Another great article, Tom. I found myself assigning different probabilities to a few of the items you listed. As an IFS practitioner, I'm convinced of the reality of chakras because parts so often cluster around them. Also, after doing IFS work full-time for a few years, I became convinced of the reality of "Unattached Burdens" or what are colloquially known as demons. Rare but they seem pretty consistent and real when they pop up.
And I love that you're diving into IFS! At the risk of being pedantic, I'd add that the main goal of IFS is to open up more space in one's system for Self-energy. Parts then coalesce around this life-force of Self (what you might call the guiding force of the universe). The term "Self-led" is used to describe this state.
This isn’t pedantry: it’s expertise. Especially as it sounds like an essential nuance. One I need to understand better I think… also super interesting on both the chakras and UBs. Seems worth a deeper convo.
Chakras I believe 100% due to direct experiences with a skilled craniosacral therapist. Outside of that my experiences have been more subtle in acupuncture, yoga, and meditation. The IFS comment above sounds spot on too. I found the book Eastern Body Western Mind helpful to shed light on chakras in a grounded way yet there’s a lot in there that I roll my eyes at since I only really believe through my direct experience.
I believe Vedic astrology is 100% legitimate to provide some insights on character and life events. Knowing your birth time makes a difference. Traditionally Vedic astrologers never advertised and were only found through word of mouth. I played on ChatGPT and while some things were generic when I compared myself with family member “readings,” there were some specifics that blew my mind! There’s definitely truth to it that I don’t think can be just by chance.
It's unscientific, but if most spiritual traditions have a version of something (chakra's/astrology) then there's SOMETHING to it. I am curious what areas are like TOTAL BS. Because even crystals and stuff seem to have something to them...
#16 (Every single thought or emotion we have is given form as an “elemental") sparked an interesting connection. Brandon Sanderson explores this theme (via fiction) in his Stormlight Archive series. He calls elementals "spren."
It's not ONLY because a lot of them are weird, but yes generally there are just a lot of different sources for some of these, and also quite a lot of scientific papers!
I love where we differ. The love and transition questions in particular.
Thank you so much again for this wonderful article. I love the idea of the "earth school". And I resonate so much with what you are saying. For me number 4 has sometimes been so intense that I almost went into "ontological shock". At the same time it's such a beautiful way of existing.
I have found that curiosity leads us to all kinds of Woo or as Ric Flair would say: Whoooooooooooo! So many elements in your article remind me of things I have explored in Waldorfian/ Rudolf Steiner communities. Some are meh.. for me and others are Wow! I always wondered about that!
Very good piece. I’m thinking about a poll that plots what’s regarded as woo and how many people believe in it. Might help break the common knowledge game.
Short story. On the day of my unity experience I simply knew that god existed and he was love. Like Jung said “I don’t believe, I know.” Sadly that feeling slowly faded to more of a strong 70% suspicion 😂.
Another great article, Tom. I found myself assigning different probabilities to a few of the items you listed. As an IFS practitioner, I'm convinced of the reality of chakras because parts so often cluster around them. Also, after doing IFS work full-time for a few years, I became convinced of the reality of "Unattached Burdens" or what are colloquially known as demons. Rare but they seem pretty consistent and real when they pop up.
And I love that you're diving into IFS! At the risk of being pedantic, I'd add that the main goal of IFS is to open up more space in one's system for Self-energy. Parts then coalesce around this life-force of Self (what you might call the guiding force of the universe). The term "Self-led" is used to describe this state.
This isn’t pedantry: it’s expertise. Especially as it sounds like an essential nuance. One I need to understand better I think… also super interesting on both the chakras and UBs. Seems worth a deeper convo.
Reach out anytime. I’d love to dive deeper 🙏
Chakras I believe 100% due to direct experiences with a skilled craniosacral therapist. Outside of that my experiences have been more subtle in acupuncture, yoga, and meditation. The IFS comment above sounds spot on too. I found the book Eastern Body Western Mind helpful to shed light on chakras in a grounded way yet there’s a lot in there that I roll my eyes at since I only really believe through my direct experience.
I believe Vedic astrology is 100% legitimate to provide some insights on character and life events. Knowing your birth time makes a difference. Traditionally Vedic astrologers never advertised and were only found through word of mouth. I played on ChatGPT and while some things were generic when I compared myself with family member “readings,” there were some specifics that blew my mind! There’s definitely truth to it that I don’t think can be just by chance.
It's unscientific, but if most spiritual traditions have a version of something (chakra's/astrology) then there's SOMETHING to it. I am curious what areas are like TOTAL BS. Because even crystals and stuff seem to have something to them...
#16 (Every single thought or emotion we have is given form as an “elemental") sparked an interesting connection. Brandon Sanderson explores this theme (via fiction) in his Stormlight Archive series. He calls elementals "spren."
Interesting- I think a lot of this kind of fiction is a way of revealing the truth...
(90% indicates direct personal experience.)
1. 90%
2. 90%
3. 90%
4. 80%
5. 90%
6. 50%
7. 75%
8. 20%
9. 20%
10. 90%
11. 70%
12. 60%
13. 30%
14. <10%
15. <10%
16. 50%- you should just tell us what esoteric readings you're referring to! Unless you think it's too "woo" to share...
17. <10%
It's not ONLY because a lot of them are weird, but yes generally there are just a lot of different sources for some of these, and also quite a lot of scientific papers!
I love where we differ. The love and transition questions in particular.
Thanks for doing the exercise!
Thank you so much again for this wonderful article. I love the idea of the "earth school". And I resonate so much with what you are saying. For me number 4 has sometimes been so intense that I almost went into "ontological shock". At the same time it's such a beautiful way of existing.
Thanks Jessica. Sadly most of these were VERY hard for me to accept. But it’s all worth it.
I love your woo list. Maybe we should do a version for the LE group and see where the averages lie!
I actually want to do a big online survey. But I need help, watch this space.
Maybe what is woo today is just like seeing a light bulb 500 years ago. Maybe science can explain all, eventually. Or not. Shrug.
Well- I think working out what is real and what is nonsense is helpful too!
Tom,
I have found that curiosity leads us to all kinds of Woo or as Ric Flair would say: Whoooooooooooo! So many elements in your article remind me of things I have explored in Waldorfian/ Rudolf Steiner communities. Some are meh.. for me and others are Wow! I always wondered about that!
Yeah: I wonder why some woo electrifies me and others leaves me cold. I'd LIKE to think it's because I can sometimes sense truth. Maybe.
Good rollup of your travels thus far... I've enjoyed listening and reading along as you went. I came to a similar conclusion about the woo- https://adamkaraoguz.substack.com/p/what-is-the-right-amount-of-woo
Very good piece. I’m thinking about a poll that plots what’s regarded as woo and how many people believe in it. Might help break the common knowledge game.
Perhaps too early, but one day I would absolutely love to read about your experiences with God.
Short story. On the day of my unity experience I simply knew that god existed and he was love. Like Jung said “I don’t believe, I know.” Sadly that feeling slowly faded to more of a strong 70% suspicion 😂.
70% isn't bad - certainly a good place from which to build.