Eulogy for The Steve Note Thing

[J1234]

I was kinda surprised that the Imopen/Steve note thingy was closed. It was harsh, but it looked like it got people to think . . . which seems like a good thing, right?

I hope we can continue a civilized debate on broad vs. narrow perspectives, critical thinking, and the value of advice from obviously flawed advisers.

The debate sparked many questions for me:

Could it be that both intelligent people and cult seekers are reading Steve's blog? Could it be that each audience is getting something different out of the blog?

Why doesn't Steve post before and after pictures for his 30-day trails? Before trying something, I'd like to make sure that Steve isn't looking anemic and is still capable of tying both of his shoes without the assistance of the jaws of life. And why are there so few pictures of him in general? And why doesn't he have a good, clear picture taken? Why doesn't Erin ever testify to Steve's conditions after his 30-day trails?

What about the day-to-day parts of Steve's life that aren't mentioned? For example, Steve and Erin weren't sleeping in the same bed during the polyphastic sleep experiment. Steve was sleeping on the couch. It only seems natural that it would cause some strain or resentment, especially during the bear bombing phase. Is part of being a positive person glossing over the little road blocks in life and focusing on the positive?

What would stop an intelligent guy like Steve from straying from the strip a little more often or going to an opera, or even an indie rock show? What would stop this dynamic, interesting person from developing a taste for philosophy or literature? He has the means, the ability and the creativity to surmount barriers, right? So why should his audience defend his choice not to do so? Shouldn't we be encouraging him to stretch his boundaries? That way he can give us better ideas about stretching our own, right?

[SenorKaffee]

I never missed pictures or details of anyones sex life.

[joelyle]

hello,

I do not suggest following a "person" or questioning another person's values. At a point that I was willing to shift my beliefs: I allowed myself to be open to Steve's experiences. From his reading and point of view, I have continued to shift my beliefs and enhance my consciousness. I derive a good deal of joy from being open to changing my perspective; I have become acquainted with other teachers and points of views. I can be what I want and Steve can be/do what he wants. Let us pay attention to the message and not the messenger. Be your own savior.

[dalante]

Here is my opinion on this whole affair.

Let's say for a moment, that I abandon my current belief and that I embrace Steve's belief that we are all the same consciousness, therefore that there is no other, because the other is me. Then:

ImOpen is Steve Pavlina
Tony Robbins is Nietsche
ImOpen is Me
I am Tony Robbins
Nietsche is ImOpen
Tony Robbins is Erin Pavlina
You are ImOpen, Steve Pavlina, Nietsche, Erin Pavlina, Tony Robbins and Me.

[Dave Kaminski]

I don't think it was a very productive thread, and therefore it was deleted so as to not draw away from the many positive benefits of these forums.

Many of the things that were brought into discussion, IMHO, seemed either nonexistent (the fact that Steve was seen at the top of some hierarchy) or completely trivial (which books Steve enjoys reading [I myself don't read much fiction either, it just doesn't vibe with me])

This thread may as well be closed too. It, again, makes us focus on things that far from proactive. Focus on your happiness!

[Adrienne]

i reopened the Steve note thread. I was not the one to close it. But after some mod discussion, it was agreed this could be reoppened. So feel free to head back over there and post
This note is for you Steve.

I will point out that some mods had issues the the kinds of post being posted. So as long as everyone makes an effort to talk about issues and not attack people, i am fine with it being open and i think some good discussion was comming out of it.

Adrienne