There comes a time when we sense things aren't working. The old ways don't cut it. We feel wobbly and like the world isn't what we thought. It's time to consider a different perspective.
William James, father of American Depth Psychology, wrote, "The world we see that seems so insane is the result of a belief system that is not working. To perceive the world differently, we must be willing to change our belief system, let the past slip away, expand our sense of now, and dissolve the fear in our minds."
Patients dream of the world coming to an end. They panic until they see that it's about a new order dawning, emergent consciousness replacing what no longer works. "I felt like my whole world was at an end. And now I see that it was, but not like I thought. I needed to let go of how things were for how things are and can be."
A patient related, "I recall a horrifying dream. The Holy Mother of Heaven crashed down on me. She was a white plastered inert sculpture and dropped out of the sky. Dead and lifeless. From deep within the bowels of the earth there arose a dark goddess. She was fecund, life giving, radiant with energy. I knew my past religious life was over. It was frightening. A new way of depth was emerging. It was terrifying, but I needed to go with it, to expand and grow."
An expanded sense of now dropped down from the sky and rose from deep within this sincere seeker and dreamer. It required months and years to adjust to a new outlook spiritually. At first, it terrified him; then, "the past feels like it's slipped away." An expanded sense of now dissolved fear and birthed a new belief system and willingness to continue growing and changing, experiencing life in the present moment of continual transformation.
http://www.drpauldeblassieiii.com/soulcare/2015/8/11/expand-your-sense-of-now
