Meaningful Connections

A RESPONSE to LYNN CHENEY'S CALL for an INVESTIGATION re the SISTAK FLAP

WHILE SHE IS AT IT ...................

You have to hand it to Ms. Cheney. She never misses an opportunity to score points for her side. This is so even if I strongly disagree with the 'game' she chooses to play. Since she has the best interests of our country in mind I urge her to focus some of her passion to finally let us all know what actually happened at the infamous secret oil meeting that was chaired by her father at the beginning of President Bush's second term in office.

With her charm, and zeal in demanding justice I am certain that with her 'connections' she might just be the perfect person to let the 'people' know what was decided on behind closed doors.

And since 'oil' is once again very much in the public eye - such revelations might be of supreme value in shedding some light on some of the complexities with which we are all currently struggling to understand.

What say Lynn?

Mr. Blumenthals' 'Sorry' Performance: A Symptom as to Why So Many Are So Angry at our Leaders.

  OBSERVATIONS RE TRUSTWORTHINESS

Politically I cast my lot with the progressive liberals. While hardly 'perfect' at least they seem to be moving in the right direction despite the transparent cynicism of the Republicans and many Conservative to smash Obama and Company by any means. This is why it surprises me not in the least when their leadership including John McCane, et.a. pander, stretch the truth, and often get exposed as hypocrits. But I generally don't expect such blatant 'negativity' from the democrats in power - they don't have to.

Thus is is sobering to witness the utter contempt that Richard Blumenthal conveys in his pathetic attempts to rationalize his utterly flagrant contempt for the truth.

You got to hand it to the New York Times et.al for wiping away the cliche criticism that they never challenge the integrity of the "liberals". Well they and other did just that in their expose of the 'mispeakings' made by Richard Blumenthal concerning the crucial details of his service record associate with Vietnam.

 For decades Mr. Blumenthal has been categorically asserting that he had actively served in Viet Nam when in fact he was only a marine reservist. Ok - a big stretch - but don't all the politicans running for office do it?

But what I don't cotton is his sanctimonious half hearted mea culpa - that all he did was too mispeak a few words. This putting things right talk was in the context of him 'assuming full responsibility' for his inappropriate stretching of the facts. Ok - forgiven and don't do it again.

EXCEPT: and it is a hugh exception.

This self proclaimed man of impeccable integrity went on to push back with: "...But I will not allow anyone to take a few misplaced words and impugn my record of service to our country. ..." He further said that that the error were "totally unintentional"..." and that he had made them only a few time in hundreds of public appearances."

So here again a politican who sets himself up as a paragon of virtue - when the chips are down and he is seen to be only a flawed human being like the rest of us - fails - in my opinion - to follow through - to really show how integrated he really thinks he is - by going on the attack of those who would impugn his integrity by reflecting his calaculated lies in his hollier than thou face.

I would have preferred if Mr. Bluenthal come clean and indicate that he got caught up in the swirl of patriotism and believed accurtaely that he would appeal to more voters if he exaggerated the extent of his service rather than to minimize it.    

You know the true character of a person by the qaulity of their choices. If he didn't intend to mispeak then what accounts for the reason that the mispeakings got erred on mulitle occassions. Doesn't he have advisors to deal with these matters. And if he does are they all aks who are afriad to tell him the truth? And if that is the reality of what really is then it is likely to be a part of his character whether or not he owns up to it and is likely to reoccur because people are slaves to their character unless they make an all out attempt to change.

My thoughts about Mr. Blumenthals' pathetic defense is not exclusively directed to him but to the multitudes of our present leadership. He is an example of why I think many of the electorate are hopping angry about the double messaged - hypocritical - politics at its lowest commong denominator pervading our current atmosphere. However it is also true that we the people get who we elect.

If we really don't want leaders who are truly integrated and trustworthy then we have no reason to complain when we get poor results.

