Me in Metaphysics

I can't help but see the influence of Bill Ryan in that statement. We saw him say this kind of thing so many times at Avalon, always justifying his "editing" (which included banning members) as necessary for our own protection and benefit. I know you believe you make your own decisions and think independently, and I like to think that about myself as well, but the influences of our past are powerful, and we tend to copy those influences without realizing it.

You underestimate the value and importance of provocation, in my opinion. I don't want to be protected from provocations directed at me from others. I find these provocations incredibly valuable and important. For one, they remind me to self-reflect, which Shezbeth claims to appreciate. They also reveal important characteristics about the provoking party. I would not be able to identify sociopaths as easily if I could not observe the methods they use to push other people's "buttons", including mine. Sociopaths are deceivers and manipulators. I prefer to see them behaving "naturally", according to their inherent psychology, without the constraints that society or "editors" place on them. In that way, they become much more visible to us all.

At the macrocosm level, the bigger picture is that the rules we put in place to protect ourselves against sociopaths often serve to make the sociopaths more effective against us. They adapt to the "rules of the game" (which is how they see our laws) and simply become more sophisticated at circumventing them. Bill Clinton in front of the Grand Jury is a classic example. Shezbeth provides the example at the microcosm level. He was planning to "sanitize" this thread of my "interruptions" and I exposed him. He denied any such plans with "plausible deniability" and I exposed him again. Now he is embracing the concept of no censorship, a complete reversal of his prior plan. He is also planning to reverse his defense against being "vilified" by playing the villain! Amazing stuff, and if you were to enforce a policy of "no provocation", all this sociopathic game-playing would be less visible to us all. But I maintain that we really need to see it.

This used to be called "drama" back at Avalon, and it probably still is. Many people there were dead set against drama. Do you know why? Because, for far too many people, ignorance is bliss.

 

Ladies and gentlemen!



I am pleased to announce a new chapter in the ongoing dynamic of metaphysical illustration. To begin this chapter, I'll make the following statements.

1. I am changing the dynamic of this thread. My purpose - to provide an outline/primer of conducive metaphysical operation – is complete, and I thank Chicodoodoo for providing the impetus for this realization.
   
   While I am often want to wax idiotic – far beyond necessity – I am also loathe to repeat myself, and absent interruption I would invariably do both, incurring my own contempt. There will be (nor ever was there to be) any form of revision, modification, or cleaning, in spite of the many undesirable interjections which were intermixed in the flow. Life is what it is, and I am not one to attempt to take life on anything but life's terms; to do otherwise is a fool's errand and an exercise in futility, and my hope is that this salient point is appreciated – if not embraced outright – by the reader/audience.
   
   
2. Since I have been (and will no doubt continue to be) vilified, I shall do what I have found is a most apt response; I will play the villain! My hope is that by way of doing so, one can readily come to terms with the true nature of the villain as pertains to the potentiation/emergence of whomever deems themselves the 'hero'. To reiterate a point made in the radio show test:

1. (supposed to be 3 and 4, but the bullet editor is shit and so is my internet tonight so just pretend) The general theme of Inphinet is evidently shifting toward the confrontation and opposition of Sociopaths, and I find this is most appropriate, having been subjected to several in my own experience and recognizing the prevalence of such in contemporary society. One need only look at Chicodoodoo to see how emotionally damaging interaction with a sociopath can be. I would have that anyone/everyone be suitably armed and prepared for such interactions, that they can avoid ending up such a paranoid and insufferable mess.
   
   
2. The proclivity to oppose sociopaths – and opponents in general – should not occur without a thorough and ceaseless self-reflection, else one is doomed to become that which they would oppose. As such, I will also be advocating the other side of the sociopathic dynamic, that of the co-dependent enabler, and the manner in which 'victims' actively participate in their 'victimization'; for a quick overview of that, refer to the Wedding/Neuro-peptide scene of “What the Bleep Do We Know”. Whatever one does do, I enjoin the importance of pointing an equal number of fingers inwards as outward; the individual is equally – if not moreso – responsible for the circumstances they potentiate and find themselves in. This is not a popular position, but it is strategically, dispositionally, and objectively true.

Four is a good number; I'll stick to that.



In closing I hope that my efforts have been enlightening, educational, perhaps aesthetically pleasing, and above all,...



...what do I care, I'm supposed to be the villain, right? Let's get started!

 

Alright. Fish allegories aside, I would like to review the Laws, namely law # 9.

Win Through Your Actions, Never Through Argument

In the book, the author details a story of Leonardo de Vinci and the sculpting of a particular piece of marble. The contract was assigned by some dood who's name is largely irrelevant, but let us just establish that this dude knew nothing of sculpting, art, or perspective.

When the statue Leonardo was sculpting was finished, the dood showed up to see the product. He was immediately dissatisfied with the work and expressed it to Leonardo. The statue was a person (I forget who, I'm going from memory here) and the dood complained that the statue's proportions were off and that the work - and the marble piece - were ruined. Leonardo immediately set to console the man, had him stand clear of the structure, scaled to the top and worked at it for a bit with his chisel. After he came down, the dood was now satisfied with the work, and retracted all objection.

What REALLY happened is that Leonardo adequately and rightly assessed that the dood was in fact, a n0oB. The 'standing the guy clear' maneuver (duplicity <gasp>) was to give him the proper angle to view the piece from. Since the statue was in Leo's studio with all manner of light casting numerous shadows in different directions (and not the final place the statue would be erected), one could not get an adequate perspective of the piece. When he scaled to work with his chisel, he tapped gingerly on the face with the back of the chisel and sprinkled down bits of stone and dust that he had grabbed from the floor. This illusory and deceptive move accomplished the following:

1. He allowed the n0oB to think that he was right, and so avoid offending him (he was an influential n0oB, and Leo had a reputation and career to see to).
2. He maintained the piece in its correct appearance; Leo - after all - was the expert on such things.

In this scenario, Leo realized that if he were to argue his case - that the piece was fine/correct - he would only incite further opposition from one who was not want to recognize that he lacked the authority (true authority, that of the craftsman) to adequately judge the piece. Rather than risk a pyrrhic victory (or worse, an outright loss of reputation and position) he opted to allow the n0oB the opportunity to avoid being faced with their own incompetence, while maintaining his status (increasing actually, the n0oB was impressed by Leo's willingness to accommodate).

It was not for Leo to try and 'change' the n0oB - if that WERE to occur, the onus was on the n0oB - but given the consequences and/or benefits (gasp! selfishness!), he acted in a matter that was both scient, decorous, and above all: wise.

P.S. There's also a story of a guy who didn't; a roman scientist and engineer, who's name (but not his account) escapes the history books because he - in his authority - dared to inform the roman consul that he was 'wrong'.

 

Now, while the above videos are useful in a certain sense, make no illusions; those are for training and disciplinary purpose. 'Real' interactions (physical) are not (never?) like that. If one wishes to strengthen themselves by way of actual combat training, here's just one of the resources I have come across.


"Its not the size of the dog in the fight, its the size of the fight in the dog." (Resolve, much?)




Check the video at 0:54,... notice that after the initial exchange, the defender escapes the situation?

Let me reiterate, there is a fine line between training techniques - which develop form, discipline, and an understanding of how the body works and can be manipulated - and combative techniques. Training techniques CAN work in certain scenarios and contexts, but combative techniques are designed to operate from a more eclectic and adaptable situation, where one can abandon their process as additional considerations become apparent or even potential.

 

Basic Ninjutsu

Obviously I have a penchant for martial arts, specifically Ninjutsu. There's a philosophical element that I'll detail in another post, but for now I would like to offer some basic and introductory videos, should the individual be interested in simple examples.

Two of the Youtube groups I find particularly authoritative and informative - both trained in the Bujinkan style - are those of Jon Haas (channel name), and Mark Roemke (of Ninjutsu Bujinkan AND Ninja Training TV). Here are a couple of videos from both. Please note, these are introductory videos only, and there are a wealth of additional resources, channels/videos that incorporate displays/instruction of more advanced material.

First I'll start with Jon Haas; his more recent videos have taken on a Vlog style, and I haven't watched most of them, but his ~2012 videos are GREAT beginning resources. I recommend watching them at 1.5 speed tho, cuz his measure is unnecessarily slow IMO.


