Suppose it were possible to be “self” conscious and aware without ever seeing a reflection in a mirror or on a shiny surface. Then on a warm day, near a forest green, from a pond glistening as silver, gazing innocently from the spring undisturbed by cattle, sheep, birds, wild boars, beasts or even by branches dropping leaves from trees that arch over the water, yielding perhaps acorns, pine cones, a nut or two. Then, casting yourself down among the rich landscape, exhausted, on top the grassy verges to quench your thirst, you see such a beautiful sight in the water, irresistibly and immediately falling in love perhaps for the very first time, until realizing that this image is your own reflection.

An overly simplified description of the myth of Narcissus, which has numerous versions, all of which converge on self love, and although told about a boy, Narcissus could equally be thought as a girl.  “As she tried to embrace and kiss the beautiful girl who confronts her in the water, eventually recognizing herself, she lay gazing enraptured with the pool, hour after hour. How could she endure both to possess and yet not to possess? Grief was destroying her, yet she rejoiced in her torment: knowing at least that her other self would remain true to her, whatever happened.” So told Theiresias, the blind seer who spoke of Narcissus, “He saw his own shape and it was fatal, for he could only see through it.”

“Alas! Alas!” Narcissus cried, but Echo, a local nymph had already forgiven and grieved with him; then sympathetically echoing his last words, “Alas! Alas!” as he plunged a dagger into his breast, she said finally, “Ah, youth, beloved in vain, fare thee well!” as he expired. His blood soaked the earth, and there sprang up the white narcissus flower with its red corolla.

No doubt an interesting story with unanticipated twists and turns, possibly echoed in Hamlet, Shakespeare’s masterpiece of the Prince of Denmark, one filled with numerous connotations especially the prophecy of the seer, incapable of seeing his physical world because of blindness yet one who is also wise of sight, quite capable of viewing only what lay beyond the existence of the five senses.

Since it is not possible to see oneself other than as a reflection off some external surface whether an inanimate object, or the opinions and attitudes of others, the myth of Narcissus is poignant in its scope about what it says concerning self, the ego, and whatever attributes are chosen to embellish the character most pleasing to see, or taught from negative experience, to mock.

Judgments about “self” begin, absorbed from childhood, and initially from “the other,” before being formulated as part of an individual reflection,  once again returning attention to the effects of parents and family that are the initial basis for these impressions, later reinforced or balanced with other things comprising experience. Self confidence, traced with narcissism provides an empowering quality to ascribe value and “self”  worth, worthy of living for.

Pathological narcissism can be a reflection unseen by “self,” a blind spot that can be disguised by loathing as well as misguided love also characterizing its invisibility of presence and the absence of “self” esteem so visible by others, describing yet another echo of an echo, caught between the surfaces of the three dimensions reflecting each other as it moves through Time/Space, as much a topic for mythology as is Science.

Walking on water has long been an ability attributed to enlightened souls predicated on their ability to master thought, energy, the laws of physics and surrounding space as they become increasingly aware that pre-existing physical boundaries can be challenged.

How to get to that point of awareness, let alone achieving it, depends on many factors individually defined and externally effected, all variable based on how one interprets the signs along the path.

Levitation above water, earth, and air, are all related and can also be achieved using scientific devices such as super magnets. However, this is not the same as evolving the ability to do it as a spiritual attainment, claimed by some as a feasible accomplishment that has no general formula of discovery since it can only be approached singularly.

Every person is constrained by gravity and time, the effects of which have profound impact. We begin not knowing how to master the movement of our own body as it grows to maturity, learning coordination and cognition developing over time and experience.

Thought also has the capacity to effect physicality when used as the basis to link with the atoms, cells and organs of the body. With a tempered mind and heart, capable when focused, of curing disease by restoring balance to imbalance, this revolves to a state the body already knows how to maintain by mobilizing whatever systems it needs to return to homeostasis although sometimes it forgets and needs to be reminded.

The mind has the capacity not only to connect with this process, but also to modify and direct it. If one person is capable of doing something, than others can do it too, recognizing that what may work for one might not for somebody else. This limits what science can substantiate since reproducibility is what makes observation, fact. But an inability to quantify the extraordinary things people can accomplish doesn’t negate it but does suggests an introspective experience.

