Kind Mind Michael Todd Fink

Recorded live on Feb 24, 2024 at the Westclox Metaphysical Fair. You can support this work and connect more at https://patreon.com/kindmind Charles Bukowski's assertion, "Style is the answer to everything," encapsulates the essence of this quality, suggesting that true style goes beyond mere aesthetics to encompass authenticity, resilience, and individuality. This episode explores the multifaceted nature of style, its evolution through various stages, and its significance as a response to life's complexities.Rooted in the Latin word "stylus," which referred to a writing instrument, the concept of style has evolved to represent the unique way individuals express themselves in every aspect of life - aka one's "signature" style. The cycle of style can be understood through six stages: Uniform, Conform, Perform, Deform, Freeform, and Reform. Each stage represents a phase in the evolution of style, illustrating the dynamic interplay between socialization and individuality.Bukowski's philosophy of "don't try" aligns with this cycle, suggesting that true style emerges naturally when one stops trying to fit in or impress and instead embraces their authentic self. Please visit the episode website to view an image of the "style cycle."

You can support this work at https://patreon.com/kindmind Alchemy, once a mystical endeavor to transmute base metals into gold, finds renewed meaning as an allegory for personal and societal transformation. The mythical quest for the philosopher's stone or the elixir of life transcends mere physical desires. Instead, it mirrors the journey of self-discovery and spiritual growth. Kindness emerges as a metaphorical elixir, an alchemical agent that has the power to transform not only ourselves but also the world around us forever. Like a tree's capacity to sequester pollution and return oxygen, kindness acts as a purifying force. Through it, we can embrace the absurd and extract the beauty.

Join us on Patreon, as a free member for those unable to pledge or supporter of the show, at https://patreon.com/kindmind In the year of the dragon and northern lights, is the aurora borealis a cosmic ouroboros?
The ancient symbol of the Ouroboros, a serpent devouring its own tail, offers a profound metaphor for the cyclical nature of existence, encapsulating themes of renewal, infinity, and the perennial struggle between creation and destruction.This emblem, rooted in ancient Egyptian iconography and embraced by diverse cultures and philosophical traditions, serves as a powerful lens through which we can examine our contemporary relationship with nature, technology, and the quest for liberation and spiritual transcendence.(original episode artwork on podcast website)

Please listen to the intro on campus life and share to promote dialogue. If this work is meaningful to you, please consider supporting and joining us on Patreon - https://patreon.com/kindmind Grief can be highly personal and unique but this quote comes close to a universal definition:“Grief, I’ve learned, is really just love. It’s all the love you want to give, but cannot. All that unspent love gathers up in the corners of your eyes, the lump in your throat, and in that hollow part of your chest. Grief is just love with no place to go.” ― Jamie AndersonIt's important to recognize that grief is a natural response to loss, and it can manifest in various ways even when there hasn't been a direct loss of a loved one. The collective emotional and psychological impact of war and violence can be profound and long-lasting, and support, understanding, and caring for mental health are essential for anyone affected by these experiences and events. Additionally, addressing the broader societal and systemic factors that contribute to international crises can help mitigate the widespread grief and trauma associated with such situations.Some individuals may experience grief related to the moral and ethical dilemmas they face during political turmoil. Witnessing or participating in acts or positions that go against their values and beliefs can lead to feelings of guilt, shame, and moral distress.Mass violence can prompt individuals to confront profound existential questions about the nature of human conflict, suffering, and the meaning of life. This can lead to a form of existential grief as people grapple with these complex issues.Grief, like life, is complex and multi-dimensional. I think it is another invisible thread that is tied to the whole human tapestry. The way it intersects with all other social fabric results in ebbs and flows like a soulful song interspersed with minor chords. Grief is a shadow that appears unexpectedly on any side and reminds of the light of love.This episode explores some prominent psychological theories and alternative metaphysical interpretations of this profound human sense.(original episode artwork on podcast website)

If you would like to support this work, you can do so at https://patreon.com/kindmind and if you are unable to contribute financially, you can still sign up and join as a free member. All are welcome to the Kind Mind community.Human blossoming is akin to the delicate yet profound process seen in the natural world, where flowers unfurl their petals to reveal their inner beauty. The metaphor of blooming relates to maturity and is explored in various contexts, from spiritual growth to personal transformation. Just as flowers need the right conditions to bloom, folks too require nurturing environments and opportunities for growth to reach their full potential. Concepts such as the Flower of Life in sacred geometry and the Chinese teachings from "The Secret of the Golden Flower" illuminate the interconnectedness between nature and human existence, emphasizing the importance of harnessing inner wisdom to navigate life's journey.At the heart of this discussion lies the notion of the light reflex, a metaphorical beacon guiding individuals towards enlightenment and spiritual awakening. Like a flower turning upward or backward towards the sun to absorb its nourishing light, humans can cultivate inner radiance by turning towards their spiritual essence. Blooming where they are planted, individuals can unfold their unique potential and transform the social garden with grace and wisdom.(original “frequency” artwork for this episode can be seen on the podcast website)

Recorded on Oct 15, 2023, the day after a solar eclipse and “ring of fire.” If you value this show, please consider pitching in to support this independent work at https://patreon.com/kindmind Thanks!Kindness takes on both light-hearted and profound expressions in our intricate world. In its playful form, it encompasses spontaneous acts that bring joy and laughter, offering a refreshing break from gravity. In its most thoughtful expression, it addresses pressing societal issues with compassion and wisdom. Striking a balance between these dimensions is pivotal and crucial; playfulness fosters connections and resilience, while empathy grapples with deep-rooted challenges, striving for enduring transformation. Together, they cultivate a mature mind and harmonious society adept at navigating the complex dynamics of life with love and awareness.This episode explores the concept of “space” not as the separation but as the link. (original artwork on the podcast website and music “The Loudest Meditation” by Solar Plexus)