Church Research - Revision history

Fractalguy at 18:58, 10 January 2025

2025-01-10T18:58:28Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:58, 10 January 2025
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	When I hear someone who can seamlessly discuss [[spiritual]] topics in [[scientific]] terms it is like I have found a new soul mate. I know that there are so many of us out there, and those at the forefront of [[wikipedia:Neuroscience\|neuroscience]] are some of the biggest advocates. It always feels amazing to discover a new voice in this chorus and hear the unique notes they bring to the conversation. But in the end it was preaching to the choir, which means that instead of creating new [[Neural network\|neural pathways]] he was simply activating and reinforcing the ones that were already there, creating [[emotional]] [[music]] with the deep associations I have with these [[concepts]] just like a preacher does when quoting [[scripture]]. Except with [[Evidence-Based Best Practices\|evidence]]!		When I hear someone who can seamlessly discuss [[spiritual]] topics in [[scientific]] terms it is like I have found a new soul mate. I know that there are so many of us out there, and those at the forefront of [[wikipedia:Neuroscience\|neuroscience]] are some of the biggest advocates. It always feels amazing to discover a new voice in this chorus and hear the unique notes they bring to the conversation. But in the end it was preaching to the choir, which means that instead of creating new [[Neural network\|neural pathways]] he was simply activating and reinforcing the ones that were already there, creating [[emotional]] [[music]] with the deep associations I have with these [[concepts]] just like a preacher does when quoting [[scripture]]. Except with [[Evidence-Based Best Practices\|evidence]]!

	At some point during this process I abandoned the idea of getting back to work and embraced the experience fully, which definitely helped me relax. I was also past the initial come up, so that could just be chicken versus egg. In any case I was down to clown at this point and I had recently discovered the fact that one of my all-time favorite British comedies "[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J4hF7948vIg&list=PLGWWgtAupbLk4TaAniyY4_aifhz9urPsp Garth Marenghi's DARKPLACE]" had a spin-off called "[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3a2kHUjoj1M&list=PLpO6YsNP_QqpQ-i1Tq9Jhr8yip1EXz6Id Man to Man with Dean Learner]" so I figured I'd give that a watch. Holy shit that was a good call! So freaking [[Psychedelics\|trippy]] and hilarious. And so great to see "new" content from some of my favorite comedians, even if it was only new to me through its previous obscurity. It also tied into the whole sexual theme that has carried through the experience, since Richard Ayoade's character Dean Learner is like an 80s British wannabe Hugh Heffner and a lot of the humor comes from satirizing the [[misogyny]] of that period.		At some point during this process I abandoned the idea of getting back to work and embraced the experience fully, which definitely helped me relax. I was also past the initial come up, so that could just be chicken versus egg. In any case I was down to clown at this point and I had recently discovered the fact that one of my all-time favorite British comedies "[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J4hF7948vIg&list=PLGWWgtAupbLk4TaAniyY4_aifhz9urPsp Garth Marenghi's DARKPLACE]" had a spin-off called "[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3a2kHUjoj1M&list=PLpO6YsNP_QqpQ-i1Tq9Jhr8yip1EXz6Id Man to Man with Dean Learner]" so I figured I'd give that a watch. Holy shit that was a good call! So freaking [[Psychedelics\|trippy]] and hilarious. And so great to see "new" content from some of my favorite comedians, even if it was only new to me through its previous obscurity. It also tied into the whole sexual theme that has carried through the experience, since Richard Ayoade's character Dean Learner is like an 80s British wannabe Hugh Heffner and a lot of the [[humor]] comes from satirizing the [[misogyny]] of that period.

	After having an uproarious good time watching that show, I sat down, put on some [[wikipedia:Yes_(band)\|Yes]] and some [[fractal]] videos, and started writing this retrospective. Which brings us back to this exact moment. Now I'm living in the moment. No more living in the past this is right now. Stream of consciousness, baby! Damn, I'm really no [[wikipedia:James_Joyce\|James Joyce]]. And I had to think to come up with that name to be honest so the stream was broken anyway. Let's get on to the ratings.		After having an uproarious good time watching that show, I sat down, put on some [[wikipedia:Yes_(band)\|Yes]] and some [[fractal]] videos, and started writing this retrospective. Which brings us back to this exact moment. Now I'm living in the moment. No more living in the past this is right now. Stream of consciousness, baby! Damn, I'm really no [[wikipedia:James_Joyce\|James Joyce]]. And I had to think to come up with that name to be honest so the stream was broken anyway. Let's get on to the ratings.