There are two simple ways to levitate. One is to change the weight of all the cells of the body to be lighter then air, and the second is to alter the polarity of each atom to be a charge that will cause gravity to repel. Each approach requires the ability to use thought to communicate with all elements that comprise the individual, perhaps even identifying aberrant cells and systems, and mobilizing and fixed on the innate instinct to restore harmony. A simple thing, like levitation, is possible to do if one is disciplined and focused enough to know how to do it.

Dharma is often thought of as one’s mission, a life task picked for the soul accomplishment of enriching existence in some way or another, usually revealed by an unknown source as personal destiny. The call is to rise to the charge - a status - or vocation, all of which seems at most times unattainable, and yet confidence seems to be bestowed by some mysterious authority, the beneficent gods of lore; or perhaps it’s all just a grandiose self-delusion despite never losing hope that great things are within grasp if personal sacrifice for the greater good is placed as the top priority, a noble thought.

The thirst for encouragement and validation is always present and unquenchable, a source of self confidence and conceit. And any person who expresses uncommon knowledge may be of some help by introducing external perspective, however that can often be mistaken for cosmic wisdom. History is filled with people placed on a pedestal because they had a charismatic way of articulating a message other people felt but couldn’t put to words or art. For them, a parallel path is an illusion. They recognize that lives intersect at several points, the crossroads for each lying in a non-linear universe, attracted by some unexplained circumstance.

Sometimes dharma is revealed at a peculiar time when least expected, a prognostication that displays unusual individual precision during a time when the search for a direction seems most acute, usually for lack of finding an answer from within. Uncertainty prolongs indecision, often leading to paralysis; yet any reasonable force of authority might vaguely point to the distant horizon and declare: “Go forth and follow your destiny,” and get away with it. The instinct is to resist, especially when attempting to master an unknown dharma that will have to be figured out and attained on one’s own, if not alone. After all, it’s not for the gods to make it happen, nor do they exist to be depended upon - that’s what it means to be a co-creator.

Once the solitary nature of ‘independent’ accomplishment is understood, panic sets in and the looming question “How am I supposed to make this happen in the first place?” becomes an obsessive thought as the strong desire to crawl under the bed becomes an overwhelming yearn. It is difficult to do something that you’re not really in the mood to do or have to explain why you really don’t want to be selfless in the first place.

It’s more compelling if dharma is chosen from a process of self-discovery, perhaps an idea that strikes while crossing the street during a thunder storm, avoiding getting hit by a car while distracted deep in thought about life’s plan. Then it happens as an inspiration akin to a lightening bolt that strikes, “Oh, now I get it!” Then the next thought seeps into consciousness: “But did that come from me or some unknown source?”

Tangents In Karma

It was my first day attending The Philosophy Of Creativity, a course at Columbia University. I was beaming, for this was after all Columbia, as I walked into the classroom of the renowned Professor Schneider, a German Philosopher and guest speaker originally from the University of Dresden. The syllabus did not indicate the subject of the days’ lecture, but he had a reputation for being a bit eccentric, a man in his early seventies with a handlebar mustache neatly waxed, wearing a rather shabby looking brown pinstriped suit, a creased Grey shirt and a Lime Green tie poorly knotted. His shoes, brown with large scuff marks, did not appear shined for some time. He wore mismatched orange socks with horizontal brown stripes.

After the students took their seats and attendance had been called, the professor announced that the day’s lesson would be about using nothing but empty space to think creatively, then he went to the cubbard and placed a large empty jar of Hellman’s Extra Light mayonnaise on the desk. The class looked on as I wondered whether it was a 32 or 64 oz jar.

The professor pulled out a bucket of golf balls, standard size, and began dropping them one by one into the empty jar of Extra Light Mayonnaise. I was quite surprised that the jar didn’t crack from the physical force of the falling balls. When no more could be passed through the aperture of the glass opening, the professor asked in a clear and resonating German accent as he moved away from the desk and pointed to the glass “Is the jar full?”

One student from Paris said “Oui” although none of the other students knew what she said, as all the English speaking students responded: “Yes”.
Then the Professor, gazing into the audience, asked:
“Are you sure?”
“Yes”, everyone said.
I, however, said “No.”
“And what is the basis for your answer,” he asked as the class silently looked at me clearing my throat.

