Ted talks – “A forest is much more than what you see,” says ecologist Suzanne Simard. Her 30 years of research in Canadian forests have led to an astounding discovery — trees talk, often and over vast distances. Learn more about the harmonious yet complicated social lives of trees and prepare to see the natural world with new eyes.

By Big Think editors (bigthink.com)

Let’s say you’re having an argument with a friend about oh, let’s say, Obamacare, or even who the best quarterback in the NFL is. You present your friend with a set of facts that you would think would clinch your argument. And yet, while the facts you present clearly contradict your friend’s position, you discover that presenting your friend with these facts does nothing to correct his or her false or unsubstantiated belief. In fact, your friend is even more emboldened in his or her belief after being exposed to corrective information.

A group of Dartmouth researchers have studied the problem of the so-called “backfire effect,” which is defined as the effect in which “corrections actually increase misperceptions among the group in question.”

The problem here may be the way your friend is receiving these facts. Since your friend knows you and your opinions well, he or she does not view you as an “omniscient” source of information. When it comes to receiving corrective information about a public policy issue, the authors of the Dartmouth study note

people typically receive corrective information within “objective” news reports pitting two sides of an argument against each other, which is significantly more ambiguous than receiving a correct answer from an omniscient source. In such cases, citizens are likely to resist or reject arguments and evidence contradicting their opinions – a view that is consistent with a wide array of research.

So when we read a news story that presents both sides of an issue, we simply pick the side we happen to agree with and it reinforces our viewpoint. But what of those individuals who don’t simply resist challenges to their views, but who actually come to hold their original opinion even more strongly?

The authors describe the “backfire effect” as a possible result of

the process by which people counterargue preference-incongruent information and bolster their preexisting views. If people counterargue unwelcome information vigorously enough, they may end up with ‘more attitudinally congruent information in mind than before the debate,’ which in turn leads them to report opinions that are more extreme than they otherwise would have had.”

This study goes a long way to explain the state of rational discourse in the country right now. So what can be done? How can you have a more effective discussion with your friend about Obamacare or Peyton Manning?

Think about an argument more as a partnership, says Julia Galef, President of the Center for Applied Rationality. Read about that here.

Image courtesy of Shutterstock

We are often told that we get the leaders we deserve.  If one understands the concept of “mentation,” the world as an out-picturing of our own consciousness (and unconsciousness), how could it be otherwise?

And as Bernie Sanders said throughout his presidential campaign, change starts from the bottom up, not the top down.  I think that applies to a change in consciousness as well.  And, indeed, the consciousness of Western civilization, if we can speak of such a thing, has been on the ascent for millenia.

Part of that ascent has been the idea of self-government.  What used to be taken for granted, the rule of kings and queens who ruled by divine right, is no longer acceptable.  Democracy or at least a republican democracy has become the order of the day for most of Western civilization.

But democracy requires citizen involvement.  And who has the time these days for citizen involvement?  We don’t live, for example, in some New England village where decisions can be made in the local town hall by people who you know and who know you.

In Thom Hartmann’s wonderful and comprehensive book, What Would Jefferson Do?, he says:  “Up until a century ago, more than half the humans in the world lived in societies that were essentially democratic, and from the dawn of humanity until a thousand years ago, as many as 90 percent of all humans lived in various types of democracies.  We just didn’t (and don’t) call them that.  We call them tribes.”

Some of those tribes rule by consensus.  “Following a tribal tradition that is so ancient its origin is lost in the mists of antiquity, they make decisions by talking around a circular meeting area and if any single member casts a veto, the issue is turned down,” Hartmann says.  “In every case, though, this leadership position was considered a burden and an obligation of service, not an opportunity for self-enrichment or lording it over others.”

Hartmann goes on to report that even amongst animals, democracy prevails.  When a heard of deer need to decide whether to continue grazing or go to on to another site, they make that decision as a group and when critical mass is achieved (51%), the herd moves on (or stays).

So why have an “alpha” male at all?  Hartmann suggests it may be a form of sexual hierarchy, but that when it comes to making decisions outside of sex, he (or she) is just another member of the tribe.

Self-government begins at home.  Self-government begins with governing oneself.  Making the unconscious conscious.  But this cannot be done in a vacuum.  It must be done at the same time as one goes about one’s daily life:  going to work, being part of a family, being part of a community, being part of a nation and a world in crisis.

“To make spiritual truth an effective force for ordered freedom and common good,” the motto of The Prosperos, must at some point become political, that is, part of the polis or city.

So what about the “alpha” male named Donald Trump?  What does his presidential campaign mean as a mentation?  Can he ignore the critical mass which has already decided that black lives do matter, that women are equal in law and in fact to men, that gay relationships have as much legitimacy as non-gay relationships, that climate change is a real problem caused by human activity, that the world has become smaller and more democratic through the international use of social media and the internet, and that spirituality comes in many forms none of which includes megalomania or fundamentalism.

I think the herd has decided to move on and, even if elected, “alpha” male Trump will be just another voice in the herd.  We are the critical mass we have been waiting for.

