Wednesday
Saturday
Critical Thinking and Mind
Critical Thinking and Mind
Comes
from “critic”…
1575–85; < Latin criticus < Greek kritikós skilled in judging (adj.), critic (noun), equivalent to krī́t ( ēs ) judge, umpire ( krī́ ( nein ) to separate, decide + -tēs agent suffix) + -ikos -ic
As with many words and
concepts, critical thinking can be construed and used in both a positive and
negative light.
It is much the same and
comes from the same root meaning as “judge.” Decisions come from making judgments
about a situation that creates the need for a solution. One can look at all the
evidence, the entirety of the circumstances and, along with intuition, come to
a conclusion.
Making a judgment is quite
different than being “judgmental.” The second usually implies a negative
attitude or outlook toward a person, place, thing, or situation being evaluated.
One of the meanings of “critical”
shares the negative attitude of “judgmental.” Yet critical can also mean a more
objective view, if anything really can be, of the person, place, thing, or
situation that includes both positively and negatively perceived aspects. The
theater critic reviews a show and provides his or her opinion of the best
performances and aspects of the production as well as the distractions and perceived
flaws of the show.
“Critical thinking,” as a
form of cognitive exercise, suggests using the mental abilities to look at all
aspects. It usually refers to the rational, empirical, logical, and
left-brained way of discerning value or evaluating what it is one is
considering.
Of course, we must also
admit that there is not a way to use our mental abilities without the influence
of preconceived viewpoints, ideology, emotions, and past experience. So, in
this sense, all rational and critical thinking is also shaded by these factors.
I am not suggesting that
critical and rational thinking is not valid, but like everything, it is not
perfect. The same may be said of intuition which may come from non-rational
areas of mind and can also be filtered through our emotions, worldview, and
particular ideology before it comes to the light of day.
I prefer the phrase “Cognitive
and Creative Processing” when we want to speak of our mental abilities of mind.
This includes the left and right brain functions of thinking through something
in a rational way and building a field of positive tension and focus around the
subject of inquiry; and it also includes the synchronous and intuitive
intervention of creative invention that can provide “out of the box” ideas and
solutions.
So, while “critical” may
suggest to some traditionalists a thorough review of the subject, the phrase “cognitive
and creative processing,” in my opinion, allows for both rational and intuitive
avenues to present themselves as part of the inquiry.
In many ways, “mind” is
much greater than we ever imagine. In some ways, the “mind,” contains
everything and we, at times, can access this largest aspect of Mind that ties
into the energetic oneness of Life. This seeming transcendent ability has often
been called the spiritual dimension. The spiritual dimension, in my humble
experience and opinion, most likely refers to the inclusive natures of both the
tangible and unseen aspects of Life Energy… to the Oneness that is LIFE.
Where do we find access??
Most likely, the entrance is through the “Now-gate” of this present moment.
Some leading thinkers and inventors like Edison and Einstein have found that
after much thinking on a problem or concept, the answer or creation came to
them without effort through a dream or through the sudden pop of insight while
relaxing the mental gymnastics.
So, we do the thinking we
must do to build our focus and field of tension. Then, as we release into this
moment beyond the thinking process, we silently pass through the Now-gate and
cross the bridge into the unexpected presence.
John Hutchinson
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Friday
Lunar Life Cycle Report by Philip Levine
Lunar Life Cycle Report example:
The following describes the last 3-4 years of a 29 year
cycle according to a report designed and developed by Philip Levine. I am now
going through this phase. Each person’s Lunar Life Cycle Report is unique according to
your specific birth data, so please do not assume this relates to you.
In August of 2009, I sensed an inner shift that something was ending. As it turned out, most things in my then current life did and have ended. A relationship came to an end; I sold my home and left behind most all possessions; I retreated to a single room which I rented from friends; I needed to let go of a dear feline friend that had accompanied me for more than 12 years; I had lost all investments and savings through fraud, scams, and high risk start-ups that failed. You will see why, in March of 2010 when I came across Philip Levine's Lunar Life Cycle, it confirmed my own intuitive sensing of late summer in 2009 that the letting go and last phase of my 2nd 29-year cycle had commenced...