Bokken (Rods)


Kusari Fundo (chains)
Plz note, he's using a ROPE (no chain OR weight) fundo; the Zonbi Ninshu does not typically utilize 'training' weapons, but the ideas are the same.

Now Jon does not incorporate sword/blade videos, rather he has the bokken (and other) videos, however in the Zonbi Ninshu the Bokken is a stand-alone weapon, rather than a 'training' weapon.

In addition to techniques and training videos, he has alot of muscular and strength training videos that might be worth a gander too.

Next up is Mark Roemke; don't hold it against him that he can't pronounce Kusari Fundo properly,... he's among a significant percentage,... its "Koo-sah-ree Foon-Doh", not Kisura, not Kasura, not Kasuri, and its not a "Fun" do,... n0oBs,... anyway.


Kusari Fundo


Bokken


Katana

One thing to note; the techniques to do with the Kusari Fundo are the 'traditional' techniques. If one wants to get funky with their fundo, I recommend looking into fire-spinning. ^_~

 

One thing I feel I should clarify:

While I make no apologies or (for the most part ^_~) illusion of the fact that I use deception and illusion, I should indicate that while there are individuals online whom I have engaged and likely more over time, the overwhelming majority who I DO engage are in real life. While there is evidence of overt (selfish) falseness in the Alt, I find a greater prevalence of selfish duplicity (whether conscious or self-deceptively based) among the aggregate,... especially amongst the 'religious'.

Personally, I like religious types 'cuz they entertain me - especially the LDS church 'cuz they come to me ^_~ - but I often leave them with a 'bad taste'. Take this example; an individual in my immediate surroundings (a baptist, this one) is under the distinct impression (God knows why, ha!) that because he shows up to church every week, he's entitled to A. not maintain a job (his wife does that, he's collecting unemployment for going on a year now), B. do absolutely NO chores (nor his two testicular secretions boys) 'cuz that's "woman's work" (he claims the Bible told him so), and C. (and here's the kicker, just recent) can spend $1500 on Black Friday, borrow $500 from a single mother of two who works THREE jobs, and then NOT PAY HER BACK.

What is it about christians? I'll probably post about that too.

He's in my cross-hairs; he doesn't know it yet,.... And make no mistake, it's not a matter of morality or anything; the single mother in question (who, I have indicated should NOT have jeopardized her rent and situation for THIS testicular secretion dude) is the closest friend of my spouse and a valuable ally to the both of us. Basically (in a technically not-appropriate 'possessive' sense) I count her as among 'mine', and am want to act on her behalf.

Now, before anyone accuses me of having a savior complex, its not about saving or 'fighting the good fight' or any such nonsense; all it is is that he has opted to deliberately and duplicitously (both through disposition and action) malign someone who has done right by me, and whom I am willing to - without being asked - operate on behalf of. That, and good ol' entertainment of course.

Having said, there are aspects to physical/geographical interaction that are not available to an online interaction. I don't have the liberty of observing facial cues, body language, tone inflection, etc., so I opt to take 'shortcuts', and those shortcuts involve duplicity.

Please recognize, at no point has any of this been meant to excuse, rationalize, or justify. There IS no justification, but neither IMO is justification necessary. What I have observed is that deceptive individuals aren't going to admit to their deceptions, EVEN WHEN CAUGHT IN THE ACT. The only recourse (for expedited observance) is to spin a bit of a tale/illusion.

Besides, I'm not trying to screw/ruin/fleece anyone, and the only losses incurred are to do with Pride, and appearances (namely, the false ones). So, to anyone out there (assuming!) that finds themselves going "He's lying!",... deal with it. If the individuals I inevitably cross paths with were not readily engaged in lying to themselves AND others, I would GLADLY desist.

Until then,....



Good video (off topic) but he makes my point at 1:34

EDIT: P.S. I'm pleased to mention that the douche I mentioned toward the top of this post has reluctantly but finally complied with his obligation to my associate, and is therefore being taken off my 'to do' list (but irrevocably remains on my 'to avoid/advise against' list).

 

It never ceases to amaze me the degree of self-deception individuals are want to engage in.

Whether by hypocrisy, a lack of self-reflection, or just plain ignorance, it never takes me long to find it. The sad part is, part of me likes it otherwise I would realize at the outset/forefront and avoid such un-pleasantries; it gratifies me to some degree to be disillusioned I guess.

I suppose its fortunate that it never takes long to source/identify. In particular, there is a particular want among the Alt to profess 'truth-seeking', 'enlightenment', 'sovereignty', etc., but then belie those claims by actions and behavior. Yet, when pressed on the issue the individuals double-down. I mean, it would be one thing to acknowledge a behavior or mindset when indicated, but to willfully ignore it when presented, that's another issue entirely.

And so, I must do what I have made a practice of doing; I'll extricate myself from the situation, assess the pros, cons, successes, failures, etc., along with the details which contributed to all sides. If I truly desire to avoid unnecessary entanglements, the onus falls in MY lap.

For example, one could readily and evidently criticize me for frequently engaging in duplicity. That is a fair criticism, and worthy of note. I counter that position in observance that everyone is engaged in duplicity of a sort/magnitude (though it may not be apparent initially), that my methods are a mirror of the situations I see (feel drawn to), but that's not the whole story.

I could suggest that my strategy has been developed over time to assist in weeding/sussing out endemic false-hood. I could state that in the interest of getting to the gist/pith of a situation is largely accelerated by way of tactics and strategy. I could even argue that my choices are a learned behavior adopted by observing my surroundings and 'doing as the Romans do'. All those points are partially/largely (subjectively) true.

The greater truth is simply that I am a liar. That is not a moral judgement, nor a critique,... it is simply evident; whether others are liars as I claim - or not - is irrelevant.

The greater reality is the personified 'I' that I identify with and present is its SELF a lie. Again I am want to say 'oh, well everyone is/does', but again that is irrelevant.

Or is it?

Individuals have/do profess to want to 'change' things, whether its the dynamic in which they operate, the established structures around and in which they operate, and the functions of both. This strikes me as odd, because they themselves are a construct of both. The idea that the seed of a plant can change the plant from which it originates is base nonsense IMO.

All a seed can do is grow, and its growth is predetermined; it is not fate, it is inevitability.

Lies, illusion, etc. are inevitable. I suppose I should take solace/comfort in that I can at least - even to a minimal degree - be conscious of that. As said earlier (pg. 2):

P.S. My favorite method to employ is the 'Red Herring'. ^_~

 

I emphatically insist on physical emergence - beyond the obvious benefits (which are many) - to do with the fact that, a healthy body contributes to a healthy mind. Bodily/mental health is dependent on FAR more than stretching, which is where diet, exercise, and indeed recreation, are essential, not to mention intellectual development and emergence.

All these to service and develop the resolve. The resolve is a tricky thing; it cannot be proven or evidenced empirically, and yet can still be observed to exist and be present/absent.

There are many sources that suggest that the ME depends on the stable/suitable position of both the mind and body, and I find no evidence to the contrary. Subjectively, I find a great deal of corroboration both through artistic representation (IME, Manga, but I'll get to that too), and personal experience.

Whatever the case, I doubt I will find any detractors who will assert that a sound mind and/or resolve can come out of an unsound body, so to which I RE-REiterate (heh, re-re) the importance of physical emergence and development.

BUT there are elements to both the body and mind that are subtle and elusive. For example, I hope one is aware that one's geographical domain is in essence a depiction of their internal condition. One who is want to engage in due diligence will readily attend to those secular matters (chores) that depict and affect their surroundings, the degree to which is emblematic.

Conversely, one who is not want to so can be readily observed to neglect an increasing number of 'chores' as is relative to their current position. Additionally, secular life (sometimes; in my case at least) demands attention to aspects which are influenced by outside forces but which have a tangible effect on both the appearance and the 'feel' of one's environment.

I can't but reference my current situation to depict, but in the near vicinity of my residence is a number of individuals/groups that are want to engage in illicit substance distribution. I don't know their exact location, but I do know they wander along my leased property on occasion (I seen 'em, and the previous renters left entirely BECAUSE of the drug activity), and I also know that there's a package containing a few wireless cameras that is headed my way; again, due diligence (nothing personal, just good business).

