I appreciate your piece. That being said, it’s so sad to me that it took a scandal this terrible touching the SBNR community to get ministers and leaders in New Thought to begin to acknowledge that all that “don’t give attention to negativity” was psychologically abusive and out of integrity, which ironically is a phrase often lobbed at people who point out issues - usually about someone in a leadership role.
After years, and tears, and a significant amount of money, I walked away from New Thought and became a sort of pariah as well as beacon of light. Pariah to anyone who didn’t want to face the truth; beacon for those also disenfranchised.
I cautiously embrace NT’s new found moral compass, but am not sure that the same issues that led Deepak astray won’t
continue to be problematic within the organizations that want to “be” NT: power, greed, and stardom/fame.
Here’s hoping the better angels finally get their opening.
Thanks for commenting. I hear you. I can only say that I’ve been on this journey a long time and my message has only gotten stronger and louder. I do think there is a sizable shift in the orgs. And you are correct, no org is above or beyond human beings whose shadows intact harm. My voice here is not limited to NTh. Per se. Lots of my followers have no idea about that. Rather it’s a larger collective of those seeking liberation and justice through spiritual and social means - regardless of religious or spiritual affiliations.
Thank you for this thoughtful call to action in the name of integrity.
There is a real need for changes in how human beings respond in the face of harm being done by those that our society has put into positions of authority.
I agree that we as a collective have been a cause to an effect.
Yet, any repair will not come forth by holding only one side of this polarity accountable while the other becomes of judge, jury and executioner.
This will simply perpetuate the cycle of abuse.
In the case of Dr. Chopra and his alleged misconduct, now that he has been caught so to speak, what would you wish for him to do now?
Should he be canceled?
Should he be condemned without due process?
What kind of apology would you accept from him?
How would you wish for him to begin to hold himself accountable and begin to make repairs?
Would he even be given that opportunity to make repairs or will he simply be disallowed from ever being welcomed in our communities again?
How is it that his guilt and his bad behavior detracted from his expertise, knowledge, leadership, skills, business skills, wisdom, and in any other ways that he has contributed in very positive ways in our world?
In the example above about the reporter, asking questions of Deepak Chopra at the airport, which was not a discussion by the way, but a confrontation by someone who clearly had already made up his mind that there was no answer that he could have given that would have satisfied the journalist need to make his point.
That kind of ambush and confrontation is not going to help heal or repair any harms that have already been done.
It seems to me that in order for this be addressed in a mature way, we must grow up and accept the fact that every single human being has both a light and dark side.
when we know that we are guilty of harming another, how would we wish to be treated in our effort to be held accountable? How would we wish to hold ourselves accountable in such a way that does not create further harm either to ourselves or to others? how would we choose to respond to being ambushed at the airport by a greedy journalist who will not accept any answer that given either in self-defense or in a desire to admit character defects or seek to make amends?
“ Forgiveness is the fragrance the violet sheds on the heel that has crushed it.“
Mark Twain
What fragrance are we leaving behind in the wake of our exploration of what to do now?
To put in another way, for Dr Chopra, are we genuinely interested in what he has to say or have we already made up our minds about him?
Enough time has passed now and we've seen how Deepak has chosen to respond. He continues to model a disconnected lack of compassion, care or concern for either his actions or his impact. While much of the truth he taught - remains - as it it sourced from ancient Vedic teachings - he can no longer be considered a trusted source of such wisdom. He's violated pubic trust through lack of integrity and stewardship entrusted to him. I have no doubt he would have received plenty of grace from followers if he had chosen a more honest and reflective path - instead he's chosen deflection and dismissal. It's very sad to see and highlights the point I was making about community and collective consciousness. I've said elsewhere; that personal enlightenment is a poor indicator of public justice. I would have liked to see a full public account of his involvement over the years, full responsibility for harm caused - both to those he engaged with and his followers who expected more of him. And a pledge of funds from his books and royalties to the victims - finally some structures in place to ensure future accountability. sadly we got nothing close to that.
Thank you for taking the time to reflect and reply to my comment. I fully acknowledge the complexity of this issue. I admire your dedication to demand transparency and to encourage people to speak out against those who do not live up to the high standards of behavior entrusted to them by a public who deem themselves a reliable judge of another’s’ lack of integrity and stewardship. This is a heavy load to carry for everyone as we are all in this together.
