Me in Metaphysics

Everyone lies.


Repeat.


Everyone lies. They lie to themselves, they lie to those around them. They lie in conversation, they lie in debate, they lie in discussion. Their reactions/responses to lies are lies, and the words they follow up those lies with are lies.


“Everything I tell you is a lie” - Vergere “Traitor” (Mathew Stover, 2002 Del Ray)


The spoken word is always a lie. It is a lie because it is a summary of what is true; that which is less than the truth cannot be the truth. Even the most profound of spoken 'truths' are but a description, a conceptual illustration of the comprehension – at best, drawn to scale – of the experience of truth and the awareness of it.


I'm not dismissing, denying, or besmirching anything outright, this is a concept which I have found to be sound, testable, and useful, and one needn't agree for this concept to be useful.


Now communicating with impeccability is quite the task; it is not enough (IMO) to simply speak with accuracy and viability in reference and illustration. Not only is one opposed by their own failings in expression, but they're also facing those of their recipient; the phrase “choke on the mower” will only do so much good outside the right hands.


The thing about spoken language is – as indicated in the opening – it is a method of describing and expressing thought.


Think of a white house.

<poof>


See? Now, if you were to describe that image you would start the lengthy process of itemizing the characteristics,... but those would be descriptions and characteristics.


The thought was instantaneous, and is entirely aside from anything that the critical capacities are involved in.


Without intending to, I have just accidentally illustrated the difference between the reason and the awareness; the awareness if the creative part that things 'poof' from, and the reason is the part that translates and processes it into words or ideas.


But what I am getting at is that words only serve as a useful reference to ideas when they work, and even then it stands many levels below the level of thought. Still, being the 'most effective' method of communication available ATM, I'll continue.


Impeccability of word (again, IMO) involves not only recognizing/appreciating all meanings/connotations of a word, but additionally being aware/ready in the event of the (often numerous) socialized misinterpretations; ironic is a classically misunderstood word, just for example.


As further evidence of the divergent methods one can employ – all within the english language! – I will demonstrate something; the top-delivered paraphrase is taken from 'the Count of Monte Cristo' (Dumas), and the following phrase will be the exact same meaning/intent rendered in American street-lingo (sometimes called Ebonics).

“... I leave you at leisure to conduct yourself as you will.”

“Peace.”


In this particular case, we're talking about an individual departing. The former case is unnecessarily verbose, precise, and over-the-top, while the latter is succinct to a fault and lacking in depth,... yet they both satisfy the intent (express farewell).

 

WORD OF THE DAY: GAME

Game on.




I challenge you to stand on one foot for the duration of that song (9:27).
When the song is completed, repeat it with the opposite foot.


This challenge engages the resolve; as the song progresses there will be several points at which one will re-evaluate their initial resolve, and only one who is properly resolved will complete the challenge.


The individual is free to touch the ground with either hand or the opposite foot, just that such contact should be generally avoided; this is after all a challenge to the body – specifically the balance – as much as it is to the resolve.


As one continues and as one's muscles fatigue, they may find their precision control diminishing and may have to reason compensatory motions to maintain their balance, which also engages the mind. I touched on 'both' feet, so don't hesitate on that angle; the biggest aspect of the challenge is maintaining until that bitch finally shuts up.


Your individual results are irrelevant to me. Nothing personal, just saying.


Also, if one has a wealth of spare time one could always get intimate with YouTube and their selection of freely available martial arts techniques of essentially all styles (of varying levels of authenticity). When you break them down, all techniques are essentially the same in that it all amounts to manipulation of one one body in relation to another body (whether for offense, defense, reaction, pre-emption); avoid flashy shit.


All things that are inevitable shall manifest. A sovereign spirit possessing a keen and efficient mind can act in a manner than renders the otherwise impossible into the inevitable


The endgame of metaphysics is – in my personal opinion – the state of ceaseless emergence. It is surprisingly easy to attain, all one really 'has to do' is resolve themselves. Consequently, it is a state that is amazingly difficult to maintain, increasingly so the longer one works at it.

 

WORD OF THE DAY: AUTHOR

The concept of sovereignty would be relatively impotent without further illustrating and elucidating the concept of authority, specifically personal authority.


There are several forms of authority; hierarchical 'authorized' authority is the most common, but IMO is the least viable. While authorized individuals comprise the majority – especially with the increasingly bureaucratic society we are surrounded by – there is additionally a greater, more efficacious, and often down-played manifestation of authority.


This ties directly with the word of the day. You largely won't find the following definition/ideology amongst the common definitions for authority, and I suggest that is deliberate.


The route word of authority is author. Authority, in its truest form is a creative propensity. It is the competence, experience, veracity, and where-with-all by which an individual possesses/expresses themselves.


A trades-person – for example – does not need authorization to be effective and/or competent, their competence is evident by the work they put forth. A crafts-person work, with the artistry and finesse they can accomplish defies any structure or authoritarianism.

Let authority not be confused with authorization, which is the foundation of authoritarianism. An authority when faced with a problem, can draw on their experience, knowledge, and creativity to assess and mediate; an authoritarian can only rely on 'established practice'.


To clarify, an authorized individual who lacks personal authority (authoritarian) has nothing to fall back on other than the fact that they were authorized and to resort to whatever prescribed methodology they have been given or conditioned to utilize. An authority on the other hand is not beholden and/or limited to previous practices or guidelines, they have the creative propensity to devise their own methods and responses to circumstance.


Authoritarians are often – as just one example – observable amongst the armed forces, where 'officers' who have no ability or understanding (other than their orders) will insist on rank and status - the "I'm in charge" phenomenon; rank and status say nothing to an individual's ability to mediate an issue, and the person tasked with responding to a situation can (and in many cases is) entirely the wrong person for the job. When this occurs, one can be sure that they are witnessing evidence of authoritarianism.


