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(Editors Note: This talk was given at the Evergreen Retirement Center in Milton-Freewater, Oregon on February 17, 1999)
Human Unity in the 21st Century
"A Metaphysical View"
By James Paradise
February 1999
Thank you for this opportunity to speak with you today. It has been some time since I last had the privilege of talking with a group of open and energetic minds, so when I was asked to speak with our today, I was delighted to accept. I appreciate your invitation.
To begin with, let me share some background on our volunteer work with the Family Earth Foundation. FAMILY EARTH is a private non-profit corporation of Washington State. Since beginning our organization in 1983, the FOUNDATION has been maintained by an "all volunteer" staff, and continues to be supported by my family and private donations for our various research projects. This Foundation has been our way of giving something back to society and to provide an example for others.
The goals of this Foundation are to find practical, useful ways of fostering ideas of Individual Spirituality, and Human Unity, among the many peoples of planet Earth. Our work is based on Metaphysics, which simply means "Beyond the Physical." The word "Meta" comes from a Greek word that means "beyond" and thus Metaphysics is- used in Religion, Philosophy and Science alike.
We believe that our work crosses the entire Human Potential spectrum and is focused on living a meaningful life that is based on our individual Spiritual Nature. Since 1983, the Foundation has worked with individuals and groups to find personal ways of fostering this individual and global transformation toward spirituality.
Our Research has focused on a number of religions, spiritual teachings, and metaphysical curriculums that are classified in the following general areas.
Our first area of study includes the New Thought Movement, with Religions and Organizations including Unity School of Christianity, Divine Science & Science of Mind, and Individual Members of the Society for the Study of Metaphysical Religion.
The second area of study has been in the Human Potential Movement. These are the self-help approaches to stabilizing and improving one’s experiences in life. The research that we have done seems to support the belief that Individuals have the power, within themselves, to produce dramatic results from the condition of their bodies, to the condition of their bank accounts. The increase in the publishing of books, tapes, seminars, and workshops for every possible topic, has been phenomenal. The Human Potential Movement, and the Spiritual transformation that is underway, has given rise to a whole new industry of self-improvement.
You can see the results of this new way of thinking in the popular works of many writers, lecturers, and new age teachers of our times. Here is a sample list, of authors and titles that may be familiar to you.
All of the books I have just mentioned have sold multiple millions of copies to individuals whom are seeking their true connection to the rest of us, and our Spiritual Source.
These titles represent a small example of the many hundreds of thousands of efforts made by writers, teachers, ministers, and people from every walk of life. They all point to the realization that within each human being lies the power to change the world, by changing his or her mind about the world. From a metaphysical point of view, our bodies and the world are an effect, and the cause is how we think and treat them. What we do with our natural resources, both human and planetary, will determine the life we live, and the condition in which we leave our planet for the next generation.
The general self-help practice that we have found which has produced the very best results for people of all ages is a 3 part system of physical and spiritual maintence. The outline of this system is as follows. 1. Only eat foods that agree with you, and are easy to digest. Always eat in moderations. 2. Keep moving your body! Exercise does not have to be a strain to be of benefit. Walking, streaching, and uperbody movement are some of the best ways to keep fit. 3. Prayer, Meditation, Contimplation are all good ways of maintaining a healthy mind and aleart Spirit. A good diet, daily exercise, and communications with Spirit are the essences of any well thoughtout self-help program on the market.
Our Foundations third major area of research has been in a field of metaphysics that is called "Spiritual Phychotherapy." For about 15 years, I have studied and researched the curriculum in the popular books titled A COURSE IN MIRACLES, copyrighted by the Foundation for Inner Peace, in New York.
A COURSE IN MIRACLES was first published in 1975, and has sold well over a million copies, and has spawned additional books by serveral authers. One of the most noted of these Authors is Marianne Williamson, who wrote A RETURN TO LOVE, which has sold over 5 millon copies. (book about a book)
A COURSE IN MIRACLES, which consist of three books including a Text, Workbook for Students, and Manual for Teachers. The Workbook for Students has a 1-year daily lesson plan that is a basic Mind-Training program which when used with the principles of the curriculum found in the Text and Manual, is designed to help one to replace a "fear-based" thought system, with one that is based on "love, and peaceful relations."
It is a very difficult Course for many of the students who attempt to complete it, as the concepts so are radical when compared to traditional religion. The ideas are closer in line with Quantum Mechanics, which is an extention of the teachings of Einstiens, and his Therory of Relativity.
