Blogging in the MythoSphere

Conscious Evolution

jsriggio@mythoself.com (Joseph Riggio - jsriggio@mythoself.com) — Sat, 14 Jun 2008 13:26:00 -0400

In response to Joshua at mythoself-tm@yahoogroup.com

Re: Warrior-Magician-Lover-King and the Neurobiological Development of Becoming Fully Human ...
[Considerations of Magical Models, The Neurobiology of the Magical Child and Joseph Campbell’s “Hero’s Journey”]

Too bad you missed the most recent module of the Mytho2/8 program in the UK I think you would have found it fascinating. I developed an idea posed by Joseph Chilton Pearce in this book the “Magical Child” regarding neurobiological development in regard to the MythoSelf® Process model. This idea is based on quite substantial research into brain development in utero as well as afterwards up to about the age of twenty years or so. Then I mapped this over to the somatic/semantic (cognitive) forms that we use to promote this development and integration, what I’ve called “conscious evolution” for many, many years now.

In essence what you’ve laid out here as a “magical model” of the “Warrior-Magician-Lover-King” follows directly along with the neurobiological development that Dr. Pearce lays out that I refer to above. The human fetus’ brain develops forward from the brain stem or medulla oblongata along with the “hind brain” (CNS and peripheral nervous system) towards the “fore brain” or cerebellum/cerebral cortex (including the prefrontal cortex). The brain is pretty well developed at birth with the exception of the prefrontal lobes which develop significantly much later on (beginning at about fifteen to twenty years of age and continuing to develop at least through the age of thirty on average). What Dr. Pearce strongly references is that the brain must develop fully from the previous developmental stages to become fully developed at adulthood. If an early stage is not completed or fully developed the following development will suffer for it.

Now let’s do a little mapping shall we?

Warrior – Brain Stem - Medulla Oblongata/Limbic System – reflex, instinctive, primal response ... sensory/motor skills integration ... i.e.: an impetus to action

Magician – Right Hemisphere/Left Hemisphere – new learning, whole-form thinking, synthesis ... analysis, independent, deconstruction/reconstruction ... highly cross integrated through the corpus callosum ... capable of both isolated and systemic thinking in regard to outcome

Lover – Cerebellum – relationship, judgment, interaction ... emotional response ... interpersonal considerations, contextual response

King – Prefrontal Lobes – abstract/imaginative thinking ... future planning, outcome oriented ... can override the system and create “feed-forward” loops

This follows exactly along the path outlined by Dr. Pearce based on his neurological research. The Brain Stem – Medulla Oblongata developing rapidly and near completely by age one to two and continuing to integrate and develop incrementally through age seven at least. The Limbic System’s development kicks in strongly at age one and continues developing significantly through at least age eleven, it is well developed at age three (especially some of the sub-modules of the limbic system like amygdala response, i.e.: threat/anger/violence response). The Right Hemisphere development kicks in strongly at age four and continues rapidly developing and connecting with other brain modules through age fifteen - part of the key development of the right hemisphere is its interconnectivity with all other parts of the brain system. Then the Left Hemisphere’s major development begins around age seven (this is often regarded as the beginning of the end of “magical thinking”), significant leaps in independent, abstract thinking occur as the left hemisphere develops – including the ability to think in terms of manifesting in the world. The Cerebellum begins a rapid growth and developmental period at age eleven (around puberty) and leads to significant increases in the ability to make sense of both relationships and one’s place in the world in regard to others, in addition there is major growth in the ability to “read” people. At age fifteen the prefrontal lobes begin to develop and open fully, with this development future planning and the sense of destiny begin to develop as well, the individual becomes increasing capable of considering through-time implications and consequences in and on the system.

Beyond the “labels” Warrior-Magician-Lover-King, the system develops along a continuum for humans coming of age. What’s interesting about this from within the MythoSelf® Process model includes the idea that the organizing paradigm at each developmental stage is the individual or personal mythology. Then there’s the realization that people don’t necessarily complete the development of each stage either fully or with complete integration before the next phase of development has begun. This often becomes the work of a MythoSelf® Facilitator – to assist in the completion and integration of the developmental process of the individual, and then the individual in relation to their contextual surroundings. Additionally, the major theme of the MythoSelf® Process model is how this material is expressed and integrated in the body-mind system with the primary experience held somatically and triggered semantically. Updating the system and moving it forward towards the prefrontal lobes development becomes a theme of advanced MythoSelf® training. The allows the individual to both integrate their personal resources and themselves within the system that they occupy. From there they can begin to organize themselves and their actions in the world to generate the outcomes for themselves and others they are associated with (both near and far within the system as they choose) against the “match and fit” paradigm of the mythology they organized for themselves. This mythology, when free of the impositions and limitations of the inhibitory learning of their past, is the sense of “being” in relation to who they are endlessly “becoming.” In order to fulfill this mythology they must not only be present to the way they organize themselves in regard to the system, but also the way they organize the system in regard to themselves.

