One thing this global awakening (at least an awakening for me and my fellow shrews) has made me realize is that we all have been living in utter hell for quite some time.
Hey Todd, sure agree that there’s a sense of apathy and alienation, as a therapist, I see numerous adults between 20 and 50 who use cannabis almost daily. Some feel concerned but others see it as normal.
I don’t know whether it’s technology that causes this alienation … I think it is a very complex question.
I think you’re bang on though - the malaise is pervasive and real and being disconnected with the soul could certainly be part of it..
I never thought of myself as a prude, but this pot thing has definitely gotten me worried, so has alcohol, but pot seems to be more troublesome because no one thinks there is a problem with it. I most definitely do not think it should be illegal, and I also, in this day and age, see little problem with getting out of the spin once in a while...but every day? "To get to sleep" "to keep calm"...whatever...again, not saying these people are ill, but it is just sad to me.
I do believe it is alienation that ultimately causes it. If you get a chance, read Desmet's book "The Psychology of Totalitarianism"...he pretty much nails it. If you reduce it down to primal elements, it is probably more due to the disconnect with nature, with each other, with God (or whatever you want to call it)...technology (the bad elements of it) has come forth from that disconnection as an emergent property...and just makes it all worse...in my opinion.
Along with your OffG article "Occult Totalitarianism", this completes a great 1-2 punch of writing. My wife and I have spoken every day now---and it's getting tiring--- of many of the things you've been writing about and what is happening in the world of 2022 following the "2 weeks to Flatten the Curve"of 2020. I am grateful for your courage to express your thoughts and feelings.
However, most of the folks we know are still 'sleeping'. Finding communities of like-minded individuals or strengthening the bonds with family--if possible-- and faith is paramount. I looked forward to a 'sleepy' quiet retirement in 2019 and, alas, that will not be the case---- but perhaps that may be for the better? I still do not know. What I do know is that much of what is 'happening' are not random events, but part of a much bigger plan. And that's not something I used to think about or consider.
I so appreciate your comment here, especially of your approval of the OG article, "Occult Totalitarianism"...it seems it got a rather low rating and got torn apart by many of the "intellectuals" lurking in the shadows on the comment section. I have vowed once again to not read comments on OG...although there are some very nice people making encouraging comments (even ones that disagree and add to the article with different insights), it is hard enough getting through this insanity without getting ripped apart at every turn. I should be tougher, but I am not. Again, I don't mind discussion, but character assassination is just too much!!
"Occult Totalitarianism" shows up here within the week, so we will see how it fares.
Yes, most of the "sheep" out there are still sleeping, and as innocent as that may seem, they are thwarting any chance of breaking through all of this. Although, as we know, miracle DO happen.
I do believe it is a good idea to seek out new communities of like minded folks. I think we all have to keep our sanity, and our humanity, intact. I think the fight is turning from swords and dirt to faith and consciousness. Holing love, family, and God at our centre.
Keep reading, I'll be here until the last light goes out...that is the plan at least...
You are right on the target, Todd. Dead center! My friend’s father died last week (from the jab). He was an atheist. I thought, how much better his life his Earthly life would have been if he believed in God. Belief in God (not necessarily man made religion) definitely leads one to live their life with a difference. I speak from personal experience.
I’m starting a new book: The Spiritual Crisis of Man - Paul Brunton, 1953…this has been a chronic “problem” for decades. Thank you once again for your heartfelt, observant commentary!
The "issue" of "God" is a tough one in our current Western Culture. It is so out of vogue and politically incorrect to believe in God...I think God has been "cancelled." What I believe people do not understand is that you don't "not" believe in God, you can't do that...but you CAN distance yourself from the awareness of God. The word "God" gets in the way as well in our modern times. It is complicated...
That word is difficult to define as well, and many people do not believe in certain definitions other's have placed on the word.
Yes, those of us who know and have experienced it do not have a problem...and I believe that almost, if not all, people have experienced god...IMHO you cannot see beauty, be joyous, be in love, be in awe of a newborn's smile, without experiencing god...most people just don't know it.
I love your writing, and just saw your article on OffG.