OBSERVATIONS about AWARENESS and CONSCIOUSNESS

  Awareness to Perception to Apperception

I like the idea and the experience of unity in the context of diversity. Each person has his or her own conception and experience of unity. It is determined by their attained level of consciousness. Conciousness is best conceptualized on an evolving continuum. It ranges from kaleidoscopic consciousness, to symbiotic consciousness, to transcendent consciousness to transitional consciousness to transformational consciousness to ego consciousness to psychodynamic consciousness to synthetic consciousness to ....

There is no getting around the fact that each individual consciously and unconsciously selects what ever data from their own flow of personal experience to be utilized utilized in generating personal meanings.

It appears alltogether fanciful that any of us can seriously entertain the belief that we have a direct uninterpreted connection with an assumed absolute oneness.

Meanwhile we go about our individual lives stumbling and bumbling - occassionally awake, aware, relatively in control of our individual life trips, - until we hit inevitable limitations which we either greet with a sense of challenge or defeat.

MY SECOND AMAZON BOOK REVIEW

5.0 out of 5 stars An Excellently Developed Theory, May 15, 2010

By Alan S. Haas "Author "The Interconnectedn... (Waltham, MA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)

This review is from: Demystifying Meaningful Coincidences (Synchronicities): The Evolving Self, the Personal Unconscious, and the Creative Process (Hardcover)

This book represents one of the best explications currently available on the problem of "synchronicity." I am qualified to say this because I am doing my own scientific research projects on the subject and I know the existing literature well enough that I am confident to say very few other authors have put forward a viable psychoanalytically based model. The first part of this book is about the best explanation and definition of the issues surrounding synchronicity that one will find. Williams clarifies the distinctions between Freud's deterministic views on these types of "coincidences" and Jung's occult/numinous interpretations. He pinpoints that there must be a flaw with Jung's "a-causal" model if the synchronistic events have meaning in the context of personal growth and development. He begins where others have left off at the purely psychopathological level (i.e. regressive theories) and adds an important piece to the puzzle by interpreting the synchronicities as attempts to make new connections to construct a solid reality of the world from a fragmented "self."

The second part of the book is basically a journal or diary and contains some perhaps extraneous personal anecdotes that were a little too detailed for my own tastes. But then again, it is not uncommon to present a personal story to show how one developed a new belief or view of the world. It is also important to note that Williams' argument is more convincing because he admits he began with a less rational view of the world and eventually, through hard experience and knowledge, grew to become confident about a fully rational psychodynamic approach.

The third part of the book is a summary of the formulated theory, and the fourth part discusses some therapeutic applications. I am currently fully "digesting" this material and will be referencing Williams in my own research next year, because I also strongly believe in this type of a fully rational scientific approach to Jung's concept. In my opinion, there are too many other books out there right now invoking "spooky action at a distance" quantum mechanical mechanisms etc. (an issue that Williams skillfully avoids but has properly identified as the "parapsychological" approach to synchronicity). I fully agree with Williams that the real mechanisms are most likely to be based on aspects of an individual's subjective experience and personal growth, whatever that ultimately means. Whatever the case and whatever relatively minor issues there might be with this book, I believe it represents a rather important piece of progress in the ongoing struggle to understand synchronicity.

SYNCHRONICITIES: SCIENCE and PSYCHOLOGY with GIBBS WILLIAMS Ph.D.

          A Naturalistic Perspective          

• The following is my rebuttal to some challenging comments in response to my recent interview e my book with Alan Steinfeld on his New Realities website.

  To all those interested in this topic I urge you to first hear the podcast and then read my comments below. To access the pod cast paress the following:

  http://www.newrealities.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=category&s...
  ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Rebuttal re Podcast on New Realities
  05/15/2010

  Alan [the host] said (agreeing with the first commentator): “Gibbs is being too intellectual about the whole thing. And the whole point of my program is to present possibilities that result in a new paradigm that exists in another causal realities…. [it is] bigger than our logical minds… [as] new realities are emerging with a whole new way of thinking. It includes the psychological, but it is way beyond it as well.”
  My response:

  
  •I substantially agree with what Alan has said but my perspective is different than his.
  •My research indicates that the major reason as to why the findings in this field are relatively murky is not due to the fact that researchers are too intellectual but that they are not intellectual enough.

