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THE THREE PLANES OF EXISTENCE | Ram Dass

Ram Dass

One system through which you can look at it all, is that there are a set of vibrations or frequencies, you can call them the physical plane, the astral plane, the causal plane, and that which is beyond the beyond.

That’s a good image, “beyond the beyond.” In Tibetan, there is a mantra, which is “GateGateParagatePara Sam gate Bodhi svaha,” which means, “To that which is beyond the ocean of existence, I give homage; to that which is beyond the beyond.” That’s the place beyond those three levels.

Now what are those three levels? Look at it this way: Imagine a light bulb, and the light bulb has three layers of glass. There is the inner layer of glass, the middle layer of glass, and an outer layer of glass. Inside the light bulb is the same thing that’s outside the light bulb, pure consciousness, pure energy, and even these layers of glass are made up of merely “patternings” of this entire package called this “light bulb.”

Now imagine dipping this light bulb into a series of births – chemical baths, and the quality of these chemical baths is that they do two things. Each chemical bath thins the outermost layer of glass, and simultaneously, it leaves on the outermost layer of glass, which determines when the bulb comes out of the bath, and what next bath it will be pulled into. It codes the bulb for what its next bath will be. It goes from bath to bath to bath to bath, until it comes to a bath where the outer layer has gotten so thin that this particular bath breaks through, and the glass goes “poof!”

Now there are only two layers of glass left.

The subjective experience of that poof is, “Oh, so that’s the way it all is…” It’s the moment of waking up out of the illusion. That’s the place where, like Ramana Maharshi said, “You are finished with physical birth,” because the outer layer is the set of pre-dispositions which pull you each time into a physical birth, and keep you going through physical birth, after physical birth. Then this “poof!” occurs, and then you only have two layers of glass, leaving the physical. So then you start birth after birth, after birth on the astral plane, without a physical body, until “poof!” that goes.

Then you have one layer of glass.

So then birth after birth, and now you’re on the causal plane, the world like Plato’s world of pure ideas. It’s the highest place you can get on in the world of form or energy. It’s the basic laws of the universe, from which all the rest is manifestation, the world of pure idea. You’ve got one layer of glass then, and finally, you go through that enough until “poof!” that’s gone and the inner and outer are one again.

The bath is your entire heredity, your entire environment, it is everything that is happening to you, that has happened, and that will happen to you in this lifetime, and it is all done. You must understand that there are no accidents whatsoever in the universe.

-Ram Dass

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Unlocking Communication: 3 Effective Strategies for Overcoming Speech-Language Disorders

unlocking speech

Communication is the cornerstone of human interaction, enabling us to express our thoughts, needs, and emotions. For many, the ability to communicate effortlessly is a natural gift, often taken for granted. However, for individuals grappling with speech-language disorders, this fundamental aspect of human connection can be a significant challenge.

Speech-language disorders (SLD) encompass a diverse range of conditions impacting speech sound production, language comprehension, and effective communication. These disorders manifest diversely from developmental delays in children to acquired conditions due to neurological issues or injuries in adults. Individuals affected by SLD face challenges in accurately producing speech sounds, understanding language, and effectively conveying their thoughts and emotions.

While the hurdles posed by SLD may seem challenging, they are by no means insurmountable. Through appropriate strategies, individuals can unlock communication potential and foster meaningful connections with the world despite facing challenges.

In this article, we will explore three strategies for empowering individuals with SLD to overcome barriers and embrace communication fully.

1. Early Intervention and Assessment

Speech and language disorders are prevalent among children, with nearly 1 in 12 in the U.S. affected by some form of communication disorder. The highest rates occur among children aged 3–6 years, gradually declining as they grow older, reports Medical News Today.

These statistics highlight the importance of early identification and intervention for optimal communication development.

Early intervention is paramount in addressing SLD, as it can significantly impact a person’s long-term communication outcomes. Prompt assessment allows for the identification of speech and language difficulties, enabling tailored interventions to commence at the earliest opportunity. Pediatricians, speech-language pathologists, and educators conduct assessments to evaluate speech sound production, language comprehension, and expressive language skills comprehensively.

Early identification and targeted interventions empower individuals with speech-language disorders to build strong communication foundations, fostering confidence and independence.

2. Speech Therapy Techniques

Speech therapy employs a vast toolbox of techniques tailored to individual needs. These can range from articulation exercises to improve sound production to social communication training that fosters conversation skills. Therapists also utilize technology and engaging games and activities to make learning interactive and fun. The key lies in personalized therapy that ignites motivation and builds confidence, one step at a time.

A) Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)

For some individuals, even with therapy, spoken communication may remain challenging. But this doesn’t mean their voices are silenced. Enter the empowering world of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). AAC encompasses a range of tools and strategies that supplement or replace spoken language, opening doors to self-expression and connection.

From low-tech picture boards to high-tech speech-generating devices, AAC options cater to diverse needs and abilities. According to WHO, over 2.5 billion people worldwide require one or more assistive products, including software or apps that facilitate communication.

These assistive tools play a crucial role in enhancing communication accessibility for individuals with diverse needs across the globe.

AAC isn’t just about speaking but about empowering individuals to share their thoughts, feelings, and ideas on their own terms. By embracing AAC, you unlock a world of possibilities, ensuring everyone has the chance to participate fully in the tapestry of human communication.

B) Professional Guidance and Therapy Sessions

The journey to overcoming SLDs isn’t one to be traversed alone. Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) are trained professionals who serve as expert guides, offering individualized therapy sessions designed to address specific needs and goals. Through comprehensive assessments, they create personalized treatment plans, utilizing a range of evidence-based techniques tailored to each individual’s unique challenges.

