tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8775078.post110487407879313631..comments2023-10-09T22:44:56.500-07:00Comments on WHAT enlightenment??!: Don Beck: "You're Bottom Dwellers!"Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger11125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8775078.post-70094837809107890792009-11-12T10:09:17.408-08:002009-11-12T10:09:17.408-08:00Wow, how deliciously primitive. I'd love to se...Wow, how deliciously primitive. I'd love to see you all have a good punch up. What fun and how beautifully non-integral and non-SD!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8775078.post-13788296801238987142007-01-22T13:11:00.000-08:002007-01-22T13:11:00.000-08:00It is hardly surprising and totally predictable th...It is hardly surprising and totally predictable that Don Beck would take that position. The man is not the slightest bit interested in being objective, he is known allied with the corrupt Cohen and Wilber, and has a vested interest in his position (from Wikipedia):<br /><br />"Beck became interested in Ken Wilber's integral theory and developed a branch of spiral dynamics that he calls Spiral Dynamics Integral. This version of the theory uses integral concepts such as the four quadrants. Beck is also associated with the spiritual teacher, Andrew Cohen.<br /><br />Cowan does not subscribe to these developments and promotes a version of the theory which he describes as remaining more faithful to the original research of Clare Graves and extending from it. He continues to use the term 'Spiral Dynamics' to describe his work since he co-created it. With his partner, Natasha Todorovic, he has undertaken work in integrating Spiral Dynamics with NLP and other models, and in developing corporate strategy and practical applications."<br /><br />Beck's self-righteous and self-serving rant is simply a diversion strategy, the fact is he is working in lock step with Cohen and Wilber, and has much to gain from that association, not to mention the affinity all three have with NPD thinking patterns. Those who come in at the top of a "spiritual" pyramid scheme who scratch each others backs have neither care for or clue for the truth or what it is like below, among the "bottom dwellers". What you are dealing with is a corrupt kind of post new age syndicate, where the object at that level is to determine how to generate and divide the spoils, not bring the corrupt operation to a halt.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8775078.post-1160581091674743642006-10-11T08:38:00.000-07:002006-10-11T08:38:00.000-07:00"Those without sin should cast the first stone" is..."Those without sin should cast the first stone" is a smokescreen designed to deflect rational consideration of a point being made.<BR/><BR/>Perhaps the appropriate retort is "Don't shoot the messenger."<BR/><BR/>The moral arrogance ("It must be meaningful; it's in the Bible.") which accompanies the use of that quote is comical considering that the story and the quote are a recent addition to the bible (see "Misquoting Jesus" by Bart D. Ehrman).Steven Sashenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06341762363920481491noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8775078.post-1142374714687419702006-03-14T14:18:00.000-08:002006-03-14T14:18:00.000-08:00A typical DB approach - when confronted publicly, ...A typical DB approach - when confronted publicly, Don Beck always has a "noble" purpose for his abusive tactics. Surprise! It usually involves YOUR growth. Ain't he just the most self-sacrificing person looking out for all us poor, sinning, ignorant souls here!? He loves to challenge YOU to take the focus off of him. Never forget that. Remember, he was a nobody until KW and AC bought into his hype and started promoting him widely. The gravy train must keep running.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8775078.post-1108341937878226852005-02-13T16:45:00.000-08:002005-02-13T16:45:00.000-08:00There are no PhD's in discrimination... but in tim...There are no PhD's in discrimination... but in time all is revealed!<br /><br />Thanks to Andrew for his teaching, and thanks to your BLOG for providing a place to talk!<br /><br /><br />Todd Goninon.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8775078.post-1108284468477502472005-02-13T00:47:00.000-08:002005-02-13T00:47:00.000-08:00Hazzah, Don, for your clarity, wisdom, insightfuln...Hazzah, Don, for your clarity, wisdom, insightfulness, authenticity, and boundless integrity. If we could only clone you, we'd have a much better world!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8775078.post-1107897773932614832005-02-08T13:22:00.000-08:002005-02-08T13:22:00.000-08:00Dear Sir (since I don't know to whom I am writing....Dear Sir (since I don't know to whom I am writing.)<br /> <br />These points:<br /> <br />I sounded harsh because I wanted to get your attention. I just don't like my emails to be filled with materials like yours without getting my permission. I don't have any "pain." I don't know anybody who is perfect and I do know that people, indeed, change. You criticized my friend Ken Wilber because he endorsed a person in the past, but no longer does. Pray tell what is wrong with that? No threat from here other than to refrain from sending me your emails. If you are serious about "healing," I can suggest a totally different strategy than the one I'm seeing here. Remember I was involved in the Truth and Reconciliation commission process in South Africa so I have some direct experience in that regard. The future must play a more major role than the past in shaping the present. So, what are you doing that is positive? This, by the way, is not to defend Andrew for whatever happened in the past. Like all of us who wear human skin I'm certain that he, too, made mistakes. We should also hear the still little voice "Thou too are mortal!" 