Brendan lead DPX last Sunday with a body scan meditation that coincided with a massive downpour and thunder and lightning storm. Many people commented on how the rain offered a sound anchor to focus the mind on and made it easier to meditate. A discussion of the votexes in Sedona emerged. Votexes are a natural phenomena, consisting of swirling centers of energy that are conducive to healing, meditation and self-exploration. If you are open and receptive to the earths vitality you will intuitively tune into the wind energy, the energy from towering spaces, natural bridges or enclosed spaces, such as caves. But if you visit Sedona you might want to participate in the extreme over commercialization of this phenomena and buy a book, or take a tour of the votexes and learn more about their healing power to gain spiritual awakening. https://sedonaredrocktours.com/sedona-spiritual-vortexes/
The Temple of Delphi was brought up as another example of marketing enlightenment. The ancient Greek high priestess, a resident female oracle called a Pythia lived in the temple and believed she could predict the future. Scientists have found hydrocarbon gases under the temple mixed with ground water from a nearby spring. One of these gases is ethylene, which has a sweet smell and produces a narcotic effect described as a floating or disembodied euphoria. Other scientists believe a simple cocktail of carbon dioxide mixed with methane could have induced the psychic trances that the Pythia used to channel the gods and dish out their advice. https://www.livescience.com/4277-theory-oracle-delphi-high.html
Last week we discussed the lateral zone, the area where the ocean meets the shore and produces oxygen which has a healing effect if you tune into it. But you’re probably not going to get healed, or gain spiritual awakening from a place or an oracle, no matter what the natural energy is. You will be healed by the work you do. It may help to be in a certain place when you do that work, but it can be done at home on the cushion as well.
Brendan kicked off the discussion with a question “It’s easy to point out other people’s ignorance but what is your personal tactic for fighting your own ignorance? Mike stated that “Ignorance is triggered by frustration and hate. Our need to project and to be better than, or worse than those around us is binary and divisive. Practice not making anybody bad. The practice of softening and applying kindness to your own mind is radical.” Ray talked about how personal ignorance is impermanent and is constantly changing. Half the battle is continually trying to figure out what is your personal ignorance of the week or the moment. Ray talked about their personal struggle with doubt and how it can be paralyzing, and finding the antidote to be action. The answers often become more apparent when there is action.
To further perpetuate the discussion Brendan quoted “The systemic self-perpetuating fear- based ignorance fundamentally because that's the acceptable use of appropriations. The ends not only justify the means but become them.”
Brendan was mostly referring to economics and Marco responded to the quote by saying “the economy is fear based and not rational, people drive the fear to drive their personal interest in the economy.” Melissa concurred saying “fear is a powerful driver, and we need to ask ourselves, am I acting out of fear or love?” Fear is the motivating factor for hatred and Racism. It’s a deeply ingrained biological process that we are not cognizant of. A survival tactic when encountering something different. We need to push beyond that.
Conversation shifted to what to do when people respond by minimizing your situation or using a cliché, platitude or bromide. This can make you feel unheard or unseen and it’s not empathic. It can be done by relentless people pleasers or people who don’t have the band width to look deeper. Marco responded by saying growing up in Japan he was taught “not to take it personally. You might not feel good or comforted, but you try not to take it personally.” Brendan put it succinctly and said “Don’t take things personally because there is only one person it hurts.” Melissa pushed back by saying, sometimes you need to set boundaries and be clear. Especially if it is with someone you want to continue a relationship with. They may continue to act in the same way, but then you can decide whether to continue the relationship or accept the behavior. Practicing true and complete acceptance of the person is always an option. But if it festers in you, if you feel like a doormat, or you are going to react poorly to it, that might be a signal to address it with the person. We also talked about the power of apologizing and how a heartfelt apology can make both parties feel better.
