Kind Mind Michael Todd Fink

To support this show and read my lastest philosophical essay "#falseflag or #deepstate" - please visit https://patreon.com/kindmind Admiration is a profound human psychological state and like a prism, refracts light into a spectrum of experiences. Within this metaphorical range, there is the capacity for awe and spiritual transformation - the colors of admiration's positive influence. Beyond admiration's edges lies the cautionary areas where imbalance spills into the harmful rays of idolization or insecurity, akin to the UV radiation just over the rainbow of visible light.In this digital age of snapshots, glimpses, comparisons and voyeurism - how we see matters for our mental health. Having a better understanding of the art of admiration and who or what could be admired can serve as a mitigating factor for the risks of depression or internet addiction.The vibrations of admiration are like ripples backwards in time, a clue from our future, fuller selves. It touches on something deep within our psyche or peels back a layer covering our true nature. Like the personification of an acorn admiring an oak tree because that is it's destiny, we respect and resonate with the outer displays of our own inner potential.Author and philosopher Matshona Dhliwayo wrote, "admiration is the power of anointing." It symbolizes the uplifting and transformative effect this quality can have. It also suggests that it be treated as a sacred rite we carry with us. Perform the ritual with care.

Your support of this show as part of the community on patreon is greatly appreciated https://patreon.com/kindmind Honesty, a cornerstone of ethical behavior, faces complex challenges in the modern world. Technological advancements have fundamentally altered the landscape of human interactions, introducing anonymity and ease of information manipulation that can diminish accountability.The rapid dissemination of misinformation and the rise of AI along with the weaponization of bots and deepfakes complicate the distinction between truth and falsehood, normalizing deceit in various contexts.Social media platforms further blur these lines by encouraging the curation of idealized realities and incentivizing deceptive practices for personal gain. These shifts, coupled with the pressures of consumerism and material success, contribute to a culture where dishonesty can thrive.What responsibility do we have with respect to honesty in the virtual world? What is the line between digital creativity and confusion?

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)