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Five Transformational Truths About Our Worldview

Jun 25, 2015 ● By Mollie Robertson

Technology has indisputably made what was once unfathomable and mysterious, transparent and predictable, fueling our desire and dependence for more of what we can easily control and visibly trust. While the technological innovations of this age continue to stretch the boundaries of what is possible, we persist in limiting our own potential. In the face of natural uncertainty and instability, we stick to tendencies toward stress, anxiety and conflict as means to our goals. To navigate this life unbounded by worry, conflict and strife when there is no “app for that” or pill that will dissolve our obstacles, we must first look within.

Inner knowing, or noetics, is as essential to our daily lives as technology, if not more so. The Institute of Noetic Sciences (IONS) is dedicated to researching the realms of internal wisdom in an effort to liberate humanity from restricting beliefs and behaviors. More than 40 years of consciousness research at IONS suggests that cultivating an open-hearted curiosity is the potent antidote to constricting fears, contentions and regrets. When we are free from thoughts, emotions and reactions that breed negativity, we are empowered to enact positive change within our own lives, our communities and the larger world. Based on the IONS Transformation Model, here are pivot points we can use to change our view right now. 

It’s not all in your mind

We each have a unique perspective. The particular nature and combination of our circumstances and life experiences shape our personal beliefs, thoughts and behaviors, and vice versa. This influences how we see ourselves, what we desire, and how we interact with others, even if we’re not aware of it. Worldviews also influence how we present ourselves to the world. The constellation of personal values, beliefs, assumptions, attitudes and ideas that make up our worldview have an affect on our goals, desires, relationships and behaviors.

It (really) all depends on how you look at it

Sometimes things happen that seem too coincidental to be explained, because in addition to reason and scientific observation, there are other ways of knowing, such as intuition and direct experience that inform our perspective of the world around us. Intuition and logical reasoning influence our every action, and our lives shift depending on the decisions we make that rely more on one than the other.

The beauty of “I don’t know”

The personal nature of reality reveals the futility of being right, and that more can be gained if we approach our own and others’ points of view with curiosity. Whether we’re rebuilding after a catastrophe, mending a broken friendship or healing self-inflicted wounds, an ability to flow with the unfamiliar and explore the unknown with courageous curiosity allows us to thrive in the face of adversity. Possibilities expand when we replace our compulsion to be right with receptivity.

We are part of something bigger

We are part of a complex, fluid, interconnected universe: what we do influences the world around us, and the world influences us, even when we are not aware of exactly how. In this information age, there are now innumerable virtual spaces for people to connect and create powerful waves of change. We are already harnessing this awareness of interdependence  through the cultures of start-ups and cooperative movements, where everyone has a valued role in creating something larger that the sum of its parts, for the benefit of all.

Consciousness matters

Spirit, consciousness or whatever term we use to describe the awareness we each have of our existence, sensations and thoughts is the balance between inner knowing and outer experience. If we choose to live with an open heart and spirit of wonder, we can better understand that we can transform our lives and our communities, achieving fulfilling, happy life for all.

For those interested in embodying these principles and sharing a fresh perspective with the community, IONS offers training in Worldview Explorations. This innovative program provides lifelong tools and practices for living with greater awareness and inquisitiveness, empowering participants to better understand themselves, improve their relationships, mitigate stress and perceive their unique place within a dynamic, global society.

Mollie Robertson helps create transformative education programs for the Institute of Noetic Sciences and enjoys engaging the consciousness community. To learn more about IONS’ programs, email [email protected], or visit noetic.org.

 

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