We each inhabit two very different worlds simultaneously: the real world, and the narrative world. The real world is the physical world of matter, of atoms and molecules and stars and planets and animals wandering around trying to bite and copulate with each other. Science does not yet understand much of this world, but it can reasonably be said to have some degree of existence to it.
Thank you, what a simple and elegant description of our human condition. Using the article’s language regularly to discuss current events and commenter behaviour will help people get out of their narrative boxes and see the bigger picture.
Our mental filter is superimposed over reality. It is supposed to periodically scan for danger and opportunities and make sense of the world. Instead it is left in the “on” position because we have made an identity out of it.
Turning it “off” feels like we’re being asked to eliminate our identity. So we think compulsively ( the original addiction from which all other addictions arise) and produce an endless narrative stream— “me and my life story”. Viewing life through this mental filter, we produce a distorted and incomplete perception of reality.
I accept the beauty of finding peace with the world in the way you describe. My life of growing food has also connected me to reality in a way that many miss out on. This tranquility has to somehow incorporate within it the struggle of life - with death always nipping at its heels. I haven't yet been able to see that we can entirely disavow our species history as a primate and take on the role of manager of Nature. So the competition exists in reality, but the narrative model of that competition has warped to the point of complete dysfunction, endangering us all.
Thanks for this birthday present. It immediately puts me in mind of the distinction between the natural & social sciences, well-illustrated by the adversarial relationship between ecology and Capitalist market economics. Biology and chemical thermodynamics attempt to describe the planetary phenomena that preceded humans, and their validity lies in their universality of prediction in the real world, for example the 2nd Law of Thermodynamics is valid everywhere on earth, in every situation of energy transformation. By comparison, as a human construct, Capitalist economics is of the narrative world. And while historical patterns do provide fodder for prediction, those predictions are not universally valid outside the narrow narrative construct of the specific economic system, which in the case of Capitalist market economics is endlessly at odds with the 2nd Law et al. I am regularly frustrated that many folks don't readily understand this distinction, a lack of understanding which inhibits economic transformation to a system more respectful of natural-science predictions and limitations. Hence the economy takes precedence over ecology, exactly the inverse of the actual relationship in which the real world of environmental biology and thermodynamics should set limits on insane economies that are mostly consumptive but minimally regenerative. The shit-storm in which we find ourselves is thus a direct result of placing the dictates of the narrative world above those of the real world. That aboriginal people generally didn't fall for this trap is at least evidence that such a blunder is not absolutely necessary.
Excellent. Breathe and be still and present and experience Real World in the moment without the narratives...love your vision of peace and harmony as possible future or what is in the Now.
A beautiful, straight forward clarity in your writing, Caitlin, laying down the truth that most cannot seem to bear to even face. A question though: Does anti-China propaganda include criticism and activism concerning the Tibet issue and treatment of groups like the Uighurs?
Thanks Caitlin for that insight. I’m sure there will be healthy debates from this article. Wish we could see such thoughts on mainstream publications for the masses.
You wrote: "That's all we are seeing with the increasingly shrill mainstream panic about disinformation, conspiracy theories, foreign propaganda and domestic extremism."
Caitlin, I practice meditation and mindfulness daily.
What you write above is first of all, narrative reality.
Second, if your approach requires one to ignore systematic and massive disinformation, such as that witnessed from President Trump for 5+ years, I want no part of it.
Thirdly, awareness of the sensory is important. True mindfulness does not, however, take a dualistic approach that would elevate sensory over thoughts and feelings. Please consider this.
"the real world is headed toward disaster due to the military and ecological pressures created by our status quo." Uh . . . that's a "narrative" Caitlin. The proportion of humanity at war has been on the decline more or less continuously for decades, and environmental conditions have never been better in most of the world, including all of the developed world. Yes, according to one "narrative", that will all soon change, but that has not manifested itself in terms of actual bullets flying, bombs dropping, air and water becoming poisonous, etc.