If there is a "Devil" (I'm personally starting to believe there is such a thing), he probably saw the Enlightenment and laughed. He probably said, "Yes! Embrace technology and materialism at ALL costs.." Mary Shelley warned about this, of course, but her story was quickly denigrated to the "spooky monster" genre.
Thank you Andy....very well put....if you haven't already, go back to OG and give the article a rating...and maybe say something in the comments section!!
"How do they fare?" Good question - they fare very well Todd and you are quite right in your assumptions. I lived on my yacht for several years and spent time in Cape Town - travelling South Africa extensively. It gets a bad press. Although 35-40% unemployment is reported I saw no economically inactive people.
Of course the climate is a great help but people outside the cities live a simple and happy life just a you surmise, they lack little of the essentials and the trappings of technology are not missed. This is also true of the yachty life where people support each other freely - no competition but much cooperation - you don't have to be rich to sail contrary to the generally accepted idea.
I could go on for hours relating my experiences in various countries - travelling does broaden the mind. Suffice to say you are bang on.
I have a very good friend who is a British expat that lives in Egypt. He lives on the West Bank in Luxor in a very small community. He has become a practicing Sufi, and absolutely loves his life. He is an artist (painter) and does fairly well with his work so he does not live in poverty, but lives a very simple and beautiful life. I don't think I know anyone as happy and content as he is. It is a myth that living this way is filled with problems.
So true, nice vignette thank you Todd. I know Luxor enough that I personally would have difficulty living with the heat, dryness and dust for any length of time. Nevertheless last time I was there the living was simple and cheap at 6:1 Egyptian pounds and the people are delightful.
I was totally impressed by the way Muslims live side-by-side with Christians and others without any difficulty. I was privileged to sail a felucca on the Nile, learning all about the currents and winds and enjoyed a traditional dinner with friends and added hubble-bubble.
My father (a cobbler/philosopher) taught me that life is what you make it and that owning anything exclusively is a myth. We have the privilege to use material things temporarily, to create things but can never take them with us.
Hey Todd, sure agree that there’s a sense of apathy and alienation, as a therapist, I see numerous adults between 20 and 50 who use cannabis almost daily. Some feel concerned but others see it as normal.
I don’t know whether it’s technology that causes this alienation … I think it is a very complex question.
I think you’re bang on though - the malaise is pervasive and real and being disconnected with the soul could certainly be part of it..
I never thought of myself as a prude, but this pot thing has definitely gotten me worried, so has alcohol, but pot seems to be more troublesome because no one thinks there is a problem with it. I most definitely do not think it should be illegal, and I also, in this day and age, see little problem with getting out of the spin once in a while...but every day? "To get to sleep" "to keep calm"...whatever...again, not saying these people are ill, but it is just sad to me.
I do believe it is alienation that ultimately causes it. If you get a chance, read Desmet's book "The Psychology of Totalitarianism"...he pretty much nails it. If you reduce it down to primal elements, it is probably more due to the disconnect with nature, with each other, with God (or whatever you want to call it)...technology (the bad elements of it) has come forth from that disconnection as an emergent property...and just makes it all worse...in my opinion.
Along with your OffG article "Occult Totalitarianism", this completes a great 1-2 punch of writing. My wife and I have spoken every day now---and it's getting tiring--- of many of the things you've been writing about and what is happening in the world of 2022 following the "2 weeks to Flatten the Curve"of 2020. I am grateful for your courage to express your thoughts and feelings.
However, most of the folks we know are still 'sleeping'. Finding communities of like-minded individuals or strengthening the bonds with family--if possible-- and faith is paramount. I looked forward to a 'sleepy' quiet retirement in 2019 and, alas, that will not be the case---- but perhaps that may be for the better? I still do not know. What I do know is that much of what is 'happening' are not random events, but part of a much bigger plan. And that's not something I used to think about or consider.
I so appreciate your comment here, especially of your approval of the OG article, "Occult Totalitarianism"...it seems it got a rather low rating and got torn apart by many of the "intellectuals" lurking in the shadows on the comment section. I have vowed once again to not read comments on OG...although there are some very nice people making encouraging comments (even ones that disagree and add to the article with different insights), it is hard enough getting through this insanity without getting ripped apart at every turn. I should be tougher, but I am not. Again, I don't mind discussion, but character assassination is just too much!!