Seculargirl56 at 15:53, 15 November 2024

2024-11-15T15:53:27Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:53, 15 November 2024
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	The original plan was to get up early and catch up on work, having gone camping in the days leading up to the weekend in order to beat the labor day crowds. I went to light a morning smoke, as is my [[ritual]], and found the remnants of some mushrooms in the grinder. It seemed like the right amount for a microdose and I figured it would make the work a little wavy so I dabbed it up with a spoonful of peanut butter and set about my day as usual.		The original plan was to get up early and catch up on work, having gone camping in the days leading up to the weekend in order to beat the labor day crowds. I went to light a morning smoke, as is my [[ritual]], and found the remnants of some mushrooms in the grinder. It seemed like the right amount for a microdose and I figured it would make the work a little wavy so I dabbed it up with a spoonful of peanut butter and set about my day as usual.

	A short while later, as I'm trying to start coding, I'm noticing it is hitting me a bit harder than I had expected. Definitely not in a headspace for coding right now. I'll switch to the old standby, masturbation. I was alone for the weekend and looking forward to catching up after a week of camping. Timed that one right--it would've been a lot weirder 30 minutes later. Those endorphins aren't bad for the headspace, either.		A short while later, as I'm trying to start coding, I'm noticing it is hitting me a bit harder than I had expected. Definitely not in a headspace for coding right now. I'll switch to the old standby, masturbation. I was alone for the weekend and looking forward to catching up after a week of camping. Timed that one right -- it would've been a lot weirder 30 minutes later. Those endorphins aren't bad for the headspace, either.

	I know I'm not able to do any work at this point, but since it's not even 7AM, I haven't yet resolved myself to fully change course for the day, so I decided to lay in bed and listen to a [[podcast]]. I've recently been in the habit of taking little pod-naps when working from home, where I get the restfulness of having my eyes closed and laying down but I still get to feed my [[brain]] with new [[information]] or entertainment. I put on the [https://armchairexpertpod.com/pods/andrew-newberg-returns Armchair Expert interview] with [[wikipedia:Andrew_B._Newberg\|Andrew Newberg]] for a [[wikipedia:Neuroscience_of_religion\|neurotheology]] discussion of [[God]], [[Sex]], and the [[Brain]]. This seemed like an appropriate segue from the previous activity, and I had been saving this episode for a time when I could pay close attention.		I know I'm not able to do any work at this point, but since it's not even 7AM, I haven't yet resolved myself to fully change course for the day, so I decided to lay in bed and listen to a [[podcast]]. I've recently been in the habit of taking little pod-naps when working from home, where I get the restfulness of having my eyes closed and laying down but I still get to feed my [[brain]] with new [[information]] or entertainment. I put on the [https://armchairexpertpod.com/pods/andrew-newberg-returns Armchair Expert interview] with [[wikipedia:Andrew_B._Newberg\|Andrew Newberg]] for a [[wikipedia:Neuroscience_of_religion\|neurotheology]] discussion of [[God]], [[Sex]], and the [[Brain]]. This seemed like an appropriate segue from the previous activity, and I had been saving this episode for a time when I could pay close attention.

