After Socrates: Episode 10a - Ecology of Practices
Apr 29, 2023
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Join Guy Sengstock, co-founder of Circling, Christopher Mastropietro, co-author of "Zombies in Western Culture," and Taylor Barratt, an authentic relating practitioner, as they delve into the transformative practice of circling. They explore the intricate relationship between mindfulness and intimacy, discussing how these practices can lead to a deeper understanding of the self and collective connection. Their conversation touches on the importance of openness and authenticity, as well as navigating the complexities of collaborative dynamics in fostering meaningful dialogues.
The practice of circling enhances friendship and intimacy, enabling individuals to share vulnerabilities and navigate emotional complexities together.
Engaging in meaningful dialogues serves as an antidote to the contemporary crisis of meaning, fostering deeper connections with oneself and others.
Deep dives
Importance of Philia in Relationships
Philia, or the love of friendship, plays a crucial role in enhancing human connections and relationships. The practice of circling, developed by Guy Sandsdok, serves as a meditative exploration of this concept by fostering deep conversations and intimacy between individuals. Participants engage in exercises that cultivate understanding and vulnerability, allowing them to navigate their insecurities and past traumas through relational practice. The act of sharing and listening in these circles encourages individuals to tune in and resonate with one another, ultimately promoting a deeper sense of community and connection.
Navigating the Crisis of Meaning
The discussion highlights a prevalent crisis of meaning within contemporary society, as articulated by Chris. This crisis manifests in various forms, often creeping into multiple facets of life, rendering it almost invisible yet profoundly impactful. Through introspective dialogue, individuals can articulate and confront these personal and societal symptoms of disconnection. Chris emphasizes that engaging in meaningful conversations can serve as an antidote, creating pathways toward re-establishing intimacy not only between individuals but also with existential questions and the essence of life itself.
Experiencing Growth through Authentic Dialogue
Taylor Barrett shares his journey of personal transformation through authentic relating and circling practices over the past decade. Initially a misanthropic software developer, Taylor experienced a profound shift as he navigated relational dynamics, particularly within his romantic partnership. By engaging in meaningful discussions and practices, he was able to confront unresolved issues and deepen his understanding of himself and his connections to others. This transformative process cultivated a renewed appreciation for relationships, propelling him toward the facilitation of generative conversations that foster community and personal growth.
Philosophical Fellowship and Communing with Wisdom
The practice of philosophical fellowship encourages participants to engage deeply with philosophical texts while fostering a sense of camaraderie and connection. Through slow reading, chanting, and various forms of speech, individuals invoke the wisdom of figures like Martin Buber, focusing on the spiritual dimensions of relationships. This method emphasizes the importance of presence in dialogue, allowing participants to intertwine their perspectives and resonate with the essence of the text and each other. The goal of this practice is to create a shared experience where wisdom emerges from the collective engagement, transcending individual perspectives.
Have you been doing your practices? If so, you should REALLY love today's episodes. We decided to release these two episodes back to back because the overall experience is quite unique! In these episodes, Dr. Vervaeke was joined by Christopher Mastropietro, Guy Sengstock, and Taylor Barratt in discussion, practice, and friendship.
Welcome back to After Socrates! Episode 11 releases next FRIDAY, February 24th, 2023. Please join our Patreon to support our work! https://www.patreon.com/johnvervaeke
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You are invited to join John, Guy, and Christopher live, online, at the next Circling & Dialogos Workshop where we discuss & practice the tools involved in both Philosophical Fellowship & Dialectic into Dialogos.
You can find more information, and register, here:
After Socrates is a series about how to create the theory, the practice, and the ecology of practices such that we can live and grow and develop through a Socratic way of life. The core argument is; the combination of the theoretical framework and the pedagogical program of practices can properly conduct us into the Socratic way of life. We believe that the Socratic way of life is what is most needed today because it is the one that can most help us cultivate wisdom in a way that is simultaneously respectful to spiritual tradition and to current scientific work.
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