I feel bad, I started this blog before break and already it hasn't been updated for a while. I feel like a lot has happened-- it's been a blur of activism, student, and stoner. Spring break in Boston was awesome, got to catch up on all my different projects, read and watch good movies, get into Boston. Unfortunately have been in a slump for writing the blog. Expect more soon.
It's been a really interesting few weeks in the news. As an Economics student with an eye on the news ticker, I can't help but feel a bit perturbed by the way our economy is falling out right now. We're headed for a recession, fast. Because of the failure in the housing market, once-steady banks fall out, consumer and investor confidence is down, 40% of all home mortgages are defaulted, wall street is in shambles, and the government is sitting on their debt and stubborn policies. It's a time to be cautious, weigh your options and (in my case) get out of this country. We've built a legacy on credit and confidence... I hope Obama can change things around.
I've been keeping busy with Massachusetts Power Shift, the global warming conference I'm helping to host April 11th-14th. We are a group of students working to bring students and community members from around Massachusetts for a weekend of workshops, speakers, and lobbying for a bill that would reduce Carbon emissions in Massachusetts to 1990 levels by 2050. It looks like it's really coming together, with over 500 registered, 50 workshops confirmed, and speakers including the Ex-CIA director, Senator Markey of Massachusetts, and hopefully John Kerry. Empowering and uniting future climate leaders, or something like that. A lot of work before that. Check out the website for more information: www.masspowershift.org.
Faith, activity, music, history coming up soon
-Eddie
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Sunday, March 9, 2008
Unification Theory
Saturday March 8th-- First official day of break in Boston
So I had planned to go to a routine Power Shift organizational meeting from 10-6 on Saturday, but it was not to be. After classes on Friday I was sitting on a bench thinking back about the semester and planning ahead, eating a burrito and feeding the birds on a fine spring day. Then a guy comes over and introduces himself, wondering if he could speak with me about the meaning of life and God and this new religion that has changed his life. Well, sure, have a seat buddy I've been thinking about the same things recently! We proceeded to have a half an hour discussion about life, God, the church, and meaning. He and a few other students are in Boston working as missionaries for the Unificiation Church, and he invites me to their meeting on Saturday.
As it turns out, the Unification Church in Boston does not have a very large following. As I'm led through the Commons to an old apartment building near the State House, my guide Tim is talking about how he and 3 other guys from all over the world have been going across the country for this idea and preaching to anyone who they could find. "My work with the church has been the best year of my life," he says. (Is this some cult following looking for recruits?) I get there and it turns out to be 5 people total, counting another BU student, in an old victorian-era nondenominational church and living building. We sit down for a presentation, have lunch and an entire afternoon of this guy talking.
It's pretty interesting, a religion based on the unification of Christianity that attempts to define one spiritual truth. It also definitely takes a lot from the Zen/Buddhist tradition of unity with surroundings and strive for happiness. From their website: "To move beyond the present impasse, religion and science must be brought into harmony by a higher understanding of truth, one which interprets the spiritual and material aspects oflife within one consistent framework." I'll try to do it justice:
Nature is about duality. Each animal has an internal nature and external form, yin and yang, male and female. Internal nature guides the actions of all animals, plants, down to the atomic particles they are made of. External form is the physical embodiment of each being, carries out the desires of instinct or mind. God is the artist (form) and purpose (spirit) behind all of physical creation that we encounter. By looking at the wonder of creation, we can begin to see the shadow of God who made it... He is like the internal nature to the physical reality we see, universal prime energy. Original nature, original form.
In continuing with the idea of duality, (which you really can see everywhere) the Principle defines the power of relationships. Subject/object relationships are most beautiful in the world: man and woman, parent and kid, man and dog, man and grass, painter and painting, god and creation, god and us. Subject gains happiness from object's happiness, learning, involvement. If internal nature (mind) and external form (body) are put into this framework, completely working together would be self-perfection and true happiness.
So then we as humans are special in that we are made in God's image-- "very good"-- and are commanded to "be fruitful, multiply and have dominion." We have souls that can understand God's desires, and therefore the responsibility to oversee creation. In the object position of God's will, selfless connection with Him and the world around us benefits us, creation, and God.
Still with me? Pretty interesting, no? I plan to do some reading about it, as it's something that has stuck with me. Religion is important, as it gives a good framework for thinking about the world. I've been searching on my own, but haven't found any one solution yet. Maybe this is my calling... let me know what you think!
-Eddie
So I had planned to go to a routine Power Shift organizational meeting from 10-6 on Saturday, but it was not to be. After classes on Friday I was sitting on a bench thinking back about the semester and planning ahead, eating a burrito and feeding the birds on a fine spring day. Then a guy comes over and introduces himself, wondering if he could speak with me about the meaning of life and God and this new religion that has changed his life. Well, sure, have a seat buddy I've been thinking about the same things recently! We proceeded to have a half an hour discussion about life, God, the church, and meaning. He and a few other students are in Boston working as missionaries for the Unificiation Church, and he invites me to their meeting on Saturday.
