“Paranormalists, however, insist that our minds are transmitters that, with special effort, can focus like lasers to communicate across great distances, and even make things happen. That may seem far-fetched, but it's also a definition of prayer.”
Exploring the idea of prayer as a form of telepathy
"Paranormalists, however, insist that our minds are transmitters that, with special effort, can focus like lasers to communicate across great distances, and even make things happen. That may seem far-fetched, but it's also a definition of prayer." - Alan Weisman
Analysis of Quote by Alan Weisman
In this quote, Alan Weisman provides an interesting perspective on the concept of prayer. He begins by contrasting the belief of paranormalists who claim that the mind can act as a transmitter to communicate and manifest things with the act of prayer. The comparison between the two suggests that both involve a deliberate focus of the mind to achieve a desired outcome. This quote challenges traditional notions of prayer by likening it to a paranormal ability, ultimately prompting readers to consider the power of focused intention in both realms.
The Power of the Mind: Examining Prayer in a Modern Context
In a world where technology and science reign supreme, the idea of the mind as a powerful transmitter may seem outdated or even fantastical. However, as Alan Weisman suggests, there are parallels between the abilities ascribed to the mind by paranormalists and the act of prayer. This comparison invites us to explore the modern relevance of prayer and the potential power of our minds in shaping our reality.
Reflection Questions:
As we ponder the concept of our minds as powerful transmitters, capable of reaching out across great distances and possibly influencing events, it brings to mind the idea of prayer. Take a moment to reflect on the following questions:
- Do you believe in the power of the mind to communicate and influence events from a distance?
- How does the idea of our minds as transmitters change your perspective on prayer?
- In what ways do you personally experience or practice focused concentration or prayer in your own life?
- How might the concept of our minds as powerful transmitters impact your beliefs or practices moving forward?
Similar quotes
“Let us make a special effort to stop communicating with each other, so we can have some conversation.”
“Individual heart cells beat at their own rate when separated from one another, a phenomenon easily observed beneath a microscope. It has long been known that when they are pushed together, they will synchronize their pulses. Recent studies have shown, however, that heart cells begin to synchronize slightly before they touch. It is not known how they signal across this distance. Some scientists speculate that this method of communication may be able to cross great distances and may explain how social animals bond, or how pets seem to sense when their masters are coming home, or even how people fall in love, one heart calling to another.”
“For the Deist ... prayer is calling across a void to a distant deity. This lofty figure may or may not be listening. He, or it, may or may not be inclined, or even able, to do very much about us and our world, even if he (or it) wanted to ... all you can do is send off a message, like a marooned sailor scribbling a note and putting it in a bottle, on the off-chance that someone out there might pick it up. That kind of prayer takes a good deal of faith and hope. But it isn't Christian prayer.”
“Humans cannot communicate; not even their brains can communicate; not even their conscious minds can communicate. Only communication can communicate.”
“Our dreams and stories may contain implicit aspects of our lives even without our awareness. In fact, storytelling may be a primary way in which we can linguistically communicate to others—as well as to ourselves—the sometimes hidden contents of our implicitly remembering minds. Stories make available perspectives on the emotional themes of our implicit memory that may otherwise be consciously unavailable to us. This may be one reason why journal writing and intimate communication with others, which are so often narrative processes, have such powerful organizing effects on the mind: They allow us to modulate our emotions and make sense of the world.”