In the heart of the heart of the country

Feb
27
2009
by
Lynne McTaggart
/
34
Comments

Earlier this week I ran my first two-day Living with Intention workshop in a non-English speaking country.  Although I’ve spoken in countries all over the world, what distinguished this workshop from all my other speaking engagements was my audience, a large percentage of whom observed me and all I had to say through the thin slits of their black, all encasing burqas. 
Last year, I’d been persuaded to run my first workshop in the Middle East through an organization called the Al Rashed Center in Kuwait. One of the regular attendees of our conferences for many years was Salah Al Rashed, who has a human development center in Kuwait and daily radio show and a television show distributed all over the Arab speaking countries. He’d been a fan of my work for many years, and although my books are not yet out in Arabic, his constant reference to my work has familiarized it to that part of the world.
A new experience

Although I had been prepared for several traditionalists in the audience, I had expected the country or anyone interested in my message to be Westernized. I was utterly unprepared for what transpired.  Although I’d met my host Salah Al Rashed during a trip to England, when he was dressed in ordinary shirt and tie, on his home turf, he and his wife Sarah, greeted me at the airport in traditional keffiyeh (red tea-towel style headdress a la Yassir Arafat) and white bisht in his case, and full black burqa, complete with veil, in hers.
This, I realized with some uneasiness, was going to be a very different two days for me.
I was careful to run through all the cultural faux pas that I could make with my host and hostess  - don’t shake hands with men, unless they shake with you, don’t have mixed intention groups -  and as we rode to the hotel venue, I made a mental inventory of the wardrobe I’d brought along.  Although I’d brought along modest, loose long clothing and even toyed with the idea of wearing a headscarf as a sign of respect, the following morning I eschewed it.  They were obviously going to be authentic, and so would I be.
A different audience
The following morning, when I headed to the front of the room, I surveyed my audience with something akin to alarm.   All the women had coalesced on the left side of the room and all the men on the right.  As Al Rashed’s radio show had huge reach throughout the Arabic countries, they’d come from all over the Middle East and the gulf: Saudis and Emirates and Egyptians and Kuwaitis and even a smattering of Indians and Pakistanis. 
Most of the women were covered, to some degree, but in an entire spectrum of possibility, from full burqa allowing only eyeslits, to black headscarves, to very colorful abayas, to ordinary Western gear.  The men, in the main, had little variation on the same theme -  two colors of keffiyeh  and long black or white jalabiya robes. 
Both sides of the room looked up at me expectedly. My interpreter was a young woman from Syria, a region decidedly unfriendly to my home country of America. 
I stared at the surreal image before me in an uneasy silence.  What had I let myself in for?  What would these people, for whom tradition played such a central role, think of my radical material? How would any of this square with their religious and cultural beliefs?
Any apprehension soon dissipated as we began discussing quantum physics and intention.  They took careful notes and followed any instructions enthusiastically and to the letter.  Most of the audience had seen The Secret and read The Law of Attraction.  Although the men remained with men and the women with women, they were happy to participate in experiments and to form small close-knit groups to send healing intention to each other.  Their intuitive abilities were finely honed during our experiments.  Clearly they were used to tapping into The Field.
And after practicing psychic ability and intention, when we broke for lunch, they made a nod to tradition, and a large group of male Saudis positioned themselves to the south, bent over on the floor and prayed.
The biggest student

