Posted on 10/30/2004 11:02:01 AM PDT by chicagolady
A New Thought About the New Thought Movement
I have consistently been committed to getting conscious, to ‘waking up’ as the Buddha says for over twenty years.
To that end I have rebirthed, walked on fire (twice), been strapped in and climbed to the top of a three story pole and jumped off, attended countless twelve step meetings, journaled, had my Tarot cards read, my astrological chart reviewed, joined a creative tribe, taken the ‘Artist’s Way’ (twice), gone to therapy, changed my diet, practiced yoga, taken classes, participated in burning bowl rituals and drumming circles, learned about and used gem elixirs, had extensive body work, floated in anti-gravitational flotation tanks, prayed and meditated, attended weekly services at outstanding new thought churches, been a founding member of a new thought spiritual center, and have read innumerable books on spirituality, recovery and God.
I have paid for consciousness raising workshops, attended lectures, seminars, yoga retreats and tuned into PBS specials featuring some of the best known and well read leaders in the new thought movement. Some of the facilitators or teachers I have seen you may know of: Jean Houston, Deepak Chopra, Edwene Gaines, Catherine Ponder, Julia Cameron, Marianne Williamson, Dr. Joan Borysenko, Sonia Choquette, Jungian expert Dr. James Hillman, Judith Wright, Les Brown, Enneagram expert and Stanford professor, Helen Palmer, Gregg Braden, Gurmayi Chidvilasananda, Oriah Mountain Dreamer, Dwayne Dyer, several renowned Unity Ministers and New Thought ministers, and dozens of lesser known experts in the field of consciousness, spirituality and self mastery.
I am a believer in the transformation of people, of nations, and of the world. I have been transformed, am continuing to be transformed, and intend on expanding my consciousness for eternity, or enlightenment, whichever comes first. I love learning about the mysteries of life and the increasing evidence that connects science with spirituality. I love exploring the belief that we, as humans, either consciously or unconsciously, create our reality with our thoughts and thus we co-create with God, or the divine knower. “Thoughts in mind produce in kind” as the saying goes. This expansion, this idea that we are limited only by our thoughts, means that we are not victims of our circumstances; we are participants and creators, either consciously or unconsciously of our reality, as is everyone else.
My teachers have all been helpful in gently shaking me awake, and in some cases screaming that I get out of my “metaphorical” bed, wake-up, get over it, and do what I’m here to do; love myself, love others and co-create. I love being on the path with like minded people; others, who like me, know deep within their being, that although life is complex, investigating the journey of the soul is the most fulfilling of all pursuits.
Although I can not speak for anybody else, I, like many others in the new thought movement, do not view the bible, or any of the ancient texts, as historically accurate and literal documents, but rather spiritual guide books, if you will, that, with the proper interpretation, help us understand our spiritual path and the far-reaching teachings of the great masters.
It is true that devoutly religious people, of all persuasions, who believe differently than I do, are also seekers of the truth and a spiritual relationship with a higher power. Conventional religion works for them and their spiritual practice and the world is a better place because of their deep convictions. Conventional religion, the religion of my childhood, wasn’t working for me so I sought guidance elsewhere.
I was first drawn to the new thought movement on the consul of my friend, Rodney. I was overcome with grief and I needed relief. I couldn’t solve my problems alone or live in isolation. Along with many others, I discovered a community of people who I felt did not judge my humanity. They embraced me and all of my flaws and insecurities.
Many teachings of the new thought movement, and the environment in which the teachings were made available, fostered emotional and spiritual growth in me. Although I have been able to reframe my childhood circumstances and the important events of my past, I realize now that when I entered the new thought movement I was often living from the psyche of a scared child or a defiant adolescent. I was partially frozen emotionally in past traumas.
I have been able to grow up, at least in part, and become an emotionally available adult (most of the time). This has been possible because I was able to feel my feelings without shame; ask questions without judgment; explore my purpose with encouragement and profound compassion. I have let others witness my humanity and I have been honored to witness theirs. I have been with people who know suffering, have transcended suffering, and were, and are, available to help me transcend mine. I have laughed until I’ve cried, and cried until I’ve laughed.
Throughout this journey as an aspiring adult, I have buried both my parents and several friends. I, along with many others, helped my oldest sister through her transition when we prayed together. Most times I have a deep inner life and although I still eat chocolate and space out in front of the T.V. I am more conscious when I’m doing it. When I do melt down, I have always emerged with even greater freedom and self-forgiveness. I know that I’m being cleansed, healed and will emerge with even greater freedom. Life, for me, is too hard alone (as in without some belief in a power greater than my fear and people who help along the way). I have learned that self-forgiveness and compassion are necessary and obtainable.
My transformation into a more authentic person was essential because it just was. It was made possible to me because of the work of others on the spiritual path. Those who needed to know God even if that meant seeking God in places their family or loved ones didn’t want to look.
If the new thought movement has or had an agenda at all I believe the teachings are and were committed to the personal transformation of the individual involved. I desperately wanted to learn HOW to think differently about myself and the world I live in, not WHAT to think.