This also is at the crux of the dichotomy; authority comes from within, whereas authorization is established from without. This does not mean that there aren't examples of authorized individuals who possess authority, indeed that is the preferred scenario (both by the individual and the authorized party), however there are many (many!) methods of establishing one's self to the point of authorization that have little/nothing to do with having any authority. The 48 Laws for example, is rife with methods and strategies to that end, and again I reiterate my caveat regarding the Laws; one does not have to practice the Laws in order to benefit from comprehending them, as knowledge of this kind can assist one in avoiding/circumventing individuals who do.


Suggested reading: The Guru Papers: Masks of Authoritarian Power - Joel Kramer, Diana Alstad

 

WORD OF THE DAY: SYNTHESIS

And now for the tricky part. I've spoken of this with many individuals, and to a man/woman everyone balks.


While I would wager there are plenty of individuals who share/agree with what follows, I can't consciously recall anyone referring to or insisting on this ideology, at least not in a metaphysical context. As such, allow me to state – for the record – that this is subjective (opinion) rather than objective. Still, it works for me,....


An operant metaphysicist is sovereign.


I'm not not not not NOT talking about the “ucc-1”, “f- the govt'”, “bunkers and guns” type 'sovereign'. I don't utilize the dictionary to describe this term (it WOULD be the word of the day otherwise, except in this case the dictionary is WAY off base).


Mark Passio got it right; sovereign means 'without rulers', 'self-rule', or 'self-deterministic'.


While a metaphysicist is a part of the whole (read: society), and operates within the whole, they do so from a self-deterministic position.


In a more general sense, there are no masters; there are only more and less effective opponents, and those who serve them.


Do not mistake me for saying that one would be standing alone and in defiance of all hierarchies and structures; one's position in the world has not changed, but what has (or may have) changed is how one perceives it.


In the movie “V for Vendetta”, just before the end is a brilliant bit of imagery. The female protagonist stands at the control panel of a train, which is loaded and ready to fulfill her (and others') agenda. The police chief – gun in hand – orders her to step away from the console.


“No,” she says.


Here she was faced with a choice; she could do as she was told by an opponent and avoid adverse consequence, or she could do as she was convicted and face the consequences stoically. Now, due to the script he balks and lowers his weapon. This aside, her disposition is precisely what I am talking about (no, I'm not advocating defiance of gun-toting police officers).


To be of sovereign mind (thought) and body (action) involves maintaining the discretionary choice within one's self. It is about deciding what is the correct course of action for the individual first.


If one is to submit and/or abide, it is because doing so is strategic, conducive, and/or apt for accomplishing one's desired tasks/agendas and not because of conditioned preconception, dictation, or expectation.


Again using myself as an example, I work for a fairly large corporation. I'm not a fan of corporations, neither am I a fan of the money system as it stands. Having said, I have taken upon myself the responsibility of seeing to my needs as well as those of another (and a handful of smaller, furry friends). I have incrementally smaller agendas at play (physical maintenance/refinement and discipline for example) that are likewise satisfied, but personal and economic responsibility/emergence is my chief pursuit (professionally).


At the moment, working my ass off for a corporation is the most conducive manner to achieve my desired outcome, hence it is more of a business agreement than a subordinate dynamic. I follow the instructions I am given because doing so is likewise conducive, but I also reserve the right – and utilize it from time to time – to refuse direction and indicate why.


The supervisors and foremen are in an authorized position to operate on behalf of the company, and as long as their directions are consistent and conducive toward my desired outcome, I will continue to comply.


That's the crux of the idea; voluntary and decisive compliance, rather than obligatory.


Recognize: as indicated by the above definition, there are many contexts in which 'opponents/opposition' are not a bad thing. In particular, while the terms often go hand in hand, there is a fine line between an opponent and an adversary (read: adverse individual, individual who causes adversity, etc.). In chess for example, one cannot play without an opponent!


So, while the socialized perception regarding the word (and other associated words) 'opponent' is conceivably undesirable, there are many connotations and contexts around which it is perfectly natural, acceptable, and even laudable.


This concept of opponents and opposition are quite central to my experience and MO with regard to metaphysics, and will be increasingly referenced throughout the development of this thread. It is implicit in the Zonbi Nindo, as the ninja of antiquity was one who operated within the structure and dynamic of the samurai, and yet at great interval operated in defiance of said dynamic. Moreover, the ninja were oftentimes the 'go-to' individual(s) for the shogun, performing tasks and functions that could not be effectively given to the dominant samurai class!


In short, this is a concept/aspect which I will be coming back to to both reference and expound upon, again and again. I hope the reader will look forward to it. ^_~

 

I k

i know

 

Ah, but I TOO was sneaky! I threw in a third song! ^_~

 

A note about the music.
I was sneaky..
And it worked.
You may be interested in the outcome..
I spoke of what I will do to a witness.
You then posted both tunes...
One was so old and forgotten (pink panther) that it really made me look great thanks.
Lol.
We are very intrigued about the results of what happened.
Just a note(please ignore and carry on)

 

Certainly. It wasn't until I posted in Music that I realized that I omitted several more or less significant elements to my backstory, (I DID say it was a summary ^_~) DeMolay included. I don't promise I will include it in the next post, but it will definitely find its way into a not-too-distant post as the practices of the order are geared toward subtly (subliminally?) impressing these ideas in a comparable but diminished capacity as does Masonry et al.

For example, in DeMolay (I'm not revealing any secrets ATM) chapter events are centered around the Bible, the Schoolbooks, and the national Flag. These three are DIRECT references IMO (though unspoken) to the Spirit, the Mind, and the Body, respectively.

Stay tuned, and don't hesitate to ask questions! I am already familiar with my information, so I never know if I am effectively illustrating or if I am leaving gaps!

 

I don't mind at all. I rarely get such inquiries, so it is a pleasure to answer. ^_^

For me, it largely began in my early teens. I studied Chinese Kenpo (Kosho shorei if I recall correctly) for about 6 years, and my late sensei was particularly encouraging of Ki generation and usage, with an emphasis on shiatsu. During this time I opted to engage 'extra-curricular' training. I spent many a late-night extinguishing tea candles with punches and palm strikes (without touching the candle), balance training (10+ minutes per foot balancing, then advancing to sword techniques while balancing), meditation, breathing control, etc. I bought a copy of “The Tao of Jeet Kune Do” written by Bruce Lee (assembled and published by his wife), which both philosophically and martially encouraged me to defy convention and to seek my own way of understanding and doing things.