I am not writing here to take any sides or to make any excuses.
What I seem to be a bit perplexed by is the almost immediate rush to insist on everything needing to be a certain way. I disagree that Dr. Chopra
could expect any Grace coming from those who seem to be ready to assume wrongdoing based on the information we can green from theses files.
To my knowledge we do not have any indication of proof of any misconduct or accusations from any individuals of harm done by Dr. Chopra.
What we do see is conversation of a private nature between acquaintances of unknown relationship in emails that was never intended to be public. While this is questionable as to the apparent unwise, perhaps unconscious choices and a distinct indication of poor judgement and character flaws in regards to possible misogyny and lack of discretion in matters of sexuality, there is no evidence of illegal, criminal offense.
And in this country, even if there were concerns of criminality, the accused are presumed innocent until proven guilty. Yet, the responses that I have seen coming from the public and from spiritual leaders in particular, seem to be almost cult like in the push towards insisting on distancing themselves from any proximity to anyone named in these files.
Of course it is understandable to want to protect all from harm. What is questionable to me is the seemingly unwillingness or perhaps incapacity to recognize the projections of one’s own shadow onto the “other”.
Human sexuality is indeed quite complex and, imho, our society is still living under the influence of unresolved shame carried over from our ancestors of centuries ago who burned people at the stake for any sexual deviance from norms as dictated by more primal, instinctual, ‘eye for eye, tooth for tooth’ worldview.
Sadly, we still have a long way to go…..
I have heard leaders chastise Chopra for “befriending” a pedophile. Ok, I get it….
AND
Do we honestly believe that pedophiles should not be allowed friendship?
Especially if we say that, “We are all ONE”?
The hypocrisy is palpable.
And also understandable….
Hence COMPLEX.
Chopra has stated that he hopes that the truth will all come out once there is an investigation by legitimate authorities and that he is eager to cooperate.
Yet, my feeling is that much of the public is happy to use him as a scapegoat for the rest of us to never have to address our own shadow or dark side.
So, if we are saddened, disappointed, angry even to the point of righteous indignation, then we have much work to do to clean up, grow up, wake up show up and even lighten up as we all are in this together.
There is more than enough accountability to be reckoned with as we continue to do our part as individuals and a collective to co-create a world that works for everyone.
While I could say more…
(and perhaps I will on my own Substack page?? Or not,)
I always love the way you very thoughtful call for accountability and call out incongruence. Thank you for the article resources. We are definitely in a time of reckoning across contexts and I’m here for it.
Thanks, Rev. Dave. This gives me so much to think about and touches on the particular heartbreak I have felt when moving out of spiritual community that just doesn’t feel connected or true. I often wonder if we can do that in large groups or if it takes smaller, quieter pockets, to listen, reflect, think. I do believe the struggle and desire for power and money always seems to allow those who want “more” to continue to rise. It seems to me the true spiritual work can be done in community but maybe only in the quiet of community that is willing to listen and think, then we have to take that work out to the world to work for justice. I’m just rambling, but having my heartbroken by spiritual communities that lacked true love and integrity, I’ve thought a lot about this. I am glad you are here.
maintaining authenticity on the journey - thats a personal and collective practice for sure. I think you are quite right about reaching a certain level and then needing to take it outward and work for justice. This has become a central element of my work (me to we) - engaging any gained wisdom from our personal practice into a commitment for justice puts us in relationship with each other and the world - which in turn will keep us accountable and on track with more integrity - or at least thats the idea.
Each and every essay you post gives me hope and helps bolster my beliefs. I have been surrounded and feel like I'm drowning among people spiritual bypassing - even the local minister. I don't even attend on Sunday anymore because of what's NOT said. It's so sad. I think what if these beliefs of not taking sides, not acknowledging right from wrong had been around during slavery, Hitler, etc. Would there have been enough people around to defeat these evils. And white privilege is something so many don't want to look at or even acknowledge. So tired of hearing its low vibration to resist. They don't see the cowardice. I've felt like a tenacious island trying to survive in doldrums. And people use New Thought, Law of Attraction ideas as license to do nothing, allow themselves to feel superior, ascended even. Thank you for your posts. Sometimes I wonder if this movement (don't resist, be aware of what's happening because what you think about you bring about, just focus on the golden future) just enables the evil. It certainly keeps those types "safe" as they do and say nothing to resist as they allow others shoulder all the risk. And it's Evangelicals too who have been conditioned to trust and obey. We really do need a spiritual over-haul.