Well said. And yet we are forced to join the screaming contest that is spouting our own narrative; it fills me with dread. How else can I share the harmony I've found between my two worlds?
Thank you, what a simple and elegant description of our human condition. Using the article’s language regularly to discuss current events and commenter behaviour will help people get out of their narrative boxes and see the bigger picture.
Our mental filter is superimposed over reality. It is supposed to periodically scan for danger and opportunities and make sense of the world. Instead it is left in the “on” position because we have made an identity out of it.
Turning it “off” feels like we’re being asked to eliminate our identity. So we think compulsively ( the original addiction from which all other addictions arise) and produce an endless narrative stream— “me and my life story”. Viewing life through this mental filter, we produce a distorted and incomplete perception of reality.
I accept the beauty of finding peace with the world in the way you describe. My life of growing food has also connected me to reality in a way that many miss out on. This tranquility has to somehow incorporate within it the struggle of life - with death always nipping at its heels. I haven't yet been able to see that we can entirely disavow our species history as a primate and take on the role of manager of Nature. So the competition exists in reality, but the narrative model of that competition has warped to the point of complete dysfunction, endangering us all.
Thanks for this birthday present. It immediately puts me in mind of the distinction between the natural & social sciences, well-illustrated by the adversarial relationship between ecology and Capitalist market economics. Biology and chemical thermodynamics attempt to describe the planetary phenomena that preceded humans, and their validity lies in their universality of prediction in the real world, for example the 2nd Law of Thermodynamics is valid everywhere on earth, in every situation of energy transformation. By comparison, as a human construct, Capitalist economics is of the narrative world. And while historical patterns do provide fodder for prediction, those predictions are not universally valid outside the narrow narrative construct of the specific economic system, which in the case of Capitalist market economics is endlessly at odds with the 2nd Law et al. I am regularly frustrated that many folks don't readily understand this distinction, a lack of understanding which inhibits economic transformation to a system more respectful of natural-science predictions and limitations. Hence the economy takes precedence over ecology, exactly the inverse of the actual relationship in which the real world of environmental biology and thermodynamics should set limits on insane economies that are mostly consumptive but minimally regenerative. The shit-storm in which we find ourselves is thus a direct result of placing the dictates of the narrative world above those of the real world. That aboriginal people generally didn't fall for this trap is at least evidence that such a blunder is not absolutely necessary.
Excellent. Breathe and be still and present and experience Real World in the moment without the narratives...love your vision of peace and harmony as possible future or what is in the Now.
A beautiful, straight forward clarity in your writing, Caitlin, laying down the truth that most cannot seem to bear to even face. A question though: Does anti-China propaganda include criticism and activism concerning the Tibet issue and treatment of groups like the Uighurs?
society of the spectacle 👁 indeed
this is another awesome essay
Thanks Caitlin for that insight. I’m sure there will be healthy debates from this article. Wish we could see such thoughts on mainstream publications for the masses.
You wrote: "That's all we are seeing with the increasingly shrill mainstream panic about disinformation, conspiracy theories, foreign propaganda and domestic extremism."
Caitlin, I practice meditation and mindfulness daily.
What you write above is first of all, narrative reality.
Second, if your approach requires one to ignore systematic and massive disinformation, such as that witnessed from President Trump for 5+ years, I want no part of it.
Thirdly, awareness of the sensory is important. True mindfulness does not, however, take a dualistic approach that would elevate sensory over thoughts and feelings. Please consider this.
"the real world is headed toward disaster due to the military and ecological pressures created by our status quo." Uh . . . that's a "narrative" Caitlin. The proportion of humanity at war has been on the decline more or less continuously for decades, and environmental conditions have never been better in most of the world, including all of the developed world. Yes, according to one "narrative", that will all soon change, but that has not manifested itself in terms of actual bullets flying, bombs dropping, air and water becoming poisonous, etc.
Well said. And yet we are forced to join the screaming contest that is spouting our own narrative; it fills me with dread. How else can I share the harmony I've found between my two worlds?