For my part, I spent the two days being the biggest student in the room.  Had the clothing been a matter of choice? Did it work – was there less rape and other abuse of women?  How did religion square with any other modern ideas?  Were women allowed careers (there were many women doctors in the audience and a goodly percentage held professional jobs)? Was the clothing more comfortable for men? 
And then my questions became more pointed. How would they solve the problem of terrorism, or the Israeli conflict? What should America and Britain do now to prevent future terrorism and promote peace? Where had the US gone wrong? 
They were particularly intrigued by the results of our Peace Intention Experiment, not only the fact that we seemed to have an effect on restoring peace, but also that sending intentions for peace appears to increase peace and tolerance in the sender.
They were gorgeous group – warm and funny and big-hearted - showering me with presents and food. I chatted with the men in the breaks, and ate and went out with the women. I drank in the exotic tradition of Arabia and the more modern turns it had taken.
I moved my own goalposts a bit toward then and by the end of the two days they’d move theirs a little closer to mine.
What my audience wanted from me and other Westerners, most of all, was simple acceptance - for their ways, their commonalities and their exotic differences, to be appreciated and understood. 
God and The Field
Recently, I taped a show with Oprah Winfrey on her Soul Series (to be aired in April – I’ll alert you).  At one point, she asked me pointedly, is the Field God? Many others ask me if believing in the Field isn’t in conflict with traditional religion.
I’ve always maintained that the information I research is more of a proving of religion – scientific evidence of the divine in all of us.
Virtually all major traditions in the world prior to Isaac Newton — pre-literate cultures such as the Aborigines; the ancient Greeks and the Egyptians; the adherents of Eastern religions such as Buddhism, Zen and Taoism; and even modern indigenous cultures  — conceived of the universe as inseparable, connected by some universal energy ‘life force’. The beliefs of virtually all tribal societies about this central energy force have many similarities, suggesting that an intuitive understanding of the interconnectedness of all things is fundamental to human experience.
What I took away from this experience was simple. Far from destroying God, science for the first time is proving His existence – by demonstrating that a higher, collective consciousness is out there.  There need no longer be two truths – the truth of science and the truth for religion.  They can be one unified vision of the world – from wherever on the globe you happen to be.
May the truth of The Field help, as it did on this one occasion, to unite us all.

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Lynne McTaggart

Lynne McTaggart is an award-winning journalist and the author of seven books, including the worldwide international bestsellers The Power of Eight, The Field, The Intention Experiment and The Bond, all considered seminal books of the New Science and now translated into some 30 languages.

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34 comments on “In the heart of the heart of the country”

  1. How, lovely, Lynn. I think you tapped in, for a few days, into the possibilities of the future. What a wonderful world we are creating

  2. What a beautiful journey, Lynne! Thank you for sharing this story of uniting across a divide with all of us 🙂 Your humility along your path and your commitment to being a student of life even as you teach what you have learned thus far, is one of the most endearing aspects to your writings! Your curiosity is infectious.

  3. Beautiful! As my children put it, "It would be boring if we were all the same." Thank you for having the courage to find out about the people and look past the wardrobe choice. Most religions have the similar aspirations and beliefs. Acceptance and tolerance of each other will help to remind us that we are not seperate. That is an imaginary concept. What is real is that we are all a part of each other. When we can see ourselves in another then we will find peace.

  4. Hello Lynne:
    I truly believe that what you are teaching is the very thing that will eventually lead to global peace and understanding . The concept seems so large and unfathomable and yet at the same time so simple and fundamental. As the world shrinks because of our ability to communicate expansively, this information and method can change the global consciousness most positively.
    Thanks for your commitment to helping us evolve!

  5. Dear Lynne - Thank you for sharing your wonderful story. I think your experience highlights what it means to be on the path of intention. Ultimately, when we are aligned with coherent intention our consciousness spirals upwards and we move into awareness that there is no separation, there are no boundaries and no one group has moral superiority over another. It is hard to pick a war with someone with whom we feel a positive connection. It is like shooting ourselves in the foot.
    Your story also reminds me of the messages from business consultant Margaret Wheatley who promotes "talking to one another" (that may be the name of her book)- just starting conversations about peace and intention can help create transformation around the world - group by group. We can start in our own back yards - literally. How often do we avoid getting to know our neighbors or neighborhoods, because of the fear we are different from others? So often I read in the paper about local tragic events where no seemed to know a person or their family at all. Many people would have gladly helped to prevent dire circumstances if they had known. As I am talking outloud here, I think to be a good intender means also to EXTEND and get to know one another.
    Your story certainly gives me a great deal to think about.
    Really looking forward to your radio interview with OPRAH! Congratulations!

  6. Dear Lynn,
    Thanks for a very moving description of the culture and habits of someone so different from us.
    When I meet the "strange", I often feel uneasy - not knowing what to expect, and sometimes I even feel fearful.
    It is SO good to hear of your experience, and realizing that we all want the same, and for some reaon we have chosen different ways to obtain it.
    Actually I could probably have learned that from looking at nature. There are so many indicators that all sorts of animals and fauna can live side by side, without being afraid of each other. Of course we also see animals killing other animals for food, but rarely are the same species afraid of, or intimidated by their own. (I know it happens during mating season :-))
    I participated in your intention experiment, and I can vouch for the fact that it helped create peace in me as well. Thanks for being the change you wish to see in the world.

