2005 Conference Plenary: Don Beck, Marilyn Schlitz, Carlos Emediato, Robert Gass, Joan Borysenko

2005 Conference Plenary: Don Beck, Marilyn Schlitz, et al.

IONS | 04.23.06 |

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In the first of this 2-part audio presentation from the conference’s morning plenary session, Dr. Don Beck, a leading authority on societal change, points out the precariousness of our global situation and the folly of trying to impose one set of memes (e.g., humanitarian democracy) on different levels of culture (clans, tribes, and empires) with intrinsically different values. Resistance is inevitable and ultimately more harm done than good. He admonishes the audience that we cannot change things by fighting the existing model; rather we must create new models that render the old one obsolete.

Masankho Banda, an African drummer and storyteller, then entertains with a rousing musical reenactment of a painful incident from his youth and his grandmother’s wonderful approach to imparting a life lesson about it.

Next up is Dr. Joan Borysenko, who provides an inspiring talk on the relationship of universal (divine) consciousness and healing. Armed with extensive medical education and decades of research, Joan is at the forefront of scientific inquiry into the role of spirituality in health, the power of prayer, and how the simple provision of caring attention to others can have a demonstrable impact on their wellbeing.

Dr. Marilyn Schlitz, IONS Vice President of Research and Education, continues this line of thought with a consideration of the awesome potential of our “interiority” for rendering world transformation, how the core world problem is one of perceived separation, and how only by embracing our true inseparability will societal healing begin.

Marilyn’s talk continues in part 2 of the audio presentation, which concludes with a Sanskrit chant and a powerful guided meditation from singer/shaman Robert Gass, who uses an imagined prognosis of one year to live as impetus for finding clarity about one’s purpose and the best way to fulfill it.