Reblogged from Evolutionary Philosophy:

What you are experiencing right now is all there is – at least that is one of the implications of William James’ radical views on reality. William James was the first great American psychologist and one of founders of the philosophy of Pragmatism. The philosophical vision that was closest to his heart he called Radical Empiricism.  One of his foundational assertions was that we do not have experiences of reality; our experience is reality?

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Over a billion people are full-fledged experts at playing video games – a virtual domain in which they can “save the world,” be wholly optimistic and join together with others to achieve an EPIC WIN.

Can you imagine having a historically significant life?  Being a hero?  Having significant influence in the world?

Join Jeff Carreira and Patricia Albere in an inspiring conversation about the possibility of shifting your sense of self through an expanded perspective of the scale of time and magnitude of potential within which you live your life, Tuesday, May 15th, 11 am PST.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dE1DuBesGYM

This Ted Talk is one of the best one’s ever..  The first time I watched it, I understood why video games could be so compelling. My son Alex, was born in 1981, just in time to be the first generation to be raised on space invaders and pac man and was now an avid World of Warcraft gamer.   People spend 3 billion hours a week playing online games.  Clearly there is something within the gaming experience that points to what matters to us as human beings.

Games like World of Warcraft facilitate and inspire the desire to collaborate and cooperate in a world saving mission, where working together is meaningful. We can count on others to show up, ready and willing to support us and the mission.  Bonds are created, trust and cooperation builds with fellow gamers.  The game is set up with a positive feedback loop that challenges abilities just enough so we can improve and grow.  Fulfilling the mission can be hard but it’s always doable and an epic win is always possible.   All of this builds an attitude of urgent optimism and a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment.

So the obvious question is…  How do we have our participation in life be as compelling?

We can begin by allowing ourselves to experience our deeper desires to participate with others in really making a difference in the world, to collaborate with others in a world saving mission, to have an epic win.

Some questions to consider:

What is the aspect of the world saving mission you are most attracted to?

Who are the other ‘gamers’ in that ‘game’?

What could be your part in that mission?

What skills and abilities do you need to develop to play and need to continue to develop to succeed at greater and greater levels?

How do you create the right container, relationships with the other ‘gamers’ so that you can cooperate and really show up for each other, building trust and urgent optimism?

What is the epic win that your mission needs?

Join Jeff Carreira and me as we explore what would it mean to really live life in this way.  What would it mean to lead a historically significant life?  There are different elements we will discuss – scale of influence, our perspective of deep time, and more…

Here’s the link to participate live or listen later.  http://bit.ly/KGVlgp

With love and deep appreciation,

Patricia

]]> http://www.evolutionarycollective.com/blog/2012/epic-life-4/feed/ 0 http://www.evolutionarycollective.com/blog/2012/overwhelm-normal/ http://www.evolutionarycollective.com/blog/2012/overwhelm-normal/#comments Fri, 11 May 2012 21:26:20 +0000 Patricia Albere http://www.evolutionarycollective.com/?p=4272

Last Tuesday, I juggled three different conference calls with other teachers and change agents in the evolutionary/integral world.  These are YES-saying+embodying friends who have surrendered to the evolutionary imperative that is clearly picking up speed.

My staff and I live and work in a constant state of overwhelm, with an amazing degree of alacrity and gratitude given its relentlessness.  I realized by call number two that overwhelm isn’t going away.  It’s the new normal.   I don’t know why, but I find it exciting, and even a relief that our species has finally arrived at consistent overwhelm as our default setting.

One of the positive elements that is contributing to what I’m calling GLORIOUS EVOLUTIONARY OVERWHELM is the speed and intensity of the evolutionary impulse, or EROS – the pure power of love and creativity which seems to be exploding into, onto and through the lives of any and everyone who is remotely open to its expression.

The insanely abundant creativity, information, knowledge and opportunities that bombard us through our computers, iPads and smart phones each day are a divine cornucopia.  I’m not saying it’s a perfect scenario and that there aren’t shadow elements to the onslaught, AND the creativity and connectivity that continue to be unleashed are beautiful – extraordinary blessings to celebrate and expand into.

Everyone has a different relationship with overwhelm.  In a normal sense, it’s when we feel like we’re being asked to do too much – we don’t have enough support, resources or capacity to meet what is there, physically, emotionally, financially or creatively.  There’s a sense of TOO MUCHNESS that we are resisting.  We feel small, burdened, strained or engulfed.

My initial inquiry into this newly normal state is that instead of trying to stay the same size, grasping to maintain our sense of self and our current capacities and sense of mission, we are wise to let go, expand and keep right on expanding.

To surrender to the speed and momentum of the evolutionary impulse is to accept a life of infinite growth and transformation and possibility.

