The Grand Shift: from Separation to Unity

The Grand Shift: from Separation to Unity

David A. Schwerin[1]

International Pathwork Foundation

Abstract: The Universe is encouraging us to view life differently, so we focus on that which is enduring and consequential. Currently we tend to emphasize things that are ephemeral and insignificant. To help shift to this profound point of view, several themes are being highlighted so they are visible for all to witness.??They are meant to contrast ideas aligned with reality versus those opposed. The first theme is to realize that less is often more satisfying than more for a happy, contented life. The second theme urges us to prioritize the health and vitality of nature. After all, we are an integral part of nature, both its guardian and its beneficiary. The third theme is the importance of subduing our ego when expressing what we think we know. In other words, have humility when voicing your understanding of this chaotic period in our planet’s evolution. We will discuss each of these themes and related ideas in more detail below. An overarching theme that ties these subthemes together is the need to move from separation thinking to unity thinking in all that we say and do.??

[David A. Schwerin.?The Grand Shift: from Separation to Unity.?China Media Research,?19(2):1-8]1

Keywords: isolation, unity, transition, oceans, wealth, GDP, economic growth, sustainability

Good luck attempting to put a positive spin on world events. Societal divisiveness swells, the ecosystem deteriorates, and personal relationships fray, often beyond repair. How can we move from conditions most abhor to those we seek? More of the same won’t do it.

Current conditions are our creation. We can change them but only with a major shift in our beliefs about what constitutes a meaningful, wholesome life. That requires our values and priorities be reordered. Occasionally, more things may increase our sense of joy and fulfillment. But the elation is sporadic and far from optimum. Rising inequality demonstrates how pockets of economic growth have failed to deliver better living standards for the majority. Unless most participants, in this experiment called life, are engaged and satisfied, disruptions will be frequent and disquieting. No one will be pleased for long.??The Universe is encouraging us to view life differently and place our focus on that which is enduring and consequential. We will discuss how to do this later in the article. For now, we must remember, human beings have free will. Thus, it is a painstakingly slow job to form a consensus sufficient to change hearts and minds and move in a more productive direction. But it is a task we must pursue. Grow wiser or perish.??Live sustainably or face the consequences. The choices are ours.?

Economics of happiness

Where to begin? First, be grateful and accept what we have while refraining from comparing yourself to others. Those are two key attributes of the Finnish people. Finland is a country ranked as the happiest country in the world according to the World Happiness Report. Finns also downplay material things and avoid overt displays of wealth. In Finland, “successful” people are considered no different than anyone else. After all, success is a subjective judgment dependent on personal values and who is doing the judging.??Finns also place a high value on being out in nature. They believe incorporating all forms of wildlife in their daily activities increases their well-being. It also gives them a greater sense of the unity behind all things. Finally, Finnish people trust one another and value honesty. Given the fabrications and lies permeating society, is it any wonder that mistrust is rampant? Fostering greater trust is an important building block that fortifies personal well-being. (Martela)

The insatiable appetite for material wealth hasn’t worked as planned. For centuries the world has been constructed around the belief that continual economic growth will save us from our recurring problems of poverty, pollution, and conflict, among others. More things can distract us from our problems and temporarily divert the attention of the disenfranchised. They are not, however, a permanent solution to our challenges. We need to move from materially focused beings to more conscious beings. What has our focus on the former gotten us? A stressful life with material abundance for some and anxiety and anguish for most. Our priorities are short term with social status and power our yardstick for success and happiness. Years of research have conclusively shown that more things don’t make us happier. Once people’s basic needs for food, clothing and shelter are met, more of the same adds little if anything to a person’s happiness. (Schwerin)

In fact, some believe too much choice is a formula for anxiety, and dissatisfaction.??Those faced with too many choices are less happy, less optimistic and have lower self-esteem than those who are satisfied with less. Those satisfied with less practice self-restraint, lower their expectations, don’t fret if they could have made a better choice or regret any “imperfect” decisions.?

Growth at a high cost

To rectify the situation, we need to measure our prosperity and well-being around something other than a flawed measurement like GDP (Gross Domestic Product). No single number can capture the state of monetary policy, consumer confidence, ecological vitality, and supply chain integrity. Yet we rely on GDP metrics to inform us of exactly that. In addition, GDP counts things that harm society, from pollution to airplane crashes (both of which require expenditures that increase GDP), as positive contributors to the economy. Yet excluded from the GDP calculations are beneficial contributions, such as the housework of millions of citizens. GDP measures everything except that which makes life worthwhile. It would be far better to focus on economic activity that adds to society’s well-being so one segment isn’t expanding while another is shriveling.