“There is still the space between the balls that hasn’t been accounted for, a situation quite similar to finding the area under a curve, a Calculus problem, accomplished by adding an increasing number of rectangles to the axis under the curve, into infinity, but never quite filling the space completely. In this case, I am convinced that there is still space in the jar left empty between the balls that can be calculated, so it’s not full.”

Professor Schneider said nothing, exposing a large bag of sand laying behind the desk, then he poured it in a stream of thousands of grains into the spaces between the golf balls as we watched wondering what the point of all this was. He once again interrupted us and he  asked: “Now, is the jar full?”

The majority of my classmates said, “Yeah, it looks filled up.”
“And what do you think?” he asked, casting his gaze upon me.
“Nothing has changed. There is still empty space between the grains of sand, although much smaller,” I responded confidently.
“How about if I pour some extra fine ground French coffee?” said professor Schneider as he gestured towards the jar.
“Could you please make it Colombian,” I responded. “French brews have a strong scent and create a bit of a stink.”

The professor paced the floor in thought. He looked at me, then the rest of the class, then said: “What conclusions can you draw from this display?”
I took a few moments to collect my thoughts, gazing into empty space, before responding, “Well, aside from the fact that space isn’t ‘the final frontier,’ but an infinite frontier since there will always be room to stuff things into the remaining unoccupied area even if it can’t be seen. Another consideration, I suppose, is that ordering the space differently can profoundly impact the course of life. Assuming the golf balls represent important elements such as health, shelter, profession, family, children and creative skills, just to name a few. If one occupies the space with sand first, it will obscure the ability to perceive what’s really important and the old expression,  seeing the forest from the trees comes to mind.  The granules cram the space with less essentials, perhaps luxuries that misguide the focus from sensible priorities while the coffee grounds leave additional imperceptible emptiness. The remaining area can perhaps represent hope for unanticipated things that come along possibly adding texture, character and flavor to existence enough to introduce noticeable visceral change, suggesting there is always room for something new, if one has an open mind to see it.”

“And if you only use the golf balls and sand?” asked professor Schneider.

“Well, even if life seems filled to the brim, there will still be room to go to the local Starbucks and have a cup of coffee with a friend, as long as it isn’t a French blend”, I added.
Then the professor responded with a snicker, “Even those with space between their ears can find ways to use the empty gaps creatively,” as he gazed at the class, stroking his handlebar mustache.

“Life can be compared to a banana. If your not careful where you put your peel, you might slip on your own mistake”

Whenever one reflects upon life keeping things simple can be useful, hopefully clarifying what appears as a complex of intermingling structures  without taking it all too seriously. Asking fundamental philosophical questions about Existence, Be-ness, Predetermination, Chaos, and Infinity all of which are universal and interrelated helps, while having expectations before knowing what to anticipate is at best risky since answers vary upon unknown circumstances in constant change making an educated guess the most effective way to deal with uncertainty.

Interpreting life successfully is not necessarily a function of intelligence, first noticeable as developmental milestones that children reach earlier then others in their same age group. Walking and talking in complete sentences at six months would certainly suggest a mastery of cognitive skills drawing the attention of parents and developmental psychologists, but even a genius with a high IQ can overlook enough elements in the landscape to lead  to failure.

The best education can do is help a student discover the most effective way they can access and process information for themselves, instilling the ability to  prioritize reasonable goals and boundaries, access risk, evaluate choice, promote anger management and inspire creativity.  Not everyone learns in the same way and life tends to be exclusively defined, uniquely conditional and often unfair. Parents bear ultimate responsibility for how their children turn out, and if things don’t go right with their kids, nothing a parent does in life will ever feel right no matter how successful they appear.

Competition does not have to be a necessary part of success since life provides sufficient obstacles to refine skills and sustain the tension needed for a creative struggle often illustrated by the artist. Only the ability for adaptation and change defined by flexibility is essential to survival. Acknowledging this can help any individual excel in whatever way is best for them to learn, whether its visual, auditory, or by some extra sensibility not commonly appreciated or understood by others, especially those with autism, dyslexia and attention deficit disorder, who often struggle to keep up until they find their own way to integrate their talents.

Individuals who are successful at whatever they do may not feel as fortunate as others may think, often lacking  self confidence believing rather that they have only succeeded in somehow fooling everyone into thinking they know what they are doing, concerned that at some point someone will see through their act and expose them as far less capable then they are projecting, a tireless expenditure of energy that eventually becomes more burdensome and a major source for depression.

