Psychospirituality
(The Three Basic Errors of the Human Mind)
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Among other things, her son knew too
much.
He knew perfectly well the undergoing racket
of Humanity
because,with no shadow of a
doubt, He could tell apart the true
God
from the usurper to the Throne.
Nazis
were first to leave Christ out of Christmas
Photo Courtesy of Stock.xchng
In July 2002, I was invited to deliver a keynote lecture
at the Third World Congress of Psychotherapy, "Anima Mundi,"
in Vienna. My lecture was titled "Spirituality, Culture and the
Wounded Self". It could also be called, "The Errors Inbuilt
in the Human Self and Their Correction", or pompously,
"From Here To Eternity" since it embraces the "here and
now" moment with the course the self is bound to take in liberating
itself from what Buddhists call "obscurations"–(errors).
Psychotherapy aims at correcting the biographical error of the self accumulated
during a lifetime. Spiritual paths aim at correcting the transcendental
error of the self or Separation from the Divinity, loss of our Buddha
nature etc. The cultural error is corrected in synchrony with the biographical
one because they are intimately interrelated. The culture imprints the
self. If the self changes it impacts upon the culture, and vice versa.
A Russian inherits the Russian modality of the self with its errors,
a Spaniard the Spanish and so on.
What follows is the abstract prepared for the Vienna conference:
As physicists search for Grand Unified Theories ("GUTS"), so
students of the mind attempt to integrate its emotional, mental and,
ultimately, spiritual aspects. The author presents an initial step in
this direction, based upon the conceptualization of the errors permeating
the human self.
We will explain it to you kiddo...
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I) The Biographical or Neurotic Error:
This error has its roots in
the parental and social denial of the absolute, unconditional
lovability of the self in its most pristine form as embodied
in the human child. In a paper on Anaclitic Psychotherapy published
in the journal Psiquis in 1986, I postulated that the primeval
self of the child consists mainly of an innate ("hardwired")
premise of self-knowledge–mostly of an emotional nature. It
was termed "the Lovability Principle" defined as "the
one hundred per cent certainty that we are lovable and will be mirrored
as such by our parental figures." This innate premise
can only become operative through kindling via parental
confirmation. Otherwise, no matter how intelligent the
individual may be, the emotional self remains stunted.
If the Lovability Principle is disconfirmed, the
child/parent affective bond is damaged inducing sub-clinical but cumulative
anaclitic reactions—anger,
pain, despair, and eventually detachment—all reactions
that I consider to be at the root of the psychophysiology
of neurosis. The child has no capacity to assimilate an
unloving/disconfirming parental interject into the self
proper and must deny that sad reality via defensive exclusion.
The child's mind detaches from that of the parent(s) and
splits into two entities: the Lovability Principle asserting "I'm lovable" and
the parasitic interject affirming:
"no, you are not! [but implicitly:
'I am!!']."
Disconfirmation is the ontological trauma par excellence. Neuroses are thus differentiated from any model of body disease by being, in fact, informational injuries.
Be strong!
Photo Courtesy of Stock.xchng
Real Men!
Photos Courtesy of www.photographersdirect.com;
fastexplorer.blogspot.com, www.slam.canoe.ca and www.ebcak.com
Or carry a big pistol and some
stars in your uniform ("fatigues")
"In the present world, we invest five times
more in drugs to enhance masculine virility
and silicone for women than in medications to
treat Alzheimer's disease. When some years
pass by, we will have older women with big
breasts and older men with great erections but
none of them will remember
what they are for."
Oncologist Drauzio Varella.
Brazilian Nobel Prize
Photo Courtesy of www.zimbio.com
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Profession: Dictator
"Or manage to get deified by people that were taught
as children not to question orders."
(Just notice the love emanating from the eyes
of
another one that "flew over the cuckoo's nest")!
"The Insanity that Nobody Notices..."
...Insanity that like hitler's nobody notices until
it explodes.
Then we give it a lable a trial a sentence and that is it.
Who is crazier, him or us at large?
II) The Male-Mind and The Cultural Error:
In the process of defining customs and mores, cultures are also providing "prescriptions for being." Most, if not all cultures, are imprinted by a male-self corrupted by an ancient narcissistic error negating the Lovability Principle as epitomized in the dysfunctional injunction: "for a real man lack of love ought not to hurt." This injunction is enforced at the expense of the feminine aspects of our emotional self such as tenderness, love, compassion and other soft ("weak") feelings that are suppressed in favor of developing hard "masculine" ones glorifying domination and power. This is portrayed, for instance, in the implicit admission of "weakness" contained in the common expression "he broke down and cried." In consequence, "goodness" is not cultivated as an innate attribute of the child's emotional self but coercively branded into him/her as an unfelt mental self-rule.
