To build our own structure of perspective and integrate the experiences and practices of others with our own can be a struggle. If we don’t give thought to the structure of our perspective, we are forced to take on the perspectives of our family and society without any integration of our own individual free will and critical thinking.
Depending on the culture or family an individual comes from, it can create an increasingly large cycle of an individual trying hard to validate their perspective while society devalues their perspective in an abusive spiral. This gets largely distorted as the poles of perspective grow further and further apart.
While the perceptions of others should ground us, they should not imprison us. There is value in outside perspectives, no doubt, but people also tend to seek validation without grounding their own perspective.
The following philosophy outlines the groundwork for developing a grounded and balanced perspective.
Part 1: Organization of Perspective
Mind-Sight: Subjective vs. Objective
Often, people are unaware of the lens through which they view the world. One way to enhance our vision is by having the vocabulary to adjust, focus, and filter on the reality before us.
Organizing Our World
We need to organize our perspective to focus on the differences and similarities that define our existence. Viewing the objective as the chessboard and the subjective as the game being played helps put ourselves in perspective.
Example: Imagine two people looking at a piece of art. One is moved emotionally by the colors and abstract imagery (subjective), while the other person appreciates the historical context and artist's background (objective). Both perspectives shape their experience, but each looks through a different lens.
The Digital Realm
In today’s world, the digital realm is increasingly less grounded in the objective, making it crucial to create measurements of truth and rationality. We need to establish structure within the digital space using verifiable facts and ethics that are time-tested. Without these, we can become lost in a subjective ocean, where fact and fiction blur.
Example: Consider how social media often creates echo chambers. People reinforce their beliefs by following those who think alike, making it difficult to distinguish between facts and personal opinions.
Part 2: Symbolic Tools (Layered Lenses)
Building a Subjective Universe: The Tools for Composing Perspective
Each symbol in our subjective universe serves as a lens that organizes and processes our reality. Just like a camera can layer lenses to clarify an image, we can layer symbols to clarify how we see the world.
The Gravity of Commitment: The Pull of Purpose
Commitment is the force that pulls everything together. It is the glue that maintains our wholeness and keeps us grounded. Commitment provides a sense of purpose, anchoring us in our endeavors and ensuring we remain cohesive in our pursuits.
Example: Think of commitment as the gravitational pull that keeps planets in orbit. Without it, everything would drift aimlessly through space. In our lives, commitment keeps us focused and grounded.
Transcending Dominant/Recessive Systems: Embracing Balance
In our subjective universe, balance exists as an alternative to dominant/recessive systems. Instead of one force overpowering the other, there is a dynamic equilibrium where both forces coexist harmoniously.
Analogy: Picture a seesaw in perfect balance. Neither side is dominating, creating a state of equilibrium. Similarly, our subjective and objective perspectives should balance each other.
Symbolism of Marriage: Achieving Equilibrium
Marriage, in this context, represents the perfect union of yin and yang. It is not just a joining of forces but a dynamic interaction where each side complements the other, leading to balance and growth.
Visual: Imagine a yin-yang symbol, where each half contains a dot of the other. This represents the interdependence of opposing forces, a harmonious balance.
Nesting Dolls: Telescoping Through Reality
The concept of nesting dolls symbolizes the layers of reality that are separate but balanced. These layers reflect the balance of yin and yang, sustained by commitment.
Example: Think of Russian nesting dolls, where each doll fits perfectly within the next. This symbolizes how each layer of reality is interconnected and balanced within the whole.
Part 3: Tools to Create a Spotlight Perspective
The Binding Spotlight of Commitment
Commitment acts as the glue that holds our subjective universe in orbit. It binds our actions, relationships, and aspirations, providing structure and purpose. It also serves as a spotlight, focusing our attention on what is most important, giving clarity to our goals and purpose.
The Bright Energy of Balance
The balance between yin and yang, the conscious and unconscious aspects of our being, for example, is essential. Achieving balance requires open communication between these forces.
Example: Someone starting a new job might be pulled by the commitment to excel in their career, but they must balance it with personal life, ensuring neither force dominates.
The Spark of Interconnectedness
Interconnectedness is the effect of our internal state reflecting outward into reality. A simple yet powerful example is a smile—it affects both inwardly and outwardly.
Example: A smile directed at the world invites smiles in return. If you cannot smile from within, it calls for self-reflection to re-establish internal balance.
Part 4: A Closer Look at the Energy of Yin-Yang
Example of Seeing Through a Yin-Yang Lens
As the observer of both the external world and my internal self, I see the interplay between dominant and recessive forces. To achieve balance, I must protect the recessive aspects and restrain the dominant ones. This balance, when achieved, has the potential to affect all the nesting dolls of your reality.
Example: In creative work, the artist must protect the fragile recessive aspect of subjective expression while ensuring it is grounded by objective knowledge and technique. Balancing these forces allows for meaningful creation.
Part 5: In Conclusion—Perspective Helps Us Navigate
The cultivation of perspective allows us to navigate through life, balancing ourselves, others, and the world at large. By keeping our predetermination and free will suspended, we can find a middle path and embrace a healthier, more elevated state of being.
The cultivation of perspective helps us navigate through our lives. Finding the balance between ourselves, others, and the world at large. It helps us sidestep dominate/recessive systems and embrace a healthier, more elevated natural state. I will go on to write about Navigation in other articles, the essence is that through our perspective of balance; while keeping predetermination and free will suspended, we can find our middle path.
It shouldn’t be this hard to live our lives, to live a creatively balanced life. We are the masters of our own fate, keep a hand on the wheel.