As it turns out, the Unification Church in Boston does not have a very large following. As I'm led through the Commons to an old apartment building near the State House, my guide Tim is talking about how he and 3 other guys from all over the world have been going across the country for this idea and preaching to anyone who they could find. "My work with the church has been the best year of my life," he says. (Is this some cult following looking for recruits?) I get there and it turns out to be 5 people total, counting another BU student, in an old victorian-era nondenominational church and living building. We sit down for a presentation, have lunch and an entire afternoon of this guy talking.
It's pretty interesting, a religion based on the unification of Christianity that attempts to define one spiritual truth. It also definitely takes a lot from the Zen/Buddhist tradition of unity with surroundings and strive for happiness. From their website: "To move beyond the present impasse, religion and science must be brought into harmony by a higher understanding of truth, one which interprets the spiritual and material aspects oflife within one consistent framework." I'll try to do it justice:
Nature is about duality. Each animal has an internal nature and external form, yin and yang, male and female. Internal nature guides the actions of all animals, plants, down to the atomic particles they are made of. External form is the physical embodiment of each being, carries out the desires of instinct or mind. God is the artist (form) and purpose (spirit) behind all of physical creation that we encounter. By looking at the wonder of creation, we can begin to see the shadow of God who made it... He is like the internal nature to the physical reality we see, universal prime energy. Original nature, original form.
In continuing with the idea of duality, (which you really can see everywhere) the Principle defines the power of relationships. Subject/object relationships are most beautiful in the world: man and woman, parent and kid, man and dog, man and grass, painter and painting, god and creation, god and us. Subject gains happiness from object's happiness, learning, involvement. If internal nature (mind) and external form (body) are put into this framework, completely working together would be self-perfection and true happiness.
So then we as humans are special in that we are made in God's image-- "very good"-- and are commanded to "be fruitful, multiply and have dominion." We have souls that can understand God's desires, and therefore the responsibility to oversee creation. In the object position of God's will, selfless connection with Him and the world around us benefits us, creation, and God.
Still with me? Pretty interesting, no? I plan to do some reading about it, as it's something that has stuck with me. Religion is important, as it gives a good framework for thinking about the world. I've been searching on my own, but haven't found any one solution yet. Maybe this is my calling... let me know what you think!
-Eddie
Saturday, March 8, 2008
Staying in Boston
So I recently (read: the last minute possible) decided to stay in Boston for spring break. It was a long decision, with part of the delay being the failure of Myrtle Beach to be warm and enjoyable. So far I think it was the right one for me, because although I will miss not seeing family and Oberlin, this means that I get to live in my room with stereo and incense and weed, live and play in Boston without school pressures, and get time to work on about four different projects and 6 different books I have going on.
Which means a learning experience. I will be spending time in libraries, in books, on my research and current affairs. Hoping to watch at least one good movie a day, maybe get a good series under my belt. I've been waiting this whole semester to get into Boston for live music, and I hope to take this time for exploring the nooks of the city. Maybe go out skiing, maybe stay here and chill. I want to do church and a meditation class, to read The God Delusion, Uncomon Grounds, Silent Spring, Nietze and Dante; the New York Times and Economist.
So stick around for Still Skeptical this next week. I'll be keeping an eye out for adventure and inspiration, politics and injustice, social insights and personal revelations that are headed your way. It's bound to be interesting.
-Eddie
Which means a learning experience. I will be spending time in libraries, in books, on my research and current affairs. Hoping to watch at least one good movie a day, maybe get a good series under my belt. I've been waiting this whole semester to get into Boston for live music, and I hope to take this time for exploring the nooks of the city. Maybe go out skiing, maybe stay here and chill. I want to do church and a meditation class, to read The God Delusion, Uncomon Grounds, Silent Spring, Nietze and Dante; the New York Times and Economist.
So stick around for Still Skeptical this next week. I'll be keeping an eye out for adventure and inspiration, politics and injustice, social insights and personal revelations that are headed your way. It's bound to be interesting.
-Eddie
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
Saying and Doing
The difference between saying and doing is something that I've been exploring this semester and last, as I find myself doing more and more with my life. I've always considered myself a good person: semi-involved, semi-informed, at least much better than the "average American" out there... As I become more involved and people start to depend on me, I have realized that leadership cannot be run with quiet suggestions. We all spend so much time thinking about the things we want, but to actually take the first steps and pursue to completion of your idea is the most rewarding thing in the world.
The ability to plan and follow up makes the line between stoners and activists, dreamers and leaders, sloppy companies and successful ones. In college, our ability to get out there means the difference between a successful, engaging experience of friendship and adventure or the safety of comfort and routine. I read Robert Quinn's "Building the Bridge as You Walk On It: A Guide to Leading Social Change" this winter break, where he talks about "the fundamental state of leadership". It's a pretty cool idea, that thinking and being present can inspire others around you to jump out of their own routine, as he calls it "slow death" which is the enemy of progress. I have a copy if anyone is interested, it's a nice quick read that really has stuck with me.