Seculargirl56 at 17:05, 12 November 2024

2024-11-12T17:05:41Z

Show changes

Fractalguy: /* Weezer at Bridgestone Arena */

2024-10-01T12:43:16Z

Weezer at Bridgestone Arena

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:43, 1 October 2024
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	* '''Holy Spirit''' - 7/10 fairly well attended for a random Sunday and the audience was very enthusiastic about the subject matter, if not so much the [[music]]. There is definitely something inherently [[spiritual]] about the innocence and earnestness of children's books.		* '''Holy Spirit''' - 7/10 fairly well attended for a random Sunday and the audience was very enthusiastic about the subject matter, if not so much the [[music]]. There is definitely something inherently [[spiritual]] about the innocence and earnestness of children's books.
	* '''Authenticity''' - 9/10 the people were friendly, genuine, and welcoming. They obviously believed strongly in the values of the [[Organizations\|organization]].		* '''Authenticity''' - 9/10 the people were friendly, genuine, and welcoming. They obviously believed strongly in the values of the [[Organizations\|organization]].
	* '''Music''' - 6/10 no honest assessment of the band would describe them "tight." It was nice that they had updated hymns that reflected the universalist values, rather than more traditional ones. Reading Rainbow is a banger.		* '''Music''' - 6/10 no honest assessment of the band would describe them "tight." It was nice that they had updated hymns that reflected the [[universalist]] values, rather than more traditional ones. Reading Rainbow is a banger.
	* '''Woo''' - 9/10 there were no references to [[supernatural]] in the service, other than some "hallelujahs" in the music. Even the small group discussions attended before and after stayed perfectly grounded.		* '''Woo''' - 9/10 there were no references to [[supernatural]] in the service, other than some "hallelujahs" in the music. Even the small group discussions attended before and after stayed perfectly grounded.
	* '''Diversity''' - 8/10 diversity is fully embraced, if not fully achieved. Lots of LGBTQ+ members but not as many ethnicities. Congregation skewed older, but there were several families with kids as well, and a several young people that weren't with parents or kids, which is rare.		* '''Diversity''' - 8/10 diversity is fully embraced, if not fully achieved. Lots of LGBTQ+ members but not as many ethnicities. Congregation skewed older, but there were several families with kids as well, and a several young people that weren't with parents or kids, which is rare.
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	* '''Diversity''' - 6/10 this was some serious white people shit. While the concert was welcoming of all types, there was only one type that showed up. Age diversity was better than most church services, with boomers, zoomers, and everyone in-between, none of which were only there due to supervisory obligations.		* '''Diversity''' - 6/10 this was some serious white people shit. While the concert was welcoming of all types, there was only one type that showed up. Age diversity was better than most church services, with boomers, zoomers, and everyone in-between, none of which were only there due to supervisory obligations.
	* '''Prosperity Gospel''' - 4/10 the high price of modern concert tickets, and absurd price gouging at the concession stand, precludes high marks in this category. However, you do tend to get what you pay for, and there was no promise that paying $15 for a beer would somehow lead to greater riches in the future.		* '''Prosperity Gospel''' - 4/10 the high price of modern concert tickets, and absurd price gouging at the concession stand, precludes high marks in this category. However, you do tend to get what you pay for, and there was no promise that paying $15 for a beer would somehow lead to greater riches in the future.
	* '''Hell or Heaven''' - 10/10 this was literally heaven.		* '''Hell or Heaven''' - 10/10 this was literally [[heaven]].

	== Bearden United Methodist Church ==		== Bearden United Methodist Church ==

Fractalguy: /* Tennessee Valley Unitarian Universalist Church */

2024-10-01T12:41:40Z

Tennessee Valley Unitarian Universalist Church

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:41, 1 October 2024
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	* '''Holy Spirit''' - 7/10 fairly well attended for a random Sunday and the audience was very enthusiastic about the subject matter, if not so much the [[music]]. There is definitely something inherently [[spiritual]] about the innocence and earnestness of children's books.		* '''Holy Spirit''' - 7/10 fairly well attended for a random Sunday and the audience was very enthusiastic about the subject matter, if not so much the [[music]]. There is definitely something inherently [[spiritual]] about the innocence and earnestness of children's books.
	* '''Authenticity''' - 9/10 the people were friendly, genuine, and welcoming. They obviously believed strongly in the values of the [[Organizations\|organization]].		* '''Authenticity''' - 9/10 the people were friendly, genuine, and welcoming. They obviously believed strongly in the values of the [[Organizations\|organization]].
	* '''Music''' - 6/10 no honest assessment of the band would describe them "tight. It was nice that they had updated hymns that reflected the universalist values, rather than more traditional ones. Reading Rainbow is a banger.		* '''Music''' - 6/10 no honest assessment of the band would describe them "tight." It was nice that they had updated hymns that reflected the universalist values, rather than more traditional ones. Reading Rainbow is a banger.
	* '''Woo''' - 9/10 there were no references to [[supernatural]] in the service, other than some "hallelujahs" in the music. Even the small group discussions attended before and after stayed perfectly grounded.		* '''Woo''' - 9/10 there were no references to [[supernatural]] in the service, other than some "hallelujahs" in the music. Even the small group discussions attended before and after stayed perfectly grounded.
	* '''Diversity''' - 8/10 diversity is fully embraced, if not fully achieved. Lots of LGBTQ+ members but not as many ethnicities. Congregation skewed older, but there were several families with kids as well, and a several young people that weren't with parents or kids, which is rare.		* '''Diversity''' - 8/10 diversity is fully embraced, if not fully achieved. Lots of LGBTQ+ members but not as many ethnicities. Congregation skewed older, but there were several families with kids as well, and a several young people that weren't with parents or kids, which is rare.