Although I have had many true epiphanies in my life that were life changing, perhaps the two most important realizations I have come to are these: one, it’s okay to ask for help, Jesus the Christ needed at least twelve people, and two, one can not live a fulfilling life, no matter how much people love them, how much wealth, prestige, fame or notoriety they achieve, if they live life from the psychological underpinnings of being a perpetual victim; a person who is not of real service to others. These realizations came to me over time. The first one, duh! The second insight came soon after. I know, deep within me, that no matter how my life might look, what my past has been, what the size of my bank account is on any given day, I was no longer a victim either in reality or psychologically. I was, and am, profoundly grateful for what I have and could no longer play the victim card even if I wanted to.
On a deeper level the later realization forced me to get out of the blame game and on the path of taking more responsibility for my own life. We all know people, (I’ve been one and may live there again) some famous, some not, who appear to have it all and yet they are always whining and negative. These people either try to enroll us in the belief of our own victimhood, or we are just turned off by them. For me, and I’m certain for everybody else, the spiritual path has been, and continues to be, an interesting and wild ride. Once an insight surfaces, it doesn’t go away. I was old enough to know better, and yet I didn’t know it, until I knew it. To put it another way, ‘once you hear the bell, you can’t unring it.’ I’ve heard the theory that people either learn through pain or pleasure. I’ve had some of both, as I’m sure is true for everybody.
Knowing how to think has changed what I think. Although I remain a devout believer in many teaching of the new thought movement, especially the belief that we are ever evolving, I know I am in the minority when it comes to my thinking about the United States involvement in Iraq and Afghanistan. Today, I’m as clear as a crystal that liberating 50 million people so they too can live in freedom is an incredibly courageous, scary and magnificent thing to do. I believe that freedom is what fosters peace, makes peace possible.
I know in the deepest cells of my being, that it is because I live in a free country that I have been able to slowly transcend my old ways of being. On the wings of freedom, I have been able to challenge my old belief systems, and investigate the path to self-actualization. (Investigate mind you, sometimes it’s just about doing the dishes and taking out the garbage). It’s been two steps forward, one step back, and still going.
The foundation of my beliefs remains the same, yet on September 11, 2001, when the United States was attacked, I began to respect freedom like never before. On that day, religious fanatics who have been taught to hate us, who think they hate us, attacked us. They have never met me, and they have probably never met you, but they hate us because we are Americans and live in The United States. These terrorists had been promised great rewards in the afterlife if they succeeded in killing us in this one. The people who murdered so many believed that promise. Rather than look within their own country, their own systems, their own history, and their own choices, these fanatics have been taught to blame us, the United States for most, if not all, of their problems. They have been victims, but not of the United States.
What I believed happened on September 11, 2001, was the end of naivety and indecisiveness. The destruction of the World Trade Center Towers and the attack on the Pentagon tore off the veil of denial and let the United States know just how vulnerable we are to attacks. There are those, not in the new thought movement, who send images of beheadings of Americans and our allies over their cell phones and the internet within minutes of these brutalities so they can rejoice at these images and show them to their friends, family and children.
There are people who hate us simply because we are a democracy and can vote; they hate us because we are the most diverse country in the world and are the most successful at it; they hate us because we are a capitalist country; and they hate us because the women in the United States are liberated and not sexually mutilated at birth. They hate us because we are free.
Freedom is sloppy, but freedom is magnificent. I don’t know anyone in the new thought movement who thinks the U.S intervention in World War II was the wrong thing to do. We liberated Germany and Japan and then helped them rebuild their countries. Abraham Lincoln’s position in the Civil War was criticized and unpopular, yet in hindsight we all recognize that his courage to once and for all abolish an aristocracy in the United States was the right thing to do. We liberated ourselves, we have liberated other countries and we are playing a role in liberating 50 million people in Iraq and Afghanistan. I believe we are on the way to a lasting peace.
In the new thought movement, and elsewhere, there is an intolerance that is palpable if anyone has a different opinion. I have had many conversations with people in the new thought movement who are vehemently convinced that their way is the only way. This elitism is dangerous. One world renowned new thought teacher I saw at a lecture recently was explaining how it can be scientifically proven that on a cellular level we are connected to every other living thing, plants and animals included. It’s an interesting theory and one I will research. Whether it’s true or not, when this man mentioned how we are connected to Osama Bin Laden and Saddam Hussein the audience sat quietly. When he mentioned George W. Bush’s name, the groan of the audience was audible. I was shocked and saddened. I have heard conspiracy theories about the ‘evil cabala’ that is the current administration. I have been called a fascist for my beliefs. I believe that what is happening today in the world is leading us to greater peace.
Yes, these are scary times. War is the failure of man, and yet history has shown us that lack of war does not always mean peace, and it certainly doesn’t mean freedom. Sometimes it means tyranny. Why does George W. Bush trigger such strong emotions in people? Although others may not agree and will attack me, I think one reason is because he is decisive, courageous and believes what he believes. I also think he’s surrounded by thoughtful and mindful adults that really do have our and the world’s best interest at heart. I don’t think he’s perfect, but I think he is sincere.
