We Aesthetics Be

We…

We are…

We are here…

We…consciously present;

separation and fear construed of perception.

We are…both body and soul;

former, am I—latter, are we.

We are here…seeking entwinement;

aggregate fingerprints—enlivened by soul.

Aesthetics…

Aesthetics iterated…

Aesthetics iterated harmoniously…

Aesthetics…egoically oblivious—sensually known;

manifest beauty—communiqué devoid of articulation.

Aesthetically iterated…Mandelbrot, Fibonacci illuminated;

iterated...reiterated—déjà vu all over again.

Aesthetics iterated harmoniously…essential reverberation;

beauty endowing time immemorial: symphonic continuum—e pluribus unum.

Be…

Be still…

Be still and know…

Be…sensually aware;

coexisting physically via sensual comprehension.

Be still…regardless—pleasure or pain;

let go of the words—labels conventionally learned.

Be still and know…a mindful gnosis;

soul experientially endows empirical being.

Happy New Year!

http://www.e-hhw.com/, 31 December 2011

Creativity Is Transcendent

So, you ask, why do we care that creativity is transcendent—not restricted by empirical constraints of time and space? Good question!

If creativity and creative expression were restricted to the empirical, technological discoveries and dynamic changes in the arts would not have historically occurred simultaneously worldwide. Unrestricted by empirical constraints, we experience epiphanies and intuition—which historically precede significant change.

We’ve all experienced spontaneous awarenesses, concepts, or understandings? Science says these come into our consciousness from the subconscious mind. It’s our contention this exemplifies manifest transcendence—mind is where the empirical (ego) and the transcendent (soul) interact.

Artists and scientists both speak of ideas appearing out of nowhere or coming while taking a shower. Of course the subconscious mind’s a marvelous processor—but synchronistic phenomena are also described as manifesting in the same manner. Quantum physics continues to provide relevant data relating to phenomena previously considered synchronistic or paranormal.

As long as the “Muse” inspires the poet and scientists receive solutions in the shower, we’re compelled to remain open to the possibility of receiving transcendent insight.

Please offer your thoughts.

Resources
Refer to previous posts for further reference and supporting concepts.
http://www.e-hhw.com/

A Quite Space

Shortly after 9/11, Toni Packer wrote the following response.

Someone asked for a few words of advice for dealing with the torrent of feelings, emotions, and confusions that are coming up in the wake of the horrendous explosions outside and in that shook many of us to the roots.

If possible, can we find a quiet moment in a quiet space in the midst of all the noise, agitation and confusion, a quiet spot in the eye of sadness and grief, pain, anger, and rage, the urge for revenge, and the longing for security to end all suffering? Can we listen silently to the contractions of fear, anger and throbbing of longing for safety?

…Can we come back time and time again, with infinite patience, to what is actually taking place right now, this very moment—the sadness and grief paining heart and mind, fear knotting one’s stomach and guts, anger making the heart pound faster, driving blood to the head, and also hear the sound of rain, motor noises around us, the brightness and darkness of the room, the sky, the smell in the air—not just the reactions to all of this, but simply perceiving sounds and sights and the feel of what is actually taking place?

—Toni Packer (Springwater Center Newsletter, Fall 2001)

Regardless of time-period—this moment, last month, last millennia—Ms Packer’s observations remain valid and relevant.

Please offer your thoughts.

Resources
Refer to previous posts for further reference and supporting concepts.
http://www.e-hhw.com/

Empirical—Subset of Transcendent

The empirical and the transcendent are not ultimately a duality. Indeed the empirical is a subset of the transcendent. The empirical is the humanly-observable and a sensual aspect of the transcendent whole. We recognize the empirical—it’s obvious—but seldom recognize and embrace the transcendent, which encompasses the empirical.

In prior posts, I advocate that the two essential components of humans (of all existence, for that matter) are: 1) the empirical (our physical being, ego) and 2) the transcendent (life or soul). Only from the empirical perspective—where we recognize duality as an apparent reality—can these even be considered two separate components.

As we consider this concept, its truth becomes evident. The challenge we humans must embrace—if we’re serious about bringing peace to our world—is that the empirical perspective is erroneous in terms of the two being separate components. The absolute purpose of our existence is to recognize this truth—and accept the transcendent as vital. Peace manifests when a critical mass of humanity recognizes this from a transcendent perspective.

Isn’t it amazing how, even with conscious awareness of this most basic concept, we continue to define, justify, and defend our existence (our sovereign identity) based solely upon the minute aspect of life that is empirically observable?

Please offer your thoughts.

Resources

Refer to previous posts for further reference and supporting concepts.

http://www.e-hhw.com/

Creativity Is Nonlinear

Creativity is a nonlinear phenomenon. More precisely, it’s transcendently dynamic—not constrained by empirical time and space—yet something new materializes in our empirical surroundings as a result of creative expression. What this means is that creative expression is essentially eternal—it can portray all that ever has or will exist. Let’s develop this premise.