Finally let me just add people with millions of followers like Pam Gregory, Lee Harris, residing in the UK, protected, enjoying free healthcare, education, childcare, a social safety net. They don't have ICE roaming the streets disappearing their neighbors, a traitorous president trying to take down the country and economy - how callous they are. And their followers don't even THINK about the optics of their ease to practice or preach this spiritual bypassing What do they have to lose as they preach to others to do nothing but vision a golden future as the world crumbles around us. Makes me sad, frustrated and angry. How many people are they convincing to do nothing, say nothing, think nothing. LIke the three monkeys.
Thank you, David. Your comments about SBNR/NT moving from adolescence to adulthood really resonated as that is something I've been encouraging in my community from the get go. It is about learning to trust one's Inner Authority AND being responsible/accountable in co-creating the society and world we envision. There must be engagement and that means facing hard truths and doing the work not just in consciousness, but in the world. It takes both inner and outer responsibility and accountability of the individual and the collective to bring about change.
This is by far the most maturely written piece on this subject matter that I’ve read to date. It also resonates with me because it so describes so many encounters that I had while in ministry. I’ve been in tons of private sessions with many well known charismatic leaders within the Christian community—what’s known as “the inner circle.” Reading this piece, ushered me back in time to many of those disturbing moments—moments my memory will never be able to erase. Ppl whom I thought were the salt of the Earth, reduced to nothing for harborers of pain, disillusionment, wealth over people, etc. As a young man, who suffered some of their abuses, I’m not bothered by this piece—I herald its significance and the maturity in which it was written. I wish that something of this nature had been written and existed for me as a young man exiting ministry because of the abusive similarities written here. Maybe my healing would’ve come forth differently. Thank you for this piece. My experiences have caused me to wear discretionary and discerning lenses now, as I journey this field of spiritual gurus and its environment.
Appreciate your thoughts on this. This article was a little triggering for me, but I read it all. I was extremely disappointed to learn that Chopra had a relationship with Epstein. I was very appreciative of his work around autoimmune diseases, even in the face of nearly being laughed off the planet over it. In the end, it turns out that his work was correct and continuing to be studied now. This is terribly disappointing, and the article, in my opinion, points to a major problem in New Thought religion. There were some phrases in there that completely reminded me of a minister from my former Unity church, and now I'm going to have to do the work in my head all day today because of it. But this stuff needs to be brought to light about the people leading in these organizations. I'm going to go soak my head now.
"One of the great shadows in modern spirituality is the tendency to relativize harm in the name of transcendence. To pass it off as 'perspective' or low vibration thinking. This kind of warped justification has produced a lot of harm in spiritual circles. Sexual abuse, coercion and emotional manipulation has left a trail of victims in spiritual communities from yoga to personal coaches to church community leaders. Calls for justice are often dismissed in favor of the enlightened gains of personal lessons and the conscious 'evolution' of abuser and victim alike."
It must be stopped, and we must begin to look squarely at what we have and dismantle it, be it on the stage or in our minds. We have to begin to look at how these systems are all interwoven, how they support each other even in silence, especially in silence.
Thank you Debora for your heart centered share. I hold what you have shared tenderly to my heart. Your prayer is my prayer also. May we find healing together.
“A true awakening leaves no stone unturned because consciousness itself is pressing toward coherence. Toward alignment. Toward a world where our private ethics and public influence can no longer live separate lives.“
Appreciate entire article, your attention to detail is vast and brilliant! From scholarship approach to practical application and spiritual practice! Thank you! Will share.
This week I was in Olympia at a rally with 500 people. I was talking to a Somalian woman regarding the legislation that we were there to discuss with our representatives. It came to me the value of creating a think tank focusing on how to shed light and an invitation for the millionaires/billionaires to remember generosity and legacy, and for me focused on that profound mission statement that says we’re committed to creating a world that works for everyone. I propose we create some think tanks anchored in your messaging here.
thanks for sharing your thoughts - yes! I’m actually working on the launch of a new non-profit - which will be research and think thank based - so I’ll be in touch soon.