If you
are interested in reading more about Philip Levine’s Lunar Life Cycle Report on Caroline Myss’ website, visit the
following link: http://www.myss.com/CMED/learning/lunar.asp
Here begins "The Balsamic Phase" of my report...
"To the observer, the plant is caught in autumn’s
deathlike grip. Leaves and fruit wither and fall, the stalk bends or breaks.
But beneath these decaying remains lies the promise, the seed, the bridge from
cycle to cycle. It can wait, slumbering peacefully at winter’s breast.
"The closing phase of your cycle, the Balsamic, occurs from August
2009 when the progressed Moon is in a 45 degree waning semi-square behind the
progressed Sun until your next New Moon in May 2013.
"This is probably the most difficult phase of the cycle for most people
in the West. There is no reason why it has to be any more challenging than the
others, except that for most of us our discomfort with and lack of
understanding of death has not prepared us for the end of most cycles.
"But in the lunar cycle it is easy to see that the death of one cycle is
the preparation and source for the one that follows. Whatever you are doing
during this phase may be seen as an act of release, self-emptying, or letting
go.
"The increasing darkness on the Moon’s face symbolizes the waning of interest, the loss of meaningful activity which characterizes this phase. This is a time for release, for even more letting go. Pain during this phase is most likely a signal that you are attached to something which is no longer right for you. Your objective during this phase is to EMPTY YOURSELF, to make room for the birth which follows. You may find yourself withdrawing, going more into yourself. Your inner experience is what matters now, more than outer circumstances. This phase can be particularly appropriate for meditation and a relative retreat from the world. Rest may now be necessary to balance the intensive activity of the earlier phases.
"See if you can choose to be less active now, instead of feeling
restricted by circumstance. Try fasting, or spending time quietly with
yourself. Take the time and space to listen to whatever is occurring deep with
you. Just as the Moon becomes swallowed by darkness during this phase, you may
find this to be an opportunity to lose your sense of individual separateness in
a greater identification with a group or even humanity as a whole. You may be
more inclined to make sincere sacrifices for the good of others.
"In the building analogy, the time has come to move out and allow the
contractors to take over in their efforts to prepare for a new cycle of
activity in a new or changed building which will follow. For the human life
cycle, this can be seen as a period of rest, retreat, or retirement from the
world. Whether that means reflecting on life’s meaning and past experiences,
actively pursuing options that had to be put aside earlier, or just waiting to die
depends upon the individual.
"Similar alternatives may attract you now. This phase may find you
reflecting upon the deeper meaning of the past 26-27 years, trying to condense
the most valuable aspects of your experiences into a theme or lesson to pass on
to others, much like the life energies of the plant become condensed in the
seed. Analyze your thoughts and feelings about death: is it the end, or a
transition? Do you want this phase of your Lunar Life Cycle to be a bridge to
the future or a dead end? You may not be able to see what’s coming, but you can
still choose to believe that there will be more, to have faith in the
future and in new possibilities.
"You are now preparing the way for the next cycle. By allowing yourself
to grieve for what is passing away and accepting feelings of emptiness, you
prepare the vessel of your personality for the release of new potential at the
next New Moon. Don’t be afraid of the emptiness, try not to fill it with
meaningless activity or premature commitments. You
are likely to be straining to see the future now, but this is also the
time to harvest the essence of the entire cycle which has passed. What seems to
matter most, and how can you essentialize your experience to form a basis for
renewal? You may be prophetic or visionary at this time, but don’t expect
everyone else to see what you see.
"As you approach the New Moon in the months leading up to May 2013 try
to surrender, to open yourself, and to maintain an inner peace and receptivity.
"When the Balsamic Phase comes you may want to record any inner or outer
events that seem relevant to the meaning of this period (August 2009 to May
2013). What can you see that has the quality of this phase?"
Again, if you are interested in learning more about Philip
Levine’s Lunar Life Cycle on Caroline Myss’ website, visit the following link: http://www.myss.com/CMED/learning/lunar.asp
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