Fractalguy at 12:40, 1 October 2024

2024-10-01T12:40:09Z

@@ Line 18: / Line 18: @@
 # '''Prosperity Gospel''' - how much emphasis was placed on donations and tithing? Were disingenuous promises of future riches made in order to encourage donations? 1 is craven and [[money]]-grubbing,10 means there was no overt pressure to donate.
 # '''Hell or Heaven''' - how much fire and brimstone is being preached? How much "othering" and focus on spiritual and/or political enemies is being done? A sole focus on hell, Satan, enemies, demons, and damnation gets you a 1, where a 10 represents purely positive, inspirational, apolitical, and optimistic spirituality.
 == Bearden United Methodist Church ==
@@ Line 173: / Line 203: @@
 * '''Prosperity Gospel''' - 10/10 despite the fact that someone provided a lot of [[money]] to build their beautiful temple, not single mention of [[money]] was made by anyone at any time during our visit.
 * '''Hell or Heaven''' - 10/10 the [[spiritual]] message was 100% positive, accepting, loving, and [[universalist]].
 == Accidentally Eating Too Many Mushrooms By Myself on Sunday AM ==
@@ Line 184: / Line 209: @@
 The original plan was to get up early and catch up on work, having gone camping in the days leading up to the weekend in order to beat the labor day crowds. I went to light a morning smoke, as is my [[ritual]], and found the remnants of some mushrooms in the grinder. It seemed like the right amount for a microdose and I figured it would make the work a little wavy so I dabbed it up with a spoonful of peanut butter and set about my day as usual.
-An hour later, as I'm trying to start coding, I'm noticing it is hitting me a bit harder than I had expected. Definitely not in a headspace for coding right now. I'll switch to the old standby, masturbation. I was alone for the weekend and looking forward to catching up after a week of camping. Timed that one right--it would've been a lot weirder 30 minutes later. Those endorphins aren't bad for the headspace, either.
+A short while later, as I'm trying to start coding, I'm noticing it is hitting me a bit harder than I had expected. Definitely not in a headspace for coding right now. I'll switch to the old standby, masturbation. I was alone for the weekend and looking forward to catching up after a week of camping. Timed that one right--it would've been a lot weirder 30 minutes later. Those endorphins aren't bad for the headspace, either.
 I know I'm not able to do any work at this point, but since it's not even 7AM, I haven't yet resolved myself to fully change course for the day, so I decided to lay in bed and listen to a [[podcast]]. I've recently been in the habit of taking little pod-naps when working from home, where I get the restfulness of having my eyes closed and laying down but I still get to feed my [[brain]] with new [[information]] or entertainment. I put on the [https://armchairexpertpod.com/pods/andrew-newberg-returns Armchair Expert interview] with [[wikipedia:Andrew_B._Newberg|Andrew Newberg]] for a [[wikipedia:Neuroscience_of_religion|neurotheology]] discussion of [[God]], [[Sex]], and the [[Brain]]. This seemed like an appropriate segue from the previous activity, and I had been saving this episode for a time when I could pay close attention.
@@ Line 209: / Line 234: @@
 * '''Woo''' - 10/10 the neuroscientist was very careful to avoid supernatural explanations, as one would expect of a scientist.
 * '''Diversity''' - 1/10 the fully CIS/het, white, middle-aged male attendance is the opposite of what anyone would call diverse.
-* '''Prosperity Gospel''' - 8/10 OMFG I absolutely cannot listen to COMMERCIALS on [[psychedelics]]!! Fortunately they were skippable, and the content was otherwise free, and free of crass monetary solicitations. 1.5x speed is not as tolerable as it is while sober, etither.
+* '''Prosperity Gospel''' - 8/10 OMFG I absolutely cannot listen to COMMERCIALS on [[psychedelics]]!! Fortunately they were skippable, and the content was otherwise free, and free of crass monetary solicitations. 1.5x speed is not as tolerable as it is while sober, either.
 * '''Hell or Heaven''' - 10/10 this was an incredibly positive and uplifting experience that embraced all [[cultures]] and [[religions]] and the "we are all one" spirit of the [[universal in-group]].