To merge the philosophical with the literal, the 'body' can be said to represent MORE than the body, and what is good for the goose is good for the gander (the gander in this case referring to me, mine, and those I hold dear/precious).

This, I would encourage in any who might see.

 

That's quite the delightful and appreciable position; thank you for the questions.

The reality IMO is that chess - and life - are simply a game. Some games are fun, some games are not so, but like you indicate chess is an opportunity to learn. My current 'nemesis' in chess (literally) is a co-worker who soundly destroys me every time we play (I almost beat him recently {or did I?}, but alas), who in his youth won many tournaments and who - outside of chess - is the only individual who on a professional level can match me 'move for move' with regard to initiative, self-motivation, and overall resolve; add to that, he's only 22.

I deliberately misrepresented my chess record, and the truth is the inverse of what I reported; a duplicitous maneuver I will readily admit, though I will not apologize for it.

Having said, I reiterate my agreement that the overall point is what is learned, which is why my record is so 'poor'. For me - with chess and with life - it is not about the "Win", it is about the game. The first and foremost question for me is, 'are both players enjoying the game?'. I'll admit that (probably 25%) I have thrown numerous games once I knew (in light of forethought and potential) that the game was otherwise 'won' if I maintained my strategy. I care not whether my opponent knows I have 'won' once I have.

On the other hand, life has consequences (for myself and those who rely on me) I can't ignore,... hence the above quoted position.

Now, if you'll excuse me I would like to clear this space, that I may continue from where I left off.

 

Interesting again. So do you see chess as a conflict, or maybe a type of battle?

To me, chess is a puzzle. The object of the game is to try to solve the puzzle that the other player presents.

I have lost thousands and thousands of chess games. I always told my chess class kids exactly that on day one. They usually want to know right then how many I've won. I tell them, "Probably thousands and thousands, but I don't keep count. The only one that counts is the one I'm playing, and with that one, it doesn't matter whether I win or lose. What matters is what I learn."

 

On the one hand I agree with that position. It doesn't do to pick fights, pursue conflicts, or play chess against less skilled opponents,... excepting that you might be the opponent from which they get better from the opposition of.

However, I am not want to engage in conflicts at all,... but I will not shy away from a conflict that is brought to me either.

FWIW, my record in chess (I've only been keeping track for about the past 5 years) is about 43w and 2l. ^_~

 

Interesting, but quite foreign to me. I've played chess most of my life. I taught chess to elementary school kids for 13 years, including kindergarteners. My philosophy, which I taught, was that if you are not losing at least half your games, you are playing the wrong people.

Thoughts?

 

Happy new year!

Not sure how well it will work, but I've attached a .PDF (below) that contains three charts of highly effective stretching practices. I personally utilize many of the stretches indicated, particularly those that pertain to the lower back, shoulders, and arms. Many of the 'conventional' stretches (those commonly known) are highly ineffective for those areas, and I encourage the reader to at least try them.

Many people tell me that (when applicable) they have an amazing experience the first time they do a good HEAVY stretch (be it normal stretching, yoga, etc.). The reason for this is as I have indicated here and elsewhere; a disturbing number (IMO) of people haven't stretched in YEARS, some as long as grade/high school.

IMAGINE how much muscle fatigue, not to mention minor strains, hyper-extentions/-flexions, knots, can occur over such a period of time.

The problem is, many people operate from a misguided understanding of what a muscle strain feels like. For the most part, they're NOT debilitating, and most people can 'walk it off', or 'get back to normal' after a few days.

They're NOT back to normal, they have just become so acclimated to the fatigue/strain that it no longer bothers them. Meanwhile, the injury persists.

So, to start off the New Year, I enjoin anyone reading this:

For the love of god, stretch your shit!

 

For this new years (happy new year!) I'll dispense a drink recipe I'm actively utilizing. Unfortunately, one must be in a butt-ass cold environment for it to work.

Let's get to it!

Take:

1 - awesomer icicle (see above)
1 - partition of Rum (or whatever booz is preferred)
2 - (or less) partitions of mixer (preferred: International Delight Very Vanilla Nog)

Place the icicle in the glass, point up.
Pour booz over the icicle, so that the booz divides over the ice.
Pour mixer over the ice (same way).
Grab ice and stir.
Break ice so it all fits in the glass (Ice should be anywhere from 3" to 9" over the rim of the glass; break into 4" pieces).

Enjoy!

Happy new year, and STAY TUNED (if ya want) cuz its only just begun!

cooldrink

 

WORD OF THE DAY: PSEUDO-SCIENCE

If you aren't aware, the term Pseudo-science is designated (almost exclusively as a dismissive) toward anything that is not provable or observable by the scientific method.

Which is,... most of the shit I talk about here.

And while PS is something of a laughing-stock of the mainstream scientific community, there's something that bears consideration IMO.

First off, a refusal (or inability) to abide by the scientific method is NOT inherently a bad thing, nor does it even suggest that NO viable or consistent conclusions can be made.

The scientific method involves observing 'something' (a change, a lack of change, an organism, whatever) from as sterile an environment as possible (so,... totally) to eliminate variables so that a conclusion can be reached with regard to the observed. Its a steady and precise method that builds on previous understandings and observances, and many(most) of the conclusions are readily testable and sound.

The pseudo-scientific method relies on subjective observation, intuitive pursuit, and a 'taking things IN context' sort of approach.

Realize, a sterile environment does not A. exist in nature, and B. entirely removes whatever is being observed/experimented from the context in which their operation might have been relevant.

Allow me to suggest that though not passing 'science's rigid standards (don't get me started, I already went over 'scient'), that while the one besmirches the other (and albeit, the other is appropriately critical of the one IMO), they are not entirely dissimilar.

Allow me to suggest that the scientific method is comparable to a criminal court, where the conclusion (ruling) must be based on 'beyond a shadow of a doubt' (in the US), or essentially 99% certainty.

In that same line of thinking, the pseudo-scientific method is comparable to a CIVIL court, where the ruling is based on 'beyond reasonable doubt', or essentially 51% certainty.

I wonder if criminal lawyers are as insufferable toward civil lawyers as,... well,....

I mean think about it; medical 'science' has brought society such wonders as mercury fillings, unnecessary (and heinous) vaccines, fluoridated water (and that's without even touching Bio-Ag). Sure, they had help, but that doesn't change the fact.

Now, just because Pseudo-sciences can be useful, viable, etc., does NOT mean they are not without their pitfalls, obstacles, or oubliettes. Given the less-certain nature of the practices, it requires more (okay, I don't know if 'more' is accurate, so let me say 'different levels of') discipline and awareness. The threshold of possibility is exponentially larger than that which is observed in scientific pursuits, and must be seen to with increasing diligence as much so as is possible.

On the other hand, Pseudo-science ABSOLUTELY incorporates the involvement of the observer/participant as an active part of the 'observed phenomenon'.

To put it simply, Science is about reaching a definitive conclusion, whereas Pseudo-science is about creating an increasingly suitable theory.

And if you don't know what the true definition of the word Definition is, I advise one find an old (the brick ones in Libraries) dictionary an look it up exhaustively. (hint: Its about consensus)

 

I apologize for the inherent delays,... but I hope you're hungry!



The above indicated video serves as equally a threshold, a conclusion, a beginning, a catalyst, and both the culmination and the realization of years of contemplation, meditation, strategic planning, and a little bit of piss and vinegar.

Rest assured (assuming,...) there will be more to come.

 

<eagerly eyes the 'turkey' cooking in the 'oven'>

It's almost ready,... can you smell it?

Now to let it cool,....

Alas, it won't be ready before I depart for work. Still, tonight the feast begins!

 

WORD OF THE DAY: SCIENT

Dictionary.com doesn't have this one, and its obscure enough that Webster wants you to pay just to see it; ridiculous. Wordnik has it though,....

• adj.
  Knowing; aware; knowledgeable.
• n.
  Obsolete spelling of scion.