"Occult Totalitarianism" shows up here within the week, so we will see how it fares.
Yes, most of the "sheep" out there are still sleeping, and as innocent as that may seem, they are thwarting any chance of breaking through all of this. Although, as we know, miracle DO happen.
I do believe it is a good idea to seek out new communities of like minded folks. I think we all have to keep our sanity, and our humanity, intact. I think the fight is turning from swords and dirt to faith and consciousness. Holing love, family, and God at our centre.
Keep reading, I'll be here until the last light goes out...that is the plan at least...
You are right on the target, Todd. Dead center! My friend’s father died last week (from the jab). He was an atheist. I thought, how much better his life his Earthly life would have been if he believed in God. Belief in God (not necessarily man made religion) definitely leads one to live their life with a difference. I speak from personal experience.
I’m starting a new book: The Spiritual Crisis of Man - Paul Brunton, 1953…this has been a chronic “problem” for decades. Thank you once again for your heartfelt, observant commentary!
The "issue" of "God" is a tough one in our current Western Culture. It is so out of vogue and politically incorrect to believe in God...I think God has been "cancelled." What I believe people do not understand is that you don't "not" believe in God, you can't do that...but you CAN distance yourself from the awareness of God. The word "God" gets in the way as well in our modern times. It is complicated...
That word is difficult to define as well, and many people do not believe in certain definitions other's have placed on the word.
Yes, those of us who know and have experienced it do not have a problem...and I believe that almost, if not all, people have experienced god...IMHO you cannot see beauty, be joyous, be in love, be in awe of a newborn's smile, without experiencing god...most people just don't know it.
Bless you...!
Todd
I love your writing, and just saw your article on OffG.
If there is a "Devil" (I'm personally starting to believe there is such a thing), he probably saw the Enlightenment and laughed. He probably said, "Yes! Embrace technology and materialism at ALL costs.." Mary Shelley warned about this, of course, but her story was quickly denigrated to the "spooky monster" genre.
We absolutely need to come back to nature.
Thank you Andy....very well put....if you haven't already, go back to OG and give the article a rating...and maybe say something in the comments section!!
done and done :) I look forward to being a paid subscriber soon (career destroyed because of "unvaxxed" status).
"How do they fare?" Good question - they fare very well Todd and you are quite right in your assumptions. I lived on my yacht for several years and spent time in Cape Town - travelling South Africa extensively. It gets a bad press. Although 35-40% unemployment is reported I saw no economically inactive people.
Of course the climate is a great help but people outside the cities live a simple and happy life just a you surmise, they lack little of the essentials and the trappings of technology are not missed. This is also true of the yachty life where people support each other freely - no competition but much cooperation - you don't have to be rich to sail contrary to the generally accepted idea.
I could go on for hours relating my experiences in various countries - travelling does broaden the mind. Suffice to say you are bang on.
https://fbyc.co.za/
I have a very good friend who is a British expat that lives in Egypt. He lives on the West Bank in Luxor in a very small community. He has become a practicing Sufi, and absolutely loves his life. He is an artist (painter) and does fairly well with his work so he does not live in poverty, but lives a very simple and beautiful life. I don't think I know anyone as happy and content as he is. It is a myth that living this way is filled with problems.
So true, nice vignette thank you Todd. I know Luxor enough that I personally would have difficulty living with the heat, dryness and dust for any length of time. Nevertheless last time I was there the living was simple and cheap at 6:1 Egyptian pounds and the people are delightful.
I was totally impressed by the way Muslims live side-by-side with Christians and others without any difficulty. I was privileged to sail a felucca on the Nile, learning all about the currents and winds and enjoyed a traditional dinner with friends and added hubble-bubble.
My father (a cobbler/philosopher) taught me that life is what you make it and that owning anything exclusively is a myth. We have the privilege to use material things temporarily, to create things but can never take them with us.
I really enjoy your writings! Thanks!
/Eva Bernodt. Sweden
Thank you so much! That really makes my day!!