What is thought to be true one moment can vary so quickly that reality can present quite differently from what was first seen. Shifts in facts only indicates  the transitory nature  of everything that one may initially think of as reliable. This is where pliability in thinking is most important. Developing some basic formula’s that define the relationship of “Things” can supply some stability, and at least give an appearance of a scientific approach while patterns identified between every day life and the cosmic can shed insight if noticed, by revealing order in the universe and expressing a progression that focus’s attention on evolution which needs no explanation.

One such symbol is the spiral. Many compelling examples include the way the force of nature flows such as  a hurricane,  tornado,  the structure of  DNA and the expression of psychological change and growth from the resistance of obstacles originating from the unexpected. Often, dealing with events feels repetitive, returning to what appears as the same point on the circle, when the arc  actually leads to another level of the spiral which can appear, depending on perspective, as the same point of the level below.

As an ancient saying goes, “when you don’t know the reason something happens and the cause remains unknown but continues to consume time, blame it on karma.” This point becomes visceral when a rapid sequence of events has occurred and every single one has gone wrong, expressing only obstacles that suggests “the fates” have somehow conspired against me, doomed to struggle, making any reasonable task seem insurmountable. A truly karmic way of looking at it, except that it’s all based on the assumption that I am important enough for “the fates” to be so focused.

Obstacles are rarely the same, testing each time just a bit differently to reinforce awareness of how they differ from past experiences, all of which doesn’t guarantee finding the right solution this time. Many expose some kind of impediment that was thought to be already resolved even though it’s easy to identify patterns that are expressed cyclically. All this does is to provoke the need to find a resolution, hoping it becomes a basis for growth, an opportunity to spiral to another level by adding intensity to new and similar situations.

Dealing with uncertainty can be overpowering, also a basis of hesitation, hoping that somehow, someway, the future will shed more light and reveal additional certainty that will result in making better choices. However waiting too long runs the risk of missed opportunities, sometimes with great regret that reinforces procrastination. Whether the effects of these actions are good or bad is largely due to how one interprets whatever happens and the behavioral patterns perpetuated as a consequence, setting the stage for future “re-actions.”

Thoughts and deeds, the basis of cause and effect, have a magnetism all their own, whatever reaction is manifested. Perspective can either clarify or obscure the distinction between the two, magnifying elements of each to a point where there is no difference. This is where the balance of intuition, instinct and experience, if trusted, can be a helpful vehicle precipitating the introspective search, but the ability to be honest with oneself to the point of pain can reliably help only as long as it is not overly embellished with self deprecation, guilt or depression, all of which generates neurosis.

Looking at a thought as an action that already exists somewhere on another level makes it possible for it to be idea-ted in the first place. Whoever thinks “it” can become the conduit and invent whatever is imagined using the tools of the physical plane to make it concrete. It’s possible for two or more people to be thinking the same idea independently at the same time in which case the credit for the invention will go to whoever creates it first.

The power of thoughts, although more subtle than actions, can be just as powerful despite the argument that they are less amenable to scientific documentation, which only supports those people that would rather deny that something invisible can have tangible effects. Although exact measurements are probably not possible, underestimation of their effects should always be a consideration before dismissing them as insignificant to warrant attention.

Fame, for example, brings attention of varying degrees, sometimes annoying when it compromises privacy, anonymity and personal space, until experience leads to the development of the ability to function while bombarded by the influx of many demands. Unless a balance is maintained, firmly grounded in self-confidence and trust, critical thoughts can have a major impact on objectivity and judgment. Some seek out drugs as a buffer from being the subject of intense focus, or as an escape from desperate boredom caused by isolation and repetitive tasks, just two of many attempts to adapt, becoming self-generating, forming the basis of more complex habits based on the direction thoughts accumulate.

“Reaping the effects of what is sown,” another way of describing karma, makes more sense as a generic formula to fit infinite events influenced by “Cosmic Law,” describing relationships between “Things,” the basis of mathematical equations, logic and religions’ doctrines. All contribute to an awareness that develops the basis of behavior.

