The Befinity Concept

Befinity is a non-commercial initiative designed to provide opportunities for people who are passionate about personal transformation and spiritual awakening to meet and share their knowledge, ideas and experiences with others of like mind, in an informal and relaxed setting.

The concept is similar to that of a book club, but different in the sense that the material which forms the basis of group discussions is not limited to books – it includes other media, such as DVDs, audio CDs, etc. Thus the meetings are not run in typical book club fashion, i.e. where all members read and then discuss a specific book; rather, they are theme-based. The group members together decide on themes and each member is then free to put forward book and/or other media titles for discussion under each theme.

Rationale: In recent years there has been an exponential growth in interest in matters related to spiritual awakening and consciousness. Surprisingly, however, there appear to be relatively few opportunities for people with an interest in such subjects to meet on a regular but informal basis, for the purposes of discussion, debate and fellowship. There are, of course, large numbers of internet sites, blogs and virtual communities that cater for such interests; however, these lack the vital element of direct, interpersonal interaction which many people long for, and which typically lends itself to discussion that is more robust, spirited and humorous than is possible in a virtual environment, as well as to modes of mutual support and encouragement that are more ‘real’ and meaningful.

The intent of this initiative is to address the identified need and thus to serve as an instrument for the promotion of enlightened consciousness in South Africa.

Will the real Harold/Howard please stand up

Hello Befinity blog bunch. Do any of you know the difference between Harold Thurman Whitman and Howard Thurman? Don’t bother to do the google thing – let me just tell you, it might save you some confusion. Actually, it seems that they’re the same person. Well, not really.... the connection lies in the following quote:

"Don't ask yourself what the world needs. Ask yourself what makes you come alive and then go do that. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive."

If you google this quote, you’ll find it being attributed to both Harold Thurman Whitman and Howard Thurman. According to Wiki, the explanation lies in the fact that Harold Thurman Whitman is a fictional name. Where it came from appears to be something of a mystery.

The non-fictional character, Howard Thurman (1899 – 1981), was an influential African American author, philosopher, theologian, educator and civil rights leader. And he was clearly a very wise and loving man. Here’s another of his quotes, one that I think is worth mulling over for a while:

"In the conflicts between man and man, between group and group, between nation and nation, the loneliness of the seeker for community is sometimes unendurable. The radical tension between good and evil, as man sees it and feels it, does not have the last word about the meaning of life and the nature of existence. There is a spirit in man and in the world working always against the thing that destroys and lays waste. Always he must know that the contradictions of life are not final or ultimate; he must distinguish between failure and a many-sided awareness so that he will not mistake conformity for harmony, uniformity for synthesis. He will know that for all men to be alike is the death of life in man, and yet perceive harmony that transcends all diversities and in which diversity finds its richness and significance."

Love and blessings to you all. And spend some time thinking – really thinking – about the first quote. There are few more important questions that we can ask ourselves. Don’t resign yourself to the ‘life of quiet desperation’. Allow yourself to believe for more – much, much more.

“We are light beings who have chosen to believe in the limitations of space-time for our own very good reasons. We love to surmount obstacles in order to express life. We do this in a world that appears to be uncaring, or cruel or ferocious. What’s the reason for tragedy and disaster? To force us to call on our light within! And when we do, that light bursts forth, right in the midst of tragedy, to sing to us of our power. Our purpose for living is to shine that light”
(Richard Bach)

The Befinity Concept:

Befinity is a non-commercial initiative designed to provide opportunities for people who are passionate about personal transformation and spiritual awakening to meet and share their knowledge, ideas and experiences with others of like mind, in an informal and relaxed setting.

The concept is similar to that of a book club, but different in the sense that the material which forms the basis of group discussions is not limited to books – it includes other media, such as DVDs, audio CDs, etc. Thus the meetings are not run in typical book club fashion, i.e. where all members read and then discuss a specific book; rather, they are theme-based. The group members together decide on themes and each member is then free to put forward book and/or other media titles for discussion under each theme.

Rationale: In recent years there has been an exponential growth in interest in matters related to spiritual awakening and consciousness. Surprisingly, however, there appear to be relatively few opportunities for people with an interest in such subjects to meet on a regular but informal basis, for the purposes of discussion, debate and fellowship. There are, of course, large numbers of internet sites, blogs and virtual communities that cater for such interests; however, these lack the vital element of direct, interpersonal interaction which many people long for, and which typically lends itself to discussion that is more robust, spirited and humorous than is possible in a virtual environment, as well as to modes of mutual support and encouragement that are more ‘real’ and meaningful.

The intent of this initiative is to address the identified need and thus to serve as an instrument for the promotion of enlightened consciousness in South Africa.

Befinity's Ethos

Befinity's ethos is one of ‘non-egoic, enlightened collectives’, along the lines described in the book A New Earth, by Eckhart Tolle:

“....some people will feel called upon to form groups that reflect the enlightened consciousness. These groups will not be collective egos. The individuals who make up these groups will have no need to define their identity through them. ..... Even if the members that make up those groups are not totally free of ego yet, there will be enough awareness in them to recognize the ego in themselves or others, as soon as it appears. However, constant alertness [will be] required, since the ego will try to take over and reassert itself in any way it can. Dissolving the human ego by bringing it into the light of awareness – this will be one of the main purposes of these groups........ Enlightened collectives will form an important function in the arising of the new consciousness. Just as egoic collectives pull you into unconsciousness and suffering, the enlightened collective can be a vortex for consciousness that will accelerate the planetary shift.”

In Befinity meetings an emphasis is placed on subjects that:

• Are uplifting and encouraging,
• Challenge and empower the participants to experience spiritual growth and transformation,
• Reveal beauty in its many varied forms, and
• Enrich relationships.

 Befinity groups:

• Are open to all, irrespective of race, gender or ability;
• Offer opportunities for all to contribute, in the manner for which they feel best equipped.

Befinity members:

• Have a strong interest in matters of heart, soul and spirit, and a desire for personal transformation in these areas of life,
• Are caring and loving in word and deed,
• Have a deep respect for the rights, beliefs and dignity of others,
• Have an inherent desire to empower themselves AND one another,
• Are by nature curious and open-minded,
• Have a thirst for learning and a belief that there is always more to learn.

Suggested Topics:

[For a more detailed update of topics covered, please see the post dated March 18, 2012 (http://befinity.blogspot.com/2012/03/suggested-topics-update-march2012.html)

The following are suggested topics to be covered over the coming weeks. Please feel free to contact me with others you would like to add to our list.

• Keys to the awakening of consciousness
• Past Lives
• Near Death Experiences
• Angels & Guides
• Healing & Psychic Gifts
• Spiritual Wellness (e.g. affirmations, etc)
• Science & Spirit
• The Great Religious Traditions
• Other Spiritual Knowledge Systems
• Relationships
• Revealing Beauty