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People can't stop talking about it. Whether it's a natural disaster, political scandal, environmental catastrophe, or act of war, cataclysmic events often throw everyone's presumptions about reality into question. I find myself drawn into discussion about these far-reaching events with family, friends, co-workers, even complete strangers if the elevator ride is long enough. People, by their very nature, will often want to talk about big things that are happening in the world and why they happen.

Seth readers are no exception. Every Seth group I've participated in has always been fascinated with discussion about earth-shaking world events. We Sethies love to talk about mass events, and the underlying beliefs that may have cause them. Yet I've heard many Seth people express a need to censor themselves from talking in a direct manner to non-Seth readers about what they really think is going on in the world. I, too, have felt the need to keep quiet, but through the years I've developed a few strategies that allow for useful discussion to take place without having to stay silent about the valuable ideas in the Seth material. Below are some tips that I invite you to try out the next time you find yourself wanting to talk Seth with the non-Sethie.

Keep it Simple
I learned early on that people don't necessarily benefit from hearing me tell them who Seth is and where the Seth material came from. For many, besides sounding potentially kooky, it's too long a story that often drowns the spark of the moment that initiated the conversation to begin with. Instead, just share your Sethian idea or concept in a general way. Just say, "I've read that...." or "There is the viewpoint that...." You'd be surprised how rarely people will ask you where your idea comes from, perhaps because it often just rings true to them at some level. Experimenting with this method can ease you into a more philosophical discussion that may yield some fascinating insights.

The Hypothetical Approach
My favorite way to discuss Seth's ideas with people that have not, and probably never will, read the Seth material is to speak about the ideas in a hypothetical manner. This is easy to do when we remember that Seth himself frequently declares that the ideas he speaks about are known innately by all people, even those who will never read his books. Breaking down the ideas into conversational points from a hypothetical point of view comes across as non-threatening and often surfaces remarkably Sethian ideas and perspectives from your non-Sethie conversation mate.

One example is a talk I had with a co-worker about the foot-and-mouth disease crisis. We were discussing its implications when she brought up the issue of industrial farming practices. I hypothesized that if a being is not benefiting from its experience in some way, and if its existence is robbed of all meaning, then it will cease to be (an idea Seth espoused). My co-workers eyes lit up upon hearing this, and she said, "Oh, I totally believe that!" My hypothetical statement opened a floodgate of discussion about the importance of having a meaningful life. It was a very rewarding conversation, and for me validates the universality of the ideas in the Seth material.

Drop Jane's Name
I've often mentioned Jane Roberts' name in these kinds of conversations, often for various reasons. Sometimes it's fun to mention her name to just put it out there in the world instead of it being shunted to the back of some dusty occult bookstore shelf. I often do this without really going into who Seth is. Think about how often you have talked with an acquaintance and they mentioned their favorite author, without you requesting a detailed biography. There is also the possibility that you may be talking to a fellow closeted Sethie and not even realize it. Mentioning Jane and her work helps you to "come out" in a small way with your identity as a Seth reader. I often just say, "one of my favorite authors, Jane Roberts, says...." or "A poet I read, Jane Roberts, has this fascinating idea...."

Be Scientific
If you're anything like me, you've probably clipped a few articles here and there that scientifically validate Seth's ideas. If this is true for you, and the "scientific discovery" relates to your conversation, don't even bother to mention Jane or Seth, just quote the article or study. Remember, when it comes to talking with non-Sethies, it's not the source of the material that you're speaking of that's tantamount, it's the ideas contained within them. I'm sure Seth would agree.

Open Up
Having an open approach to your own Seth-inspired ideas is healthy, and liberates you from feeling separated from what seems like an overwhelmingly non-Sethian world. Instead of being crushed by the many non-Sethian attitudes out there, try to recognize that everyone at some level realizes that that they, too, are co-creating their life experience, even down to a molecular level. Be prepared to listen to them, even if they do relate their beliefs and experiences to a particular religion or science-based attitude. Try to see the inherent Sethian ideas that rest just beneath. After all, your conversation-mate created you just as much as you created them. Keeping that in mind, you're sure to have many interesting discussions ahead where you can share your insights and engage the world around you.

Jim Schütte co-publishes WellSpring magazine. To subscribe, see the ad on page 16.