The Three Principles and Separate Realities as Illustrated by the Salisbury Poisonings

Introduction

In the realm of psychological understanding, the Three Principles of Mind, Consciousness, and Thought stand as a foundational model that explains how we shape our perception of the world. Originating from the work of Sydney Banks, these Principles explain the framework through which human experiences are created. One way of illustrating this is by exploring the notion of "separate realities," a concept pivotal in understanding how different people can experience the same event in vastly different ways. To illustrate this, we will revisit the Salisbury Poisonings, a significant and unsettling event that rocked the local community and captured the attention of the world.

The Event: Salisbury Poisonings

In March 2018, Salisbury became the focal point of an international incident involving the poisoning of a former Russian spy and his daughter. This event unfolded dramatically, leading to severe illness, death, and widespread public fear. The local community was thrust into a state of emergency, with areas cordoned off and daily routines disrupted. Media coverage was intense and constant, contributing to the atmosphere of uncertainty and fear. I remember visiting Salisbury then and seeing the blue and white Police incident tape in the town centre.

“We don’t see things as they are; we see them as we are” - Anais Nin.

The Three Principles explain how individuals live in unique thought-generated realities. The energy of life powers us up, and then our consciousness brings our thoughts to life. Thus, while the external event—the Salisbury Poisonings—was the same external event for everyone, each person's internal experience varied dramatically. Some residents felt a deep fear and paranoia, altering their lifestyles significantly in response. In contrast, others showed resilience or even indifference, experiencing the events more distantly.

Same event, multiple 'versions' of it.

This spectrum of responses is directly linked to these three psychological principles. For example, individuals whose thoughts spiralled into fear may have avoided certain areas entirely, deeply affected by the possibility of danger. Others might have focused their thoughts on resilience and community strength, feeling more detached or unaffected by the threat. This variance illustrates Thought's profound role in shaping our perceived reality.

Implications for Personal and Community Resilience

Understanding the Three Principles offers hope for personal and community resilience. Recognising that our reactions are products of our thoughts can lead to greater empathy and support within a community. It highlights the importance of addressing psychological well-being and providing mental health resources during crises by understanding the internal process that is creating our experience. By fostering an environment where diverse reactions are expected and accepted, communities can better support each other through challenging times.

The Salisbury Poisonings, viewed through the lens of the Three Principles, provide insightful reflections on human psychology and the community behaviour that followed. This incident shows how our individual realities shape our responses to external events, influencing everything from personal feelings to community actions.

Salisbury Workshop

We invite you to delve deeper into the world of the Three Principles to better understand the dynamics of your thoughts and the way we all experience our own realities from moment to moment. Join us at our upcoming workshop in Salisbury at the end of May, where we will explore these ideas in greater detail, providing you with the space to navigate and understand your own experiences more profoundly. Learn more about the event and register here.