More insightful measures include determining how equitably we satisfy basic human needs, and how successfully we inspire creativity, enrich relationships, and encourage cooperation that serves the common good. More broadly, how can we improve our biological, psychological, and environmental stewardship.

Decoupling the quest for economic growth from the belief that it is the only way to attain contentment and well-being will not be easy. It is a concept the has been ingrained in our psyche for a long time. Fortunately, more meaningful information on which to base economic well-being will soon be available. The United Nations is expected to release an updated national accounting system that uses standardized metrics for well-being and sustainability. The U.N. will push to get everyone aligned so there is a basis for comparability. Hopefully, it will supplant the use of GDP in political and economic decision making.?

Today’s economic growth mantra badly needs an update. Surprising to many, humanity experienced little if any economic growth for hundreds if not thousands of years. Europe experienced no growth in per capita income in the 500 years prior to the Industrial Revolution. (Porter)

It was only about 200 years ago that the need for economic growth gained prominence thanks largely to significant innovation and increased use of carbon-based fuels such as oil and coal. We have now reached the point where there is a growing backlash against fossil fuels. An increasing number of citizens see that increases in greenhouse gases have had a deleterious effect on our climate and the sustainability of life.

That is not to say that the no-growth trajectory of years past will be free of challenges. Reverting to a world that is economically stagnant would make populations most vulnerable and powerless the biggest losers. This could create societal upheaval exaggerating the already dangerous situation that pits one economic class against another. What to do? While many fall back on technological advances as our savior; others think that is simply wishful thinking. While sustainable energy technologies are possible, even probable, they are still far down the road. This leaves current scientific understandings scant time to advance and provide practical solutions. Like with most things, the universe doesn’t leave us defenseless and completely on our own. Help is available even if it is from an expected source. Think Extraterrestrials! I know this idea is controversial and will leave many skeptical if not outright cynical. Please bear with me. Let me offer a few comments from respected scientists to bolster this position:

Out of this world

“Our?sun is one of 100 billion?stars in our galaxy. Our galaxy is one of the billions of galaxies populating the universe. It would be the height of presumption to think that we are the only living things within that enormous immensity.” (Von Braun)

It is possible that the future of human civilization depends on the receipt of interstellar messages.” (Sagan) Finally, to paraphrase the esteemed scientist and mathematician Stephen Hawking, whose mathematical intelligence was far ahead of most, the numbers alone make thinking about aliens perfectly rational.

Since scientists have estimated there are over 100 billion galaxies in the universe, each with an untold number of stars, to think we are the most advanced life-form on the multi-trillion planets in existence, is highly implausible.?

Still not convinced? How do you think the pyramids got here? Humans are still baffled by the skill and knowledge that was needed to build these colossal edifices. An advanced civilization was surely involved. You’re probably thrown off by thinking about beings that look like us, think like us and behave like us. Most aliens differ considerably from humans. Many ETs no longer have nor need a physical body so they can travel unfathomable distances at warp speed. They are more advanced in many other ways. First off, it should be obvious humans are not very highly evolved. Much of our ecosystem is ravaged, many parts of our health and educational systems are dysfunctional, inequality is rampant and there is little relationship between someone’s work compensation and their contribution to society. Despite our failings, ETs are compassionate and loving. Being from older civilizations, they have experienced and overcome many of the same environmental, economic, and social challenges we now face and understand our plight. They know at the deepest level that we’re all intimately connected and act accordingly. They’re working with us to help us evolve faster. They want to be of service.?And the help we need, starting with our gravely distressed oceans. It has been said, if the oceans die, our planet dies.?

Most scientists believe life originated in the oceans. Now rising ocean temperatures threaten not only marine species but also life on land. As the ocean heat increases water expands and sea levels rise, increasing coastal flooding and beach erosion while destroying homes, businesses, and tourism-based economies. The United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) issued a report in 2021 that declared: “Changes to the ocean, including warming, more frequent marine heatwaves, ocean acidification and reduced oxygen levels have been clearly linked to human influence.” (McCarthy) Ocean temperatures reached record levels in 2022 according to a team of researchers. In fact, record ocean heat levels have been recorded each year since 2018, with each year eclipsing the year before. The IPCC report describes observable rising marine temperatures everywhere from the equator to the poles.

To preserve marine creatures that once formed the basis of life, humanity must acknowledge its role in climate change and work tirelessly to reverse the damage humanity has caused. Beings more advanced than humanity should be encouraged to educate and assist us; it is in our self-interest, if not our very survival. You will find willing hands and knowledgeable beings ready to help. Their assistance becomes easier once our technology advances and we are disposed to communicate in an open, humble manner.