This last bit is the chasm even advanced MythoSelfers face as they develop along the evolutionary continuum offered in this model. What’s required is both the surrender to the experience of their lives and also the building of the capacity to hold the form intended regardless of the onslaught of evidence to the contrary. I’d suggest to you that this is a Mytho8 level consideration for most folks, and not for a “proper” discussion here and now. However, what’s interesting is how Joseph Campbell also seems to point to exactly the same developmental continuum without the neurobiological references, using mythological/symbolic references instead to pave the path.

What we’re doing here (in the MythoSelf® Process model) is to organize a “how-to” form to evolve along this continuum that integrates the somatic and semantic development in a particularly effective methodology that can be applied regardless of the evolutionary stage of development the individual is experiencing. The ability to go beyond the theory and research about “how come” with regards to neurobiological development and evolution to “how-to” is a significant factor of attention, focus and action in this model. Understanding for instance the specific ways to lead the system away from the inhibitory form to the excitatory form and the impact that has on learning and updating in the system is one example of the model’s form. Generating the updating in regard to systemic referencing rather than cognitive referencing so the default response becomes systemic is another. To bring the neurobiological form forward with this kind of exactitude requires a massive and deep learning that is itself integrated into the learning of MythoSelf® Facilitators.

I’d love to know if this matches and fits to your experience as well now that I’ve laid it out explicitly for you.

Best regards,

Joseph Riggio, Ph.D.Architect and Developer of the MythoSelf® Process

Primal Response ...

jsriggio@mythoself.com (Joseph Riggio - jsriggio@mythoself.com) — Tue, 25 Oct 2005 15:10:00 -0400

http://www.jsriggio.com/files/MythoSelfAudioCast25oct2005.mp3

Joseph's audio/podcast for 25 October 2005

Today Joseph continues the explanation he's begun regarding neurobiological development and the workings of the human brain/neural/motor system interactions. What Joseph suggests is that there is no seperation between you and the world ... literally that there is no boundary between your senses, the world and your response in it.You'll enjoy Joseph's easy overview into this complex topic of neurobiology as you begin to take a peek into what makes human thinking so human. Joseph continues to offer the unique insights he applies to the Mythogenic Self(tm) Process regarding the evolution of consciousness.

Weaving Creation ...

jsriggio@mythoself.com (Joseph Riggio - jsriggio@mythoself.com) — Wed, 19 Oct 2005 19:50:00 -0400

http://www.jsriggio.comfiles/MythoSelfAudioCast19oct2005.mp3
Joseph's audio/podcast for 19 October 2005
Today Joseph opens up a new idea the neurobiological foundations of thinking, perception and the relationship to the Mythogenic Self(tm) Process. He begins to lay the groundwork for going into the physical properties of the brain resonsible for creating reality as we know it. You'll enjoy Joseph's easy
overview into this complex topic of neurobiology as you begin to take a peek into what makes human thinking so human. In additional Joseph hints at how this neurobiological process generates human creativity and gives us access to our fundamental ways of being in the world.

Spreading the Evolution ...

jsriggio@mythoself.com (Joseph Riggio - jsriggio@mythoself.com) — Tue, 18 Oct 2005 00:09:00 -0400

http://www.jsriggio.com/files/MythoSelfAudioCast18oct2005.mp3

Joseph's audio/podcast for 18 October 2005

Joseph's used today's audio/podcast to do something different, he's asking all his listeners to do him a favor ... to help him spread the word about these blogs he's posting. He wants you to send a note to three or four people that you know the links to this audio/podcast and more importantly to his written blog at http://blognostra.blogspot.com.

The Ground of Being ...

jsriggio@mythoself.com (Joseph Riggio - jsriggio@mythoself.com) — Thu, 13 Oct 2005 12:20:00 -0400

http://www.jsriggio.com/files/MythoSelfAudioCast13oct2005.mp3

Joseph's audio/podcast for 13 October 2005

Today Joseph extends his discussion of pre-conscious/pre-verbal experience. Beyond pointing out how to begin accessing direct sensory/somatic experience Joseph introduces the idea of reforming the "somatic groud of your being" to begin gaining some degree of control over who it is ithat you're becoming.

Establishing a Direct Connection ...

jsriggio@mythoself.com (Joseph Riggio - jsriggio@mythoself.com) — Wed, 12 Oct 2005 13:47:00 -0400

http://www.jsriggio.com/files/MythoSelfAudioCast12oct2005.mp3

Joseph's audio/podcast for 12 October 2005

Joseph continues exploring the domain of pre-conscious/pre-verbal experience. In this audiocast he offers some suggestions for going beyond the descriptive experience or narrative of experience to having the experience directly.