The Wimps!
Photo Courtesy of www.enjoyfrance.com; www.lifepositive.com and www.topnews.in
Photo
courtesy of People Magazine November 30 2009
Joaquin,
I told you:
"If you cannot fight
them (they are too many)
just join them -as I am doing".
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First, through its child rearing practices, the male state cripples the emotional self of the young boy who as an adult will tend to act out the damage (the self of the female is simply demeaned). Confronted with that acting out, the male-mind state, unable to recognize its shortcomings, feels forced to erect punitive, repressive regulations flavoring the citizen as "potentially bad and unruly" but the state's laws and institutions as the "good" or the common "good" (certainly better than the individual citizen). The citizen is supposed to trust the state but the state does not trust its citizens. It's in that sense that we could say that male-mind democracy is an oxymoron. We live at best in proto-democracies. Full-fledged democracy without a top-heavy power structure has yet to be invented.
Cultures
therefore are the hosts of those errors to be transmitted
from generation to generation–much
as the influenza virus hosts in chickens and pigs in between human
infections. Being modeled after the structure of the male-mind,
cultures are mostly emotionally mute, repressive, and dysfunctional
because the male-self is by choice (or teaching) a false one–a
contra natura self at the root of the "cultural error."
Cultures systematically disparage the wisdom embodied in the emotional
self, that "folder" of the self containing the Lovability
Principle and its derivatives, such as morality, kindness etc. In
fact, in "advanced" cultures the mental self
has become synonymous with the self.
The cost of male-mind narcissism has been appalling. An unembellished view of human history reveals that most of the time it has consisted of a river of blood propelled by male-mind causes that go into the history books as "great" kingdoms, battles, empires, generals and what not. "Manhood" attributes such as physical power, sophisticated weaponry–and above all in our current times–the scientific method and techno/scientific savvy, have become extensions of our "God by default" selves. Not a very sane God though: during the last century alone, over two hundred million human beings were slaughtered in assorted male-mind "glorious enterprises."
Mine
are bigger than yours...
Photo
Courtesy of www.fpp.co.uk
III) The Spiritual Self and The Transcendental
Error:
The original fragmentation
of the human mind. The deformation of the male-mind is
traceable to the transcendental error that took place eons
ago when, in the ultimate narcissistic gesture, the human
mind defied the Divinity's under the dictum: "two Gods is a
crowd". The human mind thus underwent its original traumatic
fragmentation;known as the "fall from Grace", loss of our "Buddha
nature",
etc. As we deny, as individuals, the painful childhood trauma
of our defiled lovability via defensive exclusion, so we collectively
deny the spiritual trauma as well via the same mechanism of
defense.
Furthermore, as loss of the parental bond triggers an anaclitic
reaction, the Separation from God triggers the same phenomenon,
if of infinitely greater magnitude. In undoing this error,
mystics traverse the steps (anger; pain; despair; detachment)
of an excruciating anaclitic reaction vividly portrayed in
the writings ("Dark
Night of the Soul") of the sixteenth century Spanish
mystic, St. John of the Cross.
Suffering in Christianity and Buddhism: The Same or Different?
The Male-Mind, incapable of producing
healthy citizens
because it crushes their
emotional and spiritual selves ,
has to resort
to repressive methods to contain
those
who act out their Inner Holocaust...
Drawing courtesy of The Globe and Mail, Section S, June 25,2008
And if not we always have had ways to silence
you forever.
These ways are now clinical, sterile
and aseptic.
We are blaming just a few
"that turned out bad",
ignoring unpleasant history
therefore becoming tacit
participants of the crime.
We are all guilty.
If i develop a cancer in my little
toe it is still my cancer.
Photo courtesy of www.fpp.co.uk
CONCLUSION:
Misled by the male-mind, blissfully
ignorant of its shortcomings, humanity is creating an onerous imbalance
between self-knowledge (for which no Nobel Prize is granted) and techno/scientific "know how." This fact betrays the very purpose of life: to correct the transcendental error of the mind by recovering our "Christ Mind" or "Buddha nature." Our present trajectory could inexorably make a prophecy out of the famous dictum of the late Spanish humanist-physician Gregorio Maranon: "the danger of our times are the barbarians [alien to self-knowledge] that master the techniques."
In our field, the "biological revolution"—if unconstrained by the old wisdom "Nosce Te Ipsum" ("Know Thyself")—could lead, in a not too distant future, from Prozac to Aldous Huxley's "soma," the pill that "cures" all psychic ailments in a Brave New World.
No Mas please?
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Is that what's it all about?
