Blog Archives
Book Review: Gurdjieff for a Time-Between-Worlds: Hyperpersonal Essays on the Grandfather of Metamodern Spirituality by Layman Pascal
In Gurdjieff for a Time-Between-Worlds, Layman Pascal offers a fresh, introspective exploration of Georges Gurdjieff’s teachings through a contemporary lens. Rather than a traditional analysis, Pascal’s “hyperpersonal” essays blend personal reflection with philosophical inquiry, making Gurdjieff’s complex ideas accessible and relevant to modern readers.
Pascal connects Gurdjieff’s emphasis on self-awareness, integration of mind-body-emotion, and spiritual development to the challenges of living in our current “time-between-worlds”—a period of cultural uncertainty and transformation. The essays make a compelling case for how Gurdjieff’s methods can guide us in navigating today’s rapidly changing world.
Gurdjieff for a Time-Between-Worlds is an insightful and engaging read for those interested in Gurdjieff’s work or looking for a modern, personal approach to spiritual growth. Pascal’s reflections offer a unique perspective on how Gurdjieff’s teachings remain relevant in today’s world.
Link-Love:
Layman Pascal’s Website
Layman Pascal on Substack
Layman Pascal on Metamodern Spirituality
Layman Pascal on The Integral Stage
#GurdjieffForATimeBetweenWorlds
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Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the author and/or publisher through the Speakeasy blogging book review network. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
Book Review: The Cosmic Lens: A New Perspective for Thriving in a Disrupted World by Michiel Doorn, MSE and Dr. Birgit Viertlbock
The Cosmic Lens by Michiel Doorn and Dr. Birgit Viertlbock offers both an introduction and a practical guide to navigating life’s uncertainties with grace. The key concept of the “cosmic lens” encourages adopting a broader, more comprehensive perspective to understand and respond to challenges with clarity and ease. The authors present seven steps to help readers enter a flow state where life feels simple, joyful, and aligned—reminiscent of the carefree perspective many remember from childhood.
The book combines theoretical insights with actionable steps, supported by case studies and testimonials that show how this new perspective can lead to personal transformation. It’s a practical, inspiring read for those looking to bring more ease, joy, and wisdom into their lives, even in the face of uncertainty.
The Cosmic Lens is a powerful guide for anyone seeking clarity, joy, and flow in today’s disrupted world. With practical steps and real-world examples, it offers valuable tools for thriving in the 21st century.
Link-Love:
Michiel Doorn’s Website
Birgit Viertlböck’s Website
#TheCosmicLens
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Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the author and/or publisher through the Speakeasy blogging book review network. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
Rohr on silence in a culture of noise
We live in a noisy world.
We surround ourselves with entertainment and news and music and talking and texting and constant accessibility to internet. We immerse ourselves in the many messages we hear from culture, family, church, school, and work. We are loud and wordy and flashy and full of so much swirling around that it often feels impossible to shhhhhhh… into a place of quiet, stillness, and rest.
Richard Rohr writes about the place of silence in this excerpt below from his recent article “Finding God in the Depths of Silence” in Sojourners (March 2013):
At the less mature levels, religion is mostly noise, entertainment, and words. Catholics and Orthodox Christians prefer theater and wordy symbols; Protestants prefer music and endless sermons.
Probably more than ever, because of iPads, cell phones, billboards, TVs, and iPods, we are a toxically overstimulated people. Only time will tell the deep effects of this on emotional maturity, relationship, communication, conversation, and religion itself. Silence now seems like a luxury, but it is not so much a luxury as it is a choice and decision at the heart of every spiritual discipline and growth. Without it, most liturgies, Bible studies, devotions, “holy” practices, sermons, and religious conversations might be good and fine, but they will never be truly great or life-changing — for ourselves or for others. They can only represent the surface; God is always found at the depths, even the depths of our sin and brokenness. And in the depths, it is silent.
Thoughts? Comments? Reactions? Share in the comment box below.
Forward Friday: Double Belonging
I ran across the term double belonging during my training in spiritual direction in Arizona. If you’re not familiar (I wasn’t), it’s a relatively new term used to describe people who ascribe to one particular religious tradition (e.g. Christianity) but also learn from another tradition (e.g. Buddhism).
You may have even heard people describe themselves as Jew-Bus (Jewish Buddhists) or Buddha-palians (Episcopalian Buddhists). What would a Presbyterian Buddhist be called? Buddha-terian?
While I’m not advocating synchronicity, I do believe we have a lot to learn from each other, both within our own tradition and from people of other faiths. Particularly with people whose spiritual paths involve meditation, there are many similarities between different religious practices. Thomas Merton, for example, was well known for being influenced by Buddhist meditation techniques as he practiced and taught Christian contemplative meditation.
So let’s try a very simple and open-ended Forward Friday:
This weekend, take some time to explore other faith traditions in your area.
You could attend a Jewish temple or try a yoga class. If you’re not sure how to get started, try picking up a book from your local library on comparative religion or a specific tradition you’ve always been curious about.
Remember, this exercise is not designed to encourage you to embrace a new set of beliefs in place of your own or to create opportunities for proselytizing. Just be curious, courteous, and conscious of what pieces of truth you might pick up along the way.
Happy weekend, lovely readers! Come back and tell me all about it.
Holistic Body Theology 