Around this time, I came across a peculiar bookstore in Victoria, Canada called (ironically) Avalon, which had a book called 'Psychic Development for Beginners'. It was a fairly cursory read, but there were elements - particularly visualization methods - that complimented my meditative practices. Additionally, the book led me to begin to inquire - to myself rather than to outside individuals and/or 'authorities' - 'just what is the mind capable of, beyond what is conventionally known'?

After school (and upon entering the job market) my interest tapered quite a bit. It wasn't until about 10+ years ago that I began to look back into the subject, largely by way of the internet. I read alot of Plato, and a friend suggested the works of Aleister Crowley; I didn't take him up on it immediately, but it stuck with me. What I did pick up – on suggestion from another friend – was “the 48 Laws of Power” by Robert Greene. This book has been and continues to be the most significant media influence on my adult life, bar none.

At this point I began to experiment with hallucinogenic/psychedelic substances. My first experiences were vivid but entirely recreational, until a chance encounter with a shaman-esque individual (I can't say he was a 'legit' or 'plastic' shaman, the encounter occurred at Burning Man 2004) who prescribed a mind-set that would assist in such experiences. He said (paraphrasing) "The substance is a spirit. When you intake the substance you should realize, appreciate, and know that you are both consuming something physiological, but that there is a mental and spiritual component. When the spirit comes to you and guides you 'away', go with it. Some day (that very night actually) you will have a Matrix-like experience, where everything will begin to unravel and reassemble."

That experience - psylocybin to be specific - was epic, and would require a post entirely unto its self. All in good time.

However, that experience (and the week that surrounded it) served as the catalyst for innumerable 'other-worldly' experiences. I began having occurrences where I would perceive thoughts that went unspoken, flashes of precognition and/or clairvoyance, intent-driven experiences of accelerated healing, etc.


Carlos Castaneda came along (in a manner, Journey to Ixtlan jumped out at me one day and I was off to the races when I read it, consuming all his works) and added to the mix, especially with his descriptions and prescriptions regarding intent, impeccability, and the warrior mindset.


I began to experiment with the deliberate usage/manipulation of those occurrences (thought perception, etc.) and did so for several years. I further – also inspired by Castaneda – developed a practice of 'ballistic meditation', in which I would send my awareness off into,... realms,... while my body was actively engaged in some form of task or labor that didn't require conscious attention (repetitious industry work, doing the dishes/cleaning, etc.). This was a combination of the meditative/focus practices I was taught in Kenpo and the 'recapitulation' method prescribed by Carlos Castaneda.

I will admit, I had help throughout that began with that mushroom experience at Burning Man. It's a long story, hence the need for a separate post but suffice it to say I was regularly engaging and engaged in a dialectic with an entity which – and I'll understand if one is want to dismiss given the multitude of possible entities it could be – was most useful in the pursuit.

Around this time I met my sworn companion who is likewise versed and knowledgeable in psychic/energetic phenomenon (she's actually a certified psychic healer). In addition to having a tangible person to discuss phenomenon with (most of my friends were not appreciative of otherworldy stuff,...) she brought with her “The Book of High Magic” by Francis Melville. I would later find that much of this book was taken from the works of Aleister Crowley and other pioneers in the 'field', but for a while this book served me quite well and allowed me to explore additional aspects of metaphysics which I was otherwise 'green' to, particularly alchemy. I'm not much of an alchemist, but I comprehend the concepts, processes, and ideology reasonably well.

That last paragraph took place during my 'first' stint at Project Avalon, which was during Houdini's grand procession there. I came into possession of a copy of Magick in Theory and Practice (Crowley). I retired my Avalon account so I would have time to focus on what I was reading, and synthesize it all into a nice, succinct package. I moved from my hometown (in California) to a remote location in Washinton state (away from all my family, friends, and established understandings) so that I could commit myself.

I won't describe what took place during that time, because many of what took place defies 5-sense reality description. What I will say is that the fruit of that time – and all the time that led up to it – is the Zonbi Nindo (japanese for “Way of the Zombie Ninja”). It is a highly simplified practice that combines all the aspects (those mentioned and others) into a succinct package.

I'll be posting about THAT at length, don't you worry. ^_~

One of the things I learned – and insist – is that metaphysics is a natural expansion and consequence (in a sequential sense) of the 'ordinary' 5-sense world we interact with. In a way, it is no more 'odd' or whatever than the manner in which plants photosynthesize sunlight, an ovum is fertilized by sperm, or any number of highly detailed and complicated reactions that humans are aware of, just that metaphysics are far less well known and are often dismissed because of the overwhelming inability to 'scientifically' quantify the observations. I figured that if I was already unknowingly operating and interacting with these phenomena, I might as well figure out – as much as possible – what the hell was going on so that I could be responsible about it.

To paraphrase Robert Greene in the 48 Laws (its at the end of the preface) -

“If the game of [metaphysics] is inescapable, better to be an artist than a denier or a bungler.”

So basically, one could say that I was interacting with metaphysics before I even knew the word metaphysics. In a way, I was tricked into it (Castaneda said something about needing to be tricked, else one is probably bat-shit,...) and before I knew what was up I was already waist-deep and seeking more.

Naturally, this is a summary and I'm glossing over alot of details, but I'll refer back to this and them as the thread progresses. ^_~

 

I was wondering if you don't mind answering, what first got you interested in this subject? I like to know the origin of thoughts and motivations to get a better picture for what someone is trying to communicate. Kind of like figuring out what language they are speaking first to translate.

 

WORD OF THE DAY: SYNTHESIS

While the three tools are observably separate, their operations are so intertwined as to – from a certain perspective – equate to a singular unit. Determination, as a synonym to Resolve, has within it the word 'determine', which implies an act of the Reason, or the mind. Both the actions of the mind and those of the spirit amount to zilch if not corroborated by activity from the body.


