https://newrepublicoftheheart.org/podcast/066-sean-esbjorn-hargens-our-wild-kosmos-aliens-angels-elves-critical-thinking/
Integral scholar and Exostudies pioneer Sean Esbjörn-Hargens joins Terry to explore an integral approach to conspiracy theories and “exo realities” — including the anomalous phenomena that challenge our current models of reality. Sean begins by sharing an illuminating series of wise guidelines for navigating our post-truth conspiracy-theory-filled culture. Then, he and Terry build upon our recent episode with Jeffrey Kripal by considering the strange territory of anomalous phenomena in greater detail — what’s “real” about them, what makes it possible to experience them, how they require our scientific frameworks to evolve, and how increasing public awareness might serve as a catalyst for moving society into wiser structures of consciousness. As committed spiritual practitioners, they also consider the potential risks of becoming fixated on fascinating phenomena, and how we might integrate them without letting them distract us from the nondual heart and ground of Being.
Sean Esbjörn-Hargens is a leader in the application of integrative thinking to leader development and organizational design, and has made significant contributions to the fields of integral ecology, integral business, integral education, and integral research. Sean created and hosted the four Integral Theory Conferences and founded MetaIntegral — a social impact network that supports change leaders around the world in applying integrative principles. Most recently, in 2018, he founded the Exo Studies Institute, pioneering an integral approach to anomalous phenomena including UFOs/ETs. Sean has been a long-term practitioner of Tibetan Buddhism, A. H. Almaas’ Diamond Heart, and Celtic Christianity. He has published and edited numerous articles and books, and his recent article on non-human intelligences is titled Our Wild Kosmos! Currently, Sean is the Dean of Integral Education at the California Institute for Human Science where he also serves as Program Director for two integral PhD programs.
Here are some of the questions Sean and Terry explore in this episode:
What are Sean’s 16 ways of practicing wise responses to conspiracy theories and those who believe them?
What emotional and cognitive capacities does it take to “hang out in the unknown” instead of jumping to conclusions?
What exactly are “exo studies?” Why are they important? Can they catalyze a major shift in human consciousness and the practice of science?
Which 10 recent events — from New York Times bombshell articles to Pentagon admissions — have led to a new widespread legitimization of UFO and ET studies?
What are the 3 major “ontological realms” of anomalous phenomena? Can they be experienced and understood in our ordinary waking state of consciousness, or do we have to open to different modes of knowing in order to experience them fully?
Can spiritual practitioners explore and integrate exo realities without becoming fascinated and distracted from the conscious divine reality from which they arise?
Sean’s 16 Guidelines for Practicing with Conspiracy Theories:
REALIZE THAT WE ALL ARE CONSPIRACY THEORISTS
CLAIM YOUR SOVEREIGNTY
DON’T BELITTLE CTs or CTers
DETERMINE WHAT KIND OF CT IS IT?
DIFFERENTIATE BETWEEN GOOD DATA POINTS vs NARRATIVE
ACKNOWLEDGE THE “DEEP MEMETIC FRAME” INVOLVED
HANGOUT IN THE GAP
TALK ABOUT CTs & SEEK CT PERSPECTIVES
AVOID HAVING A CT ABOUT CTers
LOOK TO SEE IF CTs ARE FEAR OR GROWTH BASED
EXPAND YOUR MEDIA DIET & AVOID DIGITAL ECHO CHAMBERS
AVOID DEMONIZING BIG Xs
UPDATE AND REFINE YOUR PERSPECTIVE
PRACTICE & PROMOTE EPISTEMIC REFLEXIVITY & HUMILITY
HELP REBUILD OUR INSTITUTIONS
BE COMPASSIONATE WITH EACH OTHER WE ARE ALL IN A SENSE-MAKING CRISIS