Another powerful realization actually comes from the movie of Harry Potter and the Order of the Pheonix. During his Dumbledore's Army montage, Harry says "Voldemort and Dumbledore were once students too!" A lot of students don't realize this, but everyone who is on top started out right where you are. The leaders of today have nothing to stop us doing whatever we want to do. I now know what I want to do (I'll post it on here soon) and it is now at the point of doing one thing after another to make it happen and change a system. If there is any aspect of culture or [world] economics or ethics that bothers you enough, or is inefficient to the point where you think you could do it better, learn more about it and take charge. Become an expert, build connections, change the field. (It's why I'm a social entrepreneur, it's the future).
Everyone can lead change, college sets you up to do it. Make the most of it because caring about your studies is the only reason you're here. Don't waste 4 years half-assing your life, what are you going to do for your time here?
Take charge of your future.
-Eddie
Moment of Zen:
"Each moment missed is a moment unlived. Each moment missed makes it more likely I will miss the next moment, and live through it cloaked in mindless habits of automaticity rather than living in, out of, and through awareness."
The ability to plan and follow up makes the line between stoners and activists, dreamers and leaders, sloppy companies and successful ones. In college, our ability to get out there means the difference between a successful, engaging experience of friendship and adventure or the safety of comfort and routine. I read Robert Quinn's "Building the Bridge as You Walk On It: A Guide to Leading Social Change" this winter break, where he talks about "the fundamental state of leadership". It's a pretty cool idea, that thinking and being present can inspire others around you to jump out of their own routine, as he calls it "slow death" which is the enemy of progress. I have a copy if anyone is interested, it's a nice quick read that really has stuck with me.
Another powerful realization actually comes from the movie of Harry Potter and the Order of the Pheonix. During his Dumbledore's Army montage, Harry says "Voldemort and Dumbledore were once students too!" A lot of students don't realize this, but everyone who is on top started out right where you are. The leaders of today have nothing to stop us doing whatever we want to do. I now know what I want to do (I'll post it on here soon) and it is now at the point of doing one thing after another to make it happen and change a system. If there is any aspect of culture or [world] economics or ethics that bothers you enough, or is inefficient to the point where you think you could do it better, learn more about it and take charge. Become an expert, build connections, change the field. (It's why I'm a social entrepreneur, it's the future).
Everyone can lead change, college sets you up to do it. Make the most of it because caring about your studies is the only reason you're here. Don't waste 4 years half-assing your life, what are you going to do for your time here?
Take charge of your future.
-Eddie
Moment of Zen:
"Each moment missed is a moment unlived. Each moment missed makes it more likely I will miss the next moment, and live through it cloaked in mindless habits of automaticity rather than living in, out of, and through awareness."
Monday, March 3, 2008
First
So this is something I've been meaning to do for a while now, one of those little to-do list items put off until "someday" that stretches on to weeks. To see it start has left me oddly philosophical. Maybe that's the pull of it... the beginning of my writing career, the thrill of a blank page and many more before me.
I am currently a sophomore at Boston University majoring in Economics and Environmental Policy, but originally from Ohio. My focus and dream is in organic farming in Latin America, working with small farmers to facilitate the rapidly growing organic market. My call is to a people with no voice but the most beautiful culture in the world. After my time here, I want to change the world as a social entrepreneur, and will let nothing get in my way.
Read on if you are interested in my perspective. Count on it to be based on science, the environment, current events, observation. Expect politics, trends, thought, music, and life philosophy. I tend to be optimistic in people but skeptical of humanity. And still skeptical of everything we've constructed around us, of society and culture against what really matters. We spend too much time wrapped in obsession. Life is in the details-- to control the details is to control the experience while we're here.
I believe in the power of the mind to guide our own experiences. Through control of my awareness, I've found I can learn from each moment to live the most dynamic, fun-filled, invigorating, stimulating life that is in my reach. If there's any more purpose to our being here, I haven't found it.
Yet. Stick around, as the journey is sure to be interesting.
-Eddie
I am currently a sophomore at Boston University majoring in Economics and Environmental Policy, but originally from Ohio. My focus and dream is in organic farming in Latin America, working with small farmers to facilitate the rapidly growing organic market. My call is to a people with no voice but the most beautiful culture in the world. After my time here, I want to change the world as a social entrepreneur, and will let nothing get in my way.
Read on if you are interested in my perspective. Count on it to be based on science, the environment, current events, observation. Expect politics, trends, thought, music, and life philosophy. I tend to be optimistic in people but skeptical of humanity. And still skeptical of everything we've constructed around us, of society and culture against what really matters. We spend too much time wrapped in obsession. Life is in the details-- to control the details is to control the experience while we're here.
I believe in the power of the mind to guide our own experiences. Through control of my awareness, I've found I can learn from each moment to live the most dynamic, fun-filled, invigorating, stimulating life that is in my reach. If there's any more purpose to our being here, I haven't found it.
Yet. Stick around, as the journey is sure to be interesting.
-Eddie
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