Terry Patton hits the topic of enlightened activism on several different levels in his most recent blog post.

One of the problems with conventional political activism is that it can be so painfully egoic. Egos commonly experience anxiety, and on that basis they feel an urgency to take action. But anxiety-based activism tends to recreate the disharmony that motivates it. If you’ve ever volunteered in a political campaign or for a political cause, you’ve probably come across the incredible narrowing of vision—and often the incredible lack of understanding or compassion for the “other side”—that accompanies these efforts, even if the candidate or cause is otherwise just. That anxious urgency frequently leads to unnecessary conflict, emotional burnout, and even a disaffected cynicism that gives up on the very possibility of meaningful change.

via Evolutionary Activism — A Bodhidharma Strategy | The Integral Heart.

Click on the player below, in order to listen to Michael’s talk.
Get the most recent iTunes software and subscribe to this podcast from the Buddhist and/or Philosophy sections of the Religion & Spirituality list.
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In this talk, Michael discusses the importance of not just familiarizing ourselves with the Absolute, or All, but actually “knowing” the All as we cultivate an infinite space of openness. This is part of his PASSAGE series.

ISmile260 - Knowing the All [ 53:00 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (196)

In this talk, Michael offers insights on the necessity of cultivating stillness as a way into the heart of awakening. This is part of his PASSAGE series.

via ISmile259 – Stillness | Infinite Smile.

Click on the player below, in order to listen to Michael’s talk.
Get the most recent iTunes software and subscribe to this podcast from the Buddhist and/or Philosophy sections of the Religion & Spirituality list.
____

In this talk, Michael offers insights on the necessity of cultivating stillness as a way into the heart of awakening. This is part of his PASSAGE series.

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Could it be that the MSM is verging on a discussion involving higher order self-hood? Is fully responding to life starting to creep into our dialog? While this column doesn’t necessarily do this, we can still lean into hope.

The person leading the Well-Planned Life emphasizes individual agency, and asks, “What should I do?” The person leading the Summoned Life emphasizes the context, and asks, “What are my circumstances asking me to do?”

via Op-Ed Columnist – The Summoned Self – NYTimes.com.

Click on the player below, in order to listen to Michael’s talk.
Get the most recent iTunes software and subscribe to this podcast from the Buddhist and/or Philosophy sections of the Religion & Spirituality list.
____

In this talk, Michael talks about the issue of deep surrender and how it enlivens us. He explains that rather than “giving in,” authentic spiritual surrender is about opening to life’s possibilities. In this field, love abides. This is part of his PASSAGE series.

ISmile258 - Surrender [ 54:53 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (145)