Slam (1998) by Marc Levin w/ Saul Williams, Sonja Sohn …
Slam tells the story of Ray Joshua, an original, gifted young MC trapped in a war-zone housing project known as Dodge City. Unable to find a job, Ray copes with the despair and poverty of his neighborhood by using his wits and verbal talent.

Ray Joshua, mi-rappeur, mi-poète, vit à Dodge City, cité à haut risque. Lorsqu’il est arrêté en possession de drogue, il se retrouve plongé dans l’impitoyable univers carcéral de l’Etat de Washington. En prison, il rencontre Lauren Bell, qui enseigne la littérature et le pousse à cultiver son don.

If I could find the spot where truth echoes
I would stand there and whisper memories of my children’s future
I would let their future dwell in my past
So that I might live a brighter now
Now is the essence of my domain and it contains
All that was and will be
And I am as I was and will be because I am and always will be
That nigga
I am that nigga
I am that nigga
I am that timeless nigga that swings on pendelums like vines
Through mines of boobytrapped minds that are enslaved by time
I am the life that supersedes lifetimes, I am
It was me with serpentine hair and a timeless stare
That with immortal glare turned mortal fear into stone time capsules
They still exist as the walking dead, as I do
The original sufferhead, symbol of life and matriarchy
Severed head Medusa, I am
I am that nigga
I am that nigga!
I am that nigga!!
I am a negro! Yes negro, negro from _necro_ meaning death
I overcame it so they named me after it
And I be spitting at death from behind
And putting “Kick Me” signs on it’s back
Because I am not the son of Sha-Clack-Clack
I am before that, I am before
I am before before
Before death is eternity, after death is eternity
There is no death there’s only eternity
And I be riding on the wings of eternity
Like HYAH! HYAH! HYAH! Sha-Clack-Clack
But my flight doesn’t go undisturbed
Because time makes dreams defer
And all of my time fears are turning my days into daymares
And I live daymares reliving nightmares
Of what taunted my past
Sha-Clack-Clack, time is beatin my ass
And I be havin dreams of chocolate covered watermelons
Filled with fried chickens like pinatas
With little pickaninny sons and daughters
Standing up under them with big sticks and aluminum foil
Hittin em, tryin to catch pieces of fallin fried chicken wings
And Aunt Jemima and Uncle Ben are standing in the corners
With rifles pointed at the heads of the little children
“Don’t shoot the children,” I shout, “don’t shoot the children!”
But they say it’s too late
They’ve already been infected by time
But that shit is before my time
I need more time
I need more time
But it’s too late
They start shooting at children and killing them!
One by one, two by two, three by three, four by four
Five by five, six by six, but
My spirit is growing seven by seven
Faster than the speed of light
Cause light only penetrates the darkness that’s already there
And I’m already there
I’m here at the end of the road
Which is the beginning of the road beyond time, but
Where my niggas at? (Oh shit!)

Oh shit, don’t tell me my niggas got lost in time
My niggas are dying before their time
My niggas are serving unjust time
My niggas are dying because of.. time

“Whenever a new discovery is reported to the scientific world, they say first, ‘It is probably not true.’  Then after, when the truth of the new proposition has been demonstrated beyond question, they say, ‘Yes, it may be true, but is is not important.’  Finally, when sufficient time has elapsed to fully evidence its importance, they say, ‘Yes, surely it is important, but it is no longer new.'”

–Michel de Montaigne (February 28, 1533 – September 13, 1592) was one of the most significant philosophers of the French Renaissance, known for popularizing the essay as a literary genre.Wikipedia

“The first thing I must say about this book it that there are not enough stars to describe what a good read this book truly is. Robert Lanza, MD teamed up with Bob Berman (astrophysicist) to write this wonderful 200 page book that for me — finally put it all together. I studied physics and can say for myself that I have a mind of scientist that is (over)loaded with logic. But I am also a yoga teacher and since my father’s death nearly 10 years ago, I have been actively looking for answers about death, immortality and nature of space and time. I read so many books about the topic, I lost count. That was until I came across this book. Authors finally put it all together for me that both my scientific, logical mind and my spiritual mind could put it all together in a manner that it finally all made sense.

“One of the ‘a-ha” moments was towards the end of the book when author Lanza acknowledges the fact that plants have consciousness. I was reading that part of the book on the train on my way form work and at one moment, I said out loud (without realizing it) – “Oh my God!” An older gentlemen, a professional man, sitting in a fine, tailored suit next to my seat, was startled and he replied: “Did you miss your train exit? Was I in a way?”. I just looked at him and smiled and my response was simply:” Oh, no. It is just that I learned from this book that plants have consciousness! Can you believe it? And there is a proof!”.. He was so kind, he looked at me and said after a longer pause replied: “Well, it does kind of make sense – the fact that plants have consciousness….” What can I say – I repeated the same story to my yoga students I was teaching that same night.

