"Popping the Bubble of Projection" - with guest Daniel Ingram

Phillip Capaldi, modified 5 Years ago at 4/6/18 6:01 AM
Created 5 Years ago at 4/6/18 6:01 AM

"Popping the Bubble of Projection" - with guest Daniel Ingram

Posts: 2 Join Date: 2/15/13 Recent Posts
After listening to this podcast the first thought that popped into my head was that Alcoholics Anonymous runs a model that Daniel seems to be talking about. It is a group that meets and that everyone in the room has a common desire and a strong reason to be there. There are folks with 30 years, 30 day, and 30 minutes sobor which is different levels of experience. When someone has a question the group pulls from their own experience to help without lecturing them about it. From the podcast Daniel spoke about not wanting to be a leader in the group setting and with the AA model the leader rotations every week and they bring the topic to start the day. The other important part of the AA model is that beginner's mind is always needed and folks who have been there for years need the newcomers to come and ask the simple questions again to remind the long time practitioner where they came from and forces them to review the most simple questions again and again. Would love to hear from the community about how the AA model could line up with the new style of learning Daniel talked about on the podcast.

May we be free from suffering

thumbnail
Andromeda, modified 5 Years ago at 4/6/18 8:56 AM
Created 5 Years ago at 4/6/18 8:56 AM

RE: "Popping the Bubble of Projection" - with guest Daniel Ingram

Posts: 393 Join Date: 1/15/18 Recent Posts
That sounds like a very good way to hold regular discussions with a group of varying experience levels. I particularly like the emphasis on beginner's mind: reality is constantly shifting and perpetually unfolding, so it is often fresh eyes who are able to spot the most meaningful connections and thus articulate the most incisive questions. Experience is to be respected, but sometimes the preconceptions of oldtimers can get in the way.

What have you noticed about any shadow sides to this approach?
Phillip Capaldi, modified 5 Years ago at 4/7/18 9:13 PM
Created 5 Years ago at 4/7/18 9:07 PM

RE: "Popping the Bubble of Projection" - with guest Daniel Ingram

Posts: 2 Join Date: 2/15/13 Recent Posts
Thank you for the insight. The shadow side the stands out to me the mosts is the incusion side of things. In AA if you are not willing to stop drinking you do not fit in and over time get pushed out. In a Dharma setting my guess would be if your not there for the right reasons (ex to be come enlighted) you may not feel part of the group over time. It has a feeling of all or nothing to it. With AA the reason people stay is to not die or end up in jail. For most people gathering at a Dharma cricle missing meetings is not a death wish. That being said with awareness around that it could be limited on the all or nothing feel. 

Noah,
 AA has a model for service groups that would tackle some of the topics you have talked about. They are normally volunteers. The service work is a great way to deepen your relationship with others in the group. Also I was reviewing the links you porvide and it was very helpful. Looking forward to digging into some of that. 
thumbnail
Noah D, modified 5 Years ago at 4/7/18 12:28 AM
Created 5 Years ago at 4/7/18 12:28 AM

RE: "Popping the Bubble of Projection" - with guest Daniel Ingram

Posts: 1211 Join Date: 9/1/16 Recent Posts
It was wonderful to hear this conversation.  

A similar group format is how SPUDS & more broadly PDS has been operating for almost a year & a half now.  In SPUDS, we are completely peer led & without heirarchical structure.  We have met on multiple occassions to discuss what a structure would look like if it became necessary & the outcome was similar to the Ingram/Taft conversation.  We would likely have a few core committees for issues like inclusion, logistics, ethics, etc.  We would also have rotating leaders for meetings.  

Luckily, anarchy has been working quite well instead & hopefull will continue to do so in the foreseeable future emoticon

Breadcrumb