Every time we look at something, we project out the images of what we are seeing. Our minds touch what we are looking at. This underlies the well-known sense of being stared at, through which we can pick up when we are being watched, or others can feel our gaze. This phenomenon is not confined to humans as non-human animals also have extended minds and many are sensitive to being watched. This ability probably evolved in the context of predator-prey relationships. Rupert Sheldrake will talk about his research on telepathy in dogs, cats and other animals and in particular the ability of dogs to know when their owners are coming home. In the human realm, telepathy happens most commonly in connection with telephone calls and Sheldrake’s experiments on telephone telepathy show that this effect goes far beyond coincidence.

Our extended minds underlie psychic phenomena which are as it were horizontal, connecting us to the world around us and to each other. But they are also open to larger and more inclusive forms of consciousness, as in altered states of consciousness. We can also open ourselves to the spiritual realm through a range of practices including gratitude, meditation, singing and chanting and pilgrimage. All these practices have scientifically measurable effects, and in general, people with regular spiritual practices are happier and healthier than those without. Rupert Sheldrake will discuss how these practices are primarily about the experience rather than beliefs, and work both for religious and for non-religious people. He will also show how we can incorporate these practices into our own lives.