The empirical universe—that which is dependent on evidence or consequences that are observable by the senses—is essentially linear, and constrained by time and space. The empirical is sequential. Our thoughts and behaviours—our lives—are linear from the empirical standpoint.

The transcendent—that which is beyond or above the range of normal or merely physical human experience—is dynamic, in that it’s beyond the empirical constraints of time and space.

The empirical universe is the intrinsic home of our physical being—it’s the environment in which we claim our separate and sovereign identities. Indeed, we learn this unequivocal(ish) truth from the beginning of our conscious awareness. This belief satisfies the empirical nature of our senses.

The transcendent is soul—that which enlivens us and is no longer physically present when our bodies die.

Humans (all existence, for that matter) are comprised of two essential components: 1) our physical being (empirical) and 2) soul, or life (transcendent). In prior posts, we submit that a union of these two essential components must occur for creativity to emerge. Nothing new under the sun can manifest via our physical being alone—only a clearer (or possibly deluded) understanding of our empirical universe results. Only through intercourse with our physical being can soul (transcendent life) create anything new.

For creativity to flow, our physical being must consciously acknowledge and embrace the transcendent soul (life). This is to say we must choose to recognize the transcendent as being one of our two essential components before the fertile union of creativity can exist.

Please consider this information—and share your thoughts.

Resources

Refer to previous posts for further reference and supporting concepts.

http://www.e-hhw.com/

Essential Creativity

It occurs to me that creativity is the soul (the transcendent) emerging through our physical being into our empirical surroundings. Essential creativity occurs when we no longer rely upon the empirical to define our ultimate identity, but also embrace the reality of our other component—the transcendent soul. This identity augmentation allows something new under the sun to manifest—through our creative expression.

Words are seldom the vehicle of communicating transcendent concepts or events—words connote varying concepts to differing people and cultures. Words and languages are not common to all. The transcendent, however, is intuitive and does influence our body and environment (the empirical) in the same manner—kinesthetically. The transcendent is common to all existence—the essence of all life and being.

If this is true, then creative expression is a medium common to all—recognized, assimilated, and affecting the entire universe. Creativity is a means of communing with all existence—via the common essence of the universe.

Pretty cool, eh?

Resources

Please refer to previous postings for our definitions and usage of words and concepts.
http://www.e-hhw.com/

Synchronicity & Creativity

Synchronicity* is the intellect (ego) recognizing the transcendent in our empirical existence—it’s two or more events that are apparently unrelated by cause and effect—or unlikely to occur together by chance—that are observed to occur together in a meaningful manner. To recognize synchronicity indicates we find our identity in not only intellect, but in the transcendent as well—a partnership of ego and soul.

It’s when I recognize synchronicity that my creativity emerges. Synchronicity is the fertilization of creativity—the muse. The muse doesn’t give us anything—it just allows the creativity to be perceived and acted upon if we choose.

While writing this post, I happened to read a poem by William Stafford (1914-1993)**. On a lark, I did some research and found a 1971 interview with Stafford*** that includes the following three statements.

“…I don't know what I'm trying to achieve. I just write and find out what happens.”

“…what unfolds from time cannot be anticipated and the naive stance toward it is the only realistic stance to take.”

“I keep following this sort of hidden river of my life, you know, whatever the topic or impulse which comes, I follow it along trustingly. And I don't have any sense of its coming to a kind of crescendo, or of its petering out either. It is just going steadily along. So I inhale and exhale.”

My creative expression involves discovering and cleaning remnants—then combining them into Mysticks. Discovering the remnants is synchronistic. Cleaning and refining the remnants is my work. Their coming together is synchronistic, my pleasure, and my sustenance.

My approach to creative expression is described well by William Stafford—I don’t know what I’m trying to achieve. I just bring together remnants and find out what happens. I keep following the hidden river of my life. I follow it along trustingly. It just goes steadily along. So I inhale and exhale.

Resources

*Synchronicity – definition – http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Synchronicity

**You Reading This, Be Ready, William Stafford – http://www.williamstafford.org/spoems/pages/youreading.html

***William Stafford 1971 interview – http://www.english.illinois.edu/maps/poets/s_z/stafford/interview.htm

Our website www.e-hhw.com

Synchronicity

We humans are sustained or devastated by our free will—by the choices we make each moment of our lives. Perceiving synchronicity is, perhaps, an affirmation of our being sustained—rather than being devastated, which we’ve learned to accept as the norm.

The concept of synchronicity was first described by Swiss psychologist Carl Gustav Jung in the 1920s. Succinctly, it means experiencing two or more events that are apparently unrelated by cause and effect—or unlikely to occur together by chance—that are observed to occur together in a meaningful manner.¹

Skeptics believe synchronistic events are coincidental—unexpected, accidental, and, perhaps, uncanny. Some fifty years after Jung’s final published work on synchronicity it is now widely recognized—and typical patterns have emerged in recognizing synchronistic events and responses.¹

Perhaps synchronicity is more dynamic than Jung imagined. Perhaps the subconscious mind is the portal between the empirical and the soul—where the observable and the transcendent come together. Perhaps when we meditate—which intentionally minimizes ego—and we experience positive physical effects—e.g., lower blood pressure and respiration, reduction of existing stress levels, increased immunity—we’re inadvertently choosing to identify with soul?

