Posted below is a short presentation I gave recently for the course on Rene Girard I took, in which I look at the neuroscience behind mimesis and spiritual practices, and how the practices of the early Christian sects would have supported the resistance to and repatterning of mimetic desire. Because we had to keep things brief, my coverage of the topic is necessarily limited, however, I’ve submitted a proposal to present on this topic at the Novitate Conference in October, so if I’m accepted, I’ll be able to expand on it more.
We’ll be looking at some of this neuroscience and working with various practices in a more practical way in my upcoming spiritual direction group for people who feel trapped in the various polarized political discourses that pervade our culture at the moment. Whether you feel frustrated by activist discourse or simply have trouble sharing your opinions and speaking freely, this is designed to help you feel more calm and grounded, resolve inner conflicts, speak your truth with grace, and bring yourself and others into a more positive and helpful state of interaction.
We’ll be meeting every Tuesday evening at 7pm Eastern for 4 weeks starting June 6th, and I have space for 2 more people. Because this is a pilot group, I’m offering it for a nominal fee. If and when I do it again, I will most definitely charge more. Contact me if you’re interested.
I listened to the whole seminar, and found myself in a fit of memetic envy.. Such interesting applications. Well done, Rebekah. Love your clarity and presence in what you say and write.
In two weeks time I have Johnathan Bi booked for a dialogue on my YouTube podcast "Tough Minds, Tender Hearts and Steady Hands" series. I have also invited my long time mentor, Luc Hoebeke to participate as he has been reading Girard for decades, and has an interesting personal life story to share on how Girard was helped. I would you like to invite you to also join to add some of your special intuitions. Please email me on johngic@iafrica.com. Have a look at this to give you an idea of what it is all about. https://youtu.be/RlNVMIOd814. Thanks. John
That conference looks fascinating (and your course sounds likewise; I'd sign up but I'm traveling in Europe with public speaking gigs through the summer so couldn't commit to the times).