Playing with Perspectives

[UnbornTao]

An activity (which includes the domain of invention) is not existential in and of itself - it is not an object and doesn't exist independently but as a relationship. Communication, success, mastery, shame, boredom, sports, worth, language, money, effectiveness, and society - are created by us humans.

What exists independently of activity?

Edited June 7 by UnbornTao

[UnbornTao]

For form to be recognized, we must allow for its non-existence. We notice "apple" thanks to "not-apple." We're aware of the apple because we're aware it's not a banana, and we distinguish the air around it as "not-apple." That something comes to exists as that particular thing is dependent on not-that-thing; these distinctions arise together.

Said with different words: a "thing" gets to be recognized in contrast to what it's not that thing. 

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I'd like to expand on this reflection at some point.

Edited July 5 by UnbornTao

[UnbornTao]

A prevalent social fear seems to be that of being found out, of being seen through, of having one's “soul” looked at. It is the fear that others might recognize that, at our core, we may be living as though we are, in some way, broken, incapable, or worthless. This fear may partly explain the urge to present ourselves in a less-than-straightforward way.

Perhaps this fear is one of the reasons why we, as a society, don't feel like we can be truly authentic.

Edited June 1 by UnbornTao

[UnbornTao]

 

[UnbornTao]

Being emotionally, psychologically, and "spiritually" mature as an adult isn’t a given. We’ve all encountered people who don’t seem to have grown beyond adolescence - at least in certain ways - and this, too, applies to ourselves. Likewise, you’ve probably come across someone you’d describe as “mature.” What does maturity consist of, though? What is it, really? 

Edited July 7 by UnbornTao

[UnbornTao]

How can “knowledge” create ignorance?

A belief is not an experience of the reality of something. Such notion often masquerades as understanding and is frequently mistaken for personal experience or insight. Our core assumption, of course, is that our beliefs are true!

But why investigate anything at all when you already “know”?

Like a closed circuit, belief confines your mind to your current worldview and conclusions, making it difficult to see beyond their boundaries. It undermines openness, which is a crucial ingredient in any genuine inquiry.

This dilemma can be resolved by recognizing every belief you hold. Begin by recognizing that you actually do not personally experience the truth of anything - and dwell in that. From this wide-open state, wonder can occur. 

Edited June 4 by UnbornTao

[UnbornTao]

 

[UnbornTao]

 

[UnbornTao]

Culturally, we tend to think of decision-making as choosing from a predetermined set of options. But this isn't quite accurate.

Making a decision is a creative act. You make a decision--you don’t just stumble upon it. You are responsible for creating it.

Edited May 26 by UnbornTao

[UnbornTao]

An invention doesn't have to be "true" to work. As a matter of fact, an invention is inherently not true.

Edited June 11 by UnbornTao

[UnbornTao]

Work on creating a purpose for something - not just intellectually, but experientially.

Now, make up an empowering purpose for your life, one that is truly worthwhile to you. This purpose will encompass a sizable portion of your life’s activities and provide you with a sense of direction, among other benefits.

Ask yourself questions such as:

1. What do I want to commit myself to?
2. What is the purpose behind this activity?
3. Why am I doing it in the first place?

Edited July 8 by UnbornTao

[UnbornTao]

 

[UnbornTao]

How is your fixation on the outcome making you blind to the process that precedes it--as if the outcome were anything other than the unfolding of the process?

Everything occurs as a process. Our attention, though, tends to be placed on the immediate circumstance and on the desired outcome. This approach is quite limited and ineffective in the end. Rather, focus on the process as a whole. What is it composed of and what is it trying to accomplish?

Seeing the result as another component of the process is more functional than thinking of it as an element that is separate or isolated from the process.

For example, we think of things as if they were fixed - a punch, a pass, a fight, an emotion, a relationship. Yet these are not objects but activities. A "punch" doesn't exist except as a notion and label. In your experience, you don't find a "punch" but an arm moving a certain direction, with certain strength, coming from another body. And we call that whole event a punch.

Edited June 16 by UnbornTao

[UnbornTao]

Quote

The language of a grown man, to the cosmic powers, sounds like babytalk to men.

Enjoyed reading Fragments by Heraclitus.

Edited May 26 by UnbornTao

[UnbornTao]

Edited May 26 by UnbornTao

[UnbornTao]

Explore the relationship between the urge to exist as that particular self you take yourself to be and the experience of self-contraction. 

Edited June 1 by UnbornTao

[UnbornTao]

Being honest isn't necessarily antithetical to dealing with others in a sensitive, agreeable, gentle manner.

Edited June 18 by UnbornTao

[UnbornTao]

[UnbornTao]

Edited June 1 by UnbornTao

[UnbornTao]

Freedom is being able to do something, and to not do it. Successfully fulfilling your self-agenda isn't true freedom. 

Think of emotions such as anger, for instance. Are you able not to do the emotion, or does it seem to come to you? Are you able to be happy whether you get what you want or not? Are you free of desiring?

Edited 7 hours ago by UnbornTao