Thank you, Rev. David, for the depths you go to in this article. I wrote about Chopra's mentions in the files a few weeks ago from a deeply personal perspective. When I saw the footage of his confrontation at the airport i wasn't surprised. As a SBNR minister, it is my intention to point people back to themselves--not to attain any form of guru status. 🙏🏽❤️
Yes, I deeply appreciate your thoughts, thank you. Lots to think about. I am one who seeks to cultivate community and that observation about communities becoming loose networks, eschewing covenants...what a really important distinction. Intentionality is essential, if we are to move the dial. ❤️🩹
You got it - it’s really essential that we shift to a collective and community mindset for humanity….”individual success” is not enough. thanks for being here!
Yes to all of this. You covered a lot in this which needs to be addressed. Thank you 🙏
I agree that we are at the messy stage of a moral reconning in spirituality and shifting back to community / based practices and collective mindset… not just individual awakening taught by capitalist spiritual influencers.
I also appreciate how I haven’t heard any spiritual students defending him just because his work influenced our lives in a sort of abject allegiance…and I feel hopeful about that- we can hold people accountable for their human actions and impact and walk that line of discomfort when the shadow side of spiritual teachers are revealed. That makes me a bit hopeful for the revoLOVEtion. And I especially appreciate you and other male leaders like Robert addressing this. 💜🌈
Yes to all of this. Thank you 🙏 I believe we are at the messy beginning of a moral reconning in spirituality and shifting back to community based practices not just individual awakening taught by capitalist spiritual influencers.
I also appreciate how I haven’t heard any spiritual students defending him just because his work influenced our lives and I feel hopeful about that- we can hold people accountable for their human actions and impact and walk that line of discomfort when the shadow side of spiritual teachers are revealed. That makes me a bit hopeful for the revoLOVEtion.
Very very well said and written. Thank you for your voice. I have a lot of thoughts on this… 🙏
I appreciate your piece. That being said, it’s so sad to me that it took a scandal this terrible touching the SBNR community to get ministers and leaders in New Thought to begin to acknowledge that all that “don’t give attention to negativity” was psychologically abusive and out of integrity, which ironically is a phrase often lobbed at people who point out issues - usually about someone in a leadership role.
After years, and tears, and a significant amount of money, I walked away from New Thought and became a sort of pariah as well as beacon of light. Pariah to anyone who didn’t want to face the truth; beacon for those also disenfranchised.
I cautiously embrace NT’s new found moral compass, but am not sure that the same issues that led Deepak astray won’t
continue to be problematic within the organizations that want to “be” NT: power, greed, and stardom/fame.
Here’s hoping the better angels finally get their opening.
Rebecca
Thanks for commenting. I hear you. I can only say that I’ve been on this journey a long time and my message has only gotten stronger and louder. I do think there is a sizable shift in the orgs. And you are correct, no org is above or beyond human beings whose shadows intact harm. My voice here is not limited to NTh. Per se. Lots of my followers have no idea about that. Rather it’s a larger collective of those seeking liberation and justice through spiritual and social means - regardless of religious or spiritual affiliations.
Thank you for this thoughtful call to action in the name of integrity.
There is a real need for changes in how human beings respond in the face of harm being done by those that our society has put into positions of authority.
I agree that we as a collective have been a cause to an effect.
Yet, any repair will not come forth by holding only one side of this polarity accountable while the other becomes of judge, jury and executioner.
This will simply perpetuate the cycle of abuse.
In the case of Dr. Chopra and his alleged misconduct, now that he has been caught so to speak, what would you wish for him to do now?
Should he be canceled?
Should he be condemned without due process?
What kind of apology would you accept from him?
How would you wish for him to begin to hold himself accountable and begin to make repairs?
Would he even be given that opportunity to make repairs or will he simply be disallowed from ever being welcomed in our communities again?
How is it that his guilt and his bad behavior detracted from his expertise, knowledge, leadership, skills, business skills, wisdom, and in any other ways that he has contributed in very positive ways in our world?
In the example above about the reporter, asking questions of Deepak Chopra at the airport, which was not a discussion by the way, but a confrontation by someone who clearly had already made up his mind that there was no answer that he could have given that would have satisfied the journalist need to make his point.
That kind of ambush and confrontation is not going to help heal or repair any harms that have already been done.
