Week 4 - Shannon Trinh

“We Are Not Alone” shares ideas of the interconnectedness that exists in our universe, that we humans are not the only ones taking control over the events and state of our world. This quote in particular about the Gulf of Mexico oil explosion struck me: “It took months before the flow was stopped, but in the mean time it was discovered that petroleum-eating bacteria had flourished in the oil plume and contained a vast amount of it. The micro-organisms had not only multiplied at an astounding rate, they also had ramped up their own internal metabolism to digest the oil efficiently” (4). It is a reminder that every micro being on this earth has a mechanism, a force behind it. Every event in evolution, every function that each being possesses provides a purpose that is meant to guide us towards safety, wisdom, and being. We as intelligent beings often have the impression that because we are capable of innovation, technology and tool usage, we are responsible to save the planet. We have carried this enormous burden on our shoulders that this world needs fixing, creating these belief systems that give us a feeling of control. The rules of science have uncovered the unknown, and have put the power into our hands.

What was also interesting was the quote about psychotherapist Stan Grof and his book “The Adventure of Self-Discovery”. It speaks of Shamanism and how it has created unexplainable bonds between people and nature: “many participants experience “complete and realistic identification’ with animals and plants and are given extraordinary knowledge of organic processes” (8). What are the mechanisms that play a role in this? Is it a psychological/emotional longing to be in balance with the organisms and environments around us? Or is it biological and physical? What types of energies are included in these connections? From a biopsychological approach, I would hypothesize that being surrounded by nature, animals, and beings that are physically and spiritually different from us stimulates the brain in ways that other human beings can’t. This stimulation would lead to a release of neurotransmitters such as dopamine perhaps, that causes the individual to feel more elated, connected, and whole.

I am starting to get really fascinated with interdisciplinary studies. This quote really speaks to that: “On a planet that is everywhere and alive, conscious and inspirited, humans have many wise allies for counsel and aid. We should lay to rest our exaggerated fears that we do not have the resources to keep this show going” (11). Learning from leaders like shamans, monks, scholars of various fields, etc. would really provide aid, especially in today’s academia world. It is important that we tap into these resources and make a true effort in understanding each other before we choose to start understanding our world.

Question: What kind of energies are present when humans interact with technology and innovation? Is it positive, negative, man made? How does the role of technology affect the universe’s balance?

Works Cited:

"We Are Not Alone" The Shamans of the World Tell Us - The Scientific and Medical Network