Scient is the antonym - the antithetical counter-party - to nescient, which is a state where knowledge exists but only in various states of unknowability to the individual; the knowledge is beyond even the most resolved pursuit of knowledge. In many cases, the scient state is identical to experience whereas nescience is inexperience.

Correspondingly, science is the perfect tense (IIRC) form of scient, not to be confused with mainstream science which is a whole different matter. A scientist therefore is an individual who practices/produces an increasingly scient state.

To practice ME is to pursue the scient state with regard to the fabric of existence, the forces of inevitability, causality, the evident and persistent - as well as the subtle and elusive - dreams of experience, and to observe, interact with, and participate amongst a level of diversity that is quite beyond my creative capacity to conjure in entirety (but only due to the insufficiency of spoken/transmitted word).

It is Sovereignty of the highest order, and as Aleister Crowley rightly said, it IS for ALL.

Especially ninjas.

And speaking of ninjas, did you see that Art of the Ninja video? Those are simple expressions of genjutsu. Historically, ninjas would use such visual tricks to distract targets, and momentarily mesmerize unsuspecting victims. This allowed infiltrations, assassinations, and other shenanigens to go on using the classic maneuver, the Kansas City Shuffle; they look right, and you go left. Techniques like that are usually only good for a moment or two, but that's plenty for a ninja. ^_~

 

I'm on an inspirational-ish video kick at the moment. Here are a few of the heavier contenders:

Art of the Ninja - Kuma Films


Ninja Parkour - wakeuptoryan


HARD TAIJUTSU - Budo


Ninjutsu w/ Resisting Opponents - Shinobi Science


<cont>

Ninjas were harmed during the filming of the above videos,....

... but it was disciplinary. ninnjja

 

Beyond all that, I'd like to make a statement, a shot across the bow for any practicing alchemists and metaphysicists (kinda the same thing, but whatever).

Snow is betterer than dew.

Not just ANY snow mind you. It (IMO) has to be the tiny ones that look like snowflakes (like the folded paper shits that kindergarten classes make). Big fluffy snow is nice, but forms erratic patterns, and while flurries work, its hard to collect enough to be useable.

Like I said, the little (</= 1/2") star-shaped ones.

Now then, lets look at my choice of Ozone (O3) as a representative/associated aspect. For one, it does fit with the geographical artifacts of the environment, but there's more to it.

If you are reading this on or about the day of Christmas, you are also reading this three days hence the winter solstice. If you were to go outside and look up, you would notice a full moon,....

Shit like that doesn't happen every day (the timing) and neither does Ozone. Ozone occurs when oxygen (O2) interacts with ultra-violet light. Its that 'smell' you detect around photo-copiers,... that's ozone.

Now lets look at the ozone LAYER surrounding the planet. Nothing exhaustive, wiki will do. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ozone_layer

Now, what is the moon? Yes, I know its a space-ship, but its also a solar reflector; oh it may not have been intended as such, but it still serves the purpose. The full moon reflects light,... including UV light. Simply, the full moon contributes to the production of O3 in the atmosphere.

Look again at the (depicted) design of the layout,... the basement represents one oxygen molecule, while the outside space represents two. Two O's is breathe-able air, and three is (still breathe-able) ozone. Hence, the two molecules by themselves (outside) are conducive to life in general, but the inclusion of the third forms the compound which is present and participant in protecting/making-habitable the entire goddamn planet.

ALL these correlations/associations were ceremonialized at the same time that the moon was full at the end of the 3 day, post-solstice, astrologically rare occurrence,... all harmonized and situated to create a synergistic effect with regard to the sanctification process.

For a zombie ninja, its not about the song and dance; the song and dance are more of a 'housewarming party' in spirit. The song and dance is where you entertain your 'guests' with what you have done with the place, how you arranged the 'furniture' and what you will be doing with the space.

Another aspect of the housewarming party (I'm gonna keep calling it that, I like it) is where you recognize, pay tribute/respects to, and otherwise exalt those parties which have been instrumental in participating toward the successful manifestation of whatever is manifest.

I would venture to guess that there has been more than one ME'ist in history who has neglected that last bit (to their peril?), to the dissatisfaction of their audience; the route word of 'gratitude' is 'grace'.

One thing I would like to point out to any newer members of the audience is this: Metaphysics is LITERALLY a pseudo-science, but that it IS a pseudo-science is NOT inherently a bad thing. Take me for example, I may not know precisely how my cell phone or computer operate, but I know they DO operate, that there are things you 'do' and 'don't do' to maintain the devices, I know how to input commands and make my way around them,...

... and most importantly my grasp of them develops over time. Science does not claim to have 'all the answers' and neither does metaphysics. Indeed, a proper metaphysicist will be most amused at the concept of having all the answers, and will likely indicate that metaphysical 'science' operates on a different standard and perception of 'evidence', hence the inability to call it a 'legitimate' science. Reiterating, just because its pseudo-science does not make it nonviable or non-actionable.

Oooh, that's good,... that's going in the OP,....

Okie dokie. Now I won't be going into the specifics of the Zonbi Ninja elements of the song and dance (well, one of the songs I recently posted,....). Sorry, but that's for practitioners only. Still, I think I've offered a sufficient enough look at the level of depth that goes into the Zonbi Ninja's santification of space. I did forget to mention some of the finer aspects of sanctifying the perimeter, but I'll suffice that by saying a big bag of salt and one of those chalk line drawing things they use on baseball fields (the presence of snow gives me a marvelous excuse, and masks the presence of the salt) and a verbal mention (the coordinates of the entire property in addition to the sanctified space).

I suddenly feel the impulse to indicate my sanctification of tools and especially my garments,... or perhaps I am suddenly realizing that I would do well to re-sanctify my garments and tools in/to/with the new environment,....


Well, if I do, I'll have plenty MORE to talk about.

 

So to generally summarize my process with regard to the previous example of ME (the survey of the location, not the LeBouf material), the first aspect is to identify the resources one has at their disposal and from there determine what is even possible. If I didn't have a basement window right there, if the geography in general were different, I'd have designed the dance bit a little differently. Be water my friend.

Once you know what your resources are and you've thoroughly surveyed and/or taken note of them, its just a matter of 'composing a song' in a manner of speaking.

Look at it this way; when sanctifying a space (I'm not a huge fan of the word sanctify, but it works) one is laying sovereign claim to it. The first step is to 'notify' any trespassers that further trespass will be met with infinite force. The second step may be to apply force, but hopefully the next step would be to notify any interested parties of the emergent nature of the area. Me, I'm not a stickler for the whole 'everybody get out' method, I like my audience. Still, there must be a declaration of intent (NOT UNLIKE WITH A NEW THREAD IN A FORUM HINT HINT) so that any violation of said intent can be observed to be in ignorance (as opposed to nescience) and would then be actionable.

The declaration must be made in an obvious and easily 'observed' manner (remember, some agencies are using super-consciousness, others are using crazy tech; cater to their methods). Then, I recommend refreshment and entertainment; most present will have an appetite for rare/refined energy types, others prefer flesh/tissue/blood (you can spare a pint,... I know I can) and those with special needs/wants will notify you (or manage for themselves).

Realize too, you will be something of a 'country bumpkin' in a manner of speaking, to many of the attendees; humans who operate so are among the extreme minority, especially outside of established occult traditions and/or families. Still, out of curiosity alone you will get ME 'likes and shares' (ha!), which will get the ball rolling. I also recommend paying respects to allies and 'co-conspirators' (not literally),...

... and ALWAYS respect your/the elders!

... but only just so. ^_~

 

And now, to POP that bubble,....

 

WORD OF THE DAY: SANCTIFY


This will take me a while.


Moving into a new residence brings with it a list of 'additional' requirements/reponsibilities to one who is inclined to assert ME responsibility; remember what I said about Walmart silverware/plates etc.? Yeah, that.

Having recently refined my method to new and exciting levels, I will desribe (some of) the process and consideration which were applied in the process of 'sanctifying' (or rather, rendering/designating a space 'fit/sufficient' for secular and metaphysical activity by removing any/all non-conducive or non-complimentary elements and where necessary adding and including elements).


The first thing that must occur when performing such a function - in my experience - (that'll be the last time, I assume any further 'in my experience, opinion, etc. would be redundant); realize that the process of sanctification is unnatural and/or artificial.