If the United States and our allies had gone into Iraq on human rights violations perhaps people in the new thought movement would be more supportive of our involvement. As far as I’m concerned, human rights were in jeopardy. I also believe that the people of the world live in a safer place because Saddam Hussein is not in power. It may not look like that right now, but ‘freedom is on the march.’
I know that the upcoming election is not a one-issue election. If anything good is coming out of all the exhausting rhetoric—and there is always good—it’s that all the domestic issues, (and I know what they are) are also being talked about. These all-important issues and policies and procedures that need to evolve, be improved upon, will be. The domestic policies cannot and will not be improved, however, if we are not free. As the new thought movement suggests, if our thoughts shape our world, others’ thoughts shape it, too. If someone thinks they should kill me, I don’t want that idea to manifest. I believe that hate is lack of light and I believe freedom lets the light shine and the soul heal.
I wish war weren’t the reality, but it is. It is hard to fathom that in the 21st Century we are engaged in what I, and many others, believe is a religious war, but we are. We all have a lot to learn. With freedom and liberty as the essential foundation, we can keep learning. The United States isn’t perfect and how Iraq and Afghanistan have been handled hasn’t been perfect either, by a long shot. Anyone can be an expert in hindsight. All that being said, I do think George W. Bush knows he, too, is not perfect, but he’s doing the best he can. I think he is sincere in his motives and his optimism about all the issues on the table. I, too, am optimistic that a liberated and free Iraq and Afghanistan will make for a more peaceful world. Let us pray.
Maggie Gautier
October 30, 2004
We love Freedom, Love learning and being all God has created us to be. Maggie has served on the board for "Friends of Meigs" in hopes of keeping our fine airport open in the midst of a Daley Democratic machine run-a-muck. She puts herself out on a limb alot for Freedom sake. She is a stand up comic, Writer and good friend.
Thanks for your input, Maggie. Keep working hard in Chicago. With a lot of folks, voting Democrat (or Reublican for that matter) is an identity crisis. If they can get outside the box and look at the person, they will make the right decision. If John Kerry were a Republican and someone like Lieberman were running as the Democrat, I would not vote for Kerry, and I'm a life-long Republican.
Thanks again!
It's tempting to make fun of all this new thought stuff. But this is obviously someone who is sincerely seeking for the truth, and she can't be faulted for that. Good to know that she seems to be finding her way in the right direction. Perhaps she will return to "Jesus the Christ" by a different route.
Most of the people who dabble in various forms of new age spirituality are leftists. But here is somebody who is open to reality and sees clearly the meaning of 9/11.
Several years ago a friend of mine, before his suicide, sought meaning in every imaginable religion, science, and pseudo-science. He was intelligent and studious but never found enough meaning to repel the depression of meaninglessness.
Just before he shot himself, I again asked him if he would consider Jesus.
His response was, "I'll consider anything but that."
A few weeks after that response, he was gone. Still, to this day, I cannot figure why the answer was always "no, never" to Jesus.
It is becoming apparent that the reason was, "I want to do it my way, not yours (Jesus's way)." Meaning "me first, not God first. I will have it my way or no way at all."
Well, he had it his way. I wonder where he is now.
Anyone convicted of voter fraud should forfeit the right to vote forever.
wading through the psychobabble made my teeth itch, but once she got to the point it was refreshing to see that even the newage crowd can face facts now and then.
Seems like the long way around the barn, but whatever gets ya there!
None of which is New Thought.
Which is in direct contradiction of New Thought teachings. Dr. Ernest Holmes spoke of being "open at the top," meaning to take all points of view into account. Other people are on the path that works for them and they are not to be condemned for doing their best. Things like what happened on September 11 are another story.
New Thought would never teach us to believe that there is an "only way."
I agree with this author's perspective on the issue and I have found some people in the New Thought movement who insist that "violence only begets violence" so we should not fight. They insist on pursuing a political agenda -- whicih is their right -- through the churches, which is not the function of church.
Or perhaps she's already there. As Holmes wrote, "the world has never followed the simple teachings of Jesus, yet it is loud in its proclamation that it is Christian."
Maggie is right on target. I have always wondered why so many adherents to a movement such as New Thought, which stresses individual freedom and responsibility for your own choices (as well as the power of your own choices) tend to be so liberal politically. I think they think they're taking the "nonjudgmental" side, but liberals are the most judgmental, least tolerant people I know.
I remember suggesting to teh local church that it advertise in the paper in town that is known as conservative. I was told not only that not too many people who were conservative would be drawn to the movement, but "do we really want those people anyway?"
I thought the idea was to empower, uplift, and heal EVERYONE.
It's New Thought, not New Age. Different things.
good LORD, FRiend - why did you cause me to wade through all that psychobabble all over again at this late remove from its initial posting?
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