As you begin to learn to build the skill of having direct sensory/somatic experience and holding back the description Joseph suggests that the experience itself may in fact become something else entirely.

Building the Direct Response ...

jsriggio@mythoself.com (Joseph Riggio - jsriggio@mythoself.com) — Tue, 11 Oct 2005 09:45:00 -0400

http://www.jsriggio.com/files/MythoSelfAudioCast11oct2005.mp3

Joseph's audio/podcast for 11 October 2005

Joseph continues his exploration of the pre-conscious, pre-verbal experience of moving directly into the unfolding of the events of your life. What he expands upon here addresses the direct sensory/somatic experience when you experience the unfolding of the events of your life becoming part of them.

Today Joseph will lead you through a short somatic experiement to uncover the difference when experiencing the world in this way ... directly. He points out how you experience each moment as different from every other.

Beyond Conscious Response ...

jsriggio@mythoself.com (Joseph Riggio - jsriggio@mythoself.com) — Mon, 10 Oct 2005 23:13:00 -0400

http://www.jsriggio.com/files/MythoSelfAudioCast10oct2005.mp3

Joseph's audio/podcast for 10 October 2005

Today Joseph begins a new thread on pre-conscious response. He begins to describe the experience of coming into contact with the world directly at a sensory level that's pre-verbal and pre-conscious in regard to having a "cognitive experience" of the event that has transpired.

Let Jopseh begin to expose you to how you can make your world more extraordinary, unique and wonderous ...

Enjoy ...

Beyond the Boon ...

jsriggio@mythoself.com (Joseph Riggio - jsriggio@mythoself.com) — Fri, 7 Oct 2005 14:02:00 -0400

http://www.jsriggio.com/files/MythoSelfAudioCast7oct2005.mp3

Joseph's audio/podcast for 7 October 2005

Joseph presents the last installment of his Joseph Campbell "Hero's Journey" series with "Beyond the Boon ..." covering the portion of the adventure where the hero receives the "gift" or the "magic elixir" or the "boon" and how this is not really the end of the journey ... but the start of another ...

You'll find Joseph's summation of the journey experieince a fascinating glimpse into the experience of being human from the unique point of view that Joseph holds and is always so willing to share ... the "excitatory"or "positive" bias.

Have a Great Weekend and Enjoy ...

Passing the Trials ...

jsriggio@mythoself.com (Joseph Riggio - jsriggio@mythoself.com) — Thu, 6 Oct 2005 10:36:00 -0400

http://www.jsriggio.com/files/MythoSelfAudioCast6oct2005.mp3

Joseph's audio/podcast for 6 October 2005

Here's Joseph again covering the next step in Joseph Campbell's "Hero's Journey" ... Passing the Trials ... the monsters, the demons, the terror ... ultimately facing one's self.

He speaks a bit about the idea of the full continuum of human experience and how he addresses this within the Mythogenic Self(tm) Process work that he does. You'll come to realize that the part of the journey which most people might prefer to avoid and which will even keep some people from beginning their own journey is in fact in many ways the most exciting part of the journey.

Enjoy ...

Meeting the Magic Helpers ...

jsriggio@mythoself.com (Joseph Riggio - jsriggio@mythoself.com) — Wed, 5 Oct 2005 10:20:00 -0400

http://www.jsriggio.com/files/MythoSelfAudioCast5oct2005.mp3

My Odeo Channel (odeo/13904f07f0a89622) [Note: Posting to Odeo Channel]

Joseph's audio/podcast for 5 October 2005

After a month away Joseph picks up on where he left off on his presentation of Joseph Campbell's "Hero's Journey" and it's relationship and integration into the Mythogenic Self(tm) Process.

Today he presents the next section of the journey, "Meeting the Magic Helpers" ... what to expect and how to recognize those magical meetings that happen "in plain sight" and "ear shot" of everyone and yet are only aimed at you. Enjoy ...

Facing the Guardians ...

jsriggio@mythoself.com (Joseph Riggio - jsriggio@mythoself.com) — Wed, 31 Aug 2005 14:55:00 -0400

http://www.jsriggio.com/files/MythoSelfAudioCast31aug2005.mp3

Joseph's audio/podcast for 30 August 2005

Joseph continues the adventure into describing Joseph Campbell's "Hero's Journey" and its relationship to the MythoSelf(tm) model. Today he speaks about meeting the "Threshold Guardians" - how to know who/what they are and what to keep in mind as you do. Enjoy ...

