Description
Over the past couple decades there has been enormous progress in the scientific understanding of the nature of our brains and the mind-body connection, which has been of great interest to me and is beginning to explain the origins of much of the suffering that we inevitably create for ourselves and others. My iBook illustrates the process that individuals go through during childhood to create their personal identities which represent reactions to insecurities rather than expression of an authentic self, which usually remains undiscovered until an "awakening" occurs later in adulthood. At that point there is the potential for heightened self-awareness, connection with true nature, and the joyful experience of being present outside of the limitations of the ego.
Of course the wisdom behind this has been known for thousands of years, so what's the big deal? Frankly, it appears that our species has reached a dead end of evolution unless it can make ego transcendence a normal part of the maturation process for most human beings. The past century or two have resulted in the rise of worldwide planet-destroying consumerism that is based on exploiting the insecurities of the ego, i.e. the brain's incessant preoccupation with personal and community security/safety, value/significance, and belonging/connection. Until we can get beyond political, social, and economic systems dependent on the exploitation of human insecurity, or outgrow the need for them by transcending our insecurities, we will continue down the road of destroying our environment.
What makes this so difficult to achieve? Since the human brain has evolved to provide a physically vulnerable mammal with a nearly unlimited capacity to alter its environment in order to achieve survival, the mind incessantly seeks out, identifies, and pursues potential security concerns, especially in the areas of safety, significance (value), and connection to others. Devoting an excess of energy to such matters creates a higher chance of survival under adverse conditions. Hence, throughout life, the human mind, "wired to survive", instinctively attaches, at first emotionally, then via the ego, to whatever is perceived to meet its needs to avoid premature death, be it at the hands of nature or fellow humans, and also to procreate and protect its offspring. Why all of this creates such a problem for individuals and society is that much of this process is operating underneath our awareness (i.e. unconsciously or subconsciously), making it difficult to make conscious present time decisions without being influenced by security fears and longings.
It's not a far jump to see how easily public and private enterprises can exploit or manipulate people through their insatiable needs for security, value, and/or connection. It seems never ending but for the fact that some of its byproducts include environmental degradation, narcissism, war, totalitarianism, social strife, and collective rage or despair. So we as a species must find a way to transcend our "survival mind" or suffer more of the aforementioned consequences, which add more fuel to the fire of our security fears. Hence the reason for my iBook and another project I am launching in the near future bearing the trademark "Built 4 Love" which will be a web-based service offering online resources, clothing and other printed products that bear images and word content supportive of the concepts in the iBook.