  7. Hello Lynne,
    I just wanted to say thanks for adding an invaluable resource to our lives.
    The hard scientific work you do here, many people are not willing to do on their own, but it really does change lives and I'm sure you know that.
    You are putting the pieces together for a future where our kids and their kids will have this information easily available in text books. This will be a "norm" for them. ..and that truly is wonderful.
    Take Care,
    Kyle P

  8. Thank you for this beautiful post! I am married to a wonderful Iranian man and I am dismayed at how little the average westerner knows about the culture and traditions of the east. There is so much of value, so much we could learn from each other if we were willing to accommodate the varied traditions and look for root wisdom. Deep down we are all the same but what a stunningly gorgeous patchwork we are with all our different customs and traditions!

  9. happy for this event even if i did not attend.
    , this is the evidence that we are all connected.
    May the whole world be a better place for All of us.

  10. It's not easy for people to accept that God = Interconnectedness, that God is not a "He," and that, on an individual level, God is not "out there" but within. After all, it takes great courage to reexamine the beliefs that were fed to us so that we would learn through experiencing contrast (a wide variety of it, I might add.). Because how can you appreciate Oneness if you don't experience the opposite of it, the different forms of separation? But ... we are making progress 🙂

  11. Isn't this exactly what it is all about? Oneness, oneness and oneness - differences yes, but ultimately we really are one.
    What a fantastic, inspiring and heart-warming account of your experience and may there be many more such events throughout the world.

  12. Lynne,
    I can feel you downloading information from your audience. What an experience. I would have loved to be there and participate. We are one. I don't know how we find peace and prosperity for all of us around the world. I only know it is so and I am fulfilled.

  13. Once again you are making huge impact on the people around you and ultimately the world. My Eyes were glued to your story and my heart expanded with each word. Thankyou Lynne for the wonderful difference you are making.

  14. Excellent work, when we start understanding each other we also start being more tolerant of our differences. One comment: indeed the concept of an unifying field or force has prevailed through many centuries. However, I do not think it is based on intuition alone for since time immemorial there have been gifted seers who were aware of the real nature of things.
    John van der Ley

  15. how disappointing. Just once I wish some prominent female voice would stand up for these oppressed women. Nothing personal, just another opportunity lost on these poor souls. As soon as "God" enters into the equation, objectivity or intestinal fortitude seems lost. I touch the field daily, and it is divine.

  16. This is a gorgeous example of what peace is, in action. I thank you so much for taking your work there, and sharing this story. I too, have had experiences with Muslim friends from many countries, that proved to me without a doubt, that they know this Field intimately.
    "Out beyond right doing and wrong doing, there is a Field. I'll meet you there..." Rumi

  17. Lynne, you were the joy for this audience. Some of them were imams from Saudi Arabia, some of them were very very religious, some of them were very western mentality, some of them were somewhere in between, but all of them loved you, your message, and were committed to peace, love and human development. Whether we are in Alaska, Australia, Argentina, China, Saudi Arabia, Algeria, or Afganistan, we are all connected. I think that by these very little steps we can do what the United Nations could not do! We'll work with our similarities and praise our differences ..
    "They said from all the six directions came the Light of God. A voice asked: And where did this Light come from?" (Jallaludin Rumi).

  18. I am an American presently living in Bangkok, Thailand ; my husband is working here for the next year. It is encouraging to know that you have seminars in all areas of the world. Perhaps you will come to Bangkok at some point. If so, I hope to meet you.
    Sincerely,
    Joyce

  19. This is really great, Lynne! I am impressed and glad to hear about your event.
    Kuwait was my first home for 18years where I grew up and went to school. Growing up in an invironment of strong belief, religion and tradition, knowing the challenges of getting the right messages accross to different cultures, I admire you for what you did and continue to do. I admire Salah Al-Rashed for his views and making such events possible.
    Thank you.