Fractalguy: /* Accidentally Eating Too Many Mushrooms By Myself on Sunday AM */

2024-09-02T11:01:47Z

Accidentally Eating Too Many Mushrooms By Myself on Sunday AM

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:01, 2 September 2024
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	After having an uproarious good time watching that show, I sat down, put on some [[wikipedia:Yes_(band)\|Yes]] and some [[fractal]] videos, and started writing this retrospective. Which brings us back to this exact moment. Now I'm living in the moment. No more living in the past this is right now. Stream of consciousness, baby! Damn, I'm really no [[wikipedia:James_Joyce\|James Joyce]]. And I had to think to come up with that name to be honest so the stream was broken anyway. Let's get on to the ratings.		After having an uproarious good time watching that show, I sat down, put on some [[wikipedia:Yes_(band)\|Yes]] and some [[fractal]] videos, and started writing this retrospective. Which brings us back to this exact moment. Now I'm living in the moment. No more living in the past this is right now. Stream of consciousness, baby! Damn, I'm really no [[wikipedia:James_Joyce\|James Joyce]]. And I had to think to come up with that name to be honest so the stream was broken anyway. Let's get on to the ratings.

	~~Overall~~: 54/70		'''Combined: 54/70'''

	* '''Holy Spirit''' - 5/10 with an attendance of one, it's impossible to give the highest marks. But you could say that 100% of the congregation was present. In any case I was really feeling the holy spirit even if there was nobody to feel it with me.		* '''Holy Spirit''' - 5/10 with an attendance of one, it's impossible to give the highest marks. But you could say that 100% of the congregation was present. In any case I was really feeling the holy spirit even if there was nobody to feel it with me.

Fractalguy: /* Accidentally Eating Too Many Mushrooms By Myself on Sunday AM */

2024-09-02T10:56:36Z

Accidentally Eating Too Many Mushrooms By Myself on Sunday AM

← Older revision		Revision as of 10:56, 2 September 2024
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	This was a new experience for me. I've never mixed [[psychedelics]] with [[podcast]] listening, despite the deep [[historical]] intertwining of the [[podcast]] movement with the [[psychedelics]] movement. To be honest, for the last several years since [[podcasts]] became a thing, I've mostly only microdosed or taken fairly mild doses at concerts or campsites. I tend more to save them for special occasions that I don't make for myself. Given my advanced middle agedness I consider that doing pretty good, but I know I need to start going deep again if I really want to make a go of this [[metaculture]] thing.		This was a new experience for me. I've never mixed [[psychedelics]] with [[podcast]] listening, despite the deep [[historical]] intertwining of the [[podcast]] movement with the [[psychedelics]] movement. To be honest, for the last several years since [[podcasts]] became a thing, I've mostly only microdosed or taken fairly mild doses at concerts or campsites. I tend more to save them for special occasions that I don't make for myself. Given my advanced middle agedness I consider that doing pretty good, but I know I need to start going deep again if I really want to make a go of this [[metaculture]] thing.

	I've taken pride in the fact that I've experienced a very wide variety of what life has to offer under the influence of [[psychedelics]] and have seen firsthand the effects of [[love]], heartbreak, [[joy]], [[music]], [[nature]], [[capitalism]], [[wonder]], dance, expectation, etc., etc., have upon the psyche when the amplifier is turned all the way up and you can see every note. ~~Never~~ done a [[podcast]], though. It was a very [[Enlightenment\|enlightening]] experience, which was surely aided by the fact that this was a deep conversation about a subject very near and dear to my soul, presented from a very [[rational]] and positive [[perspective]]. Under the influence of [[psychedelics]] I could easily see less grounded discussions quickly leading the listener into [[Conspiracy theories\|conspiracies]] and cults, and these ideas would be injected directly into the cortex, bypassing [[critical thinking]] and reinforcing the [[ideas]] with the strength of 100 sober listenings.		I've taken pride in the fact that I've experienced a very wide variety of what life has to offer under the influence of [[psychedelics]] and have seen firsthand the effects of [[love]], heartbreak, [[joy]], [[music]], [[nature]], [[capitalism]], [[wonder]], dance, expectation, etc., etc., have upon the psyche when the amplifier is turned all the way up and you can see every note. Never done a [[podcast]], though. It was a very [[Enlightenment\|enlightening]] experience, which was surely aided by the fact that this was a deep conversation about a subject very near and dear to my soul, presented from a very [[rational]] and positive [[perspective]]. Under the influence of [[psychedelics]] I could easily see less grounded discussions quickly leading the listener into [[Conspiracy theories\|conspiracies]] and cults, and these ideas would be injected directly into the cortex, bypassing [[critical thinking]] and reinforcing the [[ideas]] with the strength of 100 sober listenings.