It seems to me that in order for this be addressed in a mature way, we must grow up and accept the fact that every single human being has both a light and dark side.
when we know that we are guilty of harming another, how would we wish to be treated in our effort to be held accountable? How would we wish to hold ourselves accountable in such a way that does not create further harm either to ourselves or to others? how would we choose to respond to being ambushed at the airport by a greedy journalist who will not accept any answer that given either in self-defense or in a desire to admit character defects or seek to make amends?
“ Forgiveness is the fragrance the violet sheds on the heel that has crushed it.“
Mark Twain
What fragrance are we leaving behind in the wake of our exploration of what to do now?
To put in another way, for Dr Chopra, are we genuinely interested in what he has to say or have we already made up our minds about him?
Enough time has passed now and we've seen how Deepak has chosen to respond. He continues to model a disconnected lack of compassion, care or concern for either his actions or his impact. While much of the truth he taught - remains - as it it sourced from ancient Vedic teachings - he can no longer be considered a trusted source of such wisdom. He's violated pubic trust through lack of integrity and stewardship entrusted to him. I have no doubt he would have received plenty of grace from followers if he had chosen a more honest and reflective path - instead he's chosen deflection and dismissal. It's very sad to see and highlights the point I was making about community and collective consciousness. I've said elsewhere; that personal enlightenment is a poor indicator of public justice. I would have liked to see a full public account of his involvement over the years, full responsibility for harm caused - both to those he engaged with and his followers who expected more of him. And a pledge of funds from his books and royalties to the victims - finally some structures in place to ensure future accountability. sadly we got nothing close to that.
Thank you for this thoughtful response. It deserves a full reply which I’ll get to next week. Have a great weekend.
Thank you for taking the time to reflect and reply to my comment. I fully acknowledge the complexity of this issue. I admire your dedication to demand transparency and to encourage people to speak out against those who do not live up to the high standards of behavior entrusted to them by a public who deem themselves a reliable judge of another’s’ lack of integrity and stewardship. This is a heavy load to carry for everyone as we are all in this together.
I am not writing here to take any sides or to make any excuses.
What I seem to be a bit perplexed by is the almost immediate rush to insist on everything needing to be a certain way. I disagree that Dr. Chopra
could expect any Grace coming from those who seem to be ready to assume wrongdoing based on the information we can green from theses files.
To my knowledge we do not have any indication of proof of any misconduct or accusations from any individuals of harm done by Dr. Chopra.
What we do see is conversation of a private nature between acquaintances of unknown relationship in emails that was never intended to be public. While this is questionable as to the apparent unwise, perhaps unconscious choices and a distinct indication of poor judgement and character flaws in regards to possible misogyny and lack of discretion in matters of sexuality, there is no evidence of illegal, criminal offense.
And in this country, even if there were concerns of criminality, the accused are presumed innocent until proven guilty. Yet, the responses that I have seen coming from the public and from spiritual leaders in particular, seem to be almost cult like in the push towards insisting on distancing themselves from any proximity to anyone named in these files.
Of course it is understandable to want to protect all from harm. What is questionable to me is the seemingly unwillingness or perhaps incapacity to recognize the projections of one’s own shadow onto the “other”.
Human sexuality is indeed quite complex and, imho, our society is still living under the influence of unresolved shame carried over from our ancestors of centuries ago who burned people at the stake for any sexual deviance from norms as dictated by more primal, instinctual, ‘eye for eye, tooth for tooth’ worldview.
Sadly, we still have a long way to go…..
I have heard leaders chastise Chopra for “befriending” a pedophile. Ok, I get it….
AND
Do we honestly believe that pedophiles should not be allowed friendship?
Especially if we say that, “We are all ONE”?
The hypocrisy is palpable.
And also understandable….
Hence COMPLEX.
Chopra has stated that he hopes that the truth will all come out once there is an investigation by legitimate authorities and that he is eager to cooperate.
Yet, my feeling is that much of the public is happy to use him as a scapegoat for the rest of us to never have to address our own shadow or dark side.
So, if we are saddened, disappointed, angry even to the point of righteous indignation, then we have much work to do to clean up, grow up, wake up show up and even lighten up as we all are in this together.
There is more than enough accountability to be reckoned with as we continue to do our part as individuals and a collective to co-create a world that works for everyone.
While I could say more…
(and perhaps I will on my own Substack page?? Or not,)
I thank you for allowing me to comment here….
