Inner Awakening, pg.148

GUARD OF THE HEART A watchfulness that notices when we lose our sense of peace Lose peace whenever one of our emotional programs for happiness is frustrated-anger, grief, discouraged, fearful, etc. This sets off prerecorded cognitive loops that reinforce the emotion Can go back and try to identify the emotional program that has been set into play Can also use ACTIVE PRAYER SENTENCE repeated over and over again “Oh God, I surrender this to you.” “Oh God, help me to forgive.”

HOMING THOUGHT DR. JOHN DIAMOND
USE A HOMING THOUGHT LIKE “THY WILL BE DONE” TO OVERCOME ANY NEGATIVE INFLUENCE OR DEBILITATING IDEA OR SITUATION

RIGHT BRAIN CONSCIOUSNESS
Right hemisphere (RH) processes only what it receives and nothing more Left hemisphere (LH) appears to make elaborations, associations and searches for logical patterns even when none are present RH retains veridical (actual; genuine) representations of each to-be-remembered item and tends to accurately recognize previously viewed items and reject new items even when they are similar (Turk et al, 2003)

Left hemisphere drive to explain its world-no matter how bizarre- is also evident in Capgras Syndrome Visual representation of a loved one is divorced from the accompanying emotional feeling-loved one interpreted as an “imposter” (Cooney and Gazzaniga, 2003)

LH tends to elaborate and make inferences about the material presented often at the expense of veracity (Metcalf, 1995, Phelps & Gazzaniga, 1992) LH also attempts to assign a coherent explanation to events or behavior even when none is present (Wolford, 2000) Described as the LEFT HEMISPHERE INTERPRETER Turk et al, 20030

Interpretive function of the LH takes available information from the distributed self-processing networks and creates a unified sense of self from the input I AM Dualistic EGO Interpretive function tries to make sense out of incomplete or ambiguous data

The LEFT HEMISPHERE INTERPRETER seems to be the link between trying to make sense of the world and the perception of self in the LH This might explain why everyone’s reality and perception of the world are different and an illusion as described by spiritual traditions such as Buddhism and Hinduism

The Present Moment-Right here and now Thinks in pictures and symbols Receives sensory information that allows us to understand what the moment feels like, smells like and tastes like Sensory collage Connects to the energy all around us We are energy beings connected to everything through the consciousness of our right hemisphere

Part of a greater universe Breathing Foods containing tryptophan (milk, bananas and turkey) Rapidly elevate serotonin to help concentration and feeling of calm Stay away from high level carbohydrates Immediately converted into sugar so spike sugar/insulin response with lethargic rebound

Protein Energy without the highs and lows Aromatherapy Find out what smells are soothing and which ones are not Vanilla, almond and rose Sound Find out what music is soothing to you Absence of sound Noise cancelling headphones

Spiritual Vision Right mind sees bigger picture Blended or softened perception Perceives low frequency of sound Perceives the longer wavelengths of light Left mind focuses on detail Perceives shorter wavelengths Delineate sharp boundaries Perceives high frequency sound Detect, discriminate and interpret tones associated with language

Skin-our largest organ Take a shower and feel the water Massage Feel the sunshine on your cheeks Avoid negative energy Pay attention to how people, places and things feel to you. Some PPT will drain your energy

THE TOOLS HUMILITY SURRENDER FORGIVENESS LOVE HONESTY GRATITUDE
APPRECIATION KINDNESS SELFLESS-SERVICE (ALTRUISM)

BEING HUMAN Brain is limited by physiology and genetics. This understanding leads to HUMILITY, FORGIVENESS and SURRENDER. Freud-out of guilt our animal nature is repressed and projected outward as CHARACTER DEFECTS One must master the world before one can transcend it.

LOVE “AND NOW ABIDE FAITH, HOPE, LOVE, THESE THREE; BUT THE GREATEST OF THESE IS LOVE.” 1 CORINTHIANS 14:13 LAMSA TRANSLATION LOVE IS NOT AN EMOTION BUT A WAY OF BEING IN THE WORLD

THANK YOU IF YOU WANT TO BE ANYTHING OTHER THAN WHAT GOD INTENDED YOU TO BE, IT WILL NOT WORK. LIFE’S GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT IT TO BE THAT WHICH YOU ARE WE CANNOT ACHIEVE UNION WITH GOD ON DEMAND. IT IS A GIFT THAT IS FACILITATED BY BECOMING WHAT GOD INTENDED YOU TO BE EGO-LESS JUST TO BE JUST TO DO “BE STILL AND YOU SHALL KNOW THAT I AM GOD” PSALM 46:11

REFERENCES KEATING, THOMAS. AWAKENINGS. NEW YORK. CROSSROAD, 1990.
________________. INTIMACY WITH GOD. NEW YORK. CROSSROAD, 1995. ________________. INVITATION TO LOVE. NEW YORK. CONTINUUM, 1992. ________________. THE MYSTERY OF CHRIST. NEW YORK. CROSSROAD, 1992. ________________. THE BETTER PART. NEW YORK. CONTINUUM, 2002. ________________. THE HEART OF THE WORLD. NEW YORK. CROSSROAD, 1981.

REFERENCES Holy Bible From the Ancient Eastern Test (George Lamsa’s Translation), Harper, San Francisco, 1961. Merton, Thomas. A Book of Hours. Sorin Books, Notre Dame, Indiana, 2007. Vyasa. The Bhagavad Gita. Borders Classics. Ann Arbor, MI, 2007. The Cloud of Unknowing. Penguin Books, London, England, 2001.

References Taylor, Jill. My Stroke of Insight. Viking, New York, 2006.
Turk, Heatherton, McRae, Kelley, and Gazzaniga. Out of Contact, Out of Mind: The Distributed Nature of Self. Volume 1001, Ann. NY Acad. Sci. 1001:65, 2003. BOURGEAULT, CYNTHIA. THE WISDOM JESUS. SHAMBHALA. BOSTON, 2008.

References Conway, MA, Pleydell-Pearce, CW, Whitecross, S, and Sharpe, H. Brain Imaging Autobiographical Memory. Psychology of Learning and Motivation. 4, Metcalf, J, Funnell, MK, and Gazzaniga, MS. (1995). Right Hemisphere Memory Superiority: Studies of a Split-Brain Patient. Psychological Science, 6 (3),

References Phelps, EA and Gazzaniga, MS (1992). Hemispheric Differences in Mnemonic Processing: The Effects of Left Hemisphere Interpretation. Neuropsychologia, 30, Wolford, G, Miller, MB, and Gazzaniga, MS. (2000). The Left Hemisphere’s Role in Hypothesis Formation. Journal of Neuroscience, 20, RC64.

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