	Listening Andrew Newberg discuss neurotheology on a Sunday morning is as close as someone like me can get to the experience of a Christian listening to a powerful and inspiring sermon. This is the language that connects to my personal sense of [[spirituality]]. I want to know what regions of the [[brain]] are firing when we think about [[god]]. I want to know the [[psychological]] effects of [[ritual]]. I want to hear how it all ties back to our DNA, [[evolution]], and the [[self-organizing]] [[universe]]. I don't want to just hear that [[In-group\|we are all one]], I want to hear the evidence that supports it and the benefits that [[belief]] will have to our [[happiness]]!		Listening Andrew Newberg discuss neurotheology on a Sunday morning is as close as someone like me can get to the experience of a Christian listening to a powerful and inspiring sermon. This is the language that connects to my personal sense of [[spirituality]]. I want to know what regions of the [[brain]] are firing when we think about [[god]]. I want to know the [[psychological]] effects of [[ritual]]. I want to hear how it all ties back to our DNA, [[evolution]], and the [[self-organizing]] [[universe]]. I don't want to just hear that [[In-group\|we are all one]], I want to hear the evidence that supports it and the benefits that [[belief]] will have to our [[happiness]]!

Fractalguy: /* Accidentally Eating Too Many Mushrooms By Myself on Sunday AM */

2024-09-02T10:48:30Z

Accidentally Eating Too Many Mushrooms By Myself on Sunday AM

← Older revision		Revision as of 10:48, 2 September 2024
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	I know I'm not able to do any work at this point, but since it's not even 7AM, I haven't yet resolved myself to fully change course for the day, so I decided to lay in bed and listen to a [[podcast]]. I've recently been in the habit of taking little pod-naps when working from home, where I get the restfulness of having my eyes closed and laying down but I still get to feed my [[brain]] with new [[information]] or entertainment. I put on the [https://armchairexpertpod.com/pods/andrew-newberg-returns Armchair Expert interview] with [[wikipedia:Andrew_B._Newberg\|Andrew Newberg]] for a [[wikipedia:Neuroscience_of_religion\|neurotheology]] discussion of [[God]], [[Sex]], and the [[Brain]]. This seemed like an appropriate segue from the previous activity, and I had been saving this episode for a time when I could pay close attention.		I know I'm not able to do any work at this point, but since it's not even 7AM, I haven't yet resolved myself to fully change course for the day, so I decided to lay in bed and listen to a [[podcast]]. I've recently been in the habit of taking little pod-naps when working from home, where I get the restfulness of having my eyes closed and laying down but I still get to feed my [[brain]] with new [[information]] or entertainment. I put on the [https://armchairexpertpod.com/pods/andrew-newberg-returns Armchair Expert interview] with [[wikipedia:Andrew_B._Newberg\|Andrew Newberg]] for a [[wikipedia:Neuroscience_of_religion\|neurotheology]] discussion of [[God]], [[Sex]], and the [[Brain]]. This seemed like an appropriate segue from the previous activity, and I had been saving this episode for a time when I could pay close attention.

	Snuggling with my dog in bed, closing my eyes, and listening to an author I had not yet heard of present my exact perspective so eloquently on subjects I care so deeply about was manna from [[heaven]]. Each new ~~subject~~ generating its own [[fractal]] vision in my [[mind]], and reinforcing the most deeply held notions I have of [[science]], [[spirituality]], the [[brain]], [[religion]], [[in-groups]], [[rituals]], and its ultimate rooting in the [[Sex\|sexual]] impulse that is the beating heart of all [[life]].		Snuggling with my dog in bed, closing my eyes, and listening to an author I had not yet heard of present my exact perspective so eloquently on subjects I care so deeply about was manna from [[heaven]]. Each new topic generating its own [[fractal]] vision in my [[mind]], and reinforcing the most deeply held notions I have of [[science]], [[spirituality]], the [[brain]], [[religion]], [[in-groups]], [[rituals]], and its ultimate rooting in the [[Sex\|sexual]] impulse that is the beating heart of all [[life]].

