Are we any more advanced then we have ever been? As we enter a time when relied on institutions seem to be collapsing around us, has our level of collective consciousness advanced adequately enough to weather the coming storm or will we simply revert to the lower survival levels of Maslow's "Heirarchy of Needs," thereby symbolizing regression?
The Integralists, based on this essay by Corey W. Devoes, report that biologists can "prove" that human biological evolution is slowing, but how do the Integralist's prove that the interiors of consciousness are "accelerating" and evolving? They talk a good game, but what are the products of an "ever-deepening unfolding of subjective perspectives, values, and worldviews, allowing for qualitative leaps of care, compassion, and cognition."
Where do we SEE THIS IN THE WORLD? What proof do we have equivalent with the proof provided by the biological sciences?
Nada!
.... At least not yet...
In fact, I would propose that the next severe economic "depression" we experience will be indicative of our conscious advancement.... or our regression.
Will we become selfish hoarders or beacons of extension and goodwill? Will greed finally be eradicated or will it become ever more deeply entrenched in the collective mind? Will greater numbers succumb to starvation and poverty or will we create an infrastructure of abundance for all?Unfortunately, this integral essay does not provide evidence (somebody link me to the evidence), but may be pointing to the fact that NO right quadrant evidence exists equivalent to the evolution of left quadrant consciousness with the emphasis, "It seems, in fact, that many recent attempts toward fascism have shared some sort of evolutionary justification at their core."
Consciously, is the collective regressing or maybe not evolving at all? I imagine that we would like to believe we are evolving, but maybe that's just wishful thinking. Sad to say, but maybe similar to biological evolution we are also slowing down or even regressing consciously.
In fact, the integral video linked to this essay (eerily reminiscent of glitzy scientology productions) tends to present a fearful presentation that we have, in fact, NOT evolved consciously at all as "against a backdrop of fear and uncertainty, election politics has gotten nastier than ever" then they go on to "suggest the following integral life offerings all of which can help revitalize our sense of hope, clarity and stability in these trying times."
Oh pleeeeease! Paying more money and buying another "revitalizing" product is not going to save us, since it seems money and products are the origin of our current misery.
But wait... so where's the evolution?
The Devoes essay goes on to state, "Perhaps the most significant safeguard against exactly this sort of Darwinian dictatorship is the observation that increasing degrees of human consciousness call forth increasing waves of care, compassion, and cognition-which means that the more evolved we are, the more concerned we are about exactly these sorts of problems. In other words, empathy is intrinsically woven into the fabric of evolutionary unfolding, and the radius of our compassion expands with each and every step up the spiral staircase of human potential."
I agree that "increasing waves of care, compassion and cognition..." would be a sign of evolved consciousness. So where are these "increasing waves" signifying evolved consciousness? So why do we NOT SEE this evolved empathy but, in fact, may be witnessing just the opposite? When will we see it and how much longer must we wait? Wishful thinking maybe?
In fact, this excellent link, When Democracy Failed seems to point to the similarities between the abuses of 1930 Nazi Germany and current 'democratic' America, as a clear indictment against any evolved consciousness. History simply repeats itself over an over again and will continue to do so (however, the last part of that essay is very stimulating).
Seems like, according to Spiral Dynamics, we can expect several more centuries of suffering and war before a preponderance of red, amber and orange evolve to green, teal and turquoise. That is, of course, if you subscribe to the integral "map" of evolving consciousness.
Question is, do we have that much time? Or is time not a factor?
If our emerging collective consciousness goes through similar stages as the individual consciousness - doesn't the collective ego put up an epic struggle equivalent to the individual conscious evolution? As with addiction to alcohol, or anything else, doesn't our addiction to an inflated sense of self in an insecure world cause us to put up similar barriers, to find reasons/rationales to resist change to the nature of our Being as we have defined it and have become addicted to that definition?
I would like to believe that the epic struggle is occurring now. However, as to the duration of the struggle, or whether it will intensify, I could not speculate except to hope it does not last long nor require too many casualties.
I imagine the barriers will persist as long as the collective idolizes individuality or an individual 'self' above collective value. Not that the 'self' should be surrendered or negated, as many spiritual paths promote, but that an equality of self and collective may need to occur. This seems to be similar to what the Integral Theory proposes and, in that sense, I find the theory valuable (although it lacks a praxis or practical view). Many spiritual paths emphasize that we have yet to realize the "nature of our being." Essentially, that may be the crux of our struggle.
Are we finally becoming exhausted with the old ways and methods? Are we "sick and tried of being sick and tired" (old AA slogan). If we are, then we are most likely ready for change and detachment from the old ways. But fear and attachment to comfort zones may delay progress. In my opinion, that's the role of "conservatism."
Nevertheless, I do believe in the next 5 years we will witness the ultimate direction our collective consciousness will take and this may lead to even greater conscious evolution or to mutually assured destruction. This is because the speed of this crisis is accelerating very rapidly pulling in ever greater numbers into the vortex of suffering.
Yet, we have not met the critical number which would create ever greater panic and fear, thus demanding ever greater need for change, however, this does not seem far off. In fact, I would speculate that in 2009 we will clearly witness this occurring in which we can no longer deny what we see simply because it has not yet victimized us. In some way or another the realization that we will ALL be touched must dawn upon us and wake us from our dogmatic slumber.
Will the crisis lead to our conscious extension or contraction? Will we reach out? Or through paralysing fear will we insulate and cocoon ourselves?
Fascinating times are approaching and I look forward to the changes because I have faith we are ready!
Peace Angels!
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