I'm not at all saying there is anything 'wrong', 'immoral', 'unjust', etc. with this process - indeed, the contrary is true - however, one ought operate from a completely scient position and this includes recognition/awareness of all results of one's actions.

The first step then is to clean the shit. No, I mean clean the shit. Forget 'cleaning deposits and services', we're going deeper than that. I recommend a good and through sweeping at absolute minimum.

Me, I swept the interior section by hand, then utilized a pet-hair style vacuum, followed by a steam-cleaner, followed by a rainbow.

Those paying attention will notice that this is a 4-fold (hee) cleaning method,... the reason being that most people don't know or appreciate just how much crap gets wedged under carpet, especially the dense, industrial kind that lines my basement floor.

Now, realism time: I know that I was unable to remove 'all' the contaminants (in a literal sense), as I would have had to rip up the carpet, wax the cement, and then re-lay carpet in order to be 'certain' (and even then,....). Like I said, I wasn't trying to remove all, just all that I could (between the rainbow and the steam cleaner,... I think I'm okay). Don't just stop with the floors; if you can see it,... clean it.

Once all the areas are clean, now its time to survey all that one commands,... and when I say survey I mean its measurement and calculation time!

I'll include sketches a bit later, but for now I'll describe the process. First, map and measure the area. I don't use exhaustive precision - hundredths (in decimal) of an inch is fine by me. After measuring, I find that the operant area of the basement to be a 16' x 12' section. There's a pole in the center of the 12' width, making the effective of the room a 6' s circle surrounding the central pole with a 2' gap between the circle and the inside (NW) wall.

Now, along that NW wall is a window. Here's where the outside comes into play.

When one stands with their back against the pole, and adjusts their direction to almost due west (by compass) AND elevates their gaze upward through the window, they come into sight of,... a birch tree on the front lawn. Hmmmmm.

I suppose I got ahead of myself by describing the raking of the outside, but it occurs to me that the birch tree on the outside, and the basement post on the inside are constantly connected by light . Oh, I'll be using that,... but it also requires a re-evaluation and cleaning. The inside is fine, but time to tend to the outside; this means raking,... lots of raking. The bushes and shrubs have been long neglected, and I can perceive their appreciation at getting their 'feet itched' (the processes of removing all the old/rotted debris that collects at the trunk, also any pestilent bugs); they love that shit.


Time for some more calculation (and not just measurements this time,....). This part will require (and I WON'T be showing my work Xp) Geometry, Trigonometry, usage of Mathematical ratios, and heavy emphasis on the Pythagorean theorum. <sigh> Math. ~_~

Okay, so the inside circle is 6', with another 2' to the wall. The wall is 1' thick, meaning that,... there's 9' feet to the outside edge of the house (not accounting for elevation).

For anyone paying attention, there's a 3, 6, and 9. ^_~

K, so we have the length between the pole and the wall. The length between the tree and the outside edge of the wall (along a parallel line) is 20'. I'm rounding a bit, and from my measured figures the ratio comes out to this: 4x = Inside, 9x = outside, or 4/9,... which equals .444444444444444. ^_~

Since we have the ratio, alot of the numbers can be derived. The outside circle around the tree comes in at about 13.5', but there's a curious aspect I chose to include in the formulae.

The floor of the basement (the 6's circle) corresponds to the 'ceiling' above the birch tree. I'll show you what I mean in the drawings. After a few more calculations and measurements, the basement is found to be 7.2' tall (or rather, to ground level) and by way of the ratio this indicates an outside 'ceiling' of about 16.2'. This means that the base threshold of the basement - 7.2' x 6'dia - is mirrored and inverted - by the outside ceiling of 16.2' x 13.5'dia.

Oh we're still not done! Now that we have the 2 dimensional measurements, lets START to plot the 3 dimensional! Having the 2 vertical measurements AND the length from the pole to the tree (2 dimensionally) gives us base and height from which we can calculate the hypotenuse.

This number (the hypotenuse) is the exact and furthest distance between the two central points of the operant space, and this is the last measurement we will need in order to complete the santification (there's more math, but its all calculated).

Okay, before I get into SPHERES (oh yes!), lets look at something. The circles in question are at a 4/9 ratio of size. Now, I want you to run over to your old chemistry books and tell me something.

Given that the volume of the outside circle is (within a reasonable margin that is easily accounted for) a little over 2x the size of the inside circle, what one is basically dealing with amounts to 2 configurations of 3 'areas (6' circles)'. Now tell me a molecular compound that involves 3 parts of stable molecules, preferrably that has some correlation to the nature of the environment, the work to be done, etc.

For me that's easy. Ozone, or O3. Now, if you don't know about the properties, nature, origin, etc. of Ozone, you might look it up. In any case, I can now associate the layout and the function of the workspace along the lines of a naturally occurring, non-toxic element (with many more characteristics I'm omitting).

Okay, we have our diagram (at least I do,... and 3 of them at this point) which looks like a couple rectangles with 2 main circles and several lines conntecting them as triangles and ratio points, and a whole slough of jotted in figures (some of which were discovered to be errant Xp). The areas in question - as outlined by the circle - represent a cylindrical (actually conical if you wanna get REALLY specific) cross section of the surface of the planet. The elevations of those areas represent the base and the ceiling of those cylinders. Here's where it gets 'fun'.

Imagine if you will that those two circles - the floor and the ceiling - represent the intersection of a sphere superimposed over that cylinder. I'll see if I can find a picture to illustrate.

Hmmm. Not what I was looking for, but still usable. http://www.math.com/school/subject3/lessons/S3U4L4GL.html

With the first set of images, imagine the cylinder (in cross section it looks squarish) in the center of the sphere, to the point that the sphere bubbles seamlessly around the cylinder; that's the image you will need.

Because, while the coordinates of the cylinder are sound, a cylinder is not in equilibrium! If anything, the cylinder actually only dictates the effective area. And, one (the perimeter) is insufficient; one must calculate the sphere as it bubbles around the cylinder AND as it rests INSIDE the cylinder.

It has to be something particularly fascinating for me to do THIS much math without payment. ^_~

So - I'm going to assume you're following still - I have the workspace, designated by mathematical figures that indicate the inside sphere, the 'middle' cylinder, and the outside sphere. This applies both to the inside and the outside. I have the measurements between the two areas, the ratios and correlations inherent, including the associated image (O3). I have the compass coordinated directions inherent (walls to the SW, NW, and NE, line of sight between spheres at w/e - a very significant pair of direction in ME.

All I need now is to apply some Geological equations and some Astrophysics, and I'm SET! Ha that was funny.

Seriously. One won't be making any further effort with the last few calculations (or WILL they?), but they will serve during the 'song and dance' portion. In particular, I have found it useful when actually drawing the circles and spheres (every one should be represented) to indicate the EXACT POSITIONS where the operant space occurs as relates to the planetary body it resides on (latitude, longitude, AND ELEVATION), as well as designations of the particular planet as occurs on the solar system. Here's a handy-dandy picture to give you an idea of what I mean about 'specifics and designation'.



<Shezbeth attaches C4 to the editor program which just ate the second attempt to add to this,....>

<AHEM>

All that remains - aside from the actual song and dance - is to embellish, adorn, indicate, or otherwise accent the areas in question. Inside I like to use measured lengths of string and dry-erase markers. Outside is beauty though,.... For the last several weeks we've been getting intermittent snow,... about 5-6" cumulative. Now the first day I carved into the snow was about a week ago, and while I have had to RE-carve into the snow, the designs have taken on a magnificent level of depth and detail. The very afternoon light playing off it is enough to invoke a feeling of awe and accomplishment! And no, you CAN'T see it. Xp

For added effect, it helps (in spirit, in precision, and in altogether awesomeness) to carve one's circles (in snow) with ice. Specifically,....

... an awesomer icicle sword/wand/thingy! I don't know whether it counts as a sword or a wand (or a fetish tool?),... and I don't care either (actually, at the pinnacle of tools in the Zonbi Ninshu is the 'sword that is a wand that is a sword', which this counts as but is traditionally a Naginata).