	This was a new experience for me. I've never mixed [[psychedelics]] with [[podcast]] listening, despite the deep [[historical]] intertwining of the [[podcast]] movement with the [[psychedelics]] movement. To be honest, for the last several years since [[podcasts]] became a thing, I've mostly only microdosed or taken fairly mild doses at concerts or campsites. I tend more to save them for special occasions that I don't make for myself. Given my advanced middle agedness I consider that doing pretty good, but I know I need to start going deep again if I really want to make a go of this [[metaculture]] thing.		This was a new experience for me. I've never mixed [[psychedelics]] with [[podcast]] listening, despite the deep [[historical]] intertwining of the [[podcast]] movement with the [[psychedelics]] movement. To be honest, for the last several years since [[podcasts]] became a thing, I've mostly only microdosed or taken fairly mild doses at concerts or campsites. I tend more to save them for special occasions that I don't make for myself. Given my advanced middle agedness I consider that doing pretty good, but I know I need to start going deep again if I really want to make a go of this [[metaculture]] thing.

Fractalguy: /* Accidentally Eating Too Many Mushrooms By Myself on Sunday AM */

2024-09-02T10:35:06Z

Accidentally Eating Too Many Mushrooms By Myself on Sunday AM

← Older revision		Revision as of 10:35, 2 September 2024
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	An hour later, as I'm trying to start coding, I'm noticing it is hitting me a bit harder than I had expected. Definitely not in a headspace for coding right now. I'll switch to the old standby, masturbation. I was alone for the weekend and looking forward to catching up after a week of camping. Timed that one right--it would've been a lot weirder 30 minutes later. Those endorphins aren't bad for the headspace, either.		An hour later, as I'm trying to start coding, I'm noticing it is hitting me a bit harder than I had expected. Definitely not in a headspace for coding right now. I'll switch to the old standby, masturbation. I was alone for the weekend and looking forward to catching up after a week of camping. Timed that one right--it would've been a lot weirder 30 minutes later. Those endorphins aren't bad for the headspace, either.

	I know I'm not able to do any work at this point, but not yet ~~having~~ resolved myself to fully change my course for the day ~~since it's not even 7AM~~, I decided to lay in bed and listen to a [[podcast]]. I've recently been in the habit of taking little pod-naps when working from home, where I get the restfulness of having my eyes closed and laying down but I still get to feed my [[brain]] with new [[information]] or entertainment. I put on the [https://armchairexpertpod.com/pods/andrew-newberg-returns Armchair Expert interview] with [[wikipedia:Andrew_B._Newberg\|Andrew Newberg]] for a [[wikipedia:Neuroscience_of_religion\|neurotheology]] discussion of [[God]], [[Sex]], and the [[Brain]]. This seemed like an appropriate segue from the previous activity, and I had been saving this episode for a time when I could pay close attention.		I know I'm not able to do any work at this point, but since it's not even 7AM, I haven't yet resolved myself to fully change course for the day, so I decided to lay in bed and listen to a [[podcast]]. I've recently been in the habit of taking little pod-naps when working from home, where I get the restfulness of having my eyes closed and laying down but I still get to feed my [[brain]] with new [[information]] or entertainment. I put on the [https://armchairexpertpod.com/pods/andrew-newberg-returns Armchair Expert interview] with [[wikipedia:Andrew_B._Newberg\|Andrew Newberg]] for a [[wikipedia:Neuroscience_of_religion\|neurotheology]] discussion of [[God]], [[Sex]], and the [[Brain]]. This seemed like an appropriate segue from the previous activity, and I had been saving this episode for a time when I could pay close attention.

	Snuggling with my dog in bed, closing my eyes, and listening to an author I had not yet heard of present my exact perspective so eloquently on subjects I care so deeply about was manna from [[heaven]]. Each new subject generating its own [[fractal]] vision in my [[mind]], and reinforcing the most deeply held notions I have of [[science]], [[spirituality]], the [[brain]], [[religion]], [[in-groups]], [[rituals]], and its ultimate rooting in the [[Sex\|sexual]] impulse that is the beating heart of all [[life]].		Snuggling with my dog in bed, closing my eyes, and listening to an author I had not yet heard of present my exact perspective so eloquently on subjects I care so deeply about was manna from [[heaven]]. Each new subject generating its own [[fractal]] vision in my [[mind]], and reinforcing the most deeply held notions I have of [[science]], [[spirituality]], the [[brain]], [[religion]], [[in-groups]], [[rituals]], and its ultimate rooting in the [[Sex\|sexual]] impulse that is the beating heart of all [[life]].