  
  •We establish order on the raw data of experience by seeking cause and effect relationships. What is at question these days is the questionable over reliance of conventional linear logic utilized in scientific method in generating meaningful connections between events. Thus in trying to understand the nature of synchronicities Jung is clearly accurate that linear logic is not adequately able to explain the link between the subjective internal event (A) and the objective external event (A’) which is comprises the structure of every synchronicity. Thus he adopts his radical concepts of the principle of a causality. However, and this is a huge however, to eliminate conventional scientific causality (linear logic) as a adequate explanation of the link between A and A ‘ of every synchronicity does not necessarily eliminate the conceivability of an alternative form of causality that does adequately explain the link.

  
  •What has here-to –fore prevented the formulation of an alternative form of causality is Jung’s anti causal arguments that the apparent randomness of a synchronicity (similar to a fire fly’s flashing) means that a researcher is unable to utilize scientific method in objectively studying the nature of these anomalous events. That has been true until now.

  
  •My research – prompted by Freud and other psychoanalysts – indicates that by inserting the details of one’s synchronicities into the dated flow of a person’s stream of experience – it is possible to objectively study the nature of these events. I call this method contextual analysis).

  
  •Subjecting individual’s synchronicities to contextual analysis indicates that it is no coincidence that a given coincidence occurs for a given individual. {The time factor] Additionally, coincidences serve knowable purposes of creative problem solving for the experiencer. Further, the process by which a given synchronicity happens indicates that coincidences are neither explained by utilizing conventional linear logic nor are they adequately explained utilizing a principle of a causality. Instead, my research indicates that synchronicities obey knowable laws of an alternative causal principle governed by what I refer to as experiential logic.

  
  •Experiential logic is a combination of complementary streams of information including ideas (linear logic) plus intuition, feelings, bodily sensations. Experiential logical logic also takes note of possible contributions of such anomalous experiences as karma (repetition compulsion), insights, fate, chance, destiny, an ill defined sense of ‘spirituality’ and the likes.

  
  •I agree that we are on the edge of another emerging paradigm. However I believe that paradigm will be dominated less by utilizing the collective unconscious than utilizing the personal unconscious combined with the realm of the collective consciousness.

  
  •Most importantly I am not setting myself up as the final authority on this issue… instead I see myself as presenting a viable alternative for those who believe there must be a naturalistic explanation of such events. My alternative serves as a counter weight for those who insist that there must be a mystical/ magical explanation. The proof of the pudding is in the eating.

  
  •The alternative causality which I propose is making psychodynamic understanding the conventional method by which humans make sense of the raw data of their experience.

  
  •To be fair and reasonable I challenge any who are truth seekers to utilize my method of decoding their own synchronicities and assess for themselves the value or lack of value of my perspective.

  
  •Finally – in speaking with Allen – he made a point that has had a great deal of impact on me. He said: “Don’t get stuck in your own paradigm. “ I fully agree. And I would like to return the favor: Allen – Don’t get stuck in your paradigm either.

  
  •I look forward to a continuing lively discussion on this most fascinating and challenging topic.

GUNS, FIVE YEAR OLDS, and SELF ESTEEM

READY, AIM, ....!

I have about had it. The newscasts are full of ugly and demoralizing reports. Things are breaking down. Oil is gushing non stop into the Gulf, Arizona is being over run with illegals doing who knows what to solid moral citizens, the government wants to control everything and everyone not understanding how they will transform capitalism into probably a combination of socialism, communism, and facism, and what is worst of all there is a complete lack of respect to such national icons as Sarah Palin... the laughing stock of the elitist N.E. liberals, Saturday Night Live executives, and probably President Obama too - but you would never know because the Washington Post lies about everything.

This brake down in moral authority is obviously responsible for horrendous acts of violence even spreading to China: 7 elementary children hacked to death by some deranged or was he really? adult. And to think this stuff is being printed in newspapers and reported on the air mainly by scare mongering liberal stations like MSNBC.