Quantum Mechanics, is a field of theoretical physicis that deals with subatomic particles, and relationship between our thoughts, and effects thosse thoughts have on subatomic matter. One Author that I have studied is Fritjof Capra PhD., who wrote an insightful book titled "The Tao of Physics." Dr. Capra has done extensive research on the parallels between modern physics and Eastern mysticism. In everyday language, Dr. Capra explains the similarities between the ancient principles of Hinduism, Buddhism, and Taoism, and compares them to the concepts and theories of modern physics, and the revelations coming from particle accelerators and laboratories of scientific research.
One concept that I find most fascinating, that comes from the particle accelerator research, is the idea that particles "Blink on and off" all the time. In other words, the molocules of our bodies are visible for a tiny fraction of a second, and the next fraction our bodies are not visible. This cycle goes on so fast, the human eye can not detect any absence from sight. And it is the very act of placing our attention on matter, that brings it into visibility. Attention, maintains matter in the form that it appears. The evidence is that we are not as "solid" as we once thought. If this sounds interesting to you, you may wish to read Dr. Capra’s book.
Humanity has begun a New Era of opportunity for all the peoples of Earth. This time has been called the "Age of Aquarius" and the dawning of the "New Age" of peace and enlightenment. We are committed to this time of transformation and to the Unity of the Human Family. We believe that humankind has the ability and the will to usher in a Peaceful World. This Foundation is one example among thousands of efforts to enhance the awareness of the deep awakening within each human being.
Our work focuses on Spiritual Awareness as a basis for harmonious existence. One can be from any religion or no religion at all, and still accomplish this level of understanding. Our goals have been to live in the present moment and learn to share with all Humanity this beautiful planet Earth.
The idea for this non-profit corporation came to me at a time when I was seeking to find a deeper purpose to life. As it is with so many people now, we are looking for something more than the past has taught. What the Human Family is seeking is far beyond any organization or government. I believe that humanity is seeking a new experience of ourselves as Individuals, together with the experience of Global Unity with our diverse human community.
The fact of our existence on this planet points to the truth that people have the ability to change. We can choose to evolve our global culture based upon principles of Human Unity and release ourselves from the past. Yet, the first level of change must be within the minds of individuals, both those in power, and those who follow.
Human Unity in the 21st Century is the next great leap for mankind to achieve. Advancements in science and medicine will allow people to live longer and healthier lives. Technology achievements will free humans from the limits of past production, and open the way for individuals to pursue fields of endeavor that were denied people because of lack of education, race, or any number of society imposed limits.
If we look, we can see changes throughout our country, and around the world. While it is true that there are still wars and conflict, people still die of starvation, and that international terrorism has replaced the "Cold War." All this is fact, but it is also very true that our world is coming together on many fronts that offer promise and hope for a better tomorrow.
The Global Environment is one major issue that is at the center of the answer to our many challenges. Unless mankind does make a unified effort to reverse Global Warming, Over Population, and the pollution of our air and water supply, humans will find it very difficult to live on planet Earth this time next Century.
One example of why change is absolutely necessary on our planet is taken from a new book by Thom Hartmann, titled "The Last Hours of Ancient Sunlight." In the introduction, Mr. Hartmann writes…
"In the 24 hours since this time yesterday, over 200,000 acres of rain forest have been destroyed in our world. Fully 13 million tons of toxic chemicals have been released into our environment. Over 45,000 people have died of starvation, 38,000 of them children. And more than 130 plant or animal species have been driven to extinction by the actions of humans. (The last time there was such a rapid loss of species was when the dinosaurs vanished.) And all this just since yesterday." (Page xxiii)
While these are frightening examples of what humankind has brought upon ourselves, they are also wake-up calls to the people of our planet, and the leaders that manage the affairs of government and industry. We do not have much of a choice, except to find ways to solve these major global problems.
Has our intelligence as a human species gotten us thus far, only to destroy the environment of the planet and ourselves? We are smarter than that! We should and we must become better stewards of this planet and our natural resources. We do not have any choice, unless we all want to become extinct, along with the dinosaurs.
A person I respect a great deal is Rev. Jim Rosemergy, who is a vice-president at Unity School of Christianity, and the Founder of another small non-profit organization. His foundation’s name is Inner Journey, and is his family’s way of giving back to the world something special.
In a recent Newsletter from INNER JOURNEY, Jim Rosemergy asks these important questions for each of us to consider.
Jim Rosemergy recommends that as we each "reflect on the future", as we ask these questions of ourselves. It is important to consider all of these questions within the context of the present moment. In this way, we maintain a healthy perspective, and remain grounded in a positive perception of the 21st Century.