Blessed Be,
Marjorie Shalita
I always love the way you very thoughtful call for accountability and call out incongruence. Thank you for the article resources. We are definitely in a time of reckoning across contexts and I’m here for it.
Thanks, Rev. Dave. This gives me so much to think about and touches on the particular heartbreak I have felt when moving out of spiritual community that just doesn’t feel connected or true. I often wonder if we can do that in large groups or if it takes smaller, quieter pockets, to listen, reflect, think. I do believe the struggle and desire for power and money always seems to allow those who want “more” to continue to rise. It seems to me the true spiritual work can be done in community but maybe only in the quiet of community that is willing to listen and think, then we have to take that work out to the world to work for justice. I’m just rambling, but having my heartbroken by spiritual communities that lacked true love and integrity, I’ve thought a lot about this. I am glad you are here.
maintaining authenticity on the journey - thats a personal and collective practice for sure. I think you are quite right about reaching a certain level and then needing to take it outward and work for justice. This has become a central element of my work (me to we) - engaging any gained wisdom from our personal practice into a commitment for justice puts us in relationship with each other and the world - which in turn will keep us accountable and on track with more integrity - or at least thats the idea.
Thank you for speaking about this.
What is professed in the light can withstand scrutiny in the dark.
This is the true humanity test isn't it? It speaks of morality at the core for me. For everyone. In "religion" and "spirituality".
Each and every essay you post gives me hope and helps bolster my beliefs. I have been surrounded and feel like I'm drowning among people spiritual bypassing - even the local minister. I don't even attend on Sunday anymore because of what's NOT said. It's so sad. I think what if these beliefs of not taking sides, not acknowledging right from wrong had been around during slavery, Hitler, etc. Would there have been enough people around to defeat these evils. And white privilege is something so many don't want to look at or even acknowledge. So tired of hearing its low vibration to resist. They don't see the cowardice. I've felt like a tenacious island trying to survive in doldrums. And people use New Thought, Law of Attraction ideas as license to do nothing, allow themselves to feel superior, ascended even. Thank you for your posts. Sometimes I wonder if this movement (don't resist, be aware of what's happening because what you think about you bring about, just focus on the golden future) just enables the evil. It certainly keeps those types "safe" as they do and say nothing to resist as they allow others shoulder all the risk. And it's Evangelicals too who have been conditioned to trust and obey. We really do need a spiritual over-haul.
Finally let me just add people with millions of followers like Pam Gregory, Lee Harris, residing in the UK, protected, enjoying free healthcare, education, childcare, a social safety net. They don't have ICE roaming the streets disappearing their neighbors, a traitorous president trying to take down the country and economy - how callous they are. And their followers don't even THINK about the optics of their ease to practice or preach this spiritual bypassing What do they have to lose as they preach to others to do nothing but vision a golden future as the world crumbles around us. Makes me sad, frustrated and angry. How many people are they convincing to do nothing, say nothing, think nothing. LIke the three monkeys.
Thank you, David. Your comments about SBNR/NT moving from adolescence to adulthood really resonated as that is something I've been encouraging in my community from the get go. It is about learning to trust one's Inner Authority AND being responsible/accountable in co-creating the society and world we envision. There must be engagement and that means facing hard truths and doing the work not just in consciousness, but in the world. It takes both inner and outer responsibility and accountability of the individual and the collective to bring about change.
This is by far the most maturely written piece on this subject matter that I’ve read to date. It also resonates with me because it so describes so many encounters that I had while in ministry. I’ve been in tons of private sessions with many well known charismatic leaders within the Christian community—what’s known as “the inner circle.” Reading this piece, ushered me back in time to many of those disturbing moments—moments my memory will never be able to erase. Ppl whom I thought were the salt of the Earth, reduced to nothing for harborers of pain, disillusionment, wealth over people, etc. As a young man, who suffered some of their abuses, I’m not bothered by this piece—I herald its significance and the maturity in which it was written. I wish that something of this nature had been written and existed for me as a young man exiting ministry because of the abusive similarities written here. Maybe my healing would’ve come forth differently. Thank you for this piece. My experiences have caused me to wear discretionary and discerning lenses now, as I journey this field of spiritual gurus and its environment.
Thank you sir.