All three must go hand in hand in order to be effective.


From my understanding, this is the core of the Trivium method of thinking/learning. The spirit expresses the will/resolve, the mind expresses reason/intelligence, and the body expresses the actions which are (hopefully) consistent with both and conducive to the desired outcome or purpose.


If one wishes to exhaustively cover this subject, I would recommend the work of Mark Passio; he's quite informative, but he really does push the envelope of 'exhaustive' IMO (in a variety of ways ^_~).


The mind/body/spirit complex is just one example of a three-part unit; there are countless examples in media and society, but the simplest to understand is Rock, Paper, Scissors.


The idea is, one part is superior (re: force) to another, but is likewise inferior to the other. No part has supremacy, and no part is wholly impotent either. When all parts work together there is affinity, and when in conflict there is enmity. Allow me to suggest that an individual operating in enmity with/to their parts is non-conducive, while operations of affinity are – if not entirely than 'more' – conducive.


Conducivity or non-conducivity is simply an observation or characterization with regards to producing a desired effect/outcome. There are no moral qualifiers there, just simple logic. Allow me to get more detailed with it.


The Resolve creates and/or potentiates by fixing on a direction or outcome and engages the quantum potential. From there it hands off to the Reason and the Body.


The Reason analyzes, processes, reduces, separates, adjudicates, etc. seeking the sequence which will result in the manifestation of the object of the Resolve.


The Body takes the processes and analyses of the Reason AND the object/direction of the Resolve and translates both into action.


While largely independent of one another in their particular aspect, all three processes are entirely dependent on one another for their performance.


As such, my next prescription to the reader is thus (again, assuming that one hasn't already done so).


Achieve harmony amongst the three.


A simple statement, but the realization is anything but.


For the Reason to operate harmoniously with the Body and Resolve, one has to work toward a degree of mental stability; psychological defects are rightly identified and mediated.


For the Resolve to operate harmoniously with the Body and the Reason, one has to come to terms with what the spirit IS; no easy task IMO, and one that seems as varied and individual as there ARE varieties and individuals!


For the Body to operate harmoniously with the Resolve and Reason, one has to pursue a degree of bodily health. This means exercise, nutrient sufficiency, and in some/many cases detoxification.


And, these are just cursory suggestions! There is far more to it than that, but that will be seen/appreciated in time.

 

WORD OF THE DAY: RESOLVE

“I opted to resolve how to resolve my resolve. I found that I first had to resolve that my resolve could be resolved.” - Me


The spirit goes by many names in many cultures, schools, and ideologies; god, self, intent, love, will, soul, etc., etc., ad nauseum; loosely, one can further apply terms such as determination, fortitude, and my personal favorite:

I prefer the term resolve.


I opt to utilize it in preference simply because it is as minimally-biased (culturally and socially) a term as I have found, and because of its general familiarity particularly amongst participants in a variety of popular sports. It is uncomplicated, and when you break it down (or break them in like a new pair of shoes) it fits quite nicely.


Resolve in particular ties together several otherwise disparate concepts; in one context it is an action, and others it is something possessed. In this manner, the word nicely sums up the purview of the spirit; the spirit is the awareness, and the vehicle of creation.


Think about it, a common phrase when observing an individual who fails in an endeavor is 'lacking/insufficient resolve'. It is by one's resolve (and perhaps a hint of luck) that anything is successful.


When one's resolve is fixated, their mental and physical capacities will engage toward the desired,... whatever. Operational security for example, - the subject of another thread appearing - is a product of a fixed and active resolve.


Moreover, resolve (fixated) implies and suggests a degree of refinement and/or progressive result; the word is directly tied to the word resolute.


Now if you will permit me to segue, I would like to share another recent experience which afforded me the opportunity to illustrate a simplified example of metaphysics in action.


For those who may have skipped and or not heard, I work at a lumber-mill operating one of two band-saws. Both machines are newly installed (replacing older ones) about 2 months ago. The operator of saw #2 (mine is #1,... naturally ^_~) approached me and asked if my saw had a recurring issue with blade tension.


Him: Does your saw-blade ever lose tension or come loose?
Me: Nope, its just yours.
Him: Why is that? They're both brand new!
Me: You want to know my honest opinion?
Him: Sure.
Me: The simple answer is this; what's her name (pointing to the saw).
Him: What? <note: incredulity, not a lack of comprehension>
Me: What's her name?
Him: Uhm,... I don't know?
Me: Well, her (pointing to my machine) name is Lucille; IMO, that's why mine doesn't.


There was additional explanation that followed, and I will summarize. By naming the machine – not in the sense that 'to everyone' the machine is Lucille, just a personal sense – I am actively and deliberately fostering a degree of affection and appreciation for the machine.


I take care of the machine, and the machine enables me to earn a living. We take care of one another. The machine, though not possessing eyes, ears, a nose, etc., is comprised of molecules – which do have a degree of awareness to them – as well as atoms (likewise).


It stands to reason then, that a person who is intentionally, sincerely, and deliberately expressing and feeling affection and/or appreciation will be in some manner (in a metaphysical sense, not the 5-sense simplification) observed and/or detected.


For reference, one can turn to the work of the late Masaru Emoto on emotional states producing a detectable (and in some cases quantifiable) response from otherwise inanimate substances.


Further, the act of naming the machine helps to personify it, to give it a (albeit artificial) particular personality, even if illusory.


The process is quite simple, and has been used and observed for ages (ships especially) where the caretakers, operators, and participants will imbue the device with a degree of humanity (or individuality at the least).


Now I'll admit, whether it is the act that produces the proclivity in an individual to observe 'personality characteristics' in an object, or if it is the act that serves as a catalyst for the object to begin to push the boundaries of what 'it' is capable of or 'is' is indeterminable.


Having said, I have been naming, talking to, and even singing to machines for years. Perhaps I'm a little bat-shit (no contest), or perhaps I'm right (perhaps both and neither), but the conscious perception of the individual (that's you) – according to my experience – can and does have an observable effect on inanimate or unconscious objects. Simply, they work better when you really like them.