Some people are drawn to others in ways that fulfill turbulent, often destructive relationships, exhibiting co-dependence. Others, viewing this cycle of attraction, question the behavior of those that keep getting into the same situation over and over again, a self fulfilling destiny characterized by low self-esteem and lack of confidence.

On the other hand, it is much easier to see someone else’s blind spots than it is our own, a caution to those who have a tendency to judge others by reminding us all that the reason these spots are blind to the person displaying them is because they are too close to see them. Confrontation does nothing but increase denial and runs the risk of lost trust. Lasting insights tend to come best from realizing things on one’s own, not being told them by someone else.

Patterns in nature, when connected to individual behavior and perception, can lead to predictions based on some kind of order that initial appearances didn’t reveal. A different structure not previously seen, or one that has changed. Whatever the case, observation becomes acute when it’s possible to sense what was once thought invisible, connecting cosmic principles to things that correspond to the mundane world. The instant it all makes sense, it simply all makes sense, without complication or controversy regardless of paradoxical appearances.

Fundamental change in the cause and effect relationship is the refinement of karma starting with a conscious attempt to alter thoughts opening up the possibility of different solutions previously unseen that filters into actions with a more deliberate direction. Awareness will sharpen with increased sensitivity to what one does and thinks, but responsibility also increases, until the wheel of karma is broken, leading to another existence less influenced by tangents, perhaps on another wheel expressing a different type of karma.

At any given moment, decisions that are made can accelerate toward an unanticipated outcome, acknowledging that destiny doesn’t require predetermination, just a recognizable order suggesting one of many possibilities.

Cumulative impressions imprinted over time affect the way choice is first perceived, largely dependent on past and present circumstances.

A particular choice is usually defined by how good or bad the result feels, but consequences teach that what originally caused pain can also reflect positive and deeper understanding of what initially appeared as determined chaos based on the roll of the Die.

Experiences, interpreted through individual personalities and effected by emotion, include the progression of self-confidence and fear, a retrospective thought for parents reflecting on how their children have grappled with independence.

The pressure exerted by situations, often attracted by habitual thinking, may require quick resolution that can lead to predictable results when viewed from an external perspective as well as an objective eye, especially when procrastination appears as part of the pattern.

Denial in the face of repetitive warnings and unable to exert free will can only prolong the suffering brought on by actions born out of limited thoughts, trapped within the Husk of Karma.

Relief and new energy can be achieved when another level of thought radically changes the nature of the cycle, a circle with the potential to become a spiral, the basis of all life, leading then to inspiration and learning, fulfilling the role of destiny to shed the Husk Of Karma.

Nothing doesn’t mean non existent, rather the absence of “something”, which could be anything. The problem is never knowing for sure the boundaries where the limits of conceivability are since it is difficult to envision all possibilities, another way of saying “everything”.

Perhaps it is technically correct if the consistent position is: Whatever isn’t proven could exist as part of the stream of potential, the place where ideas become the basis for invention. The other way to look at it is: It doesn’t exist unless it’s proven. The conflict between both points of view surrounds the need for it to be personally substantiated before believed. However, accepting “something” as fact is predicated  within the context of the five senses.

Plausible or not, verification becomes less important when increased reliance on one’s own observations, confidently trusted with critical honesty, develops while intuiting what isn’t perceivable by those same senses. Calling it a sixth sense seems reasonable, rather than automatically assuming it as a reference to some mystical belief system, or divination.

Intuition doesn’t need elaboration, taking a chance without proof, built upon trust of one’s accumulated experience tapping into what hasn’t as yet been conceived and allows it to be believable  while recognizing that mistakes can be made.

In mathematics, the numeral 0 is the symbol to represent nothing. Yet, contained within its boundaries, is everything needed to elucidate what its perimeter contains. All else external to its border can be anything, which is also everything.

Although the “slings and arrows of outrageous fortune” may portend attitudes’ interpretation of the fates deem inevitable, it can also reflect fatalistic expectations of future events within a cosmic play seen from a skewed perspective, just a nebulous notion or delusional state, demarcating individualized affect that attributes its own meaning to what images are suggested by “control”.

If seeking domination of circumstances to impact a specific effect is sought despite infinite unanticipated external possibilities, then personal thought, balanced upon positive and negative experiences, impress the ironic futility to any such endeavor. Now technology has an input into this very notion.

