Tolerance And The Human Spirit by John Culbertson
What does the term 'tolerance' mean to you? To many people it seems that it is synonymous with phrases such as 'to put up with', often harking back to classroom scenarios of the teacher informing noisome students that he will not tolerate such behaviour. Certainly it would often seem to be the case that the word 'tolerate' is associated with negativity, and that to tolerate something is to put up with a situation which may engender negative or unwelcome feelings.
Yet often we are advised that toleration is a skill which is increasingly necessary in an increasingly diverse society. The word is that a society which is tolerant is more peaceful, and harmonious.
Putting these two concepts together, on the one hand the common association of tolerance with something that might otherwise be discouraged, with the expectation that such behaviour would give rise to a more integrated and understanding society, does raise some questions, and would not appear to be sitting at ease together.
If the tolerant individual is one who puts up with the fact that other people are different, whether through skin colour, race, creed, religious belief, moral belief or political persuasion, then is that individual one who can be said to be a catalyst for cultural diversity and acceptance? Certainly if we accept the commonly held stigmatism of tolerance as harbouring negative thoughts and feelings, then it would suggest not.
But let us consider the nature of society, and in particular, the society that the intolerant individual may prefer. Since toleration implies differences which can encourage resentment, suspicion and doubt as far as individual differences are concerned, perhaps the intolerant society would be one where everybody is the same?
Prejudice has found more ways to manifest itself than one might imagine. Whether prejudice rises as a result of gender differences - and not merely the simple classification of male and female, or through skin colour, hair colour, religious beliefs, dietary beliefs, size, dress preferences or political beliefs, the one thing that is clear is that within any social group of almost any size, there will be opportunities for prejudice. This is simply due to the basic and most fundamental fact of being human - that we are all different.
So if being human is to be different, unique, individual in our collective choices and heritage, then being human is also by definition, to be subject , at least potentially, to prejudice.
Toleration is either the 'putting up with' differences, or perhaps it should be considered more as the acceptance of those differences. Taking this idea further, we could consider the radical idea that to be human must necessarily to be tolerant - since we have to accept that we are all different in one way or another, and that to deny this, or be repelled at the thought if the concept, is to refuse to accept the most fundamental aspect of our humanity. Difference.
One of the biggest challenges we have is perhaps to try to change the general perception of the world toleration. The fact that it is so closely paired to the word prejudice, and necessarily has negative connotations presents us with a dilemma. Separating tolerance from prejudice, and seeing the skill of being tolerant as something which is not merely positive, but embraces the human dimension, the human need for individualism and diversity.
No society, regardless of size, could ever flourish or survive if there was no diversity. Even a torrent of seemingly identical ants furtively darting through the cracks in our patio are diverse - they have to be to survive. Some ants have enormous front pincers for fighting and defending the nest, and in fact their mandibles are so big they can't even feed themselves, and so other ants smaller than they are help the colony by feeding those who cannot feed themselves. The queen cannot move, whilst others are adept at building the nest around her. The very survival of a colony of ants depends upon their diversity, and the balance that they manage to create through that variation in size, structure and skill.
How much more diverse and rich is our own culture than that of the ants? Yet it sometimes seems that we look at our diversity as a problem to be tackled, and tolerance is the lesson that we should preach to help to accept such diversity. Yet, just as with the ants, if we lacked that diversity, our society, indeed our human heritage, would dry up, and eventually lead to stagnation and even cultural extinction.
The skill of being a tolerant individual therefore is not merely the ability to put to one side any prejudices we may be tempted to harbour, but the far greater and more meaningful ability to accept and realize that to be human is to be unique, and tolerance is therefore nothing less than our ability to embrace both our own humanity, and humanity as a whole. It is perhaps the most fundamental skill of all, and one that is crucial to our very survival as a species, as countless wars across the eons have taught us.
John Culbertson is a new age teacher, speaker and lecturer. He teaches and speaks on psychic development (a six-month course), psychic protection, numerology, astrology, angels, tarot and almost anything else relative to the new age field.