                

Perhaps ego—which inherently identifies with separateness and self—creates devastation, while soul—the essence of life—creates and sustains life? The assumption is that ego and soul are indeed dualistic. If this is so, the union (marriage) of ego and soul would collapse the ego/soul duality. The offspring of this intercourse would be transcendence of the empirical. The sexual act is creative expression.

Synchronicity is observing and participating in the manifesting of transcendence in our empirical reality. Synchronicity is recognized when our identity with ego and soul are united. Creative expression is the penetration into the holy of holies.

Resources:

¹Synchronicity – Definition – http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Synchronicity

Our website – www.e-hhw.com

Grief & Creative Expression

As mentioned in the second post here at http://www.e-hhw.com/ (20Jan2011), creative expression is a healing and restorative process—recognized in the medical community as therapeutically viable. As the demise of my father progressed during 2010, I found my life in disarray from what I perceived as overwhelming, if not insurmountable, loss in my life. These losses not only included the inevitable loss of my father, but also recent losses of my professional career, my wife, two mentor dogs, personal possessions from two burglaries of my stored personal property, my friends and home in another state—indeed, my life as I knew it.

My overarching effort has been to bring the pieces of my life together in some meaningful way—to rise from the ashes. During 2010, I found myself discovering remnants of old wood, metal, bone, stone—most any object that is old, scarred, deteriorating, and has little value to most people.

Grief - Farewell

The inevitable loss referred to in the 13February posting has come to fruition. My father died early the following morning—Valentines Day. He was embraced in his home by his immediate family.

The week has been filled with extended family, condolences, food, flowers, benevolence, ceremonies, and memories. It has also been filled with tears, sorrow, grief, and absence.

I awakened this morning after the funeral yesterday—the world going round like nothing had occurred. In my heart, however, there is the devastation of an unfilled place

Grief

Our weekly postings here at http://www.e-hhw.com/ have been interrupted due to the final stages of my father’s terminal illness. We have not yet announced this blog—so I’ll temporarily use it as a venue for expressing my grief.

The inevitable loss with which I’m currently grappling involves the man who taught me to fish, to build a house, to train horses without domination, to define a circle (as I watched him use his back to provide for his family), and to respect our partner as much as we respect our self. And he taught these by example, not by instruction.

My heart feels as though it will rupture from the pain of the inevitable before me. Perhaps this immediate circumstance is exacerbated by the recent death of the woman I waited 44 years to find—my life was so briefly augmented from average to glorious (married February 14, 1997 and she died February 13, 2007). Perhaps I still have difficulty baring the loss of my partner—and wonder if I can endure the additional loss of my father.

I cannot know about the transcendence of soul—it’s a matter of belief—but know absolutely that our empirical existence is both glorious and devastating.

Creativity & Human Oppression

The first two blogs postings relate our perspective at http://www.e-hhw.com/—our beliefs and aspirations. This blog posting begins applying these concepts to areas of the human predicament that warrant our collective attention.

The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom listed 13 “countries of particular interest” in its latest annual report—they are:

Balance the Canoe - Creativity

The first blog posting (Maiden Voyage, 13Jan2011) was a metaphorical excursion to the edge of the earth—an overview of my personal views of life. This posting uses a more basic metaphor for navigating life—the canoe, which requires balance. 

The intent of this posting is to continue developing our understanding of creative expression. To save space and time, you can read the premise on my website and the previous blog posting for background to my perspective.

My career includes 12 years at a major health care institution—where I learned that creative expression is a viable clinical therapy. Research indicates that not only is creative expression therapy for existing maladies—but preventative as well.

Carl Jung (1875-1961)—a Swiss psychiatrist, an influential thinker, and the founder of analytical psychology—even used creative expression diagnostically. He was able to make accurate medical diagnoses based on the drawings of his patients.

In the previous blog posting, we provided our take on the two essential components of us humans—the physical and the soul. The physical, or ego, is comprised of what we acquire from our lineage (DNA) and what we learn from our environment—and is constrained by time and space. Soul is the enlivening energy shared by the living—and transcends the empirical universe.

We humans are inclined to identify with the physical, or ego—after all, we were absolutely taught this at an early age. I am not you—it‘s empirically valid. The nature of the ego is based on separateness. The physical component is empirical and explained by science.

The soul, however, is the essence of life—and singularly boundless.

Maiden Voyage - Science & Beliefs

This is the first blog posting at http://www.e-hhw.com/.  This maiden voyage is intended to provide groundwork for future postings. Hopefully someone out there will find this message in a bottle. 

Let’s begin by leaving the safe harbor of common beliefs.

Humans have two essential components—the physical and the soul.

The physical component is comprised of what we receive from our lineage (DNA) and