How to Live Deeply

The art and science of transformation.

by Rebecca Ephraim

Sure, you’re not the same person you were 10 years ago, last month, or perhaps even yesterday. What happened? You’re a little bit older and, if you’ve learned anything, somewhat wiser.

But then there are the big changes… the ones that are transformative. And Marilyn Schlitz, PhD, lives to study them... on our behalf. At Northern California’s Institute of Noetic Sciences (IONS), she works with a remarkable team of scientists and educators to achieve breakthroughs in our understanding of consciousness and human potential, à la transformation.

Later this month, UBC, in partnership with the Institute of Noetic Sciences, is presenting a weekend of exploration called “Living Deeply” with Marilyn. We caught up with the good doctor for more insight on transformation.

What does “noetic” mean in IONS? And how did you become associated with the institute? “Noetic” comes from the Greek word nous, meaning “direct knowing.” It refers to our inner experiences, intuitions, and subjective awareness. William James referred to such experiences as “states of insight unplumbed by the discursive intellect.” I first heard of the Institute of Noetic Sciences in 1977, when I read a book called Psychic Exploration by the Apollo 14 astronaut, Edgar Mitchell. That book changed my life and set the path for my career.

We all transform—after all, just the act of growing up is transformation. What are you talking about? We define consciousness transformations as “profound internal shifts that result in long-lasting changes in the way you experience and relate to yourself, others, and the world.” We have discovered that many people report moments of great insight that led them to deeper, more meaning-filled and purposeful lives. Through hundreds of hours of interviews with religious and spiritual masters, we found tools for achieving positive transformations that are common across cultures and traditions.

Is it apt to say your study merges science and spirituality?  I am deeply interested in working at the nexus of science and spirituality. Bringing two seemingly disparate domains together offers the potential for breakthroughs in our understanding of who we are and what we are capable of becoming.

What has surprised you about this work?  I have been surprised by some of the stories that people in our survey of more than 2,000 people shared with us. A Vietnam vet described a profound insight that changed his life as he watched his colleagues gunned down on the battlefield. We heard from a mom who had an inspiration to help her sick daughter by sending subtle energy and ultimately healing the daughter and their relationship. Anything can be a catalyst for transformation. Setting a positive intention and practising mindful attention can help us see the opportunities in any situation or life experience.

In light of this research, how can we best prepare our children for the future? Our research on positive consciousness transformations suggests some general directions we can take. As parents, we need to hold the tenuous paradox between setting firm boundaries and creating ample space for our kids to think and experience in their own ways. We need to model deep respect and appreciation for them and for our elders.

We need to make sure they have the opportunity to experience silence and reflection as we race through our days. We must create openings for undirected play, immersion in nature, and interactions with people from different cultures, world views, and life experiences. And we should spend as much time with our kids as we possibly can, listening deeply.

With your perspective, what does sustainability look like?  In my mind, how we get to full sustainability is—in part—a matter of seeing consciousness as the missing piece in the sustainability puzzle. Each of us is hungry to find greater balance in ourselves and our relationships. All of us need to reduce the noise of mass distractions that lead to stress, exhaustion, and burnout. Sustainability involves weaving together networks across communities and cultures that strengthen the web of humanity. And it includes our sense of belonging to something greater than ourselves that gives us meaning and purpose.

Is there anything I can do to nurture transformation? Our work on consciousness transformations suggests that there are some simple things you can do. Take time out for silence. Remember, you choose how you interpret your experiences. Know that people who annoy you the most can be your greatest teachers. Understand (especially if you’re in the middle of one) that most significant positive transformations arise out of crisis or some destabilizing experience. Revitalize yourself in nature. Use everyday moments, like your carpool or exercise group, to practise good social and emotional intelligence. Be willing to forgive. And take time to play—sometimes we take ourselves too seriously. As we transform in positive ways, we become a model for others. Finding like-minded communities can also make a difference.

How has your research on transformation affected you? I use what I have learned every day. When I find myself becoming reactive, I try to pay attention to my emotions and to work with them, rather than letting them control me. When I find myself thinking limiting thoughts, I remember that I control my own experience. And I celebrate my family and friends who help me recall the person I most want to be—even when I forget.

How do humans need to adapt to survive the changes predicted for this, the 21st, century? We need to learn more about consciousness and to understand that the root cause of many of our social and environmental problems lies in our limited belief systems, assumptions, and worldviews. Just as we have created many of the problems we face as a civilization, we can create solutions.

If our world is really looking down the barrel of an environmental catastrophe, how do I live my life right now? As someone very wise once said: “Even if the world will end tomorrow, plant a tree today.” You just never know what the morning might bring.

Marilyn will be teaching IONS’s signature workshop on “Living Deeply” with Cassandra Vieten in Vancouver Oct. 29–30. For more info: lifeandcareer.ubc.ca/sv or 604-822-0681. Also visit noetic.org .

—interview conducted, condensed, and edited by SharedVISION publisher Rebecca Ephraim.

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