NOTICE THE BUSINESS ATTIRE! I'll reference THAT at LEEEENNNNNGGGGTTTTHHHH! Also note; that icicle is about 1.375 (1 3/8") diameter at the pommel!

Think about it! Using crystalline water (Emoto anyone?) to carve crystalline water, which its self is in amongst the most geometrically sound shapes conceivable?!?

Oh, its beauty in my mind.

Whew. I think I'll pause for a bit. Don't worry, I'll be back at it before long.

P.S. Awesomer icicle sword-wands make for MOST excellent mixed-drink ice. At least, per my experience. Xp

 

WORD OF THE DAY: FORMULAE

Right,... that. Okay.

The song 'Better Days' is one which I have conducted numerous experiments with when utilizing ME (I am taking to using the ME abbreviation rather than writing out 'metaphysics', 'metaphysical', etc.).

The verses allow for a number of accented overtones which increase resonance and harmony. Additionally it is situated perfectly within my comfortable 'belt-tone' range where I can really hit them with my diaphragm. It generally 'works' for a karaoke night or a competition.

For a worplace Christmas party it was perfection. Walk with me,....

"And you ask me what I want this year
And I try to make this kind and clear
Just a chance that maybe we'll find better days
Cause I don't need boxes wrapped in strings
And designer love and empty things
Just a chance that maybe we'll find better days"

Given that it was at a Christmas party, I liked that the song begins with references to gifts and materialism. If one is not already aware/critical of the manifold levels of public degradation that goes on there, well they missed a few assignments. So anyway, a subtle jab at the whole spirit behind the thing tickled me.

What's more is that before I sang they had me announce a few door-prize winners, and then gave me one which I refused. Later in the evening he (the boss) insisted so I acquiesced, but only out of propriety. So yeah, right after giving away a few gifts and politely but publicly declining one myself (I won TWO last year so I'd have been okay with nothing) I launch into THAT bit,... and I meant it. Conviction, resolve, intent,... vibration, resonance,... harmony,....


"I need someplace simple where we could live
And something only you can give
And thats faith and trust and peace while we're alive"


Now this bit is a different kind of personal. Over the past 3 years we have been beset by an insufferable tyrant for a landlord. She wasn't as bad when her husband was alive, but when he passed she made the situation more adverse than was necessary,... and the funny thing is that that was still the 'opportune' situation.

So anyway, recently that situation came to a head in a big way. Her son - fresh out of prison for firearms trafficking (across national boundaries no less) - decides to - in the same conversation that he's detailing the work he wants to do to our porch (which we were told was going to be done just after we first moved in,... 3 years ago,...) - inform me that he can get me a wicked-good price on a kilo of cocaine. He also mentions that the organization he operates on behalf of (I'm not using ANY names motherfuckers, this shit is STILL anonymous so don't EVEN get your panties bunched,... and I KNOW that YOU'RE looking in {if not before then definitely now!}) can readily dispose of a troublesome individual or two on my behalf should necessity dictate.

---
Uhm,... am I outside my rights as a tenant in being suddenly weirded out by the whole situation? I don't want to go to the cops about it (I'm not a player hater Xp), but I don't want to deal with this shit literally in my front yard goddammit!
---

There's loads more to detail, but I'll suffice to say that the housing authority has been involved (completely without my involvement - overtly OR covertly) and she (and her winner) may be in for an adverse winter.


Having detailed that tidbit of information might allow the reader to appreciate the magnitude (beyond comparison) my sensation of appreciation, joy, respect, etc. at having resolved that shit by our new residence. For one, there were a number of people in the periphery (some who surprised me) who lent a hand, often without being asked. I was quite moved to observe how many allies I have among my associations when the situation is unacceptable. I've recently uttered the words 'We could not have done it without you' more than a dozen times without embellishment or exaggeration.

What's even more, the house we're residing in is a fairly old house (30's) and is part of the resident history. This is - to some of the locals - (uncle) Sal's old place, grandma's house to others, and to no less than 6 local, young adults (my landlord's kids specifically) it was the house they grew up in. For us to be allowed to reside here is not simply a matter of credit ratings and renters history, especially in a town of 2000ish. We have - in a very real sense - been accepted and given the 'nod' (not by everyone though! It is me after all!); no small feat for 'some asshole from California'!

Now if all this were just about me, I could probably have dealed with the old landlord (and her pestilent cumstain) honestly. I welcome sufferable adversity because it makes me much stronger and far more humble, but this is about those I have sworn this secular form unto.

Now, you know you don't have all the details (but a fair idea) of the rage/frustration/dissatisfaction/malcontent/etc. that one most probably would develop over time (3 years) while living in an environment which includes the details I have mentioned, and you can probably identify with a degree of the satisfaction/relief/etc. from its resolution AND honor/sentiment/appreciation at the spirit behind it (w/ all the help). What I would like you to do now, as near as you are able (think of your image of the extant state I am describing as a scaled-down model of what my experience entailed) is to condense that entire chronological/emotional/extatic sequence into a singularity (I'll show you how later on if you aren't aware of a method). Yep,... all three years,... pile it on (but try to stack it semi-neatly).

THAT is the force I put behind that 3-line verse. It is not unusual for tears to flow when I sing ME (its mostly involuntary, but not unwelcome) and this was no exception.

"And the one poor child who saved this world
And there's 10 million more who probably could
If we all just stopped and said a prayer for them"

And this verse very nicely alludes to the concepts which are present as the basis of the Zonbi Ninshu(do). I contest any notion of a 'the' guy with regard to spirituality, emergence, excellence, etc. I readily find that religion - at the very least - is an abject waste of resources and speaks to the degree that up and coming generations would benefit from a reinvestment materially, ideologically/philosophically, etc. I could speak volumes on this as well, but I'll relent.

I lied. Not just the material/resources but the creative capacity that is otherwise pissed away by way of organized, established religion is truly galling IMO. I'll state one thing right now and PLEASE share this if you're inclined to:

IF THE METAPHYSICAL POTENTIAL OF THE CHILDREN OF THE WORLD WERE SUCCESSFULLY HARMONIZED AND FOCUSED WE WOULD EXPERIENCE A VASTLY DIFFERENT REALITY THAN THAT WE CURRENTLY FIND EVIDENT.

"I wish everyone was loved tonight
And somehow stop this endless fight
Just a chance that maybe we'll find better days"

I don't think I really need to take this one apart, do you?

Chorus -
"So take these words
And sing out loud
Cause everyone is forgiven now
Cause tonight's the night the world begins again"

Which is not only consistent with the general position of me (as the figurehead of the Zonbi Ninshu) but is likewise mirrored amongst Abrahamic traditions by way of "Shout from your rooftops that which you would hear in the streets". Such a phrase is not unlike a resolved command (which is the goal anyway); so mote it be, and He saw it and found that it was good, etc. In any case, its something that people can 'get' even if their conscious mind prevents them from getting it.

Now, you probably think that's all the formula right? Please!

If you don't mind, go BACK to the video, and WATCH it again (again, if you don't mind). The song begins with a little blond kid (hey now) poking a tune into a piano, and it is then implicitly referenced that the band singing is - in a manner of speaking - that child poking a song into the piano, and that song being the song presented.
By verse two a number of kids in the woodwork (lit) start to be drawn toward the music. Gradually they assemble, more and more, from all different directions. The band increases in volume and intensity to affect the image of the child at the piano. Light and sound dance through the forest, and the camera focuses on four trees in sequence; Truth, Hope, Faith, and Love.
By the closing of the song, the children have assembled standing together, and the singer emerges face to face with the child. The symbolism is so thick you could cut it with a knife.

Now the audience probably was not aware of the contents of the video, nor the intent woven into my voice, nor any of the countless details that were driven, melded, forged, and - like a fine damascus pattern - shone on the surface of my presentation, nor indeed the years of karaoke practice which enabled that particular level of efficacy (nor the prior years of choir,... I have significant voice experience).

But, the client needs not know such things of a recipe to know it was delicious. I have been notified that it was delicious, and in that I am well pleased.