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There is no greater impediment to overcoming the transcendental error than to live under the yoke of a neurosis (biographical error) in an emotionally dysfunctional culture. Psychotherapy, if properly understood, could play a much needed role in helping us to recover part of our long lost sanity.
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Report I
This ketamine-assisted session is with male nurturer, Dr. Souza-Poza.
I was ready to snuggle away from my worldly mind, and into the comfort of the spiritual realm. Getting back to the essentials of connecting with a pure life force is my main priority.
It was like emerging through new rich ground. At times I was going through layers of rock solid peace. There is no struggling, just free movement and natural flow from one place to another. I was down in the bowels of the earth (the good kind of bowels), and other moments I was through the essence of space. I went so deep in this session “plastered with spiritual love” was what came to my mind. It is amazing to be in various realms within an hour. The nurturing is so good and feels like it is a lot longer than an hour. I guess this is testament to how I am finally able to accept this place as natural and essential. Not only am I feeling totally safe with the doctor, but I also feel safe with myself. I feel the strength building in my very cells – there is absolutely nothing I have to fear, protect or control. The fluidity of this spirituality does not have limitations as does the temporal world. How can I not revel in this place.
At one point, I was sensing a new visualization – although I cannot explain at this time what it is because I am only beginning to tap into this. Or maybe it was all my being would allow at this time. I definitely had the sense of the untold great fortunes I could experience in this sacred place.
It is indeed a shame, and misfortune that the masses of mankind struggle endlessly to get here but have not been able to find the means. It is obvious what with all the pain and suffering caused by mankind. For it is so ingrained in our society (worldwide) to do just the opposite which only removes us further from the truth, from our emotional and spiritual selves and our inherent freedom and peace – a freedom and peace that cannot be bought, broken or bargained for. No war can attain these results; there is no education, race, religion, meditation or status has succeeded at the vast success of this type of therapy. The physical, mental, emotional, spiritual and social restraints afforded to our worldly ways does basic humanity a grave disservice. We pay for this at such an exorbitant price such as the failing and destructions of our nations, our nature including the animal and plant kingdom (any living thing), and the world environment (land, air and water). Thankfully I have fundamental peace, and spirituality. This is far beyond what I ever thought was possible to get out of my pain-filled life; I am not just coasting – I am removing myself from the neurosis.
Report II
This session was ketamine-assisted by male nurturer, Dr. Souza-Poza.
Let me first say I made the error of mentioning I needed to work before nurturing because I had a conflict earlier in the day. However, it proved to be an unwarranted option to work as it not only interfered with my nurturing, the conflict was not significant at the time I began my nurturing session. Thus, it took a bit for me to settle into my spirituality. The session was neither as deep nor as grounding as it could have been.
Fortunately for me, the doctor quickly identified there was no necessity to work the trigger and had me tie-up the working session, and switch to nurturing. I was quick to see the wisdom in this – for I could feel it and with it been pointed out, almost simultaneously, it only cemented the reality. No more confirmation required - haa haa! Lesson learned – not a mistake!
Although I had not traveled immensely into god’s land, I was still there and I did get enough nurturing that I was able to benefit from it.
Once I lay in the arms of my nurturer, I focused on my breathing. Soon the nurturing engulfed my very being. Again I submerged to the spirit world. I cherish this place. The space is expansive. My mind is clear, and all things are possible. This is a place where worry and fretting do not exist. Immersing into the various components of spirituality is smooth. I am feeling more of a natural connection to this space and not so compartmentalized from it. It is becoming a way of being outside of therapy. As a matter of fact, I am starting to protect my sanity (peace). What great things would be done if the whole of society were open to emotional honesty which in turn leads to spiritual honesty!
Report III
After my last nurturing with Dr. Sousa-Poza, I was curious to know if my session would be the same as the previous one or if it would be familiar to other sessions I have had in the past. The reason being, the last one was different from any other sessions I have had. It was as very good, and just different.
Well, I was blown away with this session of male nurturing. It went way beyond the last one; in the last one the word PHENOMENAL was the base. In this one, it was beyond phenomenal.
There I was going into the SPIRITUAL space with GOD. Fortunately there is absolutely nothing that can surpass this. To be one with GOD, totally pure – WOW! To be with the self as a pure entity in a natural state is the most beautiful way to be. By the way, this natural state has no opposite. In pure spirituality, there is no hint of negative things, no space for jealousy, hate, neglect, wanting more, needing more – it just does not exist when I am in this state of purity. This state of blessedness is a billion times more pure than of the purest rhodium. To be embraced in spirituality is to be amongst the richest of the richest of colors. Innate security flows freely. Even, there is an ultimate knowing there is more than enough for the world. This is an inherent right to all as it is not mine alone. This place of absolute freedom, peace, and fulfillment is so far beyond anything I have ever felt at the hand of any single person I have known including my biological parents.
