Empathy is not only just about perceiving and acting empathically, though it would be so useful if we consistently operated out of that paradigm of behavior.
Empathy is also about space. And how we take up space. And how we recognize an Other in space. And how we might define that space as our space, perceiving the Other then as an interloper, a trespasser.
So why are we considered to be 'soft-wired' as humans to experience empathy and 'hard-wired' to be aggressive?
This is the difference between non-genderized concepts of masculine and feminine. It is not a binary to be lived out divisively but a set of embracing parameters to be lived within - and it is necessary and urgent that we open this window of opportunity wide open. We suggest Now.Now would be a good time.
The Eastern mystics see the universe as an inseparable web, whose interconnections are dynamic and not static. The cosmic web is alive; it moves and grows and changes continually. Modern physics, too, has come to conceive of the universe as such a web of relations and, like Eastern mysticism, has recognized that this web is intrinsically dynamic. The dynamic aspect of matter arises in quantum theory as a consequence of the wave-nature of subatomic particles, and is even more essential in relativity theory, where the unification of space and time implies that the being of matter cannot be separated from its activity. The properties of subatomic particles can therefore only be understood in a dynamic context; in terms of movement, interaction and transformation.
In our last session, we discussed "Life Strategy 6.,Basics of Boredom." In this session, we explore "Life Strategy 7.,You Can Do It." Think of all the things in your life that may stand in the way of utilizing any or all of the previous six Life Strategies. Perhaps making a list would be a good idea. We suggest doing that now. Take all the time you need.Very good.
Now look at the items on your list. Do they represent insurmountable obstacles? Are any of the items something you can change? An attitude, perhaps. Maybe a habit? In "Life Strategy 7., You Can Do It." , we recognize that there are life circumstances and conditions that make it impossible to evoke Heroic change in one's life. Perhaps you may fall prey to one of these circumstances or conditions. Try considering if you qualify for this impossibility.Very good.
Do what you can, with what you have, where you are. Theodore Roosevelt
We believe that as humans, we are not only just hard-wired. Think about that for a moment. That's fine. We suggest operating out of the understanding that Positive Change is abundantly available and has no calibration or scale. Even the smallest of initial actions can certainly be Heroic. Now is the time to embody "Life Strategy 7., You Can Do It." Good luck with that.
Scene from "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid", 1969, Directed by George Roy Hill
"I mean it, Yossarian. You'll have to keep on your toes every minute of every day. They'll bend heaven and earth to catch you" "I'll keep on my toes every minute." "You'll have to jump." "I'll jump." "Jump!" Major Danby cried." Joseph Heller Catch-22, 1961
This concludes this series of Life Strategies.
Note: empathinc. artist, Tomschulzartist, will enjoy a summer hiatus beginning this summer. Pleas welcome empathinc. artist, Noah Shark, who will be filling in as summer replacement.
All art on this page by Tom Schulz, with the exception of the art on this page that is made by someone else. Contact Tom@empathinc.com with comments or inquiries.
In our last session, we discussed "Life Strategy 5., Managing the Mundane." In this session, we explore "Life Strategy 6.,Basics of Boredom." Perhaps you have at one time or another experienced boredom. In this session we will Master the Art of Boredom. Think about what form that may take in your life. Take as long as you need. Very Good.
When experiencing boredom, confronted by boredom, or are having boredom delivered directly into your core existence, we suggest using the Master Phrase, "Whatever". Try saying that now. Very Good.
Boredom Test: If you watch the entire video, you are probably bored.
Please use extreme caution with this Master Phrase as its sheer power may overwhelm many. We suggest alternating the Master Phrase with a simple shrug of the shoulder (see above). Good luck with that.
Study, "Prayer Painting Project" (detail) 2007-Present I wasn't compelled to use a pertinent image, so I just picked this one. It's kind of cool. I guess.
“I didn’t expect His Holiness to have that down-to-earth quality,” he said. “I understand that more and more: holiness and practicality are not separate. When something is down to earth, it means something is relevant.” Nicholas Vreeland on the Dalai Lama
Next session: "Life Strategy 7: You Can Do It!
This will complete this series of Life Strategy Sessions.
All art on this page by Tom Schulz. Contact Tom@empathinc.com with comments or inquiries.
In our last session, we discussed "Life Strategy 4., Manifestation". In this session, we explore "Life Strategy 5., Managing the Mundane." One may wonder, "Why waste precious effort on considerations of the commonplace, the unremarkable?"We might be tempted to agree, holding in reserve the notion that even the ordinary is deserving of our valuations. However, the roots of the mundane are of the Earth.
Typically, we choose to operate as the Earth itself - resplendent in our hemispheric divisions of mind and spirit. Often we are blown in opposite directions within the framework of our mundane existence. How confusing and disorienting this can be! Divided within ourselves like some unsolvable equation. Let's consider that now. Very good.
Sometimes the Mundane is Bizarre when re-contextualized. Always practice good sense when dealing with the Mundane.
Viewing the mundane as the secular gives us permission to consider that there must be a complimentary element, which in this session we shall refer to as the sacred. This week, try to imbue what you consider to be routine with a sense of that very same act co-existing as ritual. This week, manage the mundane by associating the ordinary with the marvelous. Good luck with that.
Let yourself be silently drawn by the strange pull of what you really love. It will not lead you astray. Rumi
Next session: "Life Strategy 6: Basics of Boredom."
All art on this page by Tom Schulz. Contact Tom@empathinc.com with comments or inquiries.
In our last session, we discussed "Life Strategy 3., Manifesting". In this session, we explore "Life Strategy 4., Manifestation". One may wonder what the distinction would be between the two, and rightfully so. We consider manifesting to be the intentful participation in the process of creation.Manifestation, then becomes our new relationship with the results.
But what if the resulting actuality (in response to our manifesting) is not obvious to us? Or worse, even unappealing? At this point, we suggest setting aside all existing models of visualization, so as to be receptive to the very thing you were asking for. Let's try that now. Very good.
We do caution you to exercise receptivity in developing your relationship with that which you have manifested. Keep a record of what you are capable of manifesting. We are often more adept at manifesting that which we do not want in our lives. This week, try to do otherwise. Good luck with that.
“But in the regions of the brain related to creativity, there appears to be lots of little side roads with interesting detours, and meandering little byways.” Dr. Rex Jung Read entire article here.
Next session: "Life Strategy 5: Managing the Mundane."
All art on this page by Tom Schulz. Contact Tom@empathinc.com with comments or inquiries.
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