When my son was a baby, I took a course that taught mothers how to develop the almost unlimited capacities of our children.  I made hundreds of flash cards, carried him through museums, taught him how to swim and play a litany of other sports.  Sure enough, he was reading before he was a year old and could explain the concept of “extinction” at 14 months (his answer to my suspicious sister-in-law: “there aren’t any more!”).  It was humbling to witness that his capacity, like every human capacity, was only limited by my ability to get it together, teach him in a way that was appropriate, and keep up with his voracious and seemingly limitless pace of absorption.

The potentials and energy of the universe are – for the most part – only limited by our availability to them.  Lately, it seems that these larger forces have grown tired and impatient while waiting for our readiness, and are charging ahead with nary a sign of stopping.  Looks like we might as well surrender.

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What is Conscious Sensitivity? And why is this multi-dimensional capacity necessary in our evolutionary development?  What is our “Home Frequency?” Discover the simple but (and) mind-blowingly exciting opportunity to open into a whole new way of perceiving that is possible for everyone!

Tune in to the next Evolutionary Collective Conversations global radio show with author Penney Peirce and Evolutionary Collective Conversations’ host, Patricia Albere: May 8, 11 am PST/2 pm EST.

Penney Peirce

Penney Peirce is a respected and gifted intuitive empath with deep psychological understanding, visionary ability, and business sense. She is one of the early pioneers in the intuition development movement, having worked since 1977 with organizations like the San Francisco-based Center for Applied Intuition, The Institute for the Study of Conscious Evolution, and The Intuition Network.

A popular author, lecturer, counselor, and trainer, Penney specializes in intuition and sensitivity development, “skillful perception,” personal energy and frequency training, dreamwork, and future trends. She travels widely, working throughout the US, Japan, South Africa, and Europe as an advisor to business executives, scientists, psychologists, other consultants and trainers, and those on a spiritual path. She has counseled tens of thousands of people worldwide about life and business direction, and the fulfillment of destiny.

Penney has been on the faculty of The Kaiser Institute, working with their Intuition Fellowship program to train hospital CEO’s, health care consultants, and philanthropists in the development of visionary skills. She also works with The Arlington Institute, a group of futurists in Washington, DC. She has teamed with shamans, led spiritual tours to Mt. Fuji, Peru, Egypt, and the American Southwest, and been a TV talkshow host. She has spoken and taught at colleges and conferences internationally; and appeared on radio and television interview shows internationally.

It wasn’t that long ago that people trusted each other to do what they said they were going to do, to honor their commitments, their friendships and their community, and to SHOW UP.  In a culture and a moment wherein authenticity is hardly lauded or encouraged, and fewer and fewer people can be counted on to walk their talks, how do we get real, stay real and relate real?

Acclaimed journalist Dani Katz talks to Patricia Albere about The Rarity of For-Realness on the next Evolutionary Collective Conversations global radio show: May 1st at 11am PST/2pm EST, LIVE.

Keeping my word is a mandate I live by.  I can’t tell you the number of times I’ve committed to doing something, then later wanted to get out of it but ended up doing it anyway because, for me, back out is never an option.  If I agree to do something, the only way I’m not going to do it is if I’m too sick to move. 

Oprah Winfrey

In my inquiry into ‘FOR REALNESS’ which Dani Katz and I will be pursuing on Tuesday’s ECC show – clearly, someone who can be trusted is part of being ‘for real’.  It’s not all of it, but it’s clearly important.

What are the elements of trust to pay attention to? INTEGRITY would be one element – do we give and keep our word?  Does what we say have power in the world?  Or does it not mean much?  Are we honest, not only with others but ourselves?  Do we know ourselves and our capacities accurately and with humility?  Do we have core values?  Do we live in accordance with those values?  Are we transparent, open and willing to be authentic?

Another element of trust is INTENTION.  Someone can have integrity, but their intentions towards you are selfish and unconcerned with having something work for both of you – that would easily create mistrust.  I worked with a wonderful client recently, who was willing to hear, that although they are super successful, competent and have a lot of integrity – people often don’t trust them in working with them or creating something together with them, because they are selfish and only really interested in what benefits them.  So by paying attention to that one element, he could transform how he shows up for people.

Last element is being COMPETENT.  How many times have you gotten in trouble, trusting someone with integrity and good intentions, only to find out that they couldn’t produce the result that was needed.  Being someone who has the skills and commitment to producing real results is critical to trust and of course, in BEING FOR REAL.  Having a track record for being effective, helps too.

There are more elements to being FOR REAL..  think about it in your life – who you feel is real and why?  Where do you show up in this inquiry?   I’d love to hear your comments, sharing and questions.  I’ll incorporate your questions on the show.

With love and appreciation,   Patricia

Here’s our first, impromptu video, created yesterday to begin to capture what is occurring in the ‘evolutionary collective’?

It’s just the beginning and we will continue to experiment with how to express what we are tracking, emerging with and discovering.

Enjoy… and please post anything you want to ask or share – we love to hear from you!