I feel like I can do anything; there is absolutely no room for self-doubt, self-denial, and self-hatred etc.
All I can say is this spiritual “trip” is the best experience in my life that surpasses everything including sex. For me sex has always been the “core” connection. But a fully engorged physical climax cannot even begin to touch one who is “set” at the realm of spiritual health.
With respect to the last paragraph I would like to be crystal clear about the mention of the word sex. This in no way implies there was reference to sexual ambiguity or otherwise -- neither from the good doctor nor myself. This man, Dr. Souza-Poza has never hinted or smelled of betraying my trust in any manner. I would trust any woman, man or child with this fellow. I know this all without hesitation or a seed of doubt. This man’s incredible integrity is something I believe mankind strives for. Ever since I have been tackling my broken childhood that left me shattered, I have actually been treated with a high regard of respect. I am aware that people sense the humility of humanity from me and respond to it. Now, my inner spiritual strength is intact and bears witness in how I am treated, or even how I may be treating others.
This nurturing left me on such solid ground, even a week later I am fulfilled. I still am so open and tingling with life through my very pores. It is amazing to fell this alive, as I am sure every newborn feels when being born. I have space, a far cry from the so many years I was closed in on myself. The arthritic pain in a lot of my body is so minute now. When I used to close my eyes and go inside myself, I saw the crippled twisted body. I have not seen this in quite some time now. The thing about it all now, is I do not even feel it physically. My Self is opening up to its natural state.
Hello!
I thought the attached picture just about sums it up...
too bad humans are
too neurotic for it to be this natural...
O.
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I would like to thank the following persons for their
contributions: Daphne H. Fontaine, Suzanne Frenette,
Ali Hemani, Lisette
D. Jolicoeur, and Kenneth Lilley.
Prior to them, during the truly pioneering times I was assisted by a few who with low pay, long hours but lots of generosity and courage blazed the way and cleared the bush -sometimes as human cobayas themselves -suffering but never complaining or giving up.
This work is as much mine as it is theirs.
Among them: Bob Eagle, great teacher of young minds and humanist, Andre Mercure, Jean Meunier, Bob Rohrberg, Michel Bourque, Eric Marchand and above all Ms. Lisette D. Jolicoeur.
And last but by no means least, a special mention for a beautiful, intelligent, loving and generous human being of extraordinary patience and skills by the name of Doris Bilodeau.
God bless you all. You earned my love and gratitude. Your recompense is waiting much, much bigger than you ever could imagine because you all have scored innumerable "karmic points." And that is the real "game" down here on Planet Earth.
And finally I want to cyber-hug and thank the religious at the Spiritual Life Institute my spiritual first home- or simpler- "mi casa", for their love and hospitality. it is in their hermitages and gorgeous chapel in the high Colorado desert at the feet of the glorious "Sangre de Cristo" (Blood of Christ) mountains that I learnt that there is no gap between the human, ordinary psyche (biographic self) and the indestructible spiritual self.
Apparently someone once asked Einstein why he shaved and bathed with the same soap. His succinct response was "because two soaps is too complicated." This is what in science is called "parsimony" -something aching to economy. The theory that explains a natural phenomenon with fewer assumptions, particularly un-testable ones "'wins" and dethrones the previous, more complicated candidate.
As a psychiatrist concerned with the suffering of the mind (yes, biological psychiatry is also a magnificent science, but is being used as a fig leaf to cover up for our trespasses in loveless abusing each other. As I previously said: "love is the logical conclusion of self-knowledge ("Nosce Te Ipsum" "Know Thyself” -or, in original Greek: "Gnothi Seauton"). I am a firm believer, mostly from data derived not only form "practicing it on others", but mostly on myself in solitudinal research ("eating from my own cooking"), and that there is no discontinuity and psycho-spirituality is here to stay.
A person that cultivates his or her own spirituality is better off and suffers with more equanimity when the hideous human wound from our childhood and life is open to heal it as much as possible with love. As a psychiatrist/psychotherapist I spoke about the two basic introjects. But in reality there is another one. It has been called "the indwelling introject" (ref) because the divinity is everywhere but his/her favorite dwelling is my mind and yours and everybody else’s!
The same joyful and heart-full thanks go for the members of the Desert Foundation for their friendship and encouragement. Both institutions live pain stoically and joy exuberantly in the midst of a ascetic life. That is, a truly free Christian life. And even when traversing severe trials they never faltered in opening for me my favorite hermitage.
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