Source Text
Crisis ignites evolution. The collective nature of current global crises is a clear sign that humanity is poised on the brink of a radical evolutionary upheaval. Exciting research from the frontiers of science emphasizes that we are, each and all, active participants in what will amount to be the greatest adventure in human history—conscious evolution.
of Belief, discoveries in quantum physics and cell biology now invoke a fundamental role for spirit (referred to as the field in physics) and mind as the creative forces that control behavior and genetics. The newly described biological pathways illuminate the mechanisms by which our thoughts, attitudes, and beliefs create the conditions of our body and our experiences in the external world.
Exacerbating the problem is that the much-touted effort of changing one’s life through “positive thinking” (controlling the mind) is rarely successful.
In contrast, the subconscious mind is neither a thinking nor an especially creative mind. Its proficiency is that it is an unimaginably powerful record-playback mechanism, a million times more powerful than the conscious mind. The subconscious mind primarily engages habits, preprogrammed reactive behaviors acquired from genetic instincts and life experiences.
Since the fundamental behavioral patterns in the subconscious mind are primarily derived from others, it becomes clear that we are not living our lives, we are living other people’s lives. Adding insult to injury, we engage these limiting, disempowering behaviors because our conscious minds are not present, and as a consequence we are generally unaware our actions are self-sabotaging.
The primary mechanism to acquire new habits in the subconscious mind after the age of six is through the use of repetitive behaviors, hence the need for a “practice.” Evolution—like Heaven—is not a destination, but a practice.
After all, wasn’t I already giving enough time to supporting others through my ministerial calling? A rhetorical question, obviously, a justification for resisting that voice within that kept urging me to surrender, to step out and embrace the calling I allowed myself to acknowledge only for fleeting seconds.
Eventually, I surrendered. And when I did, I became the “yes” to what was seeking to emerge in, through, and as my life. Upon bellowing out this “yes” in front of my meditation altar, what is today known as the Life Visioning Process was birthed.
“What is my life purpose; what is seeking to emerge in, through, and as my life?” My inner tone was adamant. I was determined not to leave my meditation seat without receiving an answer. That may sound like an arrogant gauntlet to throw down before God, but the truth is there was within me a fierce determination to live nothing less than my true calling in life.
I led them into the first step, which is to meditate so that the mind and heart may merge into a feeling tone of unconditional love. With our hearts now opened, I explained the second step, which is to place a question before the intuitive faculty of the Higher Self, which in this case was: “What is the highest expression of a spiritual community devoted to being a beneficial presence on the planet?”
AI Summary
Life Visioning by Michael Bernard Beckwith presents key insights from the contemplative tradition. The 10 passages above capture the essential teachings.
Core Themes:
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Key Passages: Highlights 1, 3, and 10 are particularly representative.
This entry was generated from Readwise highlights. Expand with additional context as appropriate.