1988 is 17 years ago. By the way, he had no knowledge of my decision to respond to the "narcissism" thing. I just found your editions "ugly," full of personal gripes and complaints. I have absolutely no way to assess their validity because of the wide variations of emotions and perspectives. I just don't have time or energy to do that because the challenges that confront us in the world are overwhelming. In that regard, Ken and Andrew are making substantial contributions to finding new pathways. I would encourage you and your mates consider doing the same. Rather than cursing the night why don't you step into the light. <br /> <br />Further, I've not been "sucked in" by anybody. What I "see" are high levels of professionalism and civility on the part of people who have chosen to live within a "group" context. I've seen that in all of the centers. The "Voices from The Edge" series is remarkable and both the magazine and online programs are spreading the content of the new "enlightenment" far and wide, with a diverse group of well-known faces and voices. This is providing a substantial service to many around the world because of the quality of the writing, the graphics, and the media forms. <br /><br />I'm not a group person myself; am not involved in many of the "spiritual practices" that others find useful, so tend to make hard, objective assessments of what people are actually doing. I know of a number of people who have attended Andrew Cohen's teachings and they have found them to be very positive and useful. He is more a Fritz Perls than a Carl Rogers and those who find that style to be troublesome need to go elsewhere. I do understand the nature of in-group and out-group dynamics having studied under Muzafer Sherif with his famous "Robbers Cave Experiment." And, I did take note in a previous posting that my name came up in what I considered to be a quite negative expression with statements that were totally false. In my life-time work I have often seen "true believers" on the inside of an organization demonstrate the identical "groupness" and conviction when they leave the organization, but now attack what they formerly embraced. They have not grown as people. In fact, they have regressed. They simply become the very thing they now bitterly oppose. Very sad, indeed.<br /> <br />Finally, I choose my friends, associates, and colleagues very carefully. I have a large tent within my MeshWORKS. I do not agree with everything they say or do but I judge their intent and effect.... (Wilber, of course, has been subjected to the same levels of venom in his long career. We are all imperfect, with feet of clay, and all need forgiveness and tolerance.) The world is full of ankle-biters, of "critics" who can't stand it when others experience great moments...and I learned a long time ago that if I spent my time and energy repeating old grievances, or "bringing down" strong, visible people so I can feel important, I would be an unhappy, quite retired university professor who passes time at Starbucks chewing on the sour/sweet morsels of my memory.<br /> <br />Let me make you a challenge as part of your healing. Those who are critical joined with Andrew's movement for some reason. Something about it or him attracted you. You were all adults and, therefore, responsible for your decisions. Rather than whine, become cynical, drown yourself in "victim-hood," and live on the negative side of life why don't you, in quite simple language -- "move on." I have an idea Andrew made a similar kind of challenge since, I assume, he does not suffer long anybody with the "poor me" perspective. Those who need a caring ear, a nonjudgmental environment, and permission to be whatever you want to be, should find a different spiritual leader and culture. You can find them everywhere and they thrive on keeping people totally dependent.<br /><br />I suggest you do a Blog where you construct what would be a healthy environment for you, based on a strong, decisive teacher who makes demands on people. Turn your complaints into something positive. Then I can respect what you are doing.<br /> <br />"Those without sin should cast the first stone." <br /><br />This will be my final posting on the topic. Life is simply too short to exist within a feeding frenzy of anger, resentment, revenge, and hostility. Too often we search for scapegoats to hide our own failures. It is so easy to play the blame game and simply<br />destroy what others are trying to create.<br /><br />To whom much is given, much should be required.<br /><br />Yours for authentic "enlightenment!"<br /> <br />Don Edward Beck, Ph.D.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8775078.post-1105653580529744922005-01-13T13:59:00.000-08:002005-01-13T13:59:00.000-08:00cohen's a cult leader. thank you for criticizing ...cohen's a cult leader. thank you for criticizing him. all cohen's followers can do is issue ad hominem attacks. the substance of your criticisms go unchallenged. this is a great blog. thank you!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8775078.post-1105618366804749942005-01-13T04:12:00.000-08:002005-01-13T04:12:00.000-08:00There is a wealth of good literature about the Nar...There is a wealth of good literature about the Narcissist Personality Disorder, or NPD. Reading your posts concerning the exchange with Don Beck, it brought to mind one quote from the work of Dr. Sam Vaknin (http://samvak.tripod.com/15.html). I find it quite interesting to peer into the personalities of leaders like Cohen and Beck, and congratulate your blog on its reporting of this issue.<br /><br />“The narcissist's personality is so precariously balanced that he cannot tolerate even a hint of criticism and disagreement. Most narcissists are paranoid and suffer from ideas of reference (the delusion that they are being mocked or discussed when they are not). Thus, narcissists often regard themselves as "victims of persecution".<br /><br />When (the narcissists) flimsy attempts to patch a tattered personal mythology fail - the narcissist is injured. Narcissistic injury inevitably leads to narcissistic rage and to a terrifying display of unbridled aggression. <br /><br />This primitive defense mechanism is called "splitting". To the narcissist, things and people are either entirely bad (evil) or entirely good. He projects onto others his own shortcomings and negative emotions, thus becoming a totally good object.”Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8775078.post-1105118478195088682005-01-07T09:21:00.000-08:002005-01-07T09:21:00.000-08:00We've heard of the "mean green meme."
What I wann...We've heard of the "mean green meme." <br />What I wanna know is--what color is Beck's mean meme?<br />What would the spiral taxonomists say?<br />Is it a systems-oriented mean yellow? <br />If it was a bird would it be a "yellow-bellied mean meme"?<br />Or has his meanness broken through to second tier and emerged as a mean conscious turquoise? <br />Does Beck's letter prove there is a stage of development called "the terrible turquoises"?<br />Or is his version of turquoise just another shade of dogmatic blue?<br />Questions, questions, questions.laffnowlhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11665348895423181950noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8775078.post-1104901102834443072005-01-04T20:58:00.000-08:002005-01-04T20:58:00.000-08:00This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com