“The fact is that this book is so rich with references to ancient philosophical books, logic from ancient Greece and how all of that information is relevant today. Authors provide scientific insight on classical physics (Newton) to modern physics (quantum mechanics and relativity). For me personally, this book, every single page of it was food for my soul. Not to mention that I was delighted to learn (and accept) the premise that authors have that, after all, we are all immortal. Some of the very fortunate people on earth experience enlightenment, and this book will show every reader that there is a potential in each and every one of us to experience it. This book opened my eyes to possibilities that no one has ever presented in such a concise and beautiful way before.

“There is one portion of the book where authors discuss how human beings are used to observing and exploring universe by “looking” at the skies. This book missed it by a couple of months, since it’s been announced a few months back that scientists in New Mexico, for the first time, “heard” creation of the black hole. This was just an idea that Einstein had nearly 50 years ago that the events in the universe can be heard and not just seen and it was only recently that scientists could prove that events in the universe can indeed be heard by human beings. Nevertheless, this book is priceless and I am keeping it as a reference in my library. It has underlining all over the place and I just cannot stop talking about it to everyone I know.

“Another wonderful thing that must be mentioned is that one author (Lanza) relies strictly on science and logic, while the other co-author (Berman) believes in a “gut” feeling in spite of the fact that he received a training as a scientist. Perhaps the part of the reason is the fact that for the period of three weeks, Mr. Berman experienced enlightenment himself. I must quote one part of the book, where Mr. Berman says: “We trust our instincts. We need no textbook to teach us to love, or to recognize danger, or to be swept into a joy by a beautiful garden. Yet when it comes to grasping the nature of existence, we fumble and stumble through insensate theories, our eyes glazed over as we hear about string theory’s extra dimensions”.

“My personal struggle my entire life has been to reconcile my scientific mind with my deep sense of intuition. For a long time I denied myself my intuition because my rational mind always felt that there has to be a rational “proof” first before I make up my mind and fully accept my gut feeling. This book has finally thought me a lesson that I will allow my intuition to lead me first, I will trust it unconditionally and rationality will follow in its own time and show itself when it is ready. For that lesson I am so thankful to both of these authors. They are my personal heroes.”  (Amazon.com)

1925 the Study of the Absolute. “In this book is presented the Science of Reality, the Science of the Absolute.  It lifts one into the realm of intuition, inspiration, illumination, faith–the realm of the Fourth Dimension or Cosmic Consciousness.”  (Google Books)

Written by Wendy Cicchetti (twixtearthandsky.com)

Capricorn energy or that of its ruler, Saturn, is a strong task master. Wherever Capricorn falls in your chart, it calls for structure and hard work to reach your goals. Capricorn and the energies of Saturn, are not necessarily comfortable with the nurturing energies of the Moon. For those of you who have the Moon in Capricorn natally, it is considered in its detriment and can cause depression, waves of sadness, lonlyness, fear and judgment. So if you wonder why you feel these overwhelming energies at times, look to your Capricorn Moon.

In some Astrological thought systems, Saturn represents the Father, the one who rules with the iron hand to make certain you make something of yourself. But there are other philosophies that feel that Saturn represents the Mother because she is the one always there to mold and push us to attain our potential. Saturn is considered a yin energy, yet represents the Father and yang or male authority, so there is duality here. Whichever role Saturn’s influence plays in our life, it is not fun and serves to motivate through heavy burden and discomfort to be all we can be. We as humans tend to learn the hard way and through Saturn’s individual influence we are pushed to look at life from a more sobering perspective and work to build a more solid base and structure to springboard from.

The 2.5 days that the Moon is in a sign infects the world with that sign’s energy. So, what work do you need to do? What lessons do you need to learn? Where are you being careless and hoping you can get by? What house in your chart is ruled by Saturn? This is a good place to start identifying the areas you need to contemplate in your life and focus on structure and disciple for improvement.

Since the Sun is in Cancer and in opposition to this Full Moon, it is wise to see what house in your chart is ruled by the sign of Cancer and therefore the Moon. This information can give you clues as to where you need to balance your inner and outer lives. As a water sign, Cancer is concerned with feelings, emotional needs, spiritual connection and family interplay. What areas need more nourishing and/or mothering? What spiritual changes do you need to make? Are you listening to our intuition and following our own inner guidance?

No Astrological energies and transits are arbitrary. They are always meant to help us evolve. With this understanding, it is a very appropriate time to integrate yin and yang energies, coming together at the heart and spreading gentle love and helpful energy toward ourselves and to those around us. Seize the day!

A Full Moon symbolizes the fulfillment of the seeds planted at a previous New Moon or some earlier cycle. Each Full Moon reminds us of the seeds that may be coming to maturity, to their fullness, to fruition, to the place where the fruits or gifts are received. It may seem that fulfillment of our goals takes a long time. Some intentions may manifest within the two week phase prior to the next New or Full Moon. Some however, depending on their complexity, may take a much longer time. Just remember that our thoughts and emotions set Universal Action in motion and much work takes place behind the scenes as everything is orchestrated for fulfillment. Keep visualizing your goals as though you have already attained them and they will eventually manifest. Do not concern yourself with current conditions or worry about controlling it. The universe takes care of those details. Just keep seeing what you want, and move in that direction with your actions, and give no energy to what you don’t want. Patience is required.