Kids are impressionable - what is there a plot to scare our kids to weaken them? This is not good for their self esteem to say nothing about their happiness. And it kicks hell out of their enthusiasm variable.

Ok - on to the point. We must go all out starting yesterday morning to do something that will guarantee that our smallest children grow up feeling adequately protected and confidant. Psychological research indicates that children - particularly around 5 years old - need to feel they can hold onto something substantial. So the solution is obvious.

If little kids can't hold onto the New York Times - that pack of lies - then they have no alternative but to take matters into their own hands - literally into their own hands. They must be armed.

Think of it - You want to eliminate bullies, and kidnappings, and insults from liberal no it all teachers (most from unions of course): then arm our five year old kids and start at least by dinner tonight.You do this and I promise you every armed five year old will have instant self esteem. Bullies and liberals beware!

It is time for God fearing, true Americans, to push back and push back hard against all those who are obviously hell bent on making us all slaves and push overs for their evil designs.

Come on America - Wake up -  support your local gun shop. I have prayed and God approves of this message.

If You Are Interested In Synchronicities You Will Love this Event

SYNCHRONICITY: MYSTICAL? PSYCHOLOGICAL? or BOTH?

 

An Event: The Nature and Use of Meaningful Coincidences

 

Sponsored by The Association for Spirituality and Psychotherapy

 

When: Friday 7 :00 P.M.  May 21, 2001 to  9:30  P.M.   

Where: The Open Center 
22 East 30th St.
between 5th and Madison Avenues
Grand Hall
New York, NY 10016 

Cost: $15.00 for non members

Register  516- 829 - 5027    or cspofnip@optonline.net

 
Come explore, with three leading analysts, perplexing patient reports of Synchronicities.

A rising number of analysts are reporting an increasing frequency of coincidence prone patients in their practice. These seemingly inexplicable phenomena are often experienced with awe and a sense they may contain a coded message from some mysterious transcendent spiritual source. This workshop will describe various alternatives in explaining their nature and use in the clinical setting. Jung's theory, which has been the nearly unchallenged authority in this field for the past fifty four years, will be critically evaluated.
 
Gibbs Williams, Ph.D., Psychoanalyst and Training Supervisor, is our Presenter. He is the Author of  Demystifying Meaningful Coincidences (Synchronicities): The Evolving Self, the Personal Unconscious, and the Creative Process.   Gibbs will be signing his book.

"Gibbs Williams has struggled with awe-inspiring coincidences in his own life and combed the relevant literature to formulate a rational psychodynamic theory of synchronicity. This book is both a personal journey and a guide for psychotherapists to harness their patients' creative processes to liberate the sense of self from its traumatically imposed restrictions." -Frank M. Lachmann, PhD

 

Our Discussants are Analyst, Mary Marino, Ph.D., & John Marino, MM, MA, LP., Licensed Jungian Analyst.

John Marino is on the faculty of the C. G. Jung Institute of NY. He serves on the Board of the C. J. Jung Foundation,  the National Association for the Advancement of Psychoanalysis, and  the NY Association for Analytical Psychology.  He is the Music Director of the United Methodist Church of Demarest, NJ.

Mary Marino is a licensed psychologist practicing in NYC for over 25 years. She is a practicing Buddhist who integrates spiritual teachings and meditative practices into her therapeutic work with clients. She has taught courses in meditation and the development of intuition, Energy Psychology healing methods and dream analysis and interpretation using a Jungian symbolic approach. Mary has traveled extensively in Indonesia studying the spiritual and shamanic practices of indigenous healers. 

Remember to RSVP. It is a MUST

Register Now! 

Event Marketing by

MEETING STRANGERS in INDIANA

                        ALL STRANGERS are not STRANGE

The occasion for my story was an invitation by High Writer for me and others (including Johnathan T. Phillips) [Evolver.net] to participate in a conference called Introspective Truth held at Indiana University in Bloomington. One hour before I was to discuss my work on Demystifying Synchronicities - I took a walk in back of the college. This turned out to be a brilliant choice.

