How are we implicated in the rise of violence?

Today Thomas Moore's blog touches on the recent bombings at the Boston Marathon as he elucidates James Hillman's work with images in his post "Real Presences". He bases the piece on a passage in Hillman's book, Revisioning Psychology.

 Moore includes:

"I live near Boston, where the tragic bombing at the Boston Marathon took place not two weeks ago. Understandably, many were immediately ready to prosecute or kill those responsible. Some felt that if the two young men were put away, one way or another, people would be safe — again, personalizing a situation that is far more complex. In this case, by personalizing we free ourselves of responsibility or involvement in the conditions that gave rise to the atrocity. If we reflected differently, we might realize that we have not yet responded to the world situation where we are implicated in injustices and biases that play a role in the rise of violence."

Moore writes, "Imagination is failing, and with its weakening come increased literalism and personalism."

He also considers the role of the therapist:

"If I don’t treat the images of dream and the stories of life as powerful and serious fictions, therapy itself becomes personalistic. I get involved in my own pet ideas and agendas, and I try to influence the person I’m trying to help rather than care for the soul. Therapy becomes life management based on personal prejudices or on the wishes of the client." 

 Throughout this post, Moore regards images as real, not literal, "without being naive or simplistic."

Join a free teleconference Tuesday 30 April

Thomas Moore hosts a free teleconference on Tuesday 30 April, 2013 at Noon EDT.
Call: 712-432-3973
Enter the PIN number: 280175#

Moore talks about Creating a Masterpiece of Your Life during this call.

Moore shares views in A Religion of One's Own

Listen to Thomas Moore on the Authentic Living show recorded yesterday with Andrea Mathews. Moore talks about his new book A Religion of One's Own (Gotham Books) to be available January 2014. He discusses:
* His use of the word religion rather than spirituality
* Our need for psychological maturity
* How the arts can help to explore complex and subtle issues

Moore recommends that people study their own tradition more deeply and read the spiritual texts of other religions for additional richness. He encourages people to spend time in nature. He suggests that a contemplative approach contributes to religious depth. Run time for this episode is approximately 57 minutes.

Moore writes about catholicism in a secular world

Today HuffPost offers "Catholic Without a Church" by Thomas Moore in which Moore writes about his new religious vision: "I'd encourage people to follow the Jesus way joyfully and gracefully and not only tolerate but eagerly seek wisdom and insight from all other spiritual traditions. After all, the word 'catholic' means universal."

He includes, "I'd like to see a new Catholic movement rather than a new kind of church. I'd want to keep the beautiful church buildings, but now owned and run by local communities that I think would thrive under the new paradigm. Today people everywhere are in search of a timely and inspiring spiritual home."

Moore lists people whom he sees continuing to influence this new Catholic movement: "I'd want to remember the values of St. Francis of Assisi and the spiritual exercises of St. Ignatius, the brilliant insights of Nicolas of Cusa and Teilhard de Chardin, and the visionary teachings of Hildegard of Bingen and Teresa of Avila. But most of all, I would hope that the essential vision of the Gospel would show the way to live a Catholic life in a secular society."

Please share your reflections at the bottom of the blog on HuffPost or on Moore's Facebook page.

Reserve your place for Care of the Soul and Spirit

Attend Care of the Soul and Spirit with Thomas Moore at Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health in the Berkshires from May 3 to May 5 2013. Program tuition is $250. Additional room and meal pricing is based on selected accommodations. This weekend workshop teaches how to engage with life while being spiritually detached, and how to contribute to society while taking time to establish a vibrant spirituality. Register online now.

According to Kripalu Center, "Thomas Moore offers a mature spirituality, formed by honored traditions, yet contoured to individual lives. He aims at educating, inspiring, and working out individual concerns and situations. This program enters dark places, and also indulges in the humor and positive graces of a thoughtful life."  

Barque coverage
12 Nov 2012 "Learn care for soul and spirit with Thomas Moore"

New York Open Center workshops move to June 1

Thomas Moore's two half-day workshops with the New York Open Center are rescheduled to Saturday 1 June 2013. Becoming an Individual: The Myth of Artemis and Living on the Boundaries: The Myth of Hermes were initially planned for Saturday 6 April 2013.

Barque coverage
18 Mar 2013 "Spend an April day with Moore in New York City"
30 Dec 2012 "Artemis and Hermes speak to us in New York"