He is available for private psychic channeled, reiki, and spiritual coaching sessions through his web site www.mysticjohnculbertson.com
He owns the new age store Starchild: www.starchildbooks.com
He also enjoys ghost writing.
May 29, 2009
New to the Online Store
Express yourself on your Car with Bumper Stickers!
Educate and Learn with NEW DVD's!
Enter a world of Fantasy with these Fantasy inspired Statues!
Other great NEW items as well. Visit Starchild Online Store!
**Register as a member on our site and use the code NewPerson in order to get a discount on your total purchase!! Don't wait this offer ends soon!**
What is Starchild?
A question that we hear quite often is "What is Starchild?"
This next paragraph will explain to you what Starchild is and what we aim to do.
We are one of the leading New Age and Fantasy Book and Gift stores in the United States, with a constantly growing selection of New Age and Fantasy merchandise to choose from.
By using the Wisdom Teachings of old we aim to enlighten people and help them to go within to find answers that lead to life improvement and understanding. This is accomplished by helping to align them on the physical, emotional, mental, intuitive, and spiritual levels. We are also proud and grateful for the guest speakers, authors, and teacher that continue to offer their energy, wisdom, and insights to both our customers and the community.
Additionally, our personal staff of Intuitive Psychic Readers, Mediums and Healers are some of the most professional, accurate, compassionate, honest, and ethical in this field. With a focus of always placing the clients best interest first, they create a truly positive, uplifting, insightful, and inspiring experience.
We are Starchild and we are Your Sanctuary for Inner Wisdom!
Charles Filius Returns to Florida and Starchild!
This June: Charles Filius returns to Starchild!
If you've not yet seen Charles.....
You're certainly missing a lot!
Charles is an internationally known psychic medium that connects to people who've crossed over to the other side. He has also been known to connect with guides, angels, ascendant masters, and teachers. Not only does he strongly convey the messages that they bring through, but he does so with a "laugh out loud" sense of humor which is sure to uplift your spirits!
You're certainly missing a lot!
Charles is an internationally known psychic medium that connects to people who've crossed over to the other side. He has also been known to connect with guides, angels, ascendant masters, and teachers. Not only does he strongly convey the messages that they bring through, but he does so with a "laugh out loud" sense of humor which is sure to uplift your spirits!
The times Charles has been at Starchild the seating for his event has sold out. Make sure you get yourself on the list for this entertaining, yet powerful evening. You'll laugh, you'll cry, and you'll walk away with a deeper sense of appreciation for life and what goes on beyond it.
Charles will be here Saturday June 20th. He'll be available for private sessions at the Psychic Fair. That evening from 7-9pm he'll be doing a Messages Session. Cost for attending the messages sessions is $35.00. Additionally, Mr. Filius will be available for private sessions on Tuesday June 23rd from 12-5pm.
In addition to being a phenomenal Psychic Medium, Charles is also a very gifted artist. By combining these two gifts together Charles is able to provide Spirit Guide Drawings. As he illustrates one of your Guides, he'll also give you his impressions on them as well as any information that they pass along about your future. This is truly a remarkable keepsake with allows you to have a visual impression and representation of one of those that is guiding you from beyond.
To register for a session with Charles, or to sign up for the Messages Gallery Evening please call:
941-743-0800, Tues-Sat 10-6pm EST.
941-743-0800, Tues-Sat 10-6pm EST.
Space is limited for both the gallery event and his private sessions, so reserve your seats today!
May 23, 2009
Goings on at Starchild
Just want to remind everyone to be sure to register for out mailing list at www.starchildbooks.com so that you can keep up on all the great events and happenings going on at the store!
May 21, 2009
Mercury Retrograde
It's almost over folks! Within the next week you should start to feel the energy of Mercury Retrograde diminishing until it goes away on Saturday May 30th.
Mercury retrograde happens often and during that time period it is likely that you are going to experience difficulties with communication, as well as issues with anything that is mechanical in nature (computers, cars, phones etc.)
We are almost through this round so hang in there just a little longer!
In the meantime if you are interested in learning more about astrology Starchild is offering a weekly class beginning in August! More information on that will come soon!
Visit our website and register for our mailing list to keep updated!
www.starchildbooks.com
Mercury retrograde happens often and during that time period it is likely that you are going to experience difficulties with communication, as well as issues with anything that is mechanical in nature (computers, cars, phones etc.)
We are almost through this round so hang in there just a little longer!
In the meantime if you are interested in learning more about astrology Starchild is offering a weekly class beginning in August! More information on that will come soon!
Visit our website and register for our mailing list to keep updated!
www.starchildbooks.com
May 20, 2009
June Events at Starchild
Here are the posters to all of the June Events and Classes being held at Starchild. As always if you are interested in attending, please call us at 941-743-0800 to register your name.
Messages Session with Special Guest: CHARLES FILIUS
Charles Filius will also be available at the Psychic Fair as well as on Tuesday May 23rd for Private Readings and consultations!
Author Linda Yust will be signing her book "Did that Just Happen?" at the Psychic Fair Sat June 2oth!
May 14, 2009
A Manager's Point of Veiw
Greetings everyone,
I would like to take some time and give you all a little insight into the world of Starchild. People have been asking me left and right about why I enjoy Starchild as much as I do, and seeing as this is a blog after all I thought I would take the time to tell all of you a little bit about my feelings on the store that I manage. Let me start from the beginning by saying that I have been interested in the world of the unknown for as long as I can remember. I have always wondered about things like Ghost, Psychics, and Magick. I had a few experiences with the Other Side when I was young, talking to my Great Grandmother who had passed, seeing htings before they happened, and I always wanted to learn more. I guess what I am saying is that I am like all of you out there. I have the thirst for knowledge and understanding of the mysteries of the Universe. When I found Starchild for the first time I was truly thrilled, and a little apprehensive. After visiting often I realized that there were many people out there that were just like me! I found that I could talk, comfortably with the people at the store about my experiences, and they were always willing to help aid in my personal self discovery. They were very grounded, and yet completely understood the feelings that I had in regards to many of my experiences. It was at that moment that I knew I had to be a part of it. I knew that I had to learn more and use that knowledge to help others to understand their experiences!
After I began working at Starchild I saw that there was much more to be done! I watched as people came in and out of the store purchasing candles, incense, sage, crystals, books and many other items. I saw that not only was this a place that had a staff of knowledgeable people but they also had the supplies and items that were also needed by others that were on their journey's in this field. It was more than just teaching people, it was helping them in every way! As the store grew I began to see that others began to gain more interest in the things that we do. They began to research psychic phenomina, and were often a bit confused or misled by many things that they heard. At that point I understood even more why I enjoy Starchild so much. We were able to help those people, those ones that may have at first had no belief in the world of the unkown, and aid them in understanding some of the mysteries that surround us. We were able to help to open their eyes and their minds, and in doing so able to help the world to evolve.
Starchild is full of caring people, and people that are willing to listen and teach. As we teach others and they learn from us, we learn from them as well keeping this constant knowledge ever growing within the field. Every person that I talk to, on the phone, in store, or even online Ilearn something from, and they learn from me. It is that wisdom that is continually moving forward and helping the universe and the people within it to learn, grow and trancend!
Starchild is a place of experience. To walk into the store and feel the energy that surrounds you makes you feel as if you are part of a bigger picture. A larger event full of understanding loving and helpful people who want to serve you and give you what you need whether it be any of the thousands of items that we carry both in store and in our online store, or just someone to talk to about experiences that you have had and need insight on. This is why I enjoy Starchild, and why I am so proud to say that I am the store manager of Starchild to everyone that I meet! We are constantly changing, with new lessons and ways of thought popping up all over you will always be pleasantly surprised here! So come and visit us sometime, whether you have seen us before, or it is your first time you will certainly feel like a welcomed member of the family!
