The Tao of things and non-things

From a systems view there is a hierarchy exemplified here. This derives out of that.
There is a singularity out of which all things occur and manifest. It seems to me being aware of this deep context provides the place of strength and peace while encountering the seemingly unresolvable issues of the day.
That, and understanding that every thing that we see is governed by a level we do not. Questioning after that level is key to deeper understanding of the things we do engage with.

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Tao Te Ching: Chapter 11
translated by Stephen Mitchell

We join spokes together in a wheel,
but it is the center hole
that makes the wagon move.

We shape clay into a pot,
but it is the emptiness inside
that holds whatever we want.

We hammer wood for a house,
but it is the inner space
that makes it livable.

We work with being
but non-being is what we use

An idea that is a mountain…

There is an idea that is a mountain that is rich and full of learning.   We need to find metaphors that will serve us as we move into the next stages of development, into the next levels, hopefully, of spiritual development.

The mountain speaks to me of longevity, power, clarity, focus, strength, vision, mission.

This photo was taken in Idaho 2008.

Click on photo for larger version.

Maude Barlow On the Water Crisis

This is a talk downloaded from Speakers Forum
Along with all the other major problems going on in the world the fundamental issue of water is among the most important.
It seems to me that virtually all of our essential life systems are under severe strain. Many are loaded to the breaking point. Water, air, energy (fire), ariable land (earth). All the fundamental building blocks of life and from there our various civilizations are breaking down.

The causes are many, and all of the various groups who take an issue as their own are right. Education reform, political reform, global economic reform, water rights, global climate change, nuclear energy, weaponry reform, “third world” development, fundamental religions, capitalism as a distribution – or accumulation of wealth. Basic human kindness, and meeting the very basic needs of life, including touch and comfort. All of these and many many more are necessary and anyone who does any intentional work in these areas deserves appreciation and support.

And this issue of water is not high in our public consciousness yet. If what M. Barlow has to say is true it soon will be.

Audio Link Here…

National Geographic – Photography Grant

National Geographic Grant
Using photography as a means of communication and change in the world.

This is an inspiration to me. While wanting to be adept at all phases of photography, what is most important to me is the ability to speak, to communicate, to make a difference thru the images I make. Or, to say it differently, to use my photography to communicate what I see and what I have to say.

As a goal: I would like to be in the consideration for one of these grants.

The World at 350: A Last Chance for Civilization

What idea(s) could be more important to our times than those that call us to action to save not just a way of life, but the conditions for life itself.   I am very  aware of the basic crisis in climate change, the energy problem,  economic growth of nations, the inadaquate distribution of wealth and the many other related issues that are compelling in our day.   I haven’t read a piece so compelling as this one.     So I copy here in whole.   I’ll add thoughts and links as an ongoing project.

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Original Article here

Even for Americans, constitutionally convinced that there will always be a second act, and a third, and a do-over after that, and, if necessary, a little public repentance and forgiveness and a Brand New Start – even for us, the world looks a little Terminal right now.

It’s not just the economy. We’ve gone through swoons before. It’s that gas at $4 a gallon means we’re running out, at least of the cheap stuff that built our sprawling society. It’s that when we try to turn corn into gas, it sends the price of a loaf of bread shooting upwards and starts food riots on three continents. It’s that everything is so inextricably tied together. It’s that, all of a sudden, those grim Club of Rome types who, way back in the 1970s, went on and on about the “limits to growth” suddenly seem? how best to put it, right.

All of a sudden it isn’t morning in America, it’s dusk on planet Earth.

There’s a number – a new number – that makes this point most powerfully. It may now be the most important number on Earth: 350. As in parts per million (ppm) of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.

Reality

Reality is that which, when you stop believing in it, doesn’t go away.
- Philip K. Dick

Seems straightforward.  And it is on some levels.

But, to consider… doesnt go away where, for who?    And relatively easy for tangible things.  What about beliefs themselves?

One of the greatest Jazz Tunes

Since I seem to be on a music theme…. this.

The very best song from one of the very best albums (Kind of Blue - Miles Davis).   I have deeply enjoyed and appreciated this video of the session.   What a gift!

Consequences?  Do these ideas embedded in this music also have consequence?   Only asthetic?   Is there something more essential than just a good toe tap?    I think so.   Yet, I cant quite put my words to it.

Something to think about….

PPM : Times are Changing

I wonder if the times are a’changin again?

Bill Moyers on Rev. Wright

Another balanced, introspective view of current events.   Beware of terrible simplifications indeed.   One of the best lines in this essay.

Link to Jung

Summary of the core understandings of Jung.
To be excerpted later.

Summary of Jung