Salon story on NDEs

[felix_numinous]

29. I am still learning about this

-I saw an article years ago called 'The fear of psi' by Charles Tart, that addressed this subject head-on.
http://powersthatbeat.wordpress.com/2012/03/02/acknowledging-and-dealing-with-the-fear-of-psi/

FEAR OF PSI

I believe, both from observation of others and observations of myself, that there is a widespread and unacknowledged fear of Psi among people in general, as well as among parapsychologists.

I have recently formalized some of my understanding of this fear in the form of a social masking theory of the inhibition of Psi functioning and a primal conflict theory of the inhibition of Psi functioning (Tart, 1982).

Briefly, the social masking theory recognizes the fact that our implicit social contract often calls for not really understanding other people.

It is as if we had contracted,

“I’ll support your illusions if you’ll support mine.”

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My instincts are that all of the irrational aggressive debunking and ridicule is due to an underlying fear of the unknown. It is human nature to ridicule ideas that are at the outskirts of what is comfortable or familiar. Some people seem to be playing with ideas that they are actually interested, while others are more attached to being right and in control.

I have been so tempted all my life to engage with people about psychic phenomena, since it is a part of my reality and is for many other people. I have ancestors who died in institutions, and I have often wondered if it was because of being sensitive. So right now I am trying to discern my own attachment to being right from merely standing up for myself and others who get trampled under by such a crass and overbearing culture of cruelty.

These are my thoughts today and I don't want to divert this wonderful thread about NDE--but I think that along with such great awakenings occurring right now, it is important to acknowledge the polarity that goes along with this bright light. The brighter the light the greater the shadow--or that bright flames attract moths--it is an awareness of not allowing the polarity to take on a life of it's own. Kentauros--thank you for your presence. I only deleted my post since I realize how far these words actually go.

Edited to add: I realize everyone is learning SO much right now, I am trying hard not to judge!!