The atmosphere that day was pure radiance as springtime had clearly sprung in Bloomington. As I walked along the path enjoying the colorful flowers I saw three young boys I guessed were about 15 years old. They were doing what many boys of that age do: outdoing each other doing tricks on their skateboards.

I walked over to them indicating they would have an opportunity if they so desired to rescue a foreigner by giving me directions to the nearest place for me to get a cup of coffee and perhaps something like a doughnut. Eagerly responding they pointed me in the direction of a Dunkin Doughnuts store.

Appreciating their perfect response I said that if they happen to be going in my direction and see me walking in circles they would do me a great favor if they would guide me to the store (about 2 blocks ahead) as I have a tendency to get lost. The boys laughed - said they would keep alert - and spiritedly waved goodbye.

Somehow I made it to the suggested "Oasis" where I serendipitously met three smiling, gracious, and stimulating counter women. I sincerely gushed about my experience of Bloomington, Indiana University, High Wire and his mother, my fellow participants, the friendliness of virtually every stranger I met.... overflowing with unusually positive feelings about being alive in Bloomington. The counter-women - animated and interested in my story - offered me a free cup of coffee (unheard of in New York City) - reinforced my already positive feelings that strangeness can be converted into meaningful connectedness (under certain conditions) in amazingly short order.

More of this 'magical' conversion process was to happen.

Seated by the front door of the shop I was pleased to see my skateboard 'friends' coming into the door. We simultaneously smiled at one another as if we had known each other all our lives and were thrilled that after eons of time we had reunited.

I introduced myself to them and asked their names. They noticed the book I was reading - my own. They were thrilled when I told them I was the author. One of the boys said he wanted to be an author. I told him to do what I did - take the idea seriously, study hard, be passionately interested in something and learn all about it - and one day when he felt he had something original to say he too would write a book.

The boys were clearly awe struck. Perhaps some of it had to do with the fact that they met a real live author but I am more inclined to believe that they were pleasantly surprised that a 73 year old visitor from New York treated them as equals.

We exchanged some facts about our lives. I gushed some more about what I feel is the well kept secret of Bloomington telling them that they were living in a Paradise - shook hands, and started to walk back to give my talk - getting lost in the process - having overshot the mark.

Although this whole encounter took only about an hour this experience for me is what Jung refers to as numinous emanating an implied quality of spirituality. A spirituality that is not transcendent but rather grounded on the earth plane wherein virtual strangers - like dogs sniffing each other - are able - if the conditions are right - in becoming instant friends.

SO WHAT is the SOURCE of this FREE - FLOATING PAN ANGER?

WHAT IS MOTIVATING the RAGE?

This post is a response to Cena - a fellow Gatherer - who like me is perplexed when it comes to understanding the causes of such unwarranted fury directed towards President Obama.

Cena - You state: "I wonder why the tea bag partiers  [and many others] want to be so angry. " Psychodynamically: the President equals the Father. Perhaps large groups of people are angry that Father Bush is not around any more to provide them with easy or no answers  essentially taking a hands off point of view. Now we have a new Father who insists on facing both the Ying and the Yang of the totality of reality insisting we all grow up and face disorienting and often overwhelming complexity square on. If we do as he prods us to do then we have to move beyond black/white dichotomous thinking and experiencing and find creative - out of the box - solutions to what are indeed extraordinarily complex problems. Examples of such problems are described on a daily basis. Just look at today's paper. Any one care to suggest some easy solution to the following problems: (1) the oil spill, (2) a fair and reasonable immigration reform policy; (3) a fair and reasonable response to Wall Street, and the Banks; (4) How to effectively deal with Iran; and/ or (5) How to best calm the heightened fears of terror set off from the discovery of a potential bomb blast in Times Square. President Obama says how it is. And much of what he states is very unsettling. I think his problem is that he - like all fathers  - at root only a single human being with strengths and weakness - not a miracle worker.