A variety of products developed for the enlightened individual who wants to take charge of his/her environment has been explored by slashgear.com; a reservoir of unimaginable ideas made concrete for anyone to redefine their personal surroundings.

First there is the color coordinated, Control Your Man Or Women Remote Control. Pink for the men and dark gray for the women who have issues with their paramour and require additional prodding instead of spending thousand of dollars in counseling or legal fees sucked up by lawyers to win a divorce settlement. The remote control claims to get them to do what you want on a whim, without the hassle of free will, free speech or love potion #9, conjured in a burning cauldron of witches brew so eloquently memorialized by The Three in MacBeth, Act 1, Scene1: “Fair is foul, and foul is fair: Hover through the fog and filthy air,” as an inspiration for the evil queen, stepmother of Snow White, as she transforms, a result of a dark potion,  into the ugly contorted witch in the sweeping 1940 animated epic Disney masterpiece Snow White And The Seven Dwarfs, surrounded by thunder, swirling wind and lightning and the poisoned apple, cackling her narrative to the mesmerized gaze of children and adults sitting in the audience. Although not a new concept it does have a soundly presented atmospheric charm all its own.

“Press a button and it yells at your significant other to do the task of your choosing. Both remotes emit obnoxious noises. the pink one sounds boyish  while the dark gray, whiny and ‘girlish.’” One remote is priced at $17.95, while the set, an amazing steal at $29.95. Perhaps behavior modification reminiscent of Psychology 101, the classic Lab Rat experiments devised for the quest to find the biological basis of behavior can apply here, or not.

Atmosphere is also a worthy condition to exist by making all life possible especially in a party environment within an array of merging amino acids. Now there is a way to test, and yes, manipulate your surroundings, and the people who comprise its milieu. Another genius invention shown on slashgear.com. Its the Portable Voice Stress Analyzer, particularly made for the paranoid of heart. Trapped in an affair with numerous people, the voice stress analyzer is small enough to slip into your purse or briefcase and works “by measuring the tremors in the audio signal from the vocal cords. It then assesses how honest the people surrounding you are,” a consideration of note when attempting to cultivate a sense of intuition.  Advertised on nerdapproved.com for $58.40 “with an easy to read LED layout makes determining innocence or guilt quick, easy and unequivocal,  so you can falsely accuse and alienate anyone you want, anytime, anywhere.”

The final piece to this triad effectively designed for any diagnosed or undiagnosed control complex is The Sonic Nausea Gadget to make those around you feel queasy enough to leave. “Sonic Nausea is a small electronic device which can really ‘boom’ one’s stomach. It generates a unique combination of ultra-high frequency sound waves which soon leads most in its vicinity to queasiness. It can also cause headaches, intense irritation, sweating, imbalance, nausea, or even vomiting. The unique sound wave characteristics make directional source determination difficult.  Powered by one 9-volt battery (not included). For extended run time six AA batteries in a battery pack with transistor clips (available from most electronics stores) can be used instead.  Use with extreme (paranoid) discretion.” $29.00. This product is also advertised on shomer-tech.com, which specializes in law enforcement and military equipment.

All of these treasures are a  testament to whoever said, “Things always comes in three’s”

My Percepto Rating: Its a secret. See if you can cajole it outta me.

Dependencies are tricky, not at all what one imagines until trapped, unable to remember what it felt like to live without the habit. Tolerance of delay in gratification defines behavior and ability to deal with stress wherever addictive personalities are a factor, especially if smoking is only one of many dependencies expressed. Failure is always present until ready to finally surrender its intoxicating effect or sustaining need.

Any attempt to quit smoking is usually filled with delusional thinking, often dismissing each attempt with some justification that defies good sense,  ultimately leading to an opposite effect. “Just one more until the next hit,” a constant companion or an extension of oneself that creates complex distracting rituals that affect judgment by testing ego strength, exposing weakness.

All this insight, however articulated, is useless when the pull, the need to have whatever is satisfied by this fixation, calls from some indescribable place. The struggle between craving and self-control, either resists temptation or rationalizes to oneself that it’s ok to be human and imperfect and give in to the weakness of bodies’ need.

While in this chaotic struggle, consciously asking oneself if what is needed is necessary or self indulgence may consciously spark a different thought, effecting determination,  strength and focus to change the habit by breaking the cycle.