Empathy Circles and Consciousness
Speaker: Bob Brown 10 min
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Bio: Bob Brown is a pilgrim on the spiritual journey. For years, he hosted an Empathy Tent in Thousand Oaks, California and offered empathic listening. Life has improved immeasurably since connecting with Edwin Rutsch and the Empathy Tent in 2017. (LinkedIn) (Facebook)
Topic: Empathy Circles and Consciousness
Abstract: Participating in Empathy Circles is a great help in expanding consciousness. By listening for understanding rather than listening to reply, a person can feel more at home in the universe. The Empathy Circle experience can strengthen one's relationships with more and more of our human family.
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Bob Brown discussed the concept of empathy circles and consciousness, emphasizing that consciousness is the awareness of being part of a unified whole. He highlighted the evolution of consciousness from self-centered to more inclusive states, including intuitive and unitive consciousness. Brown cited Rupert Spira's definition of consciousness and mentioned activities like meditation, journaling, and art to expand awareness. He also referenced experts like Ian McGilchrist and Michael Benner, stressing the importance of self-aware responses and the ultimate reality of consciousness. Cara Wilson appreciated Brown's insights, particularly on the power of awareness and the impact of consciousness on personal growth.
[ ] Look up Rupert Spira's teachings on consciousness.
[ ] Implement an intentional program of consciousness-raising, such as meditation, journaling, and art.
Cara Wilson introduces Bob Brown, highlighting his work with empathy tents and his spiritual journey.
Bob Brown begins his presentation, thanking Edwin Rutsch and the audience for their presence.
Bob shares a personal anecdote from 1968 about realizing he was not the center of the universe, a concept he struggled with due to his mother's teachings.
The concept of empathy circles is introduced, emphasizing their role in helping individuals realize they are not the center of the universe.
Bob explains that consciousness is the big circle, with empathy circles being part of that larger concept.
He discusses the importance of realizing that each person is not the center of the universe, which is a major breakthrough in consciousness evolution.
Consciousness is defined as the quality or state of being aware, including self-awareness and engagement with the world.
Empathy circles help move individuals away from self-centered separation towards a unified wholeness.
Bob outlines various types of consciousness, including selfish, Buddha, Christ, collective, cosmic, divine, Islamic, Krishna, Moses, Tao, universal, and more.
He emphasizes that the bigger and more inclusive the consciousness, the better it is.
A definition of consciousness from Rupert Spira is shared, highlighting its role in making all experiences known and appearing.
Bob discusses other activities to expand consciousness, such as meditation, journaling, mantra repetition, reading, creating or beholding art, and practicing awareness.
Bob describes the evolution of consciousness from reptilian (concerned with basic needs) to typhonic (imagination as reality) to mythic membership (tribalism) to mental egoic (responsibility) to intuitive (cooperation and mutuality) to unitive (unconditional love).
He explains that intuitive consciousness is beyond rational thinking and characterized by human cooperation and a growing sense of oneness.
The goal is to achieve unitive consciousness, which involves working unconditional love into one's faculties and relationships, diminishing the sense of a separate self.
Bob mentions that Spyro teaches that unitive consciousness exists within us, but we need to remove obstacles to access it.
Bob experiences technical difficulties with his screen sharing, leading to a brief interruption in his presentation.
Edwin Rutsch and other participants help Bob resolve the issue, allowing him to continue his talk.
Bob reiterates the importance of reducing self-centered behaviors and thinking through meditation, journaling, and other practices.
He emphasizes that the universe is the ultimate empath, accepting and listening to everyone, and that it is a manifestation of ultimate consciousness.
Bob shares quotes from various experts on consciousness, including Rupert Spira, Ian McGilchrist, and Michael Benner.
He highlights the importance of self-aware responses and the supreme quality of mind and love as two sides of the same coin.
Bob encourages the audience to look up Rupert Spira for more wisdom on consciousness.
Cara Wilson thanks Bob for his presentation, reflecting on the importance of awareness and the perception of reality.