Abstract
In this presentation, we explore a view of our human potential as an intuitive and evolving understanding on a personal level. Using a phenomenological approach, rather than a traditional analytical social science approach, we can discover the vital qualitative aspects that are not normally considered in a traditional quantitative analysis. The nature of universal love and peace are more experiential and subjective at a primary level, involving a deeper inquiry from the individual's perspective, interpretation and experience. Consciousness and self-awareness are central themes that are essential to a sustainable humanity and planet in this unparalleled epoch of quantum change. Technology, and the more recently emerging real-time worldwide social interactions, are accelerating this new paradigm where typical survival instincts are transforming into creative and collaborative, holistic actions on a global scale. Love and peace are the core attributes leading this shift of the ages and it is all beginning from within.
TopEvolving Our Awareness
Around the world, we are witnessing a fundamental shift towards intrinsically understanding our individual creative capacity, our interconnected relationship with one another, and our vital custodianship of the earth. With this shift comes the opportunity to interact effectively and compassionately with each other on a global scale, while addressing the needs and traditions of our local communities and nations, and simultaneously keeping our planet healthy and thriving. This is more than just the result of a growing information age; on a deeper level, we are experiencing the collective awakening of our heart center and beginning to unite consciously as a collaborative, humanity-oriented planet. The challenge before us is to evolve peacefully and harmoniously, both individually and together, with this new cooperative awareness.
For many internal and external reasons, along with environmental factors and experiences, we are beginning to go within to question our own inner nature. We are recognizing the need to examine our long-held beliefs, customs, habits, attitudes and perspectives we hold for ourselves, and whether they are practical or antiquated in this modern, social-technology oriented age. Concurrently, we are becoming increasingly aware of cultural similarities, mutual concerns, and interrelated, borderless shared problems. We are rapidly realizing the need to respect each other’s views and methods as we respect our own, learn from our mistakes, take action when necessary, and allow others to teach us from their perspective. When brought together, our collective approach brings fresh ideas, opportunities and perspectives, forming a new sustainable foundation for everyone.
We are in unprecedented moments upon our magnificent planet (Braden, 2014). With the rise of available and easily accessible information, technological advances permeating every aspect of our lives, and a world that is more interactive and interconnected, one-by-one and generation-to-generation, we are awakening and acknowledging the power of love over fear, peace over war, and harmony over discord. It is a choice that we each carry in us every moment. We hold the power within to make a difference right now. Despite anything we may hear or see to the contrary (and many would like to make us think that doom and despair, fear and attack, are waiting around every corner), we ultimately shape our world and destiny by our personal intent.
In the present study, a phenomenological approach is necessary because the subject matter is intrinsically imprecise and difficult to measure using traditional analysis. According to Starks and Trinidad, “The goal in phenomenology is to study how people make meaning of their lived experience” (Starks & Trinidad, 2007). To better understand the primary role of peace and love as a cultural shift and emerging paradigm, it is essential to take a broad view of current social trends in a universal and causal context. The Handbook of Research Design and Social Measurement describes the method this way: “Phenomenologists explore the structures of consciousness in human experiences” (Miller & Salkind, 2002).
Key Terms in this Chapter
Consciousness: ( Davidson,1881 , pp. 406-412.) A state of being aware, awake and mindful of oneself, one’s intuition, intentions, imagination, knowledge, and surroundings, as a simultaneous participant and observer of the larger whole of one’s life.
Collaboration: Individuals or groups working together to achieve results that benefit the whole.
Social-Technology: Modern advances in technology that is evolving into new global ways for people to interact socially in real-time, sharing and exchanging information, ideas, thoughts and cultural traditions.
Holistic: Where various parts and aspects of something are considered interconnected and interrelated on an intimate scale and are a part of a greater whole.
Unconditional Love: Seeking a practical and personally useful life definition for unconditional love as shared in my first book, Internal Power: Seven Doorways to Self-Discovery ( Becker, 2008 ), I chose to understand and evolve each of the two words “unconditional” and “love” to their core essence of meaning. In this unique combination of two words brought back together, my definition simply stated; “unconditional love is an unlimited way of being”.
Quantum: A multidimensional leap from one state of awareness to an expanded state of understanding.
Self-Awareness: The conscious, objective perspective of one’s character, feelings, intentions, motives, desires and actions.
Peace: Peace ( Anderson, 2004 , p. 101) is a harmonious state of being that we experience first within ourselves: a dynamic energy that permeates every aspect of our awareness, physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually.