The physiology of numinous experience will be the focus of this talk by Julie Patton. Throughout human history, religious and wisdom teachers have described mystical experience through visions, dreams, and stories. Recent scientific and archeological discoveries are beginning to back them up with explanations of how mind, body, and spirit interact to move human hearts towards wholeness, compassion, and beloved community. Without attending to what happens in the body and physical brain, it is difficult to live our values, rather than being overtaken by fear and the physical appetites and needs described by Plato and later philosophers. Julie will discuss keys to opening the heart and dispelling fear which have been uncovered in our lifetimes.

Julie Patton is a Retired LCSW , Spiritual Director, and Community Activist with a lifelong interest in the nature of reality and the philosophical pursuit of Truth. She honed her search for universal spiritual and moral principles in the Hospice Movement, and taught for ten years at the University of West Florida. She is particularly interested in working with others to develop a wisdom tradition for the future beyond Trump and hopes to start an ongoing wisdom circle in the second hour at Pensacola UU.

Topics: Guest Speaker, Mind & Spirit