Brian’s Reflection: Thursday, Oct 22, 2009


My advice to people today is as follows: if you take the game
of life seriously, if you take your nervous system seriously, if
you take your sense organs seriously, if you take the energy
process seriously, you must turn on, tune in, and drop out.

Learning how to operate a soul figures to take time.

Science is all metaphor.

- Dr. Timothy F. Leary, great character; he was born on
this date, 1920



Have I told you this before?? That Leary (and some of his entourage) lived near me, in Millbrook NY (Very fancy, and elegant, and “old money” – and they didn’t like him being there!) The locals still relate with mini-shock amusing stories of Leary and his friends wandering naked (presumably stoned) along the road into town, being gathered up and taken home by the gendarmerie!! (Sounds fun to me!)

The first quote is one of Leary’s most famous. Very 60’s. I agree with him for this our own time. The question is: “Turn on” with what? “Tune in” to what? “Drop out” of what – and if it’s our culture, well …..

I would say: “Turn on” with the “drug” of respecting all people. “Tune in” to others’ fear and despair. “Drop out” of the consumerist mindset. Our Spirit will flourish.

“Soul” is the Deepest Essence of being Human and Oneself. Is it surprising that a great deal of our time and energy should go into this work? Do you “know” your “soul”? Start there.

Not only is Science all metaphor. And it is. It is also a Sacrament – and “Sacrament” and “Myth” are the same thing. They point to something deeper – theologically, philosophically, emotionally. “Science” is a metaphor for “Wonder”. A metaphor for being thunderstruck at the Mystery of Life.

Let’s Turn on, Tune in, Drop out of EVERYTHING that demeans Life and Love and Justice and Tenderness and Respect and Equality. Let’s live from the “Soul” – the “eye” within us that sees Eternity and that knows what’s really worth living out of.

And let’s recall: take one step at a time, and be satisfied with small advances! Human beings are an imperfect lot!

Brian+