108 replies to this topic

[grendals_bane]

I believe you, on 04 January 2013 - 08:51 PM, said:

The New Age is in the exponential pace progress has taken.

Has progress really been exponential though? And at what point did this begin?

Human society does not progress in a steady manner and at an equal pace from country to country.

Take for example computer development, which does grow at an exponential rate and compare it to the development of the battery which is progressing at a snails pace in comparison. The same holds true for human society, in some areas we make progress in others not so much.

Therefore if "progress" is not increasing at an exponential pace then there can clearly be no New Age. Unless this Age is only in one specific area such as technology, or politics.

It also depends on your definition of "progress" the toppling of a dictator for example is seen as "progress" by only those who oppose the dictator, I doubt his supporters would take the same stance though. The same is true for a nation with a now booming economy, it is progress to those who are in the position to capitalise on their nations new found wealth, but those who are worse off would surely disagree,

Edited by grendals_bane, 04 January 2013 - 09:40 PM.

[Leave Britney alone!]

grendals_bane, on 04 January 2013 - 09:39 PM, said:

Has progress really been exponential though? And at what point did this begin?

Human society does not progress in a steady manner and at an equal pace from country to country.

Take for example computer development, which does grow at an exponential rate and compare it to the development of the battery which is progressing at a snails pace in comparison. The same holds true for human society, in some areas we make progress in others not so much.

Therefore if "progress" is not increasing at an exponential pace then there can clearly be no New Age. Unless this Age is only in one specific area such as technology, or politics.

It also depends on your definition of "progress" the toppling of a dictator for example is seen as "progress" by only those who oppose the dictator, I doubt his supporters would take the same stance though. The same is true for a nation with a now booming economy, it is progress to those who are in the position to capitalise on their nations new found wealth, but those who are worse off would surely disagree,

The point the New Age begins is now. The point exponential progress began was in the 1900s, in most domains. Since then advancement has come in many forms at a rapid fire pace, at times so fast we don't exactly know the full application of any product or the side effects. It takes time to learn. There is always lag from a time a new technology is introduced to the time it can be responsibly utilized without harming others health or quality of life. We are getting much better at that but with some instance it is a work in progress, cars are not fully safe yet, soon auto accidents will be a thing of the past....California recently allowed the beginning of testing for fully automated vehicles with no drivers in them on state road as an example. Their pollution is not perpetual, eventually that will be solved too.

I agree progress has not occured at a steady or even pace in any country or from country to country. Eventually a point has to be reached where progress does reach the majority. This point is getting closer. The New Age does not begin when that point is reached, that will be the end of the New Age, and an even newer age that has nothing to do with the name "new" will probably come about then, but that is as far away as you believe the New Age is, although the New Age is now.

Your line of reasoning is the old paradigm, where supporters of dictators are losers, that is a zero-sum game. Your focus is not part of the New Age, and that is fine, your view is understandable since it has been around for a while.

The focus for the New Age is on benefiting the majority, you can't please everyone, but you can make almost everyone safe and healthy.

Edited by I believe you, 04 January 2013 - 10:21 PM.

[grendals_bane]

I believe you, on 04 January 2013 - 10:14 PM, said:

Your line of reasoning is the old paradigm, where supporters of dictators are losers, that is a zero-sum game. Your focus is not part of the New Age, and that is fine, your view is understandable since it has been around for a while.

They may very well become losers if they are then persecuted for following said dictator, therefore they would not see it as progress,

Quote

The focus for the New Age is on benefiting the majority, you can't please everyone, but you can make almost everyone safe and healthy.

The idea of a system benefiting the majority isn't a new one, it is as old as democracy itself. Focusing a New Age on pleasing the majority would be no change as to what has been done already, it is how the ruling class stay in power. It is pleasing the most people that gets the votes, or prevents rebellion, etc.

[libstaK]

Every day is new and every day - I have a new age, different from the age I was yesterday .

If you want to feel the force of human progress and evolution it is there for you, there is plenty happening to be inspired by

A few of my faves atm:

The CNN Freedom Project - End Human Trafficking and Slavery, ongoing and doing some great work in highlighting issues and getting people involved. Check it out, you will be moved.

