Field Of Compassion
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Science and Religion Intersect in this Book by Judy Cannato
Are you surrounded by a field of compassion?
Author Judy Cannato is fascinated by science. In her previous book, Radical Amazement, and this one, Field of Compassion, she provides brilliant insights into the connections between new scientific discoveries and spirituality.
She shows how meditation and the power of intention can tap into this field of compassion.
While Cannato comes from a Christian perspective, this book would be interesting to people of all faiths or no faith. It would be a perfect book for a discussion group. There are questions, what Cannato calls "contemplative pauses" at the end of each chapter, along with a prayer.
Contents at a Glance
What is a Field?
"a non-material region of influence that structures the energy of a system." - p. 29
In other words, we are surrounded by fields of information that influence us and that we influence.
Chapters 1 through 4
from Field of Compassion
Chapters 1 through 4 discuss the significance of story and how the story of the universe and the Christian story are related. They lay the groundwork for the understanding of morphogenic fields and morphic resonance.
According to physician Rupert Sheldrake, fields are more fundamental than matter. Matter can only be explained in terms of energy within fields. Matter is energy bound within fields. (pg. 29) The evolution of human consciousness now allows us to recognize how connected we are and that it is essential to care about the needs of the whole.
What is morphic resonance?
"the influence of like upon like."
- pg. 31
We are not just individuals. We are a system of connected relationships and we have the ability to create the kind of energy we receive and send out.
Morphic Resonance
by Rupert Sheldrak
Morphic Resonance: The Nature of Formative Causation
Amazon Price: $12.10 (as of 06/01/2012)
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Learn more about Morphogenic Fields
- Global Oneness
- Morphogenic fields explained by the hundredth monkey.
- Rupert Sheldrake's Website
- His latest book is "A New Science of Life/Morphic Resonance."
- IN CONTEXT - Morphogenic Fields and Beyond
- by Robert Gilman, including an interview with Rupert Sheldrake
Chapters 5 and 6
from Field of Compassion
Chapter 5 provides the author's interpretation of the Kingdom of God. Jesus said that the Kingdom or reign of God is here and Cannato points out that relationships based on compassion and justice are the focal points of the kingdom. Experiencing the kingdom then is about self-transcendence here and now.
Chapter 6, Emerging Capacities, deals with the methods used to achieve self-transcendence. These methods include developing a unitive consciousness through meditation and intentionality. One measure of our own emergence "is in our capacity to hold love, to allow ourselves to be conduits of love."
What is meditation?
"Any practice that requires the sustained attention necessary to enable a person to enter an altered state of consciousness while remaining fully awake and alert."
This could take the form of prayer, centering, mindfulness, yoga, etc. At some point in meditation practice, you move past the need to "let go" and instead be open to the desire to "let come." - pg. 124
Chapters 7 through 9
from Field of Compassion
Chapters 7 and 8 go into more depth on meditation and intentionality, while Chapter 9 shows how fields converge, in other words, it summarizes all of the previous chapters.
Love and Freedom
Love never separates or excludes. Freedom never lets ego and fear have the final say.
- pg. 188
What is Love?
Chapters 10 through 12
from Field of Compassion
Chapters 10 through 12 put forth the proposition that a field of compassion is developing throughout our world and explains how we all can be a part of making it manifest.
The attitudes required for this field of compassion to grow are:
1. Spaciousness (there is space in myself for you)
2. Contemplation (being aware of what is before us, and awake to possibilities)
3. Commitment (keeping the dream alive)
4. Imagination (envisioning the change you wish to see).
Finally, we must bring this field of compassion into our daily lives, and let it guide us in the ups and downs we all experience.
Judy Cannato's official site
- Judy Cannato's Official Site
- Judy is an author, a retreat facilitator and spiritual director. She maintains an office at River's Edge, a ministry of the Sisters of St. Joseph in Cleveland, Ohio. She is married, with two grown sons, and an Associate member of the Congregation of St. Joseph. She has been doing retreat ministry and spiritual direction for twenty years.
- Challenge of Transformation with Phil Cannato
- Judy's husband Phil is doing a discussion of this book on his blog. Very interesting.
Judy Cannato and Compassion
"Compassion changes everything.
Compassion heals.
Compassion mends the broken and restores what has been lost.
Compassion draws together those who have been estranged
or never even dreamed
they were connected.
Compassion pulls us out of ourselves
and into the heart of another,
placing us on holy ground
where we instinctively
take off our shoes
and walk in reverence.
Compassion springs out of
vulnerability and triumphs in unity."
"Compassion is the radicalism of our time."
The Dalai Lama
Does this sound like something you would read?
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More books by Judy Cannato
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Your turn
What do you think about this concept of a field of compassion?
Sounds intriguing. I'd like to learn more.
whiteskyline says:
My thought is that this is the only way to fly. I find within myself, in spite the fact that I believe my essence is permeated with this field of compassionate source energy, for me to consciously align with it takes practice. Many say that any form of resistance inhibits it out-flowing from within me, and I agree there as well, yet alignment with it takes persistence, and is about the most worthwhile venture conceivable during this incarnation as a human, in my opinion.
RenaissanceWoman2010 says:
Everything connects and, indeed, compassion draws us out and in at the same time. I will be thinking for quite some time about the Dalai Lama's statement about compassion being the new radicalism. Fascinating.
Larry L says:
Love it! Thank you for sharing. Whether wrong or right ultimately we are on the same path. Would love to hear peoples feedback on my blog which is driven by compassion...
www.actioncompassion.com
Northbright says:
This is part of whole area of science-philosophy-religion synthesis that is of intense interest and a total reading fascination to me for years. Thank you so much.
JaguarJulie says:
I'm thinking about what you asked, "Are you surrounded by a field of compassion?" I think this is something we all long for daily! And, think positively that it can happen in our lives.
Sorry, not my cup of tea.
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About the Author
Oh, and by the way....
If you buy any of the books recommended above, this page automatically makes a donation to the incredible nonprofit, Donors Choose, which helps provide classrooms and students in need with resources that our public schools often lack. More Pages on Compassion and Awareness
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Radical Amazement: Contemplative Lessons from Black Holes, Supernovas, and Other Wonders of the Universe
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