Me: Think about it. You depend on the machine for your position and your job. Without this machine, you'd be piling. Take care of her, and she'll take care of you. Or,... you can go pile. ^_~


An example of lumber piling (except our machine - and I - go way faster).


Now, if you're wondering “WTF does this have to do with metaphysics?”, the answer is simple. As I have begun to outline and will continue to do so as this thread develops, is that there are forces and phenomena that are well outside the human perception, and yet can be observed in certain contexts. In the above example, I'm not foolish enough to literally believe that the machine perceives me and appreciates me, but I recognize the distinct possibility that there are degrees of awareness that I may not fully comprehend but which enable me to – in the right context – affect a more conducive situation.


Simply put: my resolve (professionally) is to provide for myself and my loved ones. Kicking ass and taking names at my job enables me to do this, and 'outside-the-box' methods (in addition to conventional ones) enable me to kick ass and take names.


MORE simply: metaphysics is about observing and/or acting upon details which might seem irrelevant, unnecessary, or beyond conventional diligence.

BTW, he named her Bessie. ^_~

Back to the Resolve.

The Resolve is the only part that possesses the capacity to create. The mind analyzes, the body acts, but these are all subsequent to creations of the spirit. For, while the spirit is the awareness, the awareness is the only thing that CAN be aware of quantum potential. Oh, the mind can reason it out, but that only points in the 'correct' direction; the spirit is that which is already there.


Surrender then - in a philosophical sense - is a failure and/or consequence of insufficient Resolve.

 

WORD OF THE DAY: EMERGE

Take a moment, and look at and/or think about the socialized perception that is prevalent in the world today. I'll wait.


Personally, I am particularly biased (against) by the aggregate perception and dynamics of the US, and while even that is limited (meaning there are more areas and localities that I am unfamiliar with than the opposite) one thing seems pretty clear and consistent;


People are stupid.


I don't mean that to indicate that individuals lack any mental capacity, I am more suggesting that individuals have been conditioned, instructed, or otherwise directed by their environments and the individuals in them to operate at – at the very least – a diminished mental capacity.


Part of the reason I am so on about dictionaries is because people don't fucking use them and carry on as though the words they are using mean exactly what they think they do.


Let's look at another angle; how many people tend to read? No, I'm not talking about newspapers, magazines, facebook, etc. or even lengthy and long-winded forum posts.


I'm talking about a book.


Now, I'm not in a position to fully validate the following, but consider it if you would. Once, in the not TOO distant past, individuals largely learned/developed their diction from reading. It stands to reason that an individual will to varying degrees adopt the characteristics and actions of those they expose themselves to.


And,... once upon a time adults and in many cases children alike were incorporating inspired characteristics from the likes of Jules Verne, Charles Dickens, and my personal favorite (if you want to learn posh diction, here's where to do it) Alexandre Dumas.


What I am getting at is that not unlike with the body, society at large has ventured away from areas of self-development. Especially regarding the internet, people today spend sometimes hours on end reading status posts and watching Dancing With the Stars, or whatever the 'popular show' du jour happens to be.


Individuals who wish to expand their mind are often pointed to established (and establishment) schools. While I am not besmirching the act of taking one or more classes, this amounts to learning about things.


Facts are good, details are useful,... but an individual (and especially a metaphysical practitioner) needs to know how to THINK.




ESPECIALLY when working with metaphysics, there will (may) be countless times where one will not have an 'authority' (whether legitimate or authoritarian) to appeal to for information, observation, direction, etc. The individual must be credulous enough to recognize possibility - especially outside the box - but skeptical enough to weigh, measure, and critically assess every possibility.


In short, there are ('may be' but unlikely) no lifeguards.


For the mind (in the same vein that 'stretch ur shit' went for the body) - Shut the fuck up. I don't mean vow-of-silence status,... I mean spend less time talking and more time listening, deliberating, observing.

 

The reason I ask many of these questions, especially with regards to the body and its physiological capability is that with the advent of the internet - YouTube in particular - one can readily self-assess as well as see an overwhelming array of stretches and exercises that can be performed without weights or equipment.

If the reader is reading these words, then they clearly have sufficient time to at least look into new and exciting ways to maintain if not improve their body's health and physiology. A healthy body - to some degree - is absolutely requisite in "proper" metaphysics IMO.

 

Good call. I would hope no one would hurt or malign themselves, but one never knows!

 

TAKE NOTE ....

THIS IS A WARNING YOU CONTINUE AT YOUR OWN RISK.
You are solely responsible.
You must be over 18 to take part , if you do so under this age YOU are breaking laws.
This forum or the original author except no responsibility.
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WORD OF THE DAY: EXTANT

Alright, I've done a decent amount of foundational guidelines, time to crack this bitch.


When working with metaphysics, one really has only three 'tools' at their disposal; the mind, the body, and the spirit (insert preferred referential term here).


That's it.


That's all.


BUT that's more than enough.


The spirit is the awareness, which I would purport is the most unknowable of the three, but we'll get to that. For the moment, I want to concentrate on the body.


The body is an invaluable tool, an irreplaceable resource. It is the cross-roads of the capacities of the mind cross-referenced with the observances of the spirit or awareness.


It is where the rubber meets the road.


The physical body is finite; it will terminate in its operation, and its lack of perpetuity is guaranteed.


Simply, the capabilities of the body stand somewhere between the sociologically outlined limitations and the legendary feats and accomplishments of history and legend.


Where between those two has everything to do with the individual.


What is a body capable of? Think about it.


When was the last time you tested your body? When was the last time you tested the limitations of your flexibility and assessed the means of improving it? When was the last time you experienced a physical fitness assessment, structured to identify areas that are in need/use of improvement and development?


The body is the simplest (ha!) and most basic (double-ha!) of tools at the disposal of the individual, yet with the culture/society we are developing from within, it is relegated to a position of the least understood, tried, and tested of resources.


Simply, most people aren't even aware of what their body is capable of. They don't know how many exercises it takes to produce a state of muscular fatigue from which muscle development occurs. They don't factor how their dietary and caloric requirements may differ from the '2000 calorie daily diet' that appears on the boxes of their favorite consumer brands and products.