End the Culture of Rape in 2013 - this movement is centred in a country sorely in need of a change of paradigm on this issue, India.  It's a great idea step up for
all - demonstrations are being organised for Feb 14 2013, now that is good news isn't it?
http://edition.cnn.c....html?hpt=hp_c2

And today in the news an Italian Soccer Star
http://edition.cnn.c....html?hpt=hp_c1

And can we forget Malala? Her stand for girls right to education in Pakistan and the world, moved a nation and our world
http://edition.cnn.c...from-malala.cnn

We don't need to believe in a "New Age" we can get it all done by just believing we have not reached the limits of human evolution or tapped all there is to tap in the human spirit.  A list of what inspires us to believe the world can be a better place is a good idea though, I've shown a few - anyone else been inspired lately?

[hooko22]

I believe you, on 03 January 2013 - 05:19 PM, said:

So, I am looking for positive proof that the New Age has indeed begun. Maybe you have been witness to events recently but did not recognize them for being out of the ordinary. A group spontaneously forming to help someone then dissipating just as fast. Anything to do with the collective working in harmony or to help others. Of society getting better, old problems getting fixed, etc,...

Any experiences you have had since the solstice that fit this or anything else you can think of as positive proof the New Age has begun, please add it. I want to believe.

I would have thought that it was kinda implied by the name: Age.

So naturally it ain't gonna happen just all of a sudden, an age after all is a long long time. It takes ages to happen! Well ok actually thats many but that's even longer then one!

[Leave Britney alone!]

libstaK, on 05 January 2013 - 01:13 AM, said:

Every day is new and every day - I have a new age, different from the age I was yesterday .

If you want to feel the force of human progress and evolution it is there for you, there is plenty happening to be inspired by

A few of my faves atm:

The CNN Freedom Project - End Human Trafficking and Slavery, ongoing and doing some great work in highlighting issues and getting people involved. Check it out, you will be moved.

End the Culture of Rape in 2013 - this movement is centred in a country sorely in need of a change of paradigm on this issue, India.  It's a great idea step up for
all - demonstrations are being organised for Feb 14 2013, now that is good news isn't it?
http://edition.cnn.c....html?hpt=hp_c2

And today in the news an Italian Soccer Star
http://edition.cnn.c....html?hpt=hp_c1

And can we forget Malala? Her stand for girls right to education in Pakistan and the world, moved a nation and our world
http://edition.cnn.c...from-malala.cnn

We don't need to believe in a "New Age" we can get it all done by just believing we have not reached the limits of human evolution or tapped all there is to tap in the human spirit.  A list of what inspires us to believe the world can be a better place is a good idea though, I've shown a few - anyone else been inspired lately?

While you might not consider all this part of the New Age, others are allowed to, and do consider it part of the New Age.

You did not claim that it was but I don't see how either narrative is competing against each other, it is not like your view is right and mine is wrong, or vice verse, it is like this:

those who believe in the New Age are operating under that concept, those who do not are not, and neither my beliefs or yours will affect how we choose to operate on a personal level.

I also don't want you to be not authentic to yourself and suddenly choose to operate with the beliefs that the New Age is here, it is not for everyone, yet. There is no hurry.

The New Age is in part "our awareness that we have not reached the limits of human" potential.

You mention spirituality, while that is a component of the New Age for many, it has nothing to do with the part of the New Age I am seeking to discuss. It is so easy to veer off into mumbo jumbo, chanting, costumes, and pretending to have connections to ancients, while that is good and well for those who are into that, I am not. Sure many will do good operating on their spiritual scripts, that is real to me, but I find no need to discuss it here, I seek the tangible, not the spiritual, I seek description of actions that have already occured.

Thank you, a list that inspires is a good idea but also is not what I requested, and if you are not contributing to what I specifically asked for, I request (knowing no one has to follow this request but if you are polite consider it please) for personal experiences of what you have seen.

No links to media stories, this is not a feel good thread to dump positive news from the media on, or what people far away from you or me are doing, I want personal stories, stories from your hometown, family, friends, coworkers, and if they don't come that is OK, I know they exist but this audience might not have any of their own to share or they might not have realized they were a witness to one of these events.

grendals_bane, on 05 January 2013 - 12:26 AM, said:

They may very well become losers if they are then persecuted for following said dictator, therefore they would not see it as progress,



The idea of a system benefiting the majority isn't a new one, it is as old as democracy itself. Focusing a New Age on pleasing the majority would be no change as to what has been done already, it is how the ruling class stay in power. It is pleasing the most people that gets the votes, or prevents rebellion, etc.

Whether they do not recognize it as progress or you do not recognize this as the New Age, that is accurate for them and yourself, and they and you don't have to recognize it.

Others do.

Edited by I believe you, 05 January 2013 - 10:58 AM.

