Invitation to a Guided Reflection
A group of men in our chapter periodically share interesting articles or videos. We thought, why not invite everyone in our chapter to be included?
This is the first of two or three examples we’ll share initially. In a couple of weeks, we’ll email you to respond with your preferences for topics, issues, frequency, or to not participate.
This first piece is about the “story of separation” in which we have been living. This is an opportunity for you to still your mind, open your heart, and reflect on your life and the world you inhabit.
Charles Eisenstein will be your guide in this delightful and artistic 37 minute video interview.
He will bring you into a story of “the heart of the matter.” This involves the complex problem of human existence, the gift of life, and the artist within us all.
Reflect with Charles on the current state of “normal,” life, and reality as offered by our culture.
Where you are on your life journey, right now?
How do you see this as a “quest?”
What questions motivate your journey?
Perhaps examine times you’ve been reluctant to fully participate. Notice typical reactions to the challenges of life. Assess how these factors may have diverted life energy away from your “real program.“
Charles’ observation: it feels that our “state of being — collective and individual” — is ready to transition to something else. But what is this?
Questions that are examined in the video include:
Who are we and what is the world?
What new stories can we tell ourselves about who we are, what is, and how to live?
Where did we came from and where are we going?
What is the purpose of a human being is and what is a “self” — a man and a woman?
How do you do this thing called life?
What is a new story that can make sense of a world that is disintegrating into senselessness — right now?
View video: And the Music Played the Band
(opens in YouTube, hit "back" to return)
The questions, issues and ideas raised in this video relate to the work Illuman men do every day. What can we learn from this source?
A central Illuman theme is 'telling our own stories.' We invite you to share a short story of how Charles’ message is showing up in your life today. We would love to hear from you.
Please reply with any comments to Jim Burns, jburnsnms@gmail.com.
Charles Eisenstein is a writer, speaker, and a regular guest on many podcasts. Key themes explored include how myth and narrative influence culture. According to Eisenstein, global culture is immersed in a destructive "story of separation", and one of the main goals of his work is to present an alternative "story of interbeing".
His four main books are The Ascent of Humanity (2007), Sacred Economics (2011, revised 2020), Climate — A New Story (2018).
Many Illuman men have read The More Beautiful World our Hearts Know is Possible (2013), and worked with it in councils and discussion groups. We recommend this as a first book to consider.
Information about Charles can be found at https://charleseisenstein.org/ and https://charleseisenstein.substack.com
A-Ho!
Dan Harris, Convener
John Ball, Co-convener
Jim Burns, Co-convener