I would like to take some time and give you all a little insight into the world of Starchild. People have been asking me left and right about why I enjoy Starchild as much as I do, and seeing as this is a blog after all I thought I would take the time to tell all of you a little bit about my feelings on the store that I manage. Let me start from the beginning by saying that I have been interested in the world of the unknown for as long as I can remember. I have always wondered about things like Ghost, Psychics, and Magick. I had a few experiences with the Other Side when I was young, talking to my Great Grandmother who had passed, seeing htings before they happened, and I always wanted to learn more. I guess what I am saying is that I am like all of you out there. I have the thirst for knowledge and understanding of the mysteries of the Universe. When I found Starchild for the first time I was truly thrilled, and a little apprehensive. After visiting often I realized that there were many people out there that were just like me! I found that I could talk, comfortably with the people at the store about my experiences, and they were always willing to help aid in my personal self discovery. They were very grounded, and yet completely understood the feelings that I had in regards to many of my experiences. It was at that moment that I knew I had to be a part of it. I knew that I had to learn more and use that knowledge to help others to understand their experiences!
After I began working at Starchild I saw that there was much more to be done! I watched as people came in and out of the store purchasing candles, incense, sage, crystals, books and many other items. I saw that not only was this a place that had a staff of knowledgeable people but they also had the supplies and items that were also needed by others that were on their journey's in this field. It was more than just teaching people, it was helping them in every way! As the store grew I began to see that others began to gain more interest in the things that we do. They began to research psychic phenomina, and were often a bit confused or misled by many things that they heard. At that point I understood even more why I enjoy Starchild so much. We were able to help those people, those ones that may have at first had no belief in the world of the unkown, and aid them in understanding some of the mysteries that surround us. We were able to help to open their eyes and their minds, and in doing so able to help the world to evolve.
Starchild is full of caring people, and people that are willing to listen and teach. As we teach others and they learn from us, we learn from them as well keeping this constant knowledge ever growing within the field. Every person that I talk to, on the phone, in store, or even online Ilearn something from, and they learn from me. It is that wisdom that is continually moving forward and helping the universe and the people within it to learn, grow and trancend!
Starchild is a place of experience. To walk into the store and feel the energy that surrounds you makes you feel as if you are part of a bigger picture. A larger event full of understanding loving and helpful people who want to serve you and give you what you need whether it be any of the thousands of items that we carry both in store and in our online store, or just someone to talk to about experiences that you have had and need insight on. This is why I enjoy Starchild, and why I am so proud to say that I am the store manager of Starchild to everyone that I meet! We are constantly changing, with new lessons and ways of thought popping up all over you will always be pleasantly surprised here! So come and visit us sometime, whether you have seen us before, or it is your first time you will certainly feel like a welcomed member of the family!
May 05, 2009
Best Seller
Here are some of the best selling items from our Online Store! All of these can be found at the Online Store
Step Into the Magical World of Your Dreams Imagine strolling through a dark wood, the silver moonlight bathing your path in an ethereal glow. Now is the time to call upon your intuition and explore hidden realms of imagination and creativity. What secret messages do your dreams hold?Acclaimed tarot author Barbara Moore presents an essential introduction to card-reading, insightful interpretations of each card`s significance, and introspective questions to guide your journey. Perfect for both traditional and intuitive readings, the Mystic Dreamer Tarot invites you to enter a mystical world of personal exploration
Bamboo Water Fountain$59.95
When it fills with water, the bamboo chute on this meditative fountain empties itself, only to lift and fill again, infusing the space with the calming music of a mountain stream. Alabastrite. 10.5 x 9 x 9 inches tall. Plugs into standard outlet.
Step Into the Magical World of Your Dreams Imagine strolling through a dark wood, the silver moonlight bathing your path in an ethereal glow. Now is the time to call upon your intuition and explore hidden realms of imagination and creativity. What secret messages do your dreams hold?Acclaimed tarot author Barbara Moore presents an essential introduction to card-reading, insightful interpretations of each card`s significance, and introspective questions to guide your journey. Perfect for both traditional and intuitive readings, the Mystic Dreamer Tarot invites you to enter a mystical world of personal exploration
Bamboo Water Fountain$59.95
When it fills with water, the bamboo chute on this meditative fountain empties itself, only to lift and fill again, infusing the space with the calming music of a mountain stream. Alabastrite. 10.5 x 9 x 9 inches tall. Plugs into standard outlet.
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