If one is sincere about perusing the areas of metaphysics which I am 'on about' and am going to go into at length via this thread, the will need to start defining things themselves.


The word 'define' or 'definition' is derived from the latin source 'de finis', meaning 'the end' or 'the limitations'. A definition then is an illustration of the limitations of an idea or concept.


When it comes to the body, the only way to attempt to quantify the capabilities is/would-be to express them.


So then! For today I would prescribe a thorough experiment; test yourself! How fast can you run? How much stretching does it take to render your body to a position of optimal training? How much training is required to experience significant increases in one's physiological potential? All these questions can be summed up with one simple question;


How well do you know your body?


My challenge to you; figure it out – and quick – because the body is going to be among the most important elements to a metaphysical inquiry and topical pursuit. Knowing the body (as opposed to knowing 'about' the body) gives an individual the full appreciation of precisely what they are physiologically capable, to which neither nescience or ignorance can be constructively allowed for.


Less-experienced individuals in particular, please be aware; the ideas, realms, constructs, positions, and dynamics we will be delving into have – reportedly (I've never seen a case PERSONALLY but I allow for the accounts of others) – driven individuals beyond their mental stability and ability to conducively interact. We're not talking about playing with Legos here!

 

Interesting. I don't know that words couldn't be used, just that so far emotions is the only form of communication I receive from 'myself'. For example, my associates and I had planned a camping trip for the end of summer one year, and all the time I was planning for it and thinking about it I kept getting this nagging and vivid feeling of apprehension and/or anxiety.

The feelings were neither exclusive to me, nor was I the first to experience them; my significant other is largely responsible for bringing the experience to my conscious awareness.

The apprehension and anxiety that I was feeling may well have had everything to do with being legally detained by police for possession of pot (hash actually) en route. Don't get me started on THAT shit. I say 'may' simply to account for an inability to definitively conclude, though the idea passes my 3-fold qualifier,....

As far as the saw, you are again correct that I may have subtly detected the cues that something was amiss before my awareness caught on, that much is true. However, we break the saw-blade once a day; they're like $20/ea and it takes about 10 minutes to replace,... normally.

What happened this time was that the broken saw-blade would manage an incredible display of probability (twisting its self through an adjacent vent) and lodge its self into the same board which - because of the conveyor - would clamp down like a vice on another little machine part that isn't very structurally sound because "it doesn't need to be sturdy because nothing ever happens to it" <says the guy> and kinda crumple it up. It took an hour and a half to fix that shit! ^_^

THAT'S the part that I did with my mind (maybe). ^_~

 

That's an excellent question/inquiry. I am familiar with positions similar to the one you are describing. The best answer I can give at this time is "Both?".

I agree that events have a certain connectivity to them, and there are a wealth of metaphysical phenomena ("abilities") that attempt to categorize and quantify the occurrences. You are right in pointing out that the slump could have been (unconsciously) anticipating the breakdown, but my conscious mind definitely thought it was 'Monday'. ^_~

As far as precognition and foreknowledge are concerned, I share your position. My experimentation is limited, but I find that there is a distinct (read: observed) potential for an individual to precognitively be able to sense and/or derive events to occur or at the least, the general feelings surrounding them. It is almost like asking yourself how an event is going to generally 'go', except you can only reply to yourself with feelings (apprehension, enthusiasm, frustration, etc.).

 

I'd like to share an experience that just happened yesterday.

I was running my lumber saw, and I had my piler at the outfeed, when the machine broke down. I take immaculate care of my machine - grease, cleaning, inspections, etc. - so it is rare for it to break on me. This break was particularly spectacular and required a part to be refurbished. I looked at the machine, looked at my piler and exclaimed 'I did that with my mind'.

I told him this, for one because he pays close attention and has great potential. I also told him this because it seemed a moderately reasonable conclusion depending on how one perceives the awareness of an otherwise inanimate object. All day I had been in something of a slump, and while I was doing my best it was at a 5-7% reduction over previous efforts; my mental state was of "I want to not". And, lo and behold, 'not' is what manifested.

So, this is what I told the fellow; that it is not a matter of 'not wanting to', it is a matter of resonating and broadcasting energetically "I want to not". In this particular case, it could be that the machine happened to have broken down as I was wanting to 'not', or it could be that at the quantum level I influenced the outcome in a direction consistent with my conscious will and desire.

As with most instances in metaphysics, there can be no definitive answer. There were no energetic recording devices, no double-blind testing or anything like that.

Though,... this would probably constitute the 12th such time my machine has complied with my will in such a manner,....

 

WORD OF THE DAY : HONE

In Metaphysics, it is not simply enough to do one's best. Rather, it is insufficient to maintain the same expectations of one's best. The individual – and their capability – ought that it should increase.


Countless strategies have been written on the subject whether literally or figuratively. Neither the most nor the least effective, Don Miguel Ruiz adds three more guidelines to proposed manner of conducting one's self; His list – published in “the Four Agreements” < http://www.amazon.com/The-Four-Agreements-Practical-Personal/dp/1878424319 > – goes:


Be Impeccable With Your Word


This means absolute impeccability. Far more than just being honest both in practice and when called to task, this means speaking the truth even when it isn't pleasant; weighing one's words for effect and not just literal meaning but subjective interpretation of one's recipients. It is one thing to be true and honest, it is another thing to be perceived by others as true and honest.


Don't Take Anything Personally


Or as I like to say, “Quit yer cryin'”. Taking things personally is among the foremost forms of indulgence written of by Carlos Castaneda in his various works. The principle 'ingredient' to taking something personally is an overblown sense of self importance from which conclusions are reached as to one's false degree of entitlement is concerned,... its just not a good idea.




Don't Make Assumptions


In addition to casting off ideas of self-entitlement and recognizing that everyone (self included) is inherently (contextually or dispositionally) a douche-bag comes the idea that it is best to avoid assuming to know. Specifically, this refers to the action of taking one's theoretical/conjectural analysis (i.e. observance of possibility) as fact and/or evidence. Simply, its the act of assuming that one has all the necessary/relevant facts and is able to draw a reasonable and/or accurate enough conclusion about,... well,... just about anything you can think of.