  20. Dear Lunne, Your course in Kuwait was wonderful, Scientific and informative.
    You gave me a great idea, a wonderful thing ignited in my mind! I used to run Meetings for healers & meditators were we exchange healing, do group meditation and send healing to ill people as each time we have a list. but this was a small group not open, it was for a group of people who took a class together before.
    Latley I've been thinking of expanding and connecting more people together in one thought!Now after your course I realized that anyone can send healing thought he/she doesn't have to be a meditator or a healer. We can send peace, healing to everyone and by anyone.
    So I organized a monthly meeting here in Kuwait this will be send to all my list soon and they're free to send to their list too...we will all do a group healing circle to send peace to places in the world that in need and of course each one can share their health issues and can also share a person health situation to send him/her healing.
    Thank you again. What you're doing is great to the world. I love to participate in your intention projects.

  21. This is definately the way forward! May you make ever increasing progress.
    Love and Light
    Sylvia

  22. Dear Lynne, as I read your blog, I felt the tears come as my heart expanded. Peace is possible and thank you for playing such a part in making it more possible for more. I am from Northern Ireland and along with many others played our parts in supporting change there. With deep gratitude and blessings, Patsy Brennan

  23. As we whittle away at our differences, the more we see we are the same. Thank you for sharing your apprehension, something we all share when faced with 'difference'. Only through dialog can we realize that our sisters and brothers around the world ARE us!
    Peace and love to all who read this...and to all who don't have a clue how connected we all are!
    🙂 Carol

  24. I echo what others have said, Lynne. What courage it takes to do what you do, and yet I feel in my heart that it's this type of thing that will eventually lead to understanding that we are all one. You give us hope! Donald mentioned being disappointed. I understand his position, but feel some of world problems have come about because "Westerners" have tried to push their ways of doing things. I suspect it might be much better to demonstrate our ways and allow changes to come from within each country. We do seem to see that happening. We need to accept before we can change.

  25. Believing in the field is nothing to do with 'religion' as far as I am concerned and 'religion' has nothing to do with spirituality . God, if that is even the right word to use, is not a 'he'. God is not out there . You cannot connect to the field through religion. Religion is about fear and division and looking for guidance and a way to live our lives from some source outside of ourselves e.g. a 'god' figure or prophet, the bible or some other book that gives people rules to live by. People must find their own values and their own truth and listen to their own still small inner voice or guide. I am shocked that Lynne told Oprah that the field proves religion?
    As David Icke (UK) says in many of his books and speeches, there are lots of sheep out there and as far as I can see there are a 'lot of sheep' just looking for someone to follow. I can't blame them or judge them because I suppose it is much easier than having to figure things out for yourself. To follow your own guide takes courage and it can be a lonely path. It can also attract ridicule as David Icke himself well knows.

  26. Thank you so much for sharing your ecperience. It is uch a reminder that we are all so much alike despite our different cultures. We are truly one community and we can overcome any negative influence.

  27. Lynne,
    You've started an important process for those in this region to begin working on the betterment of the entire region and our planet.
    I suggest you invite the Israelis and Arabs to begin working the field together in order to manifest the peace we seek to see out there.
    They will do it if asked
    Perry
    Perry

  28. Lynn, what a profound story. Thank you so much for sharing. If I can help in any way let me know. This is what it is all about.
    Warm regards

  29. Thank you very much for all what you've said about your visit.
    It was enligtening, you were able to touch our hearts in a very short time, I rarely have this dear connection with the experts who I work with.
    I would like also to invite everyone reading this not to stay at the gates of other people although the gates are scaery, like the Syrian houses you'll find always wonders inside.
    You might not have an idea about the Middle East and your ideas might be distorted intentionally or inintentionally by Media and othe things, why not to find out yourself!
    We have for sure another distorted version of reality! And I'm sure with communication we will discover wonders.
    Our book says that God created us different to communicate ,so why not to start.
    Nour

  30. Lynne,
    I just discovered your website this morning in the SOM magazine. I have been a traveller over the years and like you always noticed that there in an innate believe in a universal force. I've been deep in the Amazon jungle in the 60s and more recently into Borneo. All indigenous people I have met share a belief in something greater which has strengthen mine. I look forward to participating in an upcoming experiment. Thank you for your wonderful work and sharing it with us.
    Gloria

  31. Everything you write, assures my inner feelings and understandings of this world.
    Thank you Lynne

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