One World in a New World with Thomas Legrand - Author, Lead Technical Advisor UNDP

One World in a New World - Apocalyptic Chats

One World in a New World with Thomas Legrand - Author, Lead Technical Advisor UNDP

You'll be engaged by this deep dive into yet another possibility in the paths to understanding and finding life's purpose. The conversation reveals much understanding and wisdom for the process of moving forward collectively to engage a better future together. We cover both scientific and spiritual evidence of the process.

Thomas reveals that his awakening began about 20 years ago with a trip to Mexico and spending time with a shaman. He shares that the experience opened him to a greater reality in awareness and perception of connectedness. Many have engaged in such endeavors and found wisdom for life in the process.

We touch on his book, Politics of Being, and the need for a new narrative, which he states needs to be positive in nature. This narrative embraces both people and the planet so that our future is more secure. He states that the crises we are experiencing also have an inner component that we don't often recognize. Recognizing the relationship between the inner and outer circumstances is what is important.

Zen brings up the notion of a new world order of harmony among people and the planet that is unfolding as a result of the inquiry and tenacity of truth seekers. The phrase 'new world order' certainly has a charge for most, which Zen acknowledges, yet there is a more profound activity happening that is emerging within the population. Thomas offers his reflections that are congruent and mentions Baháʼu'lláh's writings on the topic.

Thomas goes on to acknowledge that no matter what perspective we choose to view this process, scientific or spiritual, it is an evolution of hearts and minds within humanity. He speaks of his teacher, Thich Nhat Hanh, and the monastery close by where he participated in a celebration of his life earlier in the day. He shares that in holding the ashes of his teacher, he had an experience of interbeing that had been the foundation of his teachings.

This 'inner beingness' is what Dr. Legrand believes we need to live by, the understanding that at a holistic and simple level we are all interconnected. The self disappears in the all and the One begins to emerge individuated in human form. Zen had mentioned earlier that in that experience of non-dual consciousness, there is still an observer that is aware of the experience.

In discussing his book, he shares there are two basic principles or questions. First, what is the wisdom-based approach to shifting politics and human development and how can we foster this conscious evolution?

This applies to the panoply of systems within the intricacies of our global village. The second, what is the appropriate path forward that includes the new understanding of the 'flourishing' of humankind in the incorporation of existing systems, across the gamut of business, education, industry, politics et al.

Zen shares his recent acceptance of co-executive director with the Live and Let Live Movement, which is founded on the principles of the phrase itself - Live and Let Live - and the legal and moral principles necessary to instill non-aggressive policies through changing the laws throughout the world to meet the requirements of a peaceful world. We're all leaders in that process.

How do we collectively work together to change the existing systems to stop the aggressive behaviors that are causing harm to people and humanity in general? What does being a good human mean to you? What tools do we have to engage people and systems of change?

How do we maintain consistency and intention? Thomas shares that we can agree and reflect on the general core values that we hold sacred and wise. We can harmonize with how we organize these systems and public policies with goodness, love, peace, and beauty.