Views of Existing Members on Membership

After obtaining a doctorate in Biotechnology in 1994, I now combine work in the IT field with work as a hypnotherapist, both of which I have been doing for the last 10 years. I have been actively engaged in the subjective exploration of the states of consciousness which characterise sleep paralysis for over 12 years. This has involved me in the investigation of the woolly line that appears to divide lucid dreams from out-of-body experiences. I am particularly interested in the possible connections that may exist between such mental states and certain interpretations of quantum physics.

I joined the Scientific and Medical Network, not only because the experience of its members reflects the chimerical nature of this interest, but also because of the numerous opportunities afforded for the mutual exchange of ideas. The notion of being able to meet and correspond with other intelligent professionals who have the willingness to look at seemingly heretical models of reality with a combination of open-mindedness and honest (as opposed to dishonest) scepticism was very appealing. In a world where this sort of dialectic is generally avoided in favour of easy commercialism and arguably irrelevant concerns, this community of thinkers is especially valuable.

I graduated in physics in 1956 and pursued a career in industry, mainly in nuclear power.  Retirement offered a welcome opportunity to research the nature of reality in general and of consciousness in particular. In recent years, the amazing expansion of the knowledge base of humankind has illuminated complexities and mysteries beyond our dreams.  To quote an anonymous source, "In nature's infinite book of secrecy, just a little can I learn".  Yet it is good to study the mysteries that surround us and to discuss them with others who also possess appetites for exploration of these mysteries from their diverse vantage points.  The SMN is an organisation that provides many opportunities for such discussions.  It also attracts distinguished speakers who can bring members up-to-date with boundaries of knowledge.

I have an open mind about various belief systems, about alternative therapies, and about the paranormal but I approach these subjects from the standpoint of a trained scientist.  Having said that, my opinion is that consciousness remains outside the boundaries of science.  Nevertheless, that does not prevent a rational approach towards it.

I joined the SMN to share in the exploration of life's mysteries both philosophically and practically, but I have found that within the organisation, much greater emphasis is placed on philosophical and metaphysical matters than practical exploration.

My name is Jill Nunn. I am a senior citizen of some sixty-six 'earth years' and I live in Kexby, a village some twelve miles to the north of Lincoln. I have an interest in wild-life, particularly conservation, re: the Planet. Also a deep and abiding passion for the Hidden Wisdom of the Bible and its relationship with other disciplines and sciences. I would call myself a 'sensitive' and where I can, I inform researchers within the Scientific and Medical Network of any experiences which appear to be outside of normal consciousness.

I previously belonged to the Wrekin Trust, and, having attended so many conferences at Winchester, dating from the 1970's, I naturally wished to continue those ties with the Network - as an associate member. What I get out of this is a wonderful sense of a spiritual (and scientific) family, which generates a sheer joy and exhilaration from listening to, and talking with, people of high integrity and mental acumen. This deep nourishment, love and affection gives my life a basis, and is a strength and encouragement to carry it out to the World where I can.

After an initial industrial career as a chartered engineer, I am currently in the academic world and have been at the University of York for the last twelve years. Following a period in the Department of Computer Science, I have become involved with the innovative process of engaging academia with the world of commerce, developing research, particularly into sustainable technologies.

The constraining perspective and narrowly defined disciplines of western academic life drove a need to engage with colleagues having a much wider vision of the world. The SMN offered the ideal vehicle. Involvement since the early 1990s with like minded people from diverse backgrounds with their `no blinkers` interdisciplinary approach now seems so natural and indeed the obvious way to progress.

My research area is in the field of non-locality of Consciousness. The emerging new models describing an active Aether can begin to account for many phenomena such as Healing, Synchronicity, Psychometry etc, currently not even considered in mainstream Science. The open mindedness implicit in the SMN philosophy is what Science should truly be about

I am a retired GP, with an interest in, and experience of, the use of complementary therapies. Presently I teach medical students about complementary medicine and give seminars on health aspects of retirement. I have an interest in research into complementary medicine.

In addition I am rebuilding an old car, and I grow vegetables.

I am interested in what religions or faiths have in common - i.e. the underlying spirituality or faith as it affects how we live, and in how we might work to make this more effective in our own lives. I am interested in bridging the conceptual gap between Eastern and Western medicine, - making sense of energy, meridians, the pulses, etc. in terms that western medical students can understand.

I am also keen for a more enlightened approach to research into homoeopathy, focussing not on whether it 'works' but on what is actually happening when a remedy is prepared, when it is added to a biological system and thus understanding how homoeopathic remedies might have an effect.

I joined the network because I hoped that I would hear more about those things I am interested in and challenged by, and that I would be stretched a bit. What I value about the network is not only the wonderfully wide range of people who attend meetings but also the knowledge and passion attached to whatever they bring. I also value the diversity of subjects that are discussed - always in some, and often in considerable depth. People are very friendly and honest. It widens my horizons.