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:58, 10 January 2025
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	When I hear someone who can seamlessly discuss [[spiritual]] topics in [[scientific]] terms it is like I have found a new soul mate. I know that there are so many of us out there, and those at the forefront of [[wikipedia:Neuroscience\|neuroscience]] are some of the biggest advocates. It always feels amazing to discover a new voice in this chorus and hear the unique notes they bring to the conversation. But in the end it was preaching to the choir, which means that instead of creating new [[Neural network\|neural pathways]] he was simply activating and reinforcing the ones that were already there, creating [[emotional]] [[music]] with the deep associations I have with these [[concepts]] just like a preacher does when quoting [[scripture]]. Except with [[Evidence-Based Best Practices\|evidence]]!		When I hear someone who can seamlessly discuss [[spiritual]] topics in [[scientific]] terms it is like I have found a new soul mate. I know that there are so many of us out there, and those at the forefront of [[wikipedia:Neuroscience\|neuroscience]] are some of the biggest advocates. It always feels amazing to discover a new voice in this chorus and hear the unique notes they bring to the conversation. But in the end it was preaching to the choir, which means that instead of creating new [[Neural network\|neural pathways]] he was simply activating and reinforcing the ones that were already there, creating [[emotional]] [[music]] with the deep associations I have with these [[concepts]] just like a preacher does when quoting [[scripture]]. Except with [[Evidence-Based Best Practices\|evidence]]!

	At some point during this process I abandoned the idea of getting back to work and embraced the experience fully, which definitely helped me relax. I was also past the initial come up, so that could just be chicken versus egg. In any case I was down to clown at this point and I had recently discovered the fact that one of my all-time favorite British comedies "[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J4hF7948vIg&list=PLGWWgtAupbLk4TaAniyY4_aifhz9urPsp Garth Marenghi's DARKPLACE]" had a spin-off called "[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3a2kHUjoj1M&list=PLpO6YsNP_QqpQ-i1Tq9Jhr8yip1EXz6Id Man to Man with Dean Learner]" so I figured I'd give that a watch. Holy shit that was a good call! So freaking [[Psychedelics\|trippy]] and hilarious. And so great to see "new" content from some of my favorite comedians, even if it was only new to me through its previous obscurity. It also tied into the whole sexual theme that has carried through the experience, since Richard Ayoade's character Dean Learner is like an 80s British wannabe Hugh Heffner and a lot of the humor comes from satirizing the [[misogyny]] of that period.		At some point during this process I abandoned the idea of getting back to work and embraced the experience fully, which definitely helped me relax. I was also past the initial come up, so that could just be chicken versus egg. In any case I was down to clown at this point and I had recently discovered the fact that one of my all-time favorite British comedies "[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J4hF7948vIg&list=PLGWWgtAupbLk4TaAniyY4_aifhz9urPsp Garth Marenghi's DARKPLACE]" had a spin-off called "[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3a2kHUjoj1M&list=PLpO6YsNP_QqpQ-i1Tq9Jhr8yip1EXz6Id Man to Man with Dean Learner]" so I figured I'd give that a watch. Holy shit that was a good call! So freaking [[Psychedelics\|trippy]] and hilarious. And so great to see "new" content from some of my favorite comedians, even if it was only new to me through its previous obscurity. It also tied into the whole sexual theme that has carried through the experience, since Richard Ayoade's character Dean Learner is like an 80s British wannabe Hugh Heffner and a lot of the [[humor]] comes from satirizing the [[misogyny]] of that period.

	After having an uproarious good time watching that show, I sat down, put on some [[wikipedia:Yes_(band)\|Yes]] and some [[fractal]] videos, and started writing this retrospective. Which brings us back to this exact moment. Now I'm living in the moment. No more living in the past this is right now. Stream of consciousness, baby! Damn, I'm really no [[wikipedia:James_Joyce\|James Joyce]]. And I had to think to come up with that name to be honest so the stream was broken anyway. Let's get on to the ratings.		After having an uproarious good time watching that show, I sat down, put on some [[wikipedia:Yes_(band)\|Yes]] and some [[fractal]] videos, and started writing this retrospective. Which brings us back to this exact moment. Now I'm living in the moment. No more living in the past this is right now. Stream of consciousness, baby! Damn, I'm really no [[wikipedia:James_Joyce\|James Joyce]]. And I had to think to come up with that name to be honest so the stream was broken anyway. Let's get on to the ratings.