March/April 2002 Editor's Viewpoint
Editorial

Words of Wisdom from Uncle Albert

Miriam Knight
I recently came across a quote from Albert Einstein that I had heard before in a slightly different guise. When I went to research it, I came up with three interestingly different versions. The one that is probably the most authentic is: "Problems cannot be solved at the same level of awareness that created them." A simpler form is: “We can't solve problems by using the same kind of thinking we used when we created them.” And yet that is what we do consistently, both as individuals and as a society - charging ahead blindly with the same emotions and tactics that have been used in the past because we feel safer with what we know, whether or not it works. We may dress up the same old tactics with new descriptions and catchphrases or with bigger and more sophisticated weaponry, but the essence is the same. It reminds me of my mother-in-law who was convinced that “foreigners” would understand English if one just spoke loudly enough.

The version of Einstein’s quote that I like best is: "No problem can be solved from the same consciousness that created it." The implication is that in order to solve any problem facing us, our consciousness needs to change; it must evolve to a new level of awareness. We need to begin to look at our relationships, our work, morality, social justice and our impact on the planet from a new perspective - one that sets aside our old prejudices and worn out solutions and embraces the unity within the diversity of the human family; one that appreciates the necessity of win-win solutions to all problems.

I believe that by consciously striving for the evolution of our society, we will bring about the evolution of our consciousness, raising it to new levels of awareness that Einstein would be proud of. This is the reason we have decided to change our tag line from “Journal of Conscious Living” to “A Journal of Conscious Evolution.” The observant among you will have noticed that we have also changed the look of the cover to reflect our own evolutionary process, and we invite your input on any aspect at any time.

We shall seek in these pages to provide a forum for ideas that stretch the boundaries of “accepted wisdom.” We hope to encourage the flowering of creativity and the kind of imagination that allows us to conceive a bright new world of peace, freedom and happiness. Imagination is the forerunner of belief in the possible, and belief is the prerequisite for action - effective action. As Einstein also said, "Imagination is more important than knowledge. Knowledge is limited. Imagination encircles the world."

Connecting at the Spiritual Edge

New ConneXion is happy to be sponsoring a new kind of forum that will be taking place on the 4th Tuesday evening of the month (except August and December). Modeled after one in Seattle that grew to 400 participants each month, the forum will provide a meeting place for new ideas on health, science, nutrition and metaphysics, and a showcase for holistic products and services. It will offer two challenging speakers at each forum, along with a mini-expo of vendors and ample time to wander around and network.

The admission fee has been kept affordable to encourage maximum participation - only $5 - and it will be a great place for meeting likeminded people as well as showing off your own business/talents to great advantage. Vendor tables are available for $20 or $40 for a half or full table, and you are invited to speak to the audience to introduce yourself and your business. Bring business cards, brochures, products, flyers and announcements of special events, classes or workshops. Consider offering a discount coupon or a raffle item to further promote your business. Reservations and payment for tables must be made by the 20th of the month.

The forums will be produced by Dorothy Ann Cole, D.D. and Divine Universal Studies. Anyone who knows Dorothy Ann from her work with Portland Peacebringers knows what a dedicated and talented lady she is. We hope you will take advantage of this new event on the Portland scene and connect with us at the “Spiritual Edge.” Call us at 503-232-3695 or 503-892-3300 or email coledorothyann@qwest.net.