One step we can take is to chose to see the good in someone else and to focus on growing that which is good within ourselves. Interesting note at the end, "Payam’s life has been shaped by the struggle between oppression and hope." I think this is something many can relate to, but for myself I would consider it to be more of a wrestle between nihilism and hope. And I think you can rationalize either within yourself, so ultimately it's a choice. Choosing hope, and choosing to see the good in others, only becomes the convincing path after it is put into action. Makes it kinda tough sometimes lol but I think we are slowly figuring it out. Anyways, loved the convo. Thanks Rainn!
The most enchanting movie that I have ever seen is the 2011 film, "Hugo," in which an intense and mechanically gifted boy manages to repair a mysterious automaton, and in the process, "fixes" at least one other character, a pioneer of motion pictures who has become dispirited and reclusive, while simultaneously bringing many others together in harmony. Hugo believes that "everything has a purpose," that "there are no extra parts" to any mechanism, and, by extension, that everyONE has a purpose, and that there are no unnecessary people. What would happen, I wonder, if each of us could turn from seeking power, fame, possessions, and our other obsessions, and seek instead for our purpose, our place in this wondrous mechanism we call life on planet earth? I believe that all of the creatures with whom we share this earth already have it figured out. They know their purpose. Do we?
Today, I will find a way to help. To volunteer and make someone's life easier. And I will refrain from social media which only ratchets up my anger and fear.
I'm hoping the tenor of this moment wrenches us out of our complacency before we are faced with mutual destruction. Make that....I am praying and acting.
I am challenging myself to learn how to listen to opposing opinions without getting defensive, angry, or fearful. If I can practice saying, “I feel differently about that”, as Sr Joan Chittister explains in her book, The Time is Now, maybe I can develop the face to face communication skills needed to build community. We, as humans, have much more in common than we do differences. Can we build on that? I have hope.
Such a disheartening but honest discussion. In my gut I know what Mr. Akhavan is arguing is true but my mind and ego tries to justify that we are in a blip in history that will correct itself and soon enough, the people and governments will come back to the center and figure their shit out. It’s so hard to wrap my head around the looming threats and suffering that as a collective our planet will face in the very near future. How do I figure out how to serve humanity in the best way possible when I still have to work for a paycheck and take care of my family? It’s daunting but I don’t want to give in to despair. That’s not an option. An ideal community with a common purpose to serve and to make life better functions like a family in that they provide support, love and care for their members because the group’s strength is in its individual parts. Finding that community is key. Excellent guest.
Thank you so much KD! We just want to honor the fact that earning a paycheck and taking care of your family IS service to humanity, especially with that mindset. We wish you all the best. It’s true we’re in for one epic ride!
Thank you so much for hosting Payam Akhavan! I cannot wait to listen to this episode. Always appreciate the meaningful discussions taking place on Soul Boom. ☮️💙
I couldn’t have resonated more with the content of that discussion. I hadn’t known really anything about the bahai faith or the current persecution it faces in Iran.
Any doctrine of oneness poses the greatest threat to a materialist capitalist or authoritarian system that only works if we believe that we are separate. My personal journey is through the 12 steps and the study of Christian mysticism but I too believe that peace is inevitable. It’s a matter of the evolution of consciousness and I see this unfolding everywhere. I’m grateful to be where I am at this time in history and grateful to have come across your podcast. ✌️
One step we can take is to chose to see the good in someone else and to focus on growing that which is good within ourselves. Interesting note at the end, "Payam’s life has been shaped by the struggle between oppression and hope." I think this is something many can relate to, but for myself I would consider it to be more of a wrestle between nihilism and hope. And I think you can rationalize either within yourself, so ultimately it's a choice. Choosing hope, and choosing to see the good in others, only becomes the convincing path after it is put into action. Makes it kinda tough sometimes lol but I think we are slowly figuring it out. Anyways, loved the convo. Thanks Rainn!
Love this thoughtful reflection, Calvin. Thanks for sharing!
I think you would like my Substack, should check it out sometime
The most enchanting movie that I have ever seen is the 2011 film, "Hugo," in which an intense and mechanically gifted boy manages to repair a mysterious automaton, and in the process, "fixes" at least one other character, a pioneer of motion pictures who has become dispirited and reclusive, while simultaneously bringing many others together in harmony. Hugo believes that "everything has a purpose," that "there are no extra parts" to any mechanism, and, by extension, that everyONE has a purpose, and that there are no unnecessary people. What would happen, I wonder, if each of us could turn from seeking power, fame, possessions, and our other obsessions, and seek instead for our purpose, our place in this wondrous mechanism we call life on planet earth? I believe that all of the creatures with whom we share this earth already have it figured out. They know their purpose. Do we?
We’re being steeped in extremes to force us to find the middle road ahead, which we can do so long as we aren’t complacent.
Today, I will find a way to help. To volunteer and make someone's life easier. And I will refrain from social media which only ratchets up my anger and fear.
I'm hoping the tenor of this moment wrenches us out of our complacency before we are faced with mutual destruction. Make that....I am praying and acting.
I am challenging myself to learn how to listen to opposing opinions without getting defensive, angry, or fearful. If I can practice saying, “I feel differently about that”, as Sr Joan Chittister explains in her book, The Time is Now, maybe I can develop the face to face communication skills needed to build community. We, as humans, have much more in common than we do differences. Can we build on that? I have hope.
Very admirable aspiration! Listening, building community rooted in our shared humanity. We are rooting for you Sally!
Such a disheartening but honest discussion. In my gut I know what Mr. Akhavan is arguing is true but my mind and ego tries to justify that we are in a blip in history that will correct itself and soon enough, the people and governments will come back to the center and figure their shit out. It’s so hard to wrap my head around the looming threats and suffering that as a collective our planet will face in the very near future. How do I figure out how to serve humanity in the best way possible when I still have to work for a paycheck and take care of my family? It’s daunting but I don’t want to give in to despair. That’s not an option. An ideal community with a common purpose to serve and to make life better functions like a family in that they provide support, love and care for their members because the group’s strength is in its individual parts. Finding that community is key. Excellent guest.
Thank you so much KD! We just want to honor the fact that earning a paycheck and taking care of your family IS service to humanity, especially with that mindset. We wish you all the best. It’s true we’re in for one epic ride!
Thank you so much for hosting Payam Akhavan! I cannot wait to listen to this episode. Always appreciate the meaningful discussions taking place on Soul Boom. ☮️💙
I couldn’t have resonated more with the content of that discussion. I hadn’t known really anything about the bahai faith or the current persecution it faces in Iran.
Any doctrine of oneness poses the greatest threat to a materialist capitalist or authoritarian system that only works if we believe that we are separate. My personal journey is through the 12 steps and the study of Christian mysticism but I too believe that peace is inevitable. It’s a matter of the evolution of consciousness and I see this unfolding everywhere. I’m grateful to be where I am at this time in history and grateful to have come across your podcast. ✌️