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Al McGee Meditation & Philosophy

Al McGee Meditation & Philosophy

By Al McGee Meditation & Philosop

Going into the depth of things.
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A Feeling Beyond Feeling

Al McGee Meditation & PhilosophyJan 27, 2021

00:00
08:56
Fuzzy Heads

Fuzzy Heads

In the early 1930s a boat carrying 107 mostly British communists arrived in St Petersburg. These were starry-eyed immigrants determined to unite with the - said to be -  glorious Soviet Union. These were the Fuzzy Heads. And they're still around!

May 03, 202109:41
A Feeling Beyond Feeling

A Feeling Beyond Feeling

There is a level of awareness that Fr Anthony Bloom calls "a feeling beyond feeling." You could call it a refined level of feeling. In itself, says Jacob Needleman, this level of feeling is "an instrument of knowledge." This talk explores this inner dimension and what it is leading towards.

Jan 27, 202108:56
Where's the Heat?

Where's the Heat?

In the mythology of the poet, William Blake, there is an image of a frightening god he calls Urizen. In every generation there are not a few who align themselves with the cold and barren climates that Urizen creates. Those bound by Urizen are truly chilled folk. The contrast is the experience of those who have tasted infinity and who thrive on being in a right and enlivening relationship with God. I make reference here to the inspirational writings of not only William Blake, but Rabindranath Tagore, and Colin Wilson.  My suggestion is to heed these voices for spiritual heat is generated by what they have to say. 

Sep 24, 202014:56
Recovering the Inner Fire

Recovering the Inner Fire

A comparison between two ancient characters, the wealthy, Lydian King, Croesus and the wise man, Solon. What were their lives about? What's your life about? Are you known for the wealth you've built up or the quality of your soul life? With regard to the latter, the highest wisdom is to nurture your own soul, to kindle the inner fire.

Sep 24, 202008:58
A god too Small

A god too Small

Daniel N. Robinson wrote about a knowledge that is perhaps best described as "an introspective activity, a communion with the cosmic mind." This is a very deep and transforming level of knowledge - knowledge as a power or force that could change your life forever. 

Aug 08, 202011:05
Soulfulness - its Presence or Absence?

Soulfulness - its Presence or Absence?

At the end of my life will I find that my soul is empty or full? Will I able to say then that it is well with my soul. Reflections

Aug 08, 202007:02
Follow the Upward Shift

Follow the Upward Shift

Wondering about what the future held, I determined some years ago to chant the Guru Gita (an ancient East Indian chant) to get myself into an optimum  state to consider the possibilities. It was one of the best things I ever did. The consequences have been enormous for myself personally and for my family...

Jul 10, 202007:38
Hobby Horse Theorizing

Hobby Horse Theorizing

A challenge to think long and hard about what we think lest we fall into espousing abstract and vacuous theories that amount to being no more than empty hobby horse theorizing.  As millions were suffering and dying under Stalin, many in the West refused to see it. They chose instead to ignore that reality as they clung to their patently false narratives.  The same is happening today.  I hope it's not too late to wake from being woke.

Jul 01, 202014:15
Amusing yourself to Death

Amusing yourself to Death

Amuse yourself to death, or find integrity by the contemplation of higher things. Choose between the noble path that leads to joy versus that sordid path that leads to idiocy. 

Jun 10, 202008:15
A Specific Sort of Suffering

A Specific Sort of Suffering

The Socratic effect is a cataclysmic eruption of the soul. It's an inner upheaval that puts you into a very deep state of self-interrogation. It can feel like both a blessing and curse at one and the same time.

Jun 08, 202024:57
A Horror of Confinement

A Horror of Confinement

The poet, Rilke, was said to have a horror of confinement. Here are reflections on breaking free.
Jun 06, 202008:09
A Feeling that Never Quite Goes Away

A Feeling that Never Quite Goes Away

"The truth is that there remains in you - the most hard-boiled atheist, the most vehement physicalist or avid materialist - a noble instinct, which is that level of awareness that resists all reductionistic philosophies."

Aug 09, 201908:19
What it Takes to Resist the Collective

What it Takes to Resist the Collective

Standing tall & firm against the herd.
Aug 06, 201911:58
The Awakening of Intelligence

The Awakening of Intelligence

Says John O'Donohue: The search begins and you can never go back. From then on, you are inflamed with a special longing that will never again let you linger in the lowlands of complacency and partial fulfillment." (Anam Cara: A book of Celtic Wisdom

Jun 20, 201908:14
Your Absolute Desire Is?

Your Absolute Desire Is?

David Bergman, a retired philosophy Professor at Trinity College, Dublin writes that there is nothing more important than to “work out what your absolute desire is and then to go in that direction”
Jun 10, 201913:22
Frightfully Normal, as if Sprayed with Fairy Dust

Frightfully Normal, as if Sprayed with Fairy Dust

This is a re-expression of a 2014 podcast called "Everyday Consciousness is a Liar."    

Jun 01, 201913:07
Ordinary Consciousness is a Liar

Ordinary Consciousness is a Liar

I created this in 2014 but think it's worth putting out there again. Its subject is what Colin Wilson calls the frightfully normal condition. In that state, he says, your ordinary consciousness cannot be trusted, for it will lie to you.

Jun 01, 201920:30
When Religion Gets Sick

When Religion Gets Sick

For the sake of your tradition, said Jesus, you make void the word of God.
Sep 14, 201812:50
When Soul Appears

When Soul Appears

When Darth Vader’s mask came off, an exceedingly vulnerable man was revealed - an open man - a real one.
Sep 03, 201809:45
Seeking or Scoffing?

Seeking or Scoffing?

Reflections on Plato’s cave with reference to Evelyn Waugh’s classics teacher in a private school.
Aug 28, 201809:32
An Undercurrent of Power

An Undercurrent of Power

The Power of Myth
Aug 09, 201813:43