Beyond the Brain V Conference
Poster Abstracts
Scientific and Experiential Proof
Or
Beyond All Reasonable Doubt
Michael Meredith
The idea that you can 'prove' the existence of God died in the eighteenth century with the philosopher Immanuel Kant. However, could it be that Kant was misguided? 'Proof' requires the right apparatus and great diligence. Kant may well have been diligent, and even been aware of the apparatus, but he could not have carried out the experiment for himself. For right apparatus includes the very heart of the divine mystery of our own personal existence, and it is only through that mystery that a creative force, which some call God, will be revealed.
This paper explores the two paradigms of proof, namely primary/secondary and first/third party, and relates these to both our scientific knowledge and religious expression before setting out on a journey to discover bedrock of timeless truth from which the spiritual dimension of the human condition can be explored.
Case studies will be given which are grouped into normal, boundary and transcendental.
Altered States of Consciousness and the Spiritual in the Secular
Eileen Sheppard
This paper looks at altered states of consciousness (ASCs) both sacred and secular, and their therapeutic potential. ASCs have been recognised since
ancient times as a healing force. (McMahon 1986). In most esoteric systems,
also, true healing requires forgiveness of others, and our forgiveness by
the Divine, e.g Jewish Kabbalah sees the whole cosmos interacting, hence a need for us to work in harmony with others and with the Divine. Altered states in the Jewish tradition are a pathway to the Divine, seen especially in the teachings of the Hasidic masters. Many of our leisure pursuits also are ASC-inducing, and bear comparison with sacred ASCs for therapeutic effects. For my PhD I am studying people who induce such ASCs (via prayer, creative pursuits, sport, being in nature, use of electronic media).using literature in Transpersonal psychology, Health psychology
and Anthropology. This is work in progress, and I will be reporting my findings to date.
Holding the Child; Feeling held as the adult
Dr De W Vorster
Our infancy research will be summarised and related to positive elements of counselling. In our world of stress, the value of attachment research contributing to a mentally healthy world view is vital.
Holding preventing falling forever
The importance of relaxation for the present moment, empathy, listening, practical response and mutual rhythm will be presented. The value of short courses of counselling in primary care, voluntary organisations and the church will be discussed to compensate for the lack of adequate psychotherapy provision in the NHS.
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