Beginning Your Journey ...

jsriggio@mythoself.com (Joseph Riggio - jsriggio@mythoself.com) — Tue, 30 Aug 2005 18:09:00 -0400

http://www.josephriggio.com/files/MythoSelfAudioCast30aug2005.mp3

Joseph's audio/podcast for 30 August 2005

Joseph continues describing the structure of the "Hero's Journey" with the transition into the journey itself. He speaks about how you can know if you've answered the "Call to Adventure" and what to expect as a result.

Readying Yourself for the Journey ...

jsriggio@mythoself.com (Joseph Riggio - jsriggio@mythoself.com) — Mon, 29 Aug 2005 20:53:00 -0400

http://www.jsriggio.com/files/MythoSelfAudioCast29aug2005.mp3

Joseph's audio/podcast for 29 August 2005

Joseph picks up on where he'd left off with his presentation of Joseph Campbell's "Hero's Journey" and it's relation to the MythoSelf(tm) Process. Joseph introduces the "Call to Adventure" and the necessity for the hero to choose the adventure ... and how to organize to be ready to choose.

Expanding the Journey ...

jsriggio@mythoself.com (Joseph Riggio - jsriggio@mythoself.com) — Sun, 28 Aug 2005 10:41:00 -0400

http://www.jsriggio.com/files/MythoSelfAudioCast28aug2005.mp3

As promised Joseph is posting a bonus audiocast this weekend since he was unable to post most of last week due to getting settled into his new place ... picking up on the theme he began last week Joseph continues to share his thoughts about Joseph Campbells' work takeing a little side journey with us.

Most people are familiar with Joseph Campbell's often quoted remark, however Joseph shares some insights on Joseph Campbell's less famous remark, "Follow Your Bliss""The Insecure Way is the Secure Way" ... enjoy this post and join Joseph tomorrow as he continues the audio/podcasts on Joseph Campbell's "Hero's Journey" and the relationship with the MythoSelf(tm) Process ...

The Adventure Begins ...

jsriggio@mythoself.com (Joseph Riggio - jsriggio@mythoself.com) — Mon, 22 Aug 2005 08:19:00 -0400

http://www.jsriggio.com/files/TheAdventureBegins....mp3

Joseph's audio/podcast for 22 August 2005

Joseph begins the series of audiocasts relating Joseph Campbell's "Hero's Journey" and Joseph Riggio's "MythoSelf(tm) Process" ... enjoy ...

Fascinating Journey ...

jsriggio@mythoself.com (Joseph Riggio - jsriggio@mythoself.com) — Fri, 19 Aug 2005 11:04:00 -0400

http://www.jsriggio.com/files/MythoSelfAudioCast19aug2005.mp3

Joseph's audio/podcast for 19 August 2005

Joseph concludes this week's audio/podcasts regarding the nature of fascination and personal manifestation and expression. He introduces the idea of fascination being linked to mythology, the "Hero's Journey" and personal mythology.

Characteristics of Coming from Your Center - Audiocast 18aug2005

jsriggio@mythoself.com (Joseph Riggio - jsriggio@mythoself.com) — Thu, 18 Aug 2005 11:41:00 -0400

http://www.appliednlp.com/files/MythoSelfAudioCast18aug2005MP3.mp3

Joseph's Audio/Podcast for 18 August 2005

Joseph discusses the linkage between noticing for characteristics and qualities in what fascinates you and "coming from your center."

This Is "IT!" - The home of my new audioblog site!!!

jsriggio@mythoself.com (Joseph Riggio - jsriggio@mythoself.com) — Sun, 7 Aug 2005 14:58:00 -0400

Howdy all,

It's unlikely that you'll see much writing here as I'll be using this site almost exclusively for audio blogs (aka - podcasts) and you'll be able to set these up as downloadable RSS files if you'd like.

Some people say part of the magic of the work I do is in the presentation, well they've also been telling me that I should be getting more "live" material out there. And, of course my "advisors" suggest that I charge for this, which I understand as it's their job to look out for my best interests. But my interests includes looking out for those who have supported the work I've been developing and doing for years. So while I am and will continue to produce products that will be for sale I've decided to produce this audio blog and post it on this site for free for any of you that are interested in this work and hearing what I have to say about it in an ongoing way.

Any-hoo ... you'll find me "speaking into you" some of my most current ideas and thinking, as well as just spending sometime catching up on what's happening in the MythoSphere.

I expect that this will be a regular process for me ... meaning daily Mon-Fri, and on occasion even some weekends. Now you can expect that as much as possible I'll keep the audio clean and pure (like my heart ...) but it may just be that there'll be someback ground noise we'll have to deal with every once in a while ... but I promise I'll do my very bestest to make it worth your while to listen in with me every day.

Of course as always feel free to drop in with your comments, questions, provocations, perturbations and such as you see and hear fit.

Best regards,

Joseph