Spirit and the Material World

• Metaphors of Training in Gestalt Therapy by Brian O'Neill, 5/18/97
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    • Essential Existence by Brian O'Neill, 5/22/97
      
      

Brian , Iam fascinated by the thread being persued here and as a result I will attempt to become a small part of it. I appreciate th illiteration between the bat and the cave but I see the struggle for essence lying between the limitations imposed on the bat as it navigates the nooks and curves of the cave. The bat attempting to understand it's reality or transcend it's materialism and the cave as a barrier or impediment to a broader realization. I see a lot of similarities to human condition in this analogy. The individual struggling to come to grips with the imposition society, culture, economics, education, politics etc. places upon them like the cave within which the bat attempts to journey through. If our existence is defined by our choices (which I agree with in a very fundamental way) then how much actual freedom do we have considering the material self and the aforementioned impositions of modern society? Is it in mere existence that we define meaning? Or does meaning unfold like a new leaf in the wind as a result of our endeavers to overcome our limitations through the decision making process? Or is meaning better defined by the degree of success we have in overcomming the realities of modern life? If there is a higher power does he/she have a "plan" for us which we must fulfill as a part of a larger plan? Personally, I see the bat attempting to challenge the limits of that cave and thus better defining itself relative or inspite of the cave rather as an overcommer. Then again, maybe Iam just full of guana! Any and all input appreciated..........Ed

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