Always Do Your Best


I really don't get why he put it at the end. IMO, this is ground zero, item #1, the alpha and the omega of secular and metaphysical emergence. It means everything to one's individual progression; what it doesn't mean nor imply is that one should obsess or demand greater of one's self than one is capable; one's best will never be either perfect or absent the opportunity for improvement and/or development. This is partially why it is so useful (in the least) to practice doing one's best regardless of the endeavor, as this conditions the individual to seek new, inventive, and emergent ways of doing their best.


The metaphysics of 'doing your best' are particularly,... 'lacking in consequence', compared to other less-conducive dispositions, which we will get into further as this thread develops.

Note: I just discovered Miguel Ruiz has added a 5th agreement to the list – Be Skeptical But Learn To Listen – which appears to combine and reiterate aspects of the previous 4, most notably 'Don't Make Assumptions', 'Be Impeccable With Your Word', and 'Always Do Your Best'.

 

WORD OF THE DAY : CRITIQUE

I find that working with metaphysics has a very practical/pragmatic structure; unless an idea or position can be observably ruled out, it is best not to, especially given a widening envelope of causation.


Expectation can only do so much to affect quantum manifestation, and/so never underestimate the unpredictability of life. ^_~


In my personal use, I operate by a three-fold analysis; that of possibility, plausibility, and probability.


The first establishes physiological/existential/metaphysical potential, the second establishes contextual scrutiny from individual and other experience, and the third is a personal calculation having factored the first two.


I advise that such critical review be applied to anything I say. IMO a metaphysicist has a vested interest in critically analyzing all material they should decode, whether internally or externally sourced.


No position, idea, individual, or concept deserves – or is entitled – to avoid scrutiny; for the most part the best that can be hoped for is a 'reasonable theory pending further evaluation' with a few rare cases of a glaring consensus.


Suggested Reading: The Kybalion http://www.hermetics.org/pdf/kybalion.pdf p.9-13


Hermetic principle #4 effectively illustrates the concept of polarity, so it should be noted that no matter how one chooses to operate and participate metaphysically, there will always be operators of an inverse polarity.


I must apologize to the reader that I have a particular bias in the realm of metaphysics, that of the Zonbi Nindo. The positions and ideologies that I maintain are not widely shared in the metaphysical community as far as I am aware; there are no established schools that agree that I know of.


My methods call upon the individual to take personal responsibility for themselves and every circumstance they should potentiate (as in, create the potential for by supplying the circumstances through action or inaction). IMO, there is no room for whiners or – what's the word? – grousers.


It calls for a strategy that produces physical, mental, and spiritual emergence in the individual; a three-fold expression of one's best to a gradually increasing magnitude.


I will try to remain open and inter-changeable with content, but I may show a particular preference at times. ^_^


Still, it behooves the individual to begin to take responsibility for themselves, their actions, their words, their body language, their very thoughts. This is not wholly requisite in earlier stages of metaphysical participation, but becomes absolutely essential in later stages (though some could argue is irrelevant in the 'twilight' stages).


Anything I might advocate, suggest, prescribe, advise, etc. is equally an expectation/goal which I adhere/aspire to; I won't be offering advice or information that I find to be useless or inferior.


So in addition to taking responsibility (I'm not saying that the reader hasn't,... but if they haven't, they ought); stretch your shit. You're currently linked to a magnificent muscle and bone structure that is capable of wonderous feats at its basic level. If you haven't, I advise getting in touch with your body and its capacities and at the very least, learn some basic stretches and do them. I'm not saying go full-on yoga but seriously,... stretch your shit.


A great deal of metaphysics is a direct result, link, or consequence to otherwise 'ordinary' or 'known' physical phenomena. One's own actions and intent can have a significant adversarial affect if one is not careful.

 

That,... was,... AWESOME.

I both identify with and appreciate the story. The metaphysical pursuit is quite comparable - in several ways - to a crow stabbing at a piece of string on a box, and that's only one interpretation!

 

This came to mind again ,
Written in front of a witness ,
In one go,
And posted ,

:-
The bench in the park was empty...

Apart from a box, a small box covered in brown paper...

I say a box.....

It was the shape of a box,

Wrapped in brown paper..... tied with string ....


It sat on the bench alone....

Then a crow flew down, it was a big crow.


It landed on the arm of the bench...

It's big feet grasping the arm...

It turned its head eye side and looked at the box....


Then the other eye....


Then it hopped onto the box..... making that hollow scratching sound they make on the roof....


It turned its head again, inspecting....


Then it made what looked like, to the human eye, a lot of wild bird stabs at the string...

In fact..., they were not random stabs at all.... if you could look slow you would see....


The stabs were stabs, but not random, no..... accurate..... very... each stab is at a separate piece of the knot...


This bird knows string, it has seen it..... before!...


Stab, stab, stab, stab..... the bird kept trying it, like a rubics cube, different combinations of stabs....


It was working...... it may have taken all day, but it was...


It wasn't going to though, because a man was approaching...


The crow was far to busy to notice the man..... but it did..... it's a crow....


It took no notice.... the man came right up close...

Looked at the scene... and sat on the other end of the bench....


The crow stopped what it was doing.....

Looked at him..... stab.... one last stab..... and jumped.... straight over the mans lap to the arm where he sat...

The man didn't flinch, the bird noticed this...


The crow looked at the man right in the eye....... turning its head thus...


The man looked back with both eyes.....

The crow open it's beak and said "who are you"

The man said "I'm nobody special"

The crow said "that is an unusual name for a man"

The man said "I'm not a man"

The crow said "I thought as much"

The crow went on "what are you doing here"

The ? said "I'm here to pick up a package"

The crow said "that package"

"My package"

The ? said "it's not your package is it"

The crow said "yes it is"


The ? said "if it's yours""tell me what is inside"

The crow said "I'm not telling you"

The ? said "it's not your package"

The crow said "ok , it isn't mine" "but" "what is inside it then"

The ? said "everything"

The crow said "everything"

The ? said "yes"

The crow looked at the package again.... looked back at the thing that said it wasn't a man but looked like one, but didn't act like one....

