Occasionally, as indicated by my dreams, I present aspects of my research. Those are listed below. The presentations made at these talks are included in Papers.
The rapid development of amplified and exponential digital technology – “artificial intelligence” – is giving rise to a new wave of contemplation as to the nature of consciousness and intelligence. This paper provides a perspective on the effects of technology on unfolding human consciousness. It looks at philosophical theories of the effects of technology from ancient to post-modern times and then conveys findings from a longitudinal hermeneutic analysis of dreams collated and analysed over two decades. Many of those dreams, in detailing the future ahead of us and historic capacities of human consciousness, inform our present moment. We are shown a long-term, anti-human decline where dominating technology can disrupt the relationship of human consciousness to the cosmic pattern or God while the dreams themselves demonstrate their on-going function as access to the real intelligence – the cosmic pattern. The paper highlights observable effects of technology upon the psyche – such as Herbert Marcuse’s “false needs” and human enslavement to gratification. In the face of technological disruption to our natural pattern and seeking a salve for our consequent suffering, humanity seems inclined to further rely on the artificial “intelligence” to mitigate suffering induced by it. This vicious cycle provides the potential for our ultimate disruption – the end of the species as we know it – or its mitigation through merging with the machine. All the while, perhaps due to the extremity of our position, we are being prepared by our dreams for that tipping point and the next crossroads for humanity.
“The talk I prepare to give is along the lines that the soul is the vehicle of (one’s) humanity and that each person’s relationship to their soul and, through it to God, is their own responsibility. This direct relationship should never be handed off to another authority. This [handing off] is the basis of all the corruption we see and experience…” (Dream 9/3/20)
Non-BPS members are invited to register/attend.
I will be discussing my research into the realisation of the soul through the natural cycle. I will be specifically reporting on the significance and function of dreams over the Winter festival and including specific guidance that previous winters have provided.
“Emma describes herself as a student of the natural order and she describes the phases of the year and the role of the winter solstice within that pattern -philosophically, psychologically and practically.”
Non-BPS members are invited to register/attend.
“This presentation is my report from the trenches of a longitudinal, immersive inquiry into the dynamics of self/soul realisation in the post-modern context. Over twenty years I have been instructed by my dreams in all aspects of my inquiry. This has led to a paradigm shift restoring the Dream as the authority for my research process – and my life. During the last ten years, following dream instructions closely, I have begun to report back on what I have been shown. This will be my first public account.
Dr. Emma Thérèse Lewis is an experienced psychotherapist and research psychologist who encourages the detailed contemplation and consideration of all experiences and dreams.”
Full presentation available here.
Over time, as the various psychological models of development have revealed their limitations to my mind, I have been shown the superior power of dreams in addressing issues of maturation or development in individuals and in groups. Through dreams I have been encouraged to observe life ever more closely, to increasingly align to its benign, restorative forces and to thoroughly explore the obstacles encountered in that process.
Further to my own inquiry, I sometimes facilitate dream groups to enable others to witness and experience for themselves the power of dreams in the restorative process.
Abstract: The original technology designed for human thriving is dreaming – being the vehicle by which the individual and group psyche is aligned to the cosmic pattern or implicate order. Over millennia this basic human facility has been weakened and displaced by technologies and ideologies as humanity pursues its own agenda. Few now live by their dreams and many people see them as mysterious, elusive and distinctly separate from waking life. The twentieth century researches of Freud and Jung did much to re-start attention on dreams in Western culture as central to the healing process. As this century has unfolded dreams have instructed me in their on-going, daily function of restoring the process of being – not mysterious at all but often themselves the solver of great mysteries.
This Dream Group will take a very deconstructed and “first principles” approach to understanding people’s dreams. Many people report finding the approach resonant and intuitively grounding – free from exotic symbolism and imagining. Attendees should bring any dream written down if they would like to discuss it. We will prioritise hearing dreams from the prior night followed by others which attendees would like considered. Recounting a recurring dream or a dream which caught one’s attention is often meaningful. We will walk through each dream in considerable detail (dependent on the group size) and explore together their connection to waking life. We will see how the dream(er)s interconnect with each other, providing some insight into the pattern constellating for all humans.
Offered as an accompaniment to my research presentation (Real and Artificial Intelligence: The Battle in Human Consciousness,) this Group focuses on the on-going power of this original technology in providing dreamers with connection, context and confidence – all experiences now increasingly sought via AI. I aim to enable a natural, accessible experience that is, at once, mundane and divine.
Non-BPS members are invited to register/attend.