An old associate of mine - Thomas Brooks by name - dabbled in both ME (you'll get used to it, but don't be a perv) and DeathMetal. Once, during a performance, he cut a 2 1/2 gash in his arm. What happened next was what I have taken to describing (having been in the midst of my exhaustive consumption of all works Castaneda) as a simultaneous and mutual shift in the assemblage point of all who were witness.
From that experience I have come to recognize - and as stated, tested sufficiently to observe a consensus of result - that when one does it right they produce an extant state in the audience which is entirely incomparable to any other experience. Obviously there will be variances in intensity and significance, but - again as stated - it amounts to owning (or at least, borrowing the creative license to) OTHER PEOPLE'S CONSCIOUSNESS (with their participation/assent).

To do such work, I strongly advise examining the flower of life (though I prefer the image that appears in my avatar) for MANY HOURS to ensure that one has sufficiently 'got it'. The whole thing was immensely exhausting and yet strangely (not really) invigorating, and I highly recommend it to others.


P.S. Just before the final climax of the song ("I wish everyone....") I opened my eyes (I find its helpful to focus if I close my eyes) and was staring down the barrel of the boss' cellphone-camera which was recording the whole thing. I mouthed the words "You're RECORDING THIS?! FUCK!!!" before resuming the song without missing a beat. <FA checks a box on one of his 'agenda' lists labelled 'Further Market Self to Upper Management'>

P.P.S. I also identified another opponent! There was one guy who tried so very hard to downplay my performance (the opening was iffy due to volume levels but we had it up by the 3rd or 4th line),... I'll be keeping my eye on him,....

P.P.P.S. I STILL haven't given the completed formulae,... I didn't even crack the box on using notational embellishments in the scale to encode/entwine the note progression. For example, if you substitute a 3rd on the scale that progresses in a sequence of 6, 1, 2, 1 and make it say 6, 3, 2, 1,... well that's an entirely different 'statement'. ^_~

 

Stepping away from the fantastical (mostly ^_~) and back into the secular, I would like to detail a scenario.

Last night was my company's annual Christmas (Holiday) Party, and it was a rousing success. Why was it a success? Because as I detailed in chat to an associate yesterday, I always have a plan; yesterday was no exception.

Last year I opted to steal (my own chunk of) the show by singing an a Capella rendition of 'With a Little Help From My Friends'. At the time I was new with the company, entirely unknown in the town, and without associates or allies. So, to present myself a bit, to inject a bit of mirth (there was emphasis on the 'getting high' part, which drew laughter), and to generally subconsciously say to all assembled: 'Hi, I'm FA. I know I'm a douche' when it comes to production, but I'm not a bad guy and there are layers to me you might not know about but might appreciate'.

Last year was a complete success,... and this year was a rousing success.

Upon entering the building I was immediately beset by an almost demand (it was optional, but they had scheduled it in advance without mentioning it to me and were good-naturedly insistent) that I sing something. I told the individual on the spot that after I had consumed a sufficient quantity of alcohol (oh it was just one Xp) that I would be happy to, HOWEVER,... I was going to use magic on him and the assembled audience.

I had anticipated this potential, and took the liberty of arriving dressed in the formal portion (minus the robe, that'd have been too much) of my dogi so I was quite literally suited for the occasion. ^_~

This is what I went with:



I'll dissect the equation I used for this working in a bit,... I just spent 45 minutes writing it out only to lose it by a stray keystroke. ~_~

My experience has made evident and logical the following position; metaphysics are beyond most people. I would that this were not so, but as stated (not entirely in the same context, but applicable still) in the first Matrix, some are simply too old to be woken up.


Whether that position is accurate or not is beyond me, and though I recognize the probability that it will be wasted effort, I am predisposed to assuming that that latter point (the 'too old' bit) is abject nonsense; IMO the 'dog' is never too old, but the dog sometimes begs to differ.


Getting back to my wandering point, as one who literally radiates energy and potential - not unlike steam - I can be jarring to be around for alot of people. The socialization process appears (^_~) geared toward occulting any perception or sense that stands outside the 'main' ones, and I have a habit of forcing people to use the eyes they have never seen with and the ears they've never heard with.


So then what is a metaphysicist to do, while the less-prescient of the world slowly stir from their slumber? Make the energy, the vibe, the 'beat' if you will, something that they can consciously and unconsciously resonate with you (ideas work best IMO). Take that idea, and make it as MUCH of a theatrical display as you can and hit them with EVERYTHING YOU HAVE. Think of it as staking a claim to a short part of THEIR experience, and make it something they'll enjoy.


That, IMO is step 1.


<wheels in a Karaoke machine>

So where should I stick this thing?

 

Entirely unplanned and resulting from a synchronicity, serendipity, and personal conviction/impulse, I would like to share with you a bit of insight that I first received many years ago, and which I recently had the opportunity to revisit.

This insight comes care of the semi-popular Star Wars novel series which Disney has taken the liberty of declaring 'never happened/existed' in the Star Wars universe; an understandable move, but one that invalidates decades of creative property, philosophical gold, etc.

The character in question goes by the name Vergere, who is principally responsible for the advanced training in the force received by Jacen Solo (son of Han and Leia). The overwhelming majority is iterated in the book 'Traitor'.

The quotes are sourced from a blog-post of some fellow who, though I haven't yet any of his other posts, he does a remarkable job of summarizing and fixating on the tasty bits; said blog can be found here:
http://notesfromtheninthcircle.blogspot.com/2014/05/wisdom-of-jedi-master-vergere.html

Without further ado,....

---

“The Force is a sword with two edges. Cut one way and vanquish. But be careless on the backswing, or allow your mind to wander, and you risk undoing all you’ve accomplished.”

“Out of control is just code for ‘I don’t want to admit I’m the kind of person who would do such things.’ It’s a lie.”

“The most valuable lesson one can teach a fanatic is that fanaticism is self-defeating.”

“Questions are more true than answers, because all the answers fall short of the truth: this is the beginning of wisdom.”

“A master of defense isone who is never in the place that is attacked.”

“A right that is given is as useless as a virtue that is given. Rights are used, or they have no value, just as virtues must be performed.”

“Freedom is always alarming.”

“Orders not backed by force are only suggestions.”

“You feel empty. You feel alone. Lonely. Almost frightened, but also strong, yes? The name for what you are feeling is freedom. How did you expect it to feel? You are free, and that can be lonely, and empty, and frightening. But it is also powerful.”

“This is the shameful secret of the Jedi: There is no dark side. The Force is one. The Force is everything and everything is the Force. The Force does not take sides. The Force does not even have sides.”

“Light and dark are no more than nomenclature: words that describe how little we understand. What you call the dark side is the raw, unrestrained Force itself: you call the dark side what you find when you give yourself over wholly to the Force. To be a Jedi is to control your passion, but Jedi control limits your power. Greatness requires the surrender of control. Passion that is guided, not walled away. Leave your limits behind. If your surrender leads to slaughter, that is not because the Force has darkness in it. It is because you do. The only dark side you need fear is the one in your own heart.”

“The truth is greater than the words we use to describe it.”

“Why is a question that is always deeper than the answer. Perhaps you should ask you should ask instead: what?”

“What distinguishes a flower from a weed is only this: the choice of the gardener.”

“Sith? Jedi? Are these the only choices? Dark or light, good or evil? Is there no more to the Force than this? What is the screen on which light and dark cast their shapes and shadows? Where is the ground on which stands good and evil?”

“Everything I tell you is a lie. And the truth.”

---

And the best part, is a dialogue. The dialogue is directly between Jacen and Vergere. In context, she is regularly subjecting Jacen to a degree of pain so overwhelming that all senses are shut down and he experiences a white-out.

The following occurred between Vergere and Jacen Solo when he was a prisoner of the Yuuzhan Vong (in Traitor) in which her wisdom can’t really be separated.

---

Vergere: “What is pain for? Do you ever think about that, Jacen Solo? What is its function? Many of our more devout masters believe that pain is the lash of the True Gods: that suffering is how the True Gods teach us to disdain comfort, our bodies, even life itself. For myself, I say that pain is itself a god: the taskmaster of life. Pain cracks the whip, and all that lives will move. The most basic instinct of life is to retreat from pain. To hide from it. If going here hurts, even a granite slug will go over there; to live is to be a slave to pain. To be ‘beyond pain’ is to be dead, yes?”