Thank you for having the courage and foresight to write it. 🙏🏽
Appreciate your thoughts on this. This article was a little triggering for me, but I read it all. I was extremely disappointed to learn that Chopra had a relationship with Epstein. I was very appreciative of his work around autoimmune diseases, even in the face of nearly being laughed off the planet over it. In the end, it turns out that his work was correct and continuing to be studied now. This is terribly disappointing, and the article, in my opinion, points to a major problem in New Thought religion. There were some phrases in there that completely reminded me of a minister from my former Unity church, and now I'm going to have to do the work in my head all day today because of it. But this stuff needs to be brought to light about the people leading in these organizations. I'm going to go soak my head now.
"One of the great shadows in modern spirituality is the tendency to relativize harm in the name of transcendence. To pass it off as 'perspective' or low vibration thinking. This kind of warped justification has produced a lot of harm in spiritual circles. Sexual abuse, coercion and emotional manipulation has left a trail of victims in spiritual communities from yoga to personal coaches to church community leaders. Calls for justice are often dismissed in favor of the enlightened gains of personal lessons and the conscious 'evolution' of abuser and victim alike."
It must be stopped, and we must begin to look squarely at what we have and dismantle it, be it on the stage or in our minds. We have to begin to look at how these systems are all interwoven, how they support each other even in silence, especially in silence.
https://open.substack.com/pub/revdalexander/p/enlightenment-after-dark?r=y8rz3&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web
Thank you Debora for your heart centered share. I hold what you have shared tenderly to my heart. Your prayer is my prayer also. May we find healing together.
“A true awakening leaves no stone unturned because consciousness itself is pressing toward coherence. Toward alignment. Toward a world where our private ethics and public influence can no longer live separate lives.“
Appreciate entire article, your attention to detail is vast and brilliant! From scholarship approach to practical application and spiritual practice! Thank you! Will share.
This week I was in Olympia at a rally with 500 people. I was talking to a Somalian woman regarding the legislation that we were there to discuss with our representatives. It came to me the value of creating a think tank focusing on how to shed light and an invitation for the millionaires/billionaires to remember generosity and legacy, and for me focused on that profound mission statement that says we’re committed to creating a world that works for everyone. I propose we create some think tanks anchored in your messaging here.
thanks for sharing your thoughts - yes! I’m actually working on the launch of a new non-profit - which will be research and think thank based - so I’ll be in touch soon.
Thank you, Rev. David, for the depths you go to in this article. I wrote about Chopra's mentions in the files a few weeks ago from a deeply personal perspective. When I saw the footage of his confrontation at the airport i wasn't surprised. As a SBNR minister, it is my intention to point people back to themselves--not to attain any form of guru status. 🙏🏽❤️
I'll check out your article - sorry I missed it. Love then work you are doing.
Yes, I deeply appreciate your thoughts, thank you. Lots to think about. I am one who seeks to cultivate community and that observation about communities becoming loose networks, eschewing covenants...what a really important distinction. Intentionality is essential, if we are to move the dial. ❤️🩹
You got it - it’s really essential that we shift to a collective and community mindset for humanity….”individual success” is not enough. thanks for being here!
Yes to all of this. You covered a lot in this which needs to be addressed. Thank you 🙏
I agree that we are at the messy stage of a moral reconning in spirituality and shifting back to community / based practices and collective mindset… not just individual awakening taught by capitalist spiritual influencers.
I also appreciate how I haven’t heard any spiritual students defending him just because his work influenced our lives in a sort of abject allegiance…and I feel hopeful about that- we can hold people accountable for their human actions and impact and walk that line of discomfort when the shadow side of spiritual teachers are revealed. That makes me a bit hopeful for the revoLOVEtion. And I especially appreciate you and other male leaders like Robert addressing this. 💜🌈
Grateful for your insights and contributions.
Yes to all of this. Thank you 🙏 I believe we are at the messy beginning of a moral reconning in spirituality and shifting back to community based practices not just individual awakening taught by capitalist spiritual influencers.
I also appreciate how I haven’t heard any spiritual students defending him just because his work influenced our lives and I feel hopeful about that- we can hold people accountable for their human actions and impact and walk that line of discomfort when the shadow side of spiritual teachers are revealed. That makes me a bit hopeful for the revoLOVEtion.
Thank you, David. Powerful Truth expressed with compassionate strength and clarity.