A fundamental aim of evolution is to shift all beings from a self-centered state of isolation to a state of union with all that exists. Doing so implicitly recognizes that?everything is an integral part of the totality of life; a life continually striving for greater awareness and self-realization. By undertaking the goal of union with all that exists one becomes capable of a truly fulfilling life. Until then ignorance, confusion, and a misunderstanding about the meaning of life clouds one’s vision. With a proper outlook, however, a glorious transition becomes possible. One not only understands themselves and others better but humanity’s unique purpose in the universe and how to function in it in a balanced, sustainable way. This provides the type of security all people clamor for.??

The Great Transition

Histories great teachers and sages have spoken, in various ways, about this grand transition. It is a goal of all beings. A contemporary version of ancient wisdom that echoes this philosophy, is found in “The Pathwork.” This profound psycho-spiritual body of work includes 258 lectures, one of which focuses on “The Great Transition in Human Development.” This article draws, in part, from The Pathwork material. (Pierrakos)

The first step is to become aware of your effort to maintain a secluded life. This may initially be unconscious. Deeply probing self-knowledge is required. This includes an understanding our unconscious problems, beliefs, and attitudes. Self-knowledge and self-acceptance are the prerequires, all else naturally follows. Changing our inner direction brings untold joy, purpose, and security. It takes courage to break free from the habitual tendency toward isolation and self-centeredness. But continuing down the path of separation creates fear and insecurity. Exactly what no one wants.?

In addition, the best way to change the world is to raise the consciousness of all aspects of creation. Moving from separation to unity consciousness is a crucial step on this path. The more hearts that open to universal love and acceptance, the more people who will decide to serve not only themselves and but the world as well. Aware people realize that whatever they do for themselves they also do for others and what they fail to do for others is foreclosed to them. This follows logically since everything is unalterably connected.

For example, when one truly understands the unity of life; how everything is interconnected and interdependent, it becomes unimaginable to harm another part of creation, be it a human being, a plant, an animal, or any part of the web of life??

More specifically, people who expand their consciousness are unlikely to defile the environment, deny people their rights, engage in dishonest practices or participate in unwholesome relationships. Understanding where and why our misconceptions and distorted beliefs come from and the damage they cause is an intensely impactful experience. It helps strengthen one’s resolve to remain aware of how all thoughts and actions affect others. The law of cause and effect works both positively and negatively. Look deeply at the conflicts in your life.??Every choice we make affects everyone and everything. Making the transition from separation to unity thinking generates in a level of joy and security previously unknown. A profound understanding of the purpose behind all aspects of life will be indelibly impressed upon the psyche. Realizing you are neither more nor less than a part of the whole makes one a supremely content and confident person. One’s dignity and welfare are greatly enhanced as one’s values, purpose, and concept of life changes. Recognizing your commonality with all that exists increases creativity and diminishes loneliness. The transition is subtle and doesn’t require a drastic change in one’s outer life. It does necessitate a deepening of one’s self-acceptance and self-knowledge. All else follows organically.

At this time of immense insecurity and heightened instability, we long for greater certainty and understanding. The answer for our longing is all around us. It is derived from knowing our connectedness to all things and the love that underlies all that exists.?

Correspondence to:

David Schwerin Ph.D.

8300 Wisconsin Avenue

Bethesda Maryland 20814

Website: www.consciousthinking.com

E-mail: [email protected]

References

Hawking, Stephen.?https://www.azquotes.com/quote/636708.

McCarthy, Patrick. (2023). “Humans Fueling Steady Rise in Ocean Heat Levels, Creating Adversity for Aquatic Species.” Triple Pundit: The Business of Doing Better. January 27, 2023.

Martela, Frank. (2023). “I’m a psychology expert in Finland, the No 1 happiest country in the world. Here are 3 things we never do.” Make It. CNBC. January 5, 2023.

Pierrakos, Eva Broch. (1960). “The great transition in human development from isolation to union.” Pathwork Guide Lecture No. 75. The Pathwork Foundation (1996 Edition)

Porter, Eduardo. (2015) “Imagining a World Without Growth.” The New York Times. December 1, 2015.

Schwerin, David. (2007). “The Economics of Happiness.” Seeking Truth. Heilongjiang University, Harbin China.

Von Braun, Werhner.?https://www.azquotes.com/author/1841-Wernher_von_Braun.

Sagan, Carl. (1978) “The Quest for Extraterrestrial Intelligence.” Smithsonian Magazine. May 1978.

[1]?David A. Schwerin, Ph.D. has written three books,?Conscious Capitalism?(1998), Conscious Globalism?(2205) and?Know Your Soul: Bring Joy to Your Life?(2019) and dozens of articles published worldwide. His website is?www.consciousthinking.com.