My answers to these questions are based upon 25 years of study, 15 years of research into the metaphysics of the human being. I believe that the new millennium holds the same incredible advancements our last millennium held for all of humanity. The 21st Century is only the beginning of the next 1000-year cycle of time on this planet. I expect the advancements to match, and most probably to make quantum leaps, on many levels of human experience.
Medical and Scientific advancements are one area where I expect great leaps of progress. By this time next Century, most if not all, diseases known to humankind will have cures for them. With nutritional advances, people will live longer and disease-free lives. 100-years from now, I expect the average life expectancy of humans to be 120 years or more. There are some metaphysical teachings that suggest that the human body could live to be a thousand years old, if all three elements of body, mind and spirit were in perfect alignment.
The second question is about "danger." Are we in a dangerous time? The answer I find is yes, we are in a time of danger, and we do need to take heed of the warning signs. A few minutes ago, I spoke of Thom Hartmann’s warnings and what has taken place on our planet just since yesterday. The danger we face is that humanity may not rise to the challenge and make the effort to correct our mistakes of the past. Continuing with "business as usual" will doom our race to join the dinosaurs. We need to face that danger, and make the right choices to save our race and this planet for the generations that follow us.
The third question is the most interesting one to me. I do believe that the Human Family is on the verge of a Spiritual Breakthrough. Everything that I have studied and researched points to this next great paradigm shift for humanity. Humankind, is becoming a "Family." We have come from the tribe, and on to states and nations. Our next move is to join as one planetary body of human beings. Equally sharing this beautiful planet with all peoples of Earth. The belief in the "human family" is the answer to the advancements this next millennium holds out to us.
The fourth question has an obvious answer to me. What we see in terms of resistance to new ideas in governments, religions, and industry, are the "birth pangs" we are experiencing right now. Take industry for example. We have used fossil fuels for a long time to produce the energy we need for personal and business use. Our reserves of petroleum will only last our planet another 50 years or so, yet we continue to consume at record levels. It is indeed painful for our society to face this type of change.
Yet, the benefits of changing to renewable energy, and so-called free energy systems, will vastly outweigh the startup cost the human family will need to invest. The investment is in our future; and the investment is in the human race, as the dominant species on this planet.
The fifth question is about what we can each do in our own lives to make a difference. I know that as long as any of us is still breathing, we have work to do. Even in a retirement center, here in Milton-Freewater, you have work to do. You have something new to learn. You have some kindness yet to give. You have someone who needs your advice, or understanding. You have a letter to write, a book to read, a comment to make, or a hand to offer a friend. As long as you are alive, your mission on this planet is not yet over.
Our sixth and final question is what can we each do to prepare for the changes ahead. First, I believe we need to prepare ourselves mentally and spiritually to face the change humans need to make. Because if we take care of the inner work, and prepare our hearts and minds for change, then the change will come forth out of love and caring for each other, and caring for planet Earth.
It is out of an awareness of Family, and a deep Love for each other and our world, that we will find the strength to move forward and achieve greatness in the 21st Century and the next millennium. This is a time of growth for each of us as individuals, and for all of us as one Human Family. It will not be easy, but life is not about being easy. Life is an adventure our Soul has undertaken. We are here to bring Spirit into manifestation, and the metaphysical into the physical. This is the business of creating heaven on earth, and while we have a long way to go, our Human Family will continue and will make progress toward Human Unity, and planetary Peace.
I ask you to believe in yourself, your eternal Spirit, and your continuation of life. We are Spiritual Beings, having a human experience. Our life did not begin with our human body, this birth was only a continuation of our Soul’s journey. Our life will not end when we lay these bodies aside, our Spirit will carry on the memories of the lessons we have taught and learned in this lifetime. Everything I have learned, points to the continuation of an Eternal Spiritual Being.
It has been said that "Changing our own mind," is one of the hardest things anyone can ever do. Yet, it is something that is entirely within our power, as no one else can really do it for us. The change from a fear-based society to one based on mutual respect and love for life may seem far into the future for much of the world. From the standpoint of the past, it is difficult to see how such a change can take place. Yet, to usher in the New Era, is to be open to the experience of unity that transcends all races, any religion, or science. An experience that embraces our rich and diverse cultural beliefs on this planet. We are One Family on Planet Earth, and as we accept that realizations, we will find the will and the ways to prepare for the 21st Century and beyond.
Thank you for this opportunity to share some ideas about the 21’s Century. God Bless you all!
Copyright 1999 James Patrick Paradise
James Paradise
President, Board of Trustees
FAMILY EARTH Foundation