To live is to change, and to be perfect is to have changed often.
Cardinal John Henry Newman
We live in polarizing times. All around us we witness the effects of minds captured by thoughtforms of a density so hardened that it seems impossible that they could be shattered. But what about our own perspectives, the thoughtforms that guide our perceptions and seem only reasonable. In such times it can be helpful for everyone to examine their thinking and to ask, what does it mean to have a free mind? Most of us probably believe our minds are free—that we think for ourselves, and form our points of view, our opinions, based on clarity of perception and the power of our observations. However, those who study the human psyche in depth understand how easily our minds are held captive by the conditioning of our particular group, beginning with the family, the class one was born into, one’s culture and surrounding environment, and continuing to expand to include one’s social contacts through school, sports and other interests. We don’t exist in a bubble. .
Beyond this impact of fellow human minds is the vast range of impacts and impressions from spiritual energies and forces that flow freely and are testing humanity’s capacity to register correct response. Particularly now, as the energies of a new age are pouring in even as the forces of the past age of some 2000 years have not entirely departed, the stresses and conflicts created by their juxtaposition is generating incredibly powerful turmoil. What we consider as beliefs, convictions, are qualified by a vast range of impressions and vibrations from levels high and low of which we’re unaware. How does one then know what to think? What, for the individual, is true and real? On what basis do we really establish our convictions?
Whole societies can be gripped by the captive mind, which believes that the distinctiveness of that group or society sets it apart from—and above—all else. Whether or not this describes one’s own society, it’s important to recognize that every individual is conditioned by the perspective of his or her group, a conditioning that begins at birth. In addition, because humanity is the middle, mediating kingdom in the great chain of being, it is the recipient of powerful energies and forces pouring in from kingdoms both lower and higher than the human.
The free mind is not found on the concrete mental plane, which is driven by the urge to separate, discriminate and stand apart. Only the higher mind is capable of entering deeply into the interior realms where universality is comprehended and the essential wholeness of the cosmos can be grasped. A hint is given in the statement that the intuition is the organ of group perception. Thus, it would seem that cultivation of a healthy scepticism in regard to our cherished individual opinions and deeply held beliefs might be a good place to begin. Why do we believe that such and such a point of view is valid? Are our emotions aroused by our beliefs? What are the ramifications of our perspective in terms of the good of the whole? Does it serve the greater good or only enhance the satisfaction of the personal ego? Does it cast light into areas previously hidden in darkness and awaken goodwill and compassion where there was previously estrangement? Do our perceptions promote inclusiveness and awaken recognition and appreciation for difference?
In today’s world, whole societies are riven by cleavages based largely on political issues. These differences can rend families and cause ruptures in even long-standing relationships. Political dialogue too often expresses a goal of total dominance by one faction over all others. The concept of a “loyal opposition” seems to have disappeared, taking with it the fundamental idea that a democracy—a government run by the people—must strive for consensus with those holding different views and expectations. This can only be accomplished by respect and by keen listening—not only to the words but also to what underlies the motivations of those who hold different beliefs than ours.
In an ideal world, sufficient numbers of minds able to examine their perspectives free of emotion, desire and mistrust of the opposition, are urgently needed. They will represent only a small portion of public opinion, but they can set a powerful example of thoughtful reason based on facts—on evidence—for humanity to follow and open up a channel for light and goodwill to pour in as we envision and build with clarity a new and better world for all.