He finally said "it can't have everything inside" "it isn't big enough"

And he went on in his voice, which sounded like a telephone earpiece with someone shouting out of it from the other end of the line...

He said "look at all this, I live in that tree, that's not in there"

The ? "no, the box contains everything"

The crow lifted it's wing and stretched it...

Then said "what is out here then ????"

The ? said "everything else of course"


The crow looked at him and said "thank you"

"I always wondered what was in it"


"Always" said the ?

"Yes" said the crow "always"


"Why " said the ?

"It's in my nature " said the crow.

"Is string" said the ?.


"No" said the crow "it was in my fathers"

"What was in your mothers nature" said the ?.

The crow looked at the man again and stretched both it's wings right out and made a stretching sound...

Then turned again and said "everything else"

The crow then, took off....... and flew away.....


The ? picked up, it's package..... stood up..... and walked away... in the direction it came.

:-


Metaphysics is not exact but relies on chaos..?
Wizards were women with a mans disposition ...?
Is that why they wear a dress and carry a dick symbol....?

A quote from an old fart.
"Magic is for magicians"
"But real magicians know magic"
"But they are still just magicians"

I will also shut up, and let your document take shape..
But it did just strike me hard to put this here , sweet, slater.

 

WORD OF THE DAY : AUTONOMY

Metaphysical operation is about awareness; it is about an attention to detail, pattern recognition, and diversified analysis all of/to an advanced and emergent degree. Practices and pursuits are geared toward cultivating a meticulously precise degree of pseudo-calculation in observance of trends and evidence in nature; nature, in this context refers inclusively to the human world.


Among the most exalted of all metaphysical concepts is very simple:


As Above


So Below


Entire books can – and have – been written expounding on this phrase. I could give you my take and pointers – and likely will at some point – but you're not here to learn what I have to say; at least, I hope you're not.


My greatest hope is that everyone who is reading now should – at some point – decide they no longer have need to follow along.


If an individual does it right, metaphysical food usage (in this context, refer to an individual who's entire diet was rigidly structured and planned based on planetary, legendary, mythical, and highly inspirational dynamics and source-material) can treat any physiological or biological ailment.

In the right context, metaphysics can explain the results of a 'random' card-shuffle, foreshadow significant occurrences, and cause what is otherwise impossible – in the socialized perception of the average human – to happen. This is not meant to fantastically mystify, its intended to very dryly define.



It isn't 'magic' either; the term 'magic' (k or no) belies any foundational dynamics or existant interconnectivity that might allow a metaphysical occurrence to manifest. Metaphysics involves observing the details be they contextual, circumstantial, etc.



There never are or will be 'perfect' answers because there is no and will never be 'flawless-ness' of any kind; the best that one can hope for is 'a position that gradually continues to increasingly approximate the truth'.



What I will point out is that there are two categories that comprise what is 'unknown' to the individual; there is the unknown: the knowable and as-yet unexperienced aspects of one's life progression, and the unknowable: concepts, ideas, perceptions and (potentially) truths that are beyond the physical form's ability to process. Simply, the unknown is that which the mind 'can' know/comprehend, and the unknowable is everything else.



Metaphysics calls for both facing and testing the known, the unknown, and the unknowable. Its principles assert that every experience is simultaneous and of equal (no) value in comparison to one another, excepting as appreciated by the awareness that experiences; ergo one is entitled to experience the circumstances they potentiate and the universe will not bat an eye whether the individual appreciates the situation they find themselves in.



Look, the basic premise is this; there is an observable science, a method to the otherwise totally random sequence of events that occur. The concepts that underlie have been occulted (hidden) in folklore, secret groups/organizations, and often in plain sight. There are only so many types of experiences that a person can experience, and one can plan ahead for all of them.

 

Do you think the 48 laws was the first draft

When you write a list where do you start....
If the laws were "arrived " at....who went to get them..
Words of one man to another are the tools of the ether..
Blade thinking will penetrate but not disparate ..

This is an echo of an old way..
A written word ... From a way of life .... Long forgotten..

I'm going to read what you say...
And respond in my way .....

Good.

 

Absolutely!

'Despise the Free Lunch' is my favorite. ^_~


Whether one is directly utilizing the Laws - or whether one is utilizing the laws in avoidance of and to mediate those who do - I find that the 48 Laws is the most comprehensive and thorough analysis of the multitude of forms by which one can 'Do Their Best'.


Naturally there are simpler and more basic emergence strategies, guides, and dicta; with my next article we will be focusing on 3 additional strategies which when combined with that of the first article comprises what is known as "The Four Agreements" written of and popularized by Don Miguel Ruiz.


Still, while the entirety of concept and ideology can be found in areas of the 48 Laws, the 48 Laws cannot all be found in the 4 Agreements, hence the reference. Moreover, the sovereignty of mind that is espoused by the Laws is - in my opinion and experience - among the most crucial and requisite aspects to conducively approaching and operating in the field of metaphysics.


In particular, detachment - though not hardly exclusively so - is among the major operant tools to be found and utilized. If one is to assess the Laws fairly, I would advise perusing the Preface (p 17-23) in advance.


"Any[one] who tries to be 'good' all the time is bound to come to ruin among the great number who are not good. Hence a prince (as in principle) who wants to keep [their] authority must learn how not to be good, and use that knowledge, or refrain from using it, as necessity requires."

- Niccolo Machiavelli : The Prince (with paraphrase and quotes by me)


Working in/with/among metaphysics is not a 'good' thing, and neither is it a 'bad' thing; it is a 'thing' however, and there are more and less conducive ways of going about it. I have found that a comprehensive versing of the 48 Laws to be among the most - if not the most - conducive decision one can make. It may not (and did not) seem so at first, but over time this is what the evidence and experience has shown me.

Individual results may vary.