With love, Patricia

Click the tiny box below to watch a super inspiring TEDx Talk about $$$$$$:

After spending an inspiring hour with Charles Eisenstein, illuminating how monetizing almost everything in our lives has cost us connection with each other.  Instead of cooking and sharing meals, caring for each others children, having different generations living together, sharing what we have, and even entertaining each other – singing, playing instruments, and other things – we pay for everything.  We don’t need or rely on each other as much as we did.  It was interesting to see how it’s eroded over the last 30 years – slowly so we might not notice.  We wonder why we feel isolated and feel a lack of community.  Clearly this is one reason why.

It’s simple and could really make a difference if you take this to heart.

Here’s the link to the conversation Charles and I had – which inspired me to investigate GIFT CIRCLES: http://contacttalkradio.soundwaves2000.com:8080/ctr/patriciaalbere042412.mp3

We will include gift circles in the Evolutionary Collective to support and deepen our growing sense of community and ways to touch each others lives.

Here’s an article Charles wrote about this: http://www.realitysandwich.com/circle_gifts

How to create a GIFT CIRCLE:  http://opencollaboration.wordpress.com/2009/11/28/gift-circle-faq/

When I woke up this morning – the TedX Talk perfectly supported the point, that we are happier when we share with each other.

With love and appreciation,

Patricia

What would the world look like if it were based on real collaboration and community? What if we lived according to what we wanted to give the world, instead of worrying about how to survive?  If generosity and the sage realization of how we influence each other determined our economy and our exchanges?  Join author Charles Eisenstein, revolutionary voice of wisdom and love, in an exciting conversation about how we can – and are – re-invisioning the world based on sacred economics.

Evolutionary Collective Conversations host Patricia Albere talks to author Charles Eisenstein on the next Evolutionary Collective Conversations, April 24th, 11am PST/2pm EST, LIVE.

Charles Eisenstein

“I will give you some of my background, although the intense transitions of the last few years have left me feeling like a new person. I was born in 1967 and was a very sensitive, intellectual and dreamy child. I was always consumed by questions like, “Where did I come from?” “Why am I here?” “Where am I going?” so of course, embedded as I was in a culture that sees science and reason as the source of truth, I tried to “figure out” the answers. I graduated from Yale University with a degree in Mathematics and Philosophy, but my development of reason and intellect brought me no closer to any truth I really cared about.

I didn’t know what I was searching for, but I knew that none of the usual options life presents a Yale graduate attracted me. I went to Taiwan, learned Chinese, and soon found myself working as a translator. I spent most of my 20s there, educating myself broadly in Eastern spiritual traditions. I also read voraciously: books on health, nutrition, globalization, physics, and biology. Translation led to other business opportunities, and I became familiar with this dimension of the human experience. In Taiwan, I met my dear friend and ex-wife Patsy, with whom I have three children, all boys.

In my late 20s I entered what was to be a long period of intensifying crisis. It started when all my professional work became intolerable. It became excruciating to do work I didn’t care about. Even though a million reasons told me why it was irresponsbible, impractical, and foolish to quit, I eventually could not make myself do it anymore. An irrepressible feeling, “I am not here to be doing this!” took control of my life. So I entered a long period of searching. I spent time teaching yoga, learning about herbs, and teaching at Penn State’s department of Science, Technology, and Society. All of these endeavors have contributed to my present and future, but none were really me.

The next five years were much like a birthing process. The old world dissolved, and the contractions birthing me into the new took the form of a collapse of all that I once held onto. Crises in health, marriage, and money forced me to let go of a “life under control”. In my helplessness, I accepted help, discovering a generous universe that has always met my needs, somehow, in unexpected ways. I have never made much money, but I have become rich in connections to other people. Friends and strangers from all over the world write to tell me how my books have affected them; they sustain my faith and nourish my passion for my work.

In addition to writing books and essays, I have been doing more and more public speaking, both at conference and smaller events. This has been a welcome addition to my life. I find that my thinking stagnates and my heart atrophies when I am in front of my computer too much. I need to interact with real people, face to face. For this reason, among others, I also maintain a part-time position on the faculty of Goddard College. I never thought I would feel so at home in an academic setting. Well, it really isn’t academic in the traditional sense. The educational model is very radical: self-directed learning in a holistic context. I mean, self-directed for real. My role for the student is to read, to listen, to respond, to hold container, offer resources, to mirror, to mentor.

I am now remarried and still living in Harrisburg, PA with my three children, two of whom are now teenagers. My life seems to be entering a new phase as my work intensifies and my home life stabilizes. I used to answer every email and say yes to every offer to speak. Now I can’t always do that, although I still try to respond to everyone who contacts me, in part because I consider this to be an important part of my work, and certainly among the most enjoyable.

At this point, I have no specific plans for the future. The world seems to be in a state of such flux now, that I cannot make any plan but to ride the wave. I do intend to keep writing: essays and articles for the time being, and then other books. My next major book will probably be about the world-creating power of story, and how, on a personal and collective level, we can exercise that power to participate in the building of a more beautiful world. Until now, my books have been about the transition in world-creating stories (the deep invisible myths of our civilization) underway in our time. The next book will be about how to live into this transition.”