Editorial Page
Soaring with the Eagles - by Dana Gaynor
Hello and welcome to our second issue.
I went to the Fourth International Conference of Science and Consciousness in Albuquerque this past April to do research for this issue. It was a very special and robust event, if a bit of a marathon. I mean lets face it, after five days even upholstered seats can become uncomfortable and back aches can loom immanent... or am I giving away my age, no matter. Such things simply dissolve when exposed to the active exploration and integration of body, mind and spirit that a good conference can engender. This was a great conference. There were 750 attendees from 35 countries. The attendees consisted of scientists, psychologists, academics, artists, chaos theorists, spiritualists, and seekers of all kinds. At the same time the conference was occurring, the Great Pow Wow, the "Gathering of Indian Nations" was going on in town. Thousands of Native Americans danced through the streets of downtown Albuquerque. It was obvious to all that a fundamental energetic connection united us! It was really fantastic, a great experience. Everywhere we went, people were kind, pleasant and respectful...what more could you want. I recommend this experience to any adventurous reader of this journal. Oh, one caveat about the location...it's dusty so be prepared.
I felt really honored to be hearing some of these presentations. The quality of the speakers was remarkably high. They were for the most part internationally recognized experts in their chosen fields. All were delighted to talk about their work at length. What was most interesting from my perspective was the fundamental continuity or implicit unity of the processes each described. Collectively they provided a high water mark for our understanding of reality and consciousness. For the most part, these presentations described an entirely interrelated state of reality, universal consciousness as an energetic field, and individual consciousness as an excitation of that field. To be sure a variety of different specific models were considered and you will have the opportunity to read about many of them over the next two issues. The important thing is they were all scientifically consistent attempts at integrating perplexing data into inclusive models. As you might guess, presentation styles varied but there was much to interest, enlighten and amuse at this annual event. Yes amusement can be spiritually transforming and freeing as well. In fact I was so touched by his presentation on humor's transforming quality, I have asked presenter Steve Bhaerman aka Swami Beyondanada to provide us with a closing editorial. He has graciously consented.
As you may have surmised, we are featuring a number of the presenters from this conference as well as some other great features. This issue includes articles by conference presenters Bill Tiller, Bill Guillory, Peter Russell, Lawrence Fagg and an editorial by Steve Bhaerman. Also in this issue, an article on psychospiritual assessment by myself, and the first of a three part interview with transpersonal luminary Michael Washburn by Peter Bernstein. Hang on to your hats, your in for a great ride.
Dana Gaynor, Ph.D.
Editor-in-Chief, Journal Of Psychospiritual Transformation