[libstaK]

I believe you, on 05 January 2013 - 10:43 AM, said:

Thank you, a list that inspires is a good idea but also is not what I requested, and if you are not contributing to what I specifically asked for, I request (knowing no one has to follow this request but if you are polite consider it please) for personal experiences of what you have seen.

No links to media stories, this is not a feel good thread to dump positive news from the media on, or what people far away from you or me are doing, I want personal stories, stories from your hometown, family, friends, coworkers, and if they don't come that is OK, I know they exist but this audience might not have any of their own to share or they might not have realized they were a witness to one of these events.

Whether they do not recognize it as progress or you do not recognize this as the New Age, that is accurate for them and yourself, and they and you don't have to recognize it.

Others do.

Relax I wasn't belittling the idea of a paradigm shift, I just don't think it needs to attributed to a phenomenon decreed "New Age".  I have no problem with those who believe it does, not at all, these folks have their glass half full and look forward to a future of greater conscious awareness which is definitely a good thing.

As to the stories - a change is global consciousness is far more likely to present cumulative evidence, but that is just my opinion, hence my reflection on the inspirations that have moved millions at a time to new means of thinking and acting.  Personal accounts are great too, if that is what you specifically wish, I will await my own experiences before posting in here again.  I wish you well.

[Leave Britney alone!]

libstaK, on 05 January 2013 - 11:24 AM, said:

Relax I wasn't belittling the idea of a paradigm shift, I just don't think it needs to attributed to a phenomenon decreed "New Age".  I have no problem with those who believe it does, not at all, these folks have their glass half full and look forward to a future of greater conscious awareness which is definitely a good thing.

As to the stories - a change is global consciousness is far more likely to present cumulative evidence, but that is just my opinion, hence my reflection on the inspirations that have moved millions at a time to new means of thinking and acting.  Personal accounts are great too, if that is what you specifically wish, I will await my own experiences before posting in here again.  I wish you well.

Thank you.

Global or cosmic consciousness is very fascinating but a bit out there. I am a bit attracted to that idea but am looking for the more mundane.

I will share, I hope others can too, in my city they recently, after many years labors by various people, fixed the river system adding pedestrian trails.

Cycling for miles can be had too and so we went for a 6 mile ride (3 in and 3 back) and there on the river was a canoe, they recenly allowed this too.

People were going down a series of rocks where the river was channeled through, all downhill, running water, just like a huge series of long steps of rocks, since the river changes elevation this was engineered by the works department to keep it from overflowing or running off it's course creating muddy and slippery conditions on trails and landscape which they are investing a lot with plants and trees that are native to the riverside.

You could tell these people were not professional canoers, just some kids and an adult, others stood by watching. They had trouble at first paddling, we wondered why no one just got out and pushed it, maybe it would have been too slippery and dangerous, doubftul they had the right foot gear to do so anyways in an urban environment, but they made it down and with more ease once they got halfway down.

Just people coming together, some to go paddling, they were a group taking turns in the canoe, and others just stopping to watch this small moment of people coming together for no real reason, but things are getting better. The river was trashy, a scary place to go, a haven for druggies and vagrants not too long ago. Now it is well lit, patrolled, and lined.

This is the New Age to me as well as with the the same system of trails being built along creeks, connecting parks, and turning them into places of community again. The scene of a Disney princess walking and the dead forest turning to bloom, flowers and life, all in her trail as she passes by is just a metaphor, the globe is coming to life all over in small ways, people are truly being able to live again.

Edited by I believe you, 05 January 2013 - 01:37 PM.

[Professor T]

I believe you, on 03 January 2013 - 05:19 PM, said:

So, I am looking for positive proof that the New Age has indeed begun. Maybe you have been witness to events recently but did not recognize them for being out of the ordinary. A group spontaneously forming to help someone then dissipating just as fast. Anything to do with the collective working in harmony or to help others. Of society getting better, old problems getting fixed, etc,...

Any experiences you have had since the solstice that fit this or anything else you can think of as positive proof the New Age has begun, please add it. I want to believe.

I like the idea behind gathering peoples experience of the "new Age"
I could relate to you my experience, but it would be clouded by the personal tradgedy of the death of my father, the aftermath, the spontanious gathering of friends and family and the coming together ect... it would certainly meet the expectations of the OP, but at a personal level it is undoubtedly a "new Age" that dawned for me on 21st December.. lol..

Anyway, Positive proof, for me will be a shift in direction of Society, which is why i took exception of your quote below..