Jacen: “Not for me," Jacen answered dully, once his throat opened enough that he could speak. "No matter how dead you say I am, it still hurts.”

Vergere: “Oh, well, yes. That the dead are beyond pain is only an article of faith, isn't it? We should say, we hope that the dead are beyond pain--but there's only one way to find out for sure.”

Jacen: “I don't think anything. I just want it to stop.”

Vergere: “I am such a fool. All this time, I had thought I was speaking to an adult. Ah, self-deception is the cruelest trick of all, isn’t it? I let myself believe that you had once been a true Jedi, when in truth you are only a hatchling, shivering in the nest, squalling because your mother hasn’t fluttered up to feed you.”

Jacen: “You...you...How can you... after what you’ve done...”

Vergere: “What I have done? Oh, no no no, this is about what you have done.”

Jacen: “I haven’t done anything!”

Vergere: “Exactly. Is that not the infant’s tactic? To wail, and wail, and wail, to wriggle its fingers and kick its heals...hoping an adult will notice and care for it?”

Jacen: “What can I do?”

Vergere: “Certainly, among your options is continuing to hang in this room and suffer. And so long as you do that, do you know what will happen?”

Jacen: “What?”

Vergere: “Nothing. Oh, eventually, you’ll go mad, I suppose. If you’re lucky. Someday you may even die. Of old age.”

Jacen: “Is that why you keep coming here? To gloat? To humiliate a defeated enemy?”

Vergere: “Am I gloating? Are we enemies? Are you defeated?”

Jacen: “I don’t understand.”

Vergere: “That, at least, is very clear. I give you a gift, Jacen Solo. I free you from hope of rescue. Can you not see how I am trying to help you?”

Jacen: “Help? When we talk about the kind of things you’ve done to me, help isn’t the word we use.”

Vergere: “No? Then perhaps you are correct: our difficulties may be linguistic. When I was very young, I came upon a shadowmoth at the end of its metamorphosis, still within its cocoon. I had already some touch with the Force; I could feel the shadowmoth’s pain, its panic, its claustrophobia, its hopelessly desperate struggle to free itself. It was as though this particular shadowmoth knew I was beside it, and screamed out to me for help. How could I refuse? So I gave it what you mean by help: I used a small utility cutter to slice the cocoon, to help the shadowmoth get out.”

Jacen: “Oh, you didn't, did you? Please say you didn't.”

Jacen: ‘You can’t help a shadowmoth by cutting its cocoon. It needs the effort; the struggle to break the cocoon forces ichor into its wing veins. If you cut the cocoon—

Vergere: ‘The shadowmoth will be crippled. "Yes. It was a tragic creature--never to fly, never to join its fellows in their nightdance under the moons. Even its wingflutes were stunted, and so it was as mute as it was planetbound. During that long summer, we sometimes heard moonsong through the window of my bedchamber, and from my shadowmoth I would feel always only sadness and bitter envy, that it could never soar beneath the stars, that its voice could never rise in song. I cared for it as best I could-- but the life of a shadowmoth is short, you know; they spend years and years as larvae, storing strength for one single summer of dance and song. I robbed that shadowmoth; I stole its destiny... because I helped it.”

Jacen: "That wasn’t helping. That’s not what help means either.”

Vergere: “No? I saw a creature in agony, crying out in terror, and I undertook to ease its pain, and assuage its fear. If that is not what you mean by help, then my command of Basic is worse than I believed.”

Jacen: “You didn't understand what was happening.”

Vergere: “Neither did the shadowmoth. But tell me this, Jacen Solo: if I had understood what was happening--if I had known what the larva was, and what it must do, and what it must suffer, to become the glorious creature that it could become--what should I have done that you would call, in your Basic(english), help?”

But tell me this, Jacen Solo: what should I have done that you would call help?”

Jacen: “I suppose the best help you could offer would be to keep the cocoon safe. Hawk-bats hunt shadowmoth larvae, and they especially like newly cocooned pupae: that's the stage where they have the most stored fat. So I guess the best help you could offer would be to keep watch over the larva, to protect it from predators--and leave it alone to fight its own battle.”

Vergere: “And, perhaps, also to protect it from other well-intentioned folk—who might wish, in their ignorance, to ‘help’ it with their own utility cutters. And also perhaps, you might stop by from time to time, to let the struggling, desperate, suffering, creature know that it is not alone. That someone cares. That its pain is in service of its destiny.”

Jacen: “Yes...”

Vergere: “Then, Jacen Solo, our definitions of help are identical.”

 

Colors Sounds, and other Embellishments and accompaniment.

I'll come back to Axioms - it seems obvious to me of course (Ha!) - but for the moment I am less interested in adding to it. All in due time.

In the meantime, I'll add to the previous about colors.


In addition to 'just' including objective and subjective correlations to one's activities, the manner one includes them can also have a synergistic effect. For example, the number of correlations can affect whatever one is 'doing'.


When it comes to what - amongst certain circles - is largely referred to as 'Greater Black Magic(k)', the sky truly is the limit in a manner of speaking. There are no restrictions or prohibitions, but there are actions and consequences (i.e., prohibitions/restrictions in an 'external locus of control' sense, but not literally).


One can make their 'working' (I don't like the term, but I don't deny its accuracy) as extensive or succinct as they prefer, and one or the other can be of greater efficacy depending on the individual. A person could spend a day plotting out a simple song-and-dance, or they could spend a year+ meticulously and exhaustively mapping, plotting, scheduling, arranging, and calculating the precise formula/sequence.

And of course, one should always play to their strengths while devloping/eliminating vulnerability.

Now, with light or color (one would be remiss in mistaking the two) on the visual spectrum, I would encourage - at the very least - the further inclusion of sound. Not only does sound produce particular effects (both conscious and unconscious) in the recipient, but the very nature of sound - wave-form vibration - has a unique application. In light, the application of music and/or an instrument is highly advisable.

IMO, one could do worse than a trumpet,... and add some associations if they can. Allow me to demonstrate:

The trumpet I have designated/specified for use in metaphysics is a Jupiter (#1) that is nickel-plated (#2) brass (#3) with a gold-plated (#4) 3A (#5) Megatone (#6) mouthpiece, which - when present - can be found slung over my shoulder by the belt of a black outer-robe which was utilized prior to the shiny-dragons. (#7-11).

So, without iterating all of them, one can observe 11 associations and consistencies. In addition, those associations can be divided almost in half (and the remainder sits nicely in the middle, vesica-pisces style,... #12).


You see my point? Now, I don't advise just piling on various associations (themselves, of various levels of significance) as one doesn't want overly 'clutter' one's 'atmosphere'. Still, it might help to think of those associations as being comparable to stitching.


When one is stitching, they are joining two pieces of fabric together with the intent of creating a lasting connection between the two materials,... a loose description I know, but it works.

In metaphysical works, this is largely what one is trying to do, except that (in a manner of speaking) the materials being 'joined' is instead 'the present' and 'a potential future', 'the manifest and unmanifest',... etc. (throughout the multitude of terminologies).

At least, that is consistent with my experience/observation/study.

 

Welcome Back My Friends To the Show That Never Ends

 

WORD OF THE DAY: AXIOM

(please pardon as I depart from my previous methods and just start writing and editing over time).

There are a few choice phrases I share with any who will listen/benefit. These phrases are delivered in the literal context of Chess, but more generally/philosophically applicable over a mass of topics and endeavors.


-- Never win a chess match unless you can afford to, never engage in a chess match you cannot afford to lose, and if the match is unavoidable, never lose.

In many ways, this is a simplification of many concepts touted by the 48 Laws (and others). The idea is that, when one wins a contest, they (in some cases) can inadverdantly make a greater opponent of one's counter-part. Many people cannot stand to lose, and are not always want to act responsibly, sportingly, or reasonably. Simply put, don't bother to defeat your opponent unless A. there is a prize/consequence that is valuable/unacceptable. In deferring on less significant contests, you allow your opponent to assume an air of superiority and/or confidence, all the while learning their tactics and methods.

Very few people know more than one strategy to chess, so one should not concern themselves with minor gains or paltry consequences.