In this video, “Dr. Bob” a.k.a. Dr. Robert Rosenthal and Bruce Rawles talk about chapter four from Bob’s new book “From Never-Mind to Ever-Mind“. entitled “The Call of Wholeness”. This fourth chapter from Bob’s recently released book addresses how our universal longing for community, connection and belonging reflect the inexorable calling we all receive – but so often ignore – to join and experience the acceptance of a Self greater than any promise our individual selves could possibly offer. Geese flying in “V” formation share a common purpose and enjoy the strength and protection of the flock. Unexpected sports victories bring together neighbors that might never meet in a spirit of celebration. The question remains of how to sustain the togetherness that seems fleeting and elusive when we base our experience on form and behavior until we realize that the joyous sense of community is a choice in the mind, regardless of circumstance. We explore these topics reflected in the section headings of this chapter:
• Lessons from Geese
• In Whole or in Parts
• Cults and Tribes
• The Power of Shared Purpose
• The Experience of Group Consciousness
• Breaking Down and Building Up: Entropy versus Life
• Rebellion in Heaven
• Impermanence and Opposition
• In Search of the All-Encompassing Group
• Union without Opposite
• A Foretaste of Heaven
We discuss how the real, sustainable community remains a choice in the mind, safeguarded for us by our Inner Kindness Teacher, saved for when we’re ready to go beyond the temporary experiences of communion; this quote from page 183 resonates with this:
“Anything in this world that you believe is good and valuable and worth striving for can hurt you, and will do so. Not because it has the power to hurt, but just because you have denied it is but an illusion, and made it real. … For no one can make one illusion real, and still escape the rest.” – T-26.VI.1:1-2,7
This related conversation (about chapters 4 and 5 of FNMTEM) goes into detail about other ideas such as the harmony of choirs – such as this inspiring music video by Eric Whitacre as metaphor for – and expressions of – this longing for truly eternal community.
Along with Tamara Morgan – daughter of Judy Whitson, the founder of the Foundation for Inner Peace (FIP) which publishes A Course In Miracles, Dr. Bob is co-president of FIP, as well as the author of From Plagues to Miracles (FPTM) – his prior book about ACIM –which explores the metaphysical metaphors and symbolism of the story of Exodus, available in both paperback and Kindle editions. The book page on his (new) Robert Rosenthal, M.D. website provides an overview of his books, novels and screenplays. Listen to numerous interviews with Dr. Bob here as well on Charlotte Spicer’s BlogTalkRadio channel series.
This video was recorded Feb. 22, 2019.