Therapy sessions encompass a spectrum of approaches aimed at addressing speech-language disorders comprehensively. Therapists employ diverse techniques, including articulation exercises and social communication training, to target specific communication challenges. Through the integration of visual aids, storytelling, games, and technology, therapy sessions become dynamic and interactive experiences, fostering meaningful progress and engagement.

Ensure that the professionals you engage with are qualified speech-language pathologists (SLPs). These experts undergo rigorous training and education, typically completing either full-time or online speech-language pathology programs accredited by recognized institutions. By choosing qualified SLPs, individuals can trust in their expertise and commitment to delivering evidence-based therapy tailored to specific needs and goals.

According to Ithaca College, qualified SLPs possess the knowledge and skills to conduct thorough assessments, develop personalized treatment plans, and implement effective interventions. Whether addressing articulation difficulties, language delays, or social communication challenges, SLPs leverage various techniques and tools to facilitate progress and enhance communication skills.

C) Technology and Apps for Speech Therapy

Advancements in technology have revolutionized speech therapy, making it more accessible and convenient. A variety of apps and digital tools cater to individuals with speech-language disorders, offering interactive games and comprehensive language development programs. These resources target specific speech sounds and enhance vocabulary and grammar skills, enriching the communication journey.

According to a study from the National Institute of Health, technology-mediated speech therapy interventions, including digital games, show efficacy. They improve speech and language outcomes in individuals with communication disorders. The study revealed that participants in technology-assisted speech therapy reported increased satisfaction, motivation, and attention during therapy exercises.

Leveraging technology empowers those with SLD to access effective therapy resources, fostering independence and confidence in communication.

3. Lifestyle Modifications and Home Practice

Apart from formal therapy sessions, lifestyle adjustments and regular home practice are crucial in aiding individuals with speech-language disorders. Establishing an environment conducive to communication development entails integrating language-rich activities into daily routines. These practices complement therapy efforts, fostering enhanced communication skills and facilitating progress in individuals with SLD.

Also, minimizing distractions, setting clear communication expectations, and cultivating a supportive environment amplify the effectiveness of speech-language interventions significantly. Embracing lifestyle modifications and consistent home practice accelerates progress and fosters enduring communication competence in individuals with SLD.

Empowering Communication Growth

In the pursuit of overcoming speech-language disorders, the journey toward effective communication is marked by resilience, innovation, and unwavering determination. Through key strategies, individuals with SLD can unlock their communication potential and embrace newfound confidence in expressing themselves.

In our journey through SLD, let’s champion innovation, empathy, and collaboration. Together, let’s dismantle communication barriers and amplify deserving voices.

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The Egg | Greek Philosophy

Greek philosophers

A metaphorical tool

There is a connection between eggs and Greek philosophy, as well as the concepts of logic, physics, and ethics.

In Greek philosophy, particularly in the works of Plato and Aristotle, the concept of eggs is often used as a metaphorical tool to explain various philosophical concepts. The shell, egg white, and yolk are sometimes used as symbolic representations of different aspects of reality.

The shell of the egg can be associated with the realm of logic. Just as a shell provides protection and structure to the egg, logic provides the necessary framework for reasoning and knowledge. Logic helps us form valid arguments and make sound judgments in our thinking.

The egg white, or albumen, can be linked to the domain of physics. Just as the egg white surrounds the yolk and nourishes it, physics deals with the natural world and the principles that govern its behavior. It explores the physical properties and forces that shape the universe.

The yolk, often considered the vital center of the egg, is sometimes connected to ethics. Just as the yolk is the source of nourishment and life, ethics deals with moral principles and the study of what is right and wrong. It explores questions regarding human behavior, virtue, and the pursuit of a good life.

“The egg is used metaphorically in three categories that are significant in Greek philosophy”:

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logic, physics, and ethics

1. Logic: This branch of philosophy deals with reasoning, rationality, and the principles of valid inference. Greek philosophers, such as Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle, made significant contributions to the development of logic, including the formulation of logical principles and methodologies for critical thinking.

2. Physics: In Greek philosophy, physics refers to the study of nature, the physical world, and the universe. The pre-Socratic philosophers, such as Thales, Anaximander, and Heraclitus, sought to understand the fundamental nature of existence and the underlying principles governing the natural world. They explored concepts like the elements, cosmology, and the nature of change.

3. Ethics: Ethics focuses on moral principles, values, and how individuals should conduct themselves. Greek philosophers, particularly Aristotle, emphasized the importance of ethics in leading a virtuous life. Aristotle’s ethical framework, known as virtue ethics, emphasized the cultivation of virtues such as courage, justice, and temperance to achieve human flourishing and happiness (eudaimonia).

The Orphic Egg

Orphic Egg


The Orphic Egg in the ancient Greek Orphic tradition is the cosmic egg from which hatched the primordial hermaphroditic deity Phanes/Protogonus (variously equated also with Zeus, Pan, Metis, Eros, Erikepaios and Bromius) who in turn created the other gods. The egg is often depicted with a serpent wound around it.

The world egg, cosmic egg or mundane egg is a mythological motif found in the cosmogonies of many cultures that is present in Proto-Indo-European culture and other cultures and civilizations. Typically, the world egg is a beginning of some sort, and the universe or some primordial being comes into existence by “hatching” from the egg, sometimes lain on the primordial waters of the Earth.

Different philosophers may also have different perspectives on these associations.