I believe you, on 04 January 2013 - 03:25 PM, said:

Progress is about speed and not direction.

The way I figure it, New ages are era's that are declared retrospectively by identifying a small yet significant turning point or change in society.. Progress is not just about speed. Speed denotes travel, which in turn denotes direction.. If 21st December did signify the dawn of a new age then concentrating on the here & now of the moment will tell us what this new age will be about.. The New Age imo, is born of realisation/information, or thoughts that society has been collectively gathering and mulling over the last few decades.. what will follow, i think, will be a change of direction, slow at first, but gathering pace as time goes by..

[Leave Britney alone!]

Professor T, on 05 January 2013 - 07:58 PM, said:

I like the idea behind gathering peoples experience of the "new Age"
I could relate to you my experience, but it would be clouded by the personal tradgedy of the death of my father, the aftermath, the spontanious gathering of friends and family and the coming together ect... it would certainly meet the expectations of the OP, but at a personal level it is undoubtedly a "new Age" that dawned for me on 21st December.. lol..

Anyway, Positive proof, for me will be a shift in direction of Society, which is why i took exception of your quote below..

The way I figure it, New ages are era's that are declared retrospectively by identifying a small yet significant turning point or change in society.. Progress is not just about speed. Speed denotes travel, which in turn denotes direction.. If 21st December did signify the dawn of a new age then concentrating on the here & now of the moment will tell us what this new age will be about.. The New Age imo, is born of realisation/information, or thoughts that society has been collectively gathering and mulling over the last few decades.. what will follow, i think, will be a change of direction, slow at first, but gathering pace as time goes by..

Please do share, it sounds perfect.

Also sorry, I totally massacred that saying, so unsure if it will change your opinion about it, but I do appreciate your words.

What I meant was, and I say this very often so unsure why I botched it, I feel terrible I did after you devoted a paragraph to it, but the actual saying is: Progress is not about speed but direction.

So progress is indeed slowly, so slow many become impatients, but if you see history and understand that things do consistently get better, and also understand it takes time becuase we have to compromise with others. As long as we are moving in the right direction then it gives progressives hope, right now the world seems to be moving in the right direction,

There is another phrase: If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.

Progress is slow, it is not about speed, but it is about the collective working together to go really far.

[Arpee]

The "Old Age" or The "New Age". It doesn't matter what time it is, it is up to humanity to make more positive changes, now. Only then, will the effects be seen.

[Professor T]

Progress is not about speed but direction. sweet..

I believe you, on 05 January 2013 - 09:06 PM, said:

Please do share, it sounds perfect.

Am kind of unwilling to do that at this stage.. Theres things that occured prior to and on-going that still don't make much sense to me. it was a very personal loss but from it I've gained a clear sence of direction..  And like I said, for me, positive proof will be a shift in the direction of society.. If where we are now v's the direction I believe we should be going is anything to go by, then within 6 months we should start seeing signs of the dismantling of long-standing hierarchies.

I kind of think that humanity has been chewing the fat on the systems we have in place that govern life.. And right now, the collective penny is dropping and as a whole people are realising that the systems in place no longer serve society as a whole. When the collective come to that realisation we'll see change alright.. Right now I think we're on the tipping point..

[Beany]

IMHO, the arrival of the new age is at the opposite end of the spectrum from the world is going to end. The fact is, we as individuals have always had the ability and opportunity to influence ourselves & our communities for better or worse, and unless we step up to the plate and own that responsibility and manifest it in the physical world, it doesn't matter what kind of "age" has been announced or anticipated. The good thing about the new age, maybe, is that it has increased awareness & consciousness of what is possible, but whether it will increase benevolent thoughts & activities is entirely up to us; it's an opportunity, but not necessarily one that will be used to best advantage, and this kind of opportunity has always existed.

[Sean93]

The new age will come when we've surpassed the Digital Age that we now live in...can't see how that'll happen though.

Oh...Interstellar travel!

[keithisco]

Something I am ridiculed about in this forum every year is Earth Day (and Earth Hour) - I always support it, and as long as it continues in one form or another, always will. These are all very small acts of Greater Consciousness of ourselves and our relationship to our only home (Earth). The fact that it is become a Global Phenomenon never ceases to amaze me but does give me hope that as a species we are beginning to think together, to consider others, and are beginning to "grow up".

A true "New Age" (IMO) will not begin until the reasons for maintaining machines of war are a distant memory, along with the Machines of War