Dr. Matthew Fox: Ushering in the Next Stage
by MARYANN BROWN on NOVEMBER 4, 2011
“We are here to fall in love with a lot more than just our mate… trees, stones, rivers, animals, birds, planets, galaxies, poems, music….” – Dr. Rev. Matthew Fox
In a beautiful Buckminster-Fuller-style dome at Sunrise Ranch Retreat, deep in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains in Colorado, Matthew Fox presented his 8 Steps in Ushering in the Next Stage of Our Evolutionary Existence.
Inspired by the dome, Matthew shared with the audience that he met Buckminster Fuller at a presentation in Dallas. At that time, Buckminster said to Matthew, “We have enough knowledge right now, that if we shut down all the Universities for 5 years, and used all their resources, we could clothe, educate and offer healthcare for the entire world.” And that was 20 years ago! Imagine what we could do now.
“We are the first species who can choose not to become extinct,” a scientist once told Matthew Fox. Time is running out for our species and changes must be made to evolve into our next phase of evolutionary existence. Our world population needs to make some changes and we need to do it now.
These are the things Dr. Fox shared with the audience:
1: We need inter-generational wisdom
Matthew puts this into action in his life. He teaches the wisdom he has acquired in his 70 years, and shares it with the younger generations in his church in his techno-dance service, in his unique pilot school (these inner-city students lived with monks for a while), and so much more. He says, “We need a new alliance between the youth and our elders. The older generation needs to do more than just focus on their portfolio and their golf game.”
Video of the techno-dance service, Cosmic Mass:
2: Rediscover compassion
Fox passionately shared with the audience that we don’t come from sissy stock! Our ancestors went from the African savannahs to the ice age and we survived. Our evolutionary ancestors began with the reptilian brain, which was all about aggression and survival — no compassion there. With our evolved mammalian brain, we are capable of compassion in spite of our aggressive lineage. Buddha, Isaiah, Jesus, Mohammed, and Black Elk taught compassion, including strength, imagination, and creativity.
Inspired by the dome, Matthew shared with the audience that he met Buckminster Fuller at a presentation in Dallas. At that time, Buckminster said to Matthew, “We have enough knowledge right now, that if we shut down all the Universities for 5 years, and used all their resources, we could clothe, educate and offer healthcare for the entire world.” And that was 20 years ago! Imagine what we could do now.
“We are the first species who can choose not to become extinct,” a scientist once told Matthew Fox. Time is running out for our species and changes must be made to evolve into our next phase of evolutionary existence. Our world population needs to make some changes and we need to do it now.
These are the things Dr. Fox shared with the audience:
1: We need inter-generational wisdom
Matthew puts this into action in his life. He teaches the wisdom he has acquired in his 70 years, and shares it with the younger generations in his church in his techno-dance service, in his unique pilot school (these inner-city students lived with monks for a while), and so much more. He says, “We need a new alliance between the youth and our elders. The older generation needs to do more than just focus on their portfolio and their golf game.”
Video of the techno-dance service, Cosmic Mass:
2: Rediscover compassion
Fox passionately shared with the audience that we don’t come from sissy stock! Our ancestors went from the African savannahs to the ice age and we survived. Our evolutionary ancestors began with the reptilian brain, which was all about aggression and survival — no compassion there. With our evolved mammalian brain, we are capable of compassion in spite of our aggressive lineage. Buddha, Isaiah, Jesus, Mohammed, and Black Elk taught compassion, including strength, imagination, and creativity.
“What happens to another, be it joy or sorrow, happens to us” — Meister Eckhart
A beautiful poem by Thich Nhat Hanh on compassion and interconnectedness, from Please Call Me by My True Names:
“I am the twelve-year-old girl,
refugee on a small boat,
who throws herself into the ocean
after being raped by a sea pirate.
And I am the pirate,
my heart not yet capable
of seeing and loving.”
3: Reintegrate science and spirituality
Matthew so eloquently says, “Today’s science, with its emphasis on interconnectivity, lays the groundwork for the return of community.”
4: Cut back our military spending and focus on helping the earth
Matthew says to let go of our previous enemies and realize the real enemy is the destruction of mother earth! Our species should work together to help the planet’s survival. We need to incorporate Sacred Masculine in this process. Become spiritual warriors!
“Nothing great happens without anger.” — Thomas Aquinas
(Fox quotes, “$38,000 a second is spent on weapons in the world, and half of this is by America. 52% of weaponry production in the world is by Americans.”)
(PART TWO coming next)
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PREVIOUS POST: Emotional Freedom Techn
Emotional Freedom Technique Integrative Healing For Cancer
by MARYANN BROWN on OCTOBER 30, 2011
Guest blog by Melanie Bowen
Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), healing touch, and intuitive massage are energy therapies with huge benefits for cancer patients. They have definite advantages for people challenged by cancer in any form or stage — from skin cancers to mesothelioma, and every cancer in between.
Emotional Freedom Technique is known by many different names; EFT tapping, emotional psychology, and psychological acupuncture are the most common ones. Using the same Chinese meridian system upon which acupuncture is based, EFT attempts to restore the balance of energy that cancer disturbed. In some circles, EFT is known as acupuncture without the needles.
EFT therapy is a simple, easy-to-learn technique that involves a tapping procedure to stimulate meridian points. The process also involves suggestion and repeated affirmations, much like hypnotherapy. Addressing mind, body, and spirit, EFT frees the emotions and restores balance to the body’s energy system. This allows the mind and body to heal naturally.
EFT As Integrative Medicine
Emotional Freedom Technique belongs to a group of holistic practices known as complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). Most practitioners do not claim EFT as a cure for cancer. But as an alternative for traditional medical treatment that doesn’t interfere with surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy—the mind needs to heal just as much as the body.
EFT is best described as complementary therapy, and it works best in combination with standard medicine and other holistic therapies. As integrative medicine, EFT can reduce the painful and awkward side effects of standard cancer treatments. It not only impacts the physical side of cancer, but it manages the emotional and spiritual aspects, too.
While EFT can be used alone to complement medical treatment, many patients combine the therapy with other holistic methods. Other energy therapies, like healing touch and intuitive massage, work well with Emotional Freedom Technique. The combination encourages the most effective healing possible.
Improved Wellness And Quality Of Life
As holistic cancer therapy, EFT has not been studied as extensively as acupuncture, yoga, and other CAM practices. So the scientific data is slim-to-none. But the Web is filled with testimonies from cancer patients who have greatly benefited from energy healing.
Many world-class treatment centers, like the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, now offer CAM therapies to complement conventional treatments. And agencies like the United States Department of Veteran Affairs are using EFT to treat other chronic illnesses, like post-traumatic stress syndrome (PTSD.)
One of the most important benefits of energy healing is quality of life. Whether the choice is Emotional Freedom Technique, intuitive bodywork, or therapeutic massage — or a combination of methods — healing therapy improves life and health. This is good news for every cancer patient, whether faced with mastectomy or life expectancy information. EFT can make the journey easier.
