THE GUIDE

14. VISION

“You never change things by fighting the existing reality. To change something, build a new model that makes the existing model obsolete.”

- R. Buckminster Fuller

Humanity is an evolving species, and that evolution is influenced by the externals of our environment and by our internal perception and mindset. Like two sides of a coin, each plays a part in affecting the other, and what imbalances one side can destabilize the other.

We live within certain parameters as defined by our external environment, cultural structure, and personal perspective, often revolving around our habits, expectations, and the status quo. This kind of cyclical patterning can become automatic, making the performance of certain tasks or the fulfilling of specific roles much easier over time, conserving our energy and focus for other things.

If we follow such an automatic pattern for too long, however, we may become blind to it. And as it becomes etched in our psyches like a deep grove, we may either see that pathway as the only one available, or resist changing course when life events demand it. Even if we have a desire to chart a new path, we may find it very difficult to overcome the pull of our ingrained natures.

14. VISION ~ Innovation & Insight

Essay by Katarzyna Vedah. Sept. 1, 2019

Change requires effort and energy. It also requires courage and patience. And most importantly, change requires an open, curious mind to question one's patterns, to ask 'What If...,' and a strong motivational force to propel oneself beyond the gravity field of 'What Is.' Having a clear vision of what we want can be that strong force, to keep our hearts, minds, and bodies focused and engaged while we forge a new life.

We may come to that Vision for ourselves by exploring the world to seek out alternative modes and models of living and being. We may seek it by expanding our knowledge with learning opportunities, study and research. Or we may create it within the imaginal space of our minds, through a contemplative practice, or by tapping into our dreams.

To envision a new state of being for ourselves can be a creative and empowering act. When we shift our focus and energy from automatically reacting to whatever path presents itself in the moment to actively choosing to create the one we wish to experience, we are stretching our capacity to imagine, broadening our perception beyond sensory experience, and opening up to another realm of possibility.

When we expand our field of vision, we can see that there are many paths up the mountain (and many mountains.) And when we expand our belief in possibility, we can create new templates for what can then become a manifest reality. It is from this space that we can ask ourselves, 'What would it be like to...?' and see what happens.

VIDEO (YouTube):

Beautiful Things (Kurzgesagt)

Creating World (Creating the World)

Buckminster Fuller (Autodesk)

VIDEO (YouTube):

John Ruskin (School of Life)

Design Matters (School of Life)

VIDEO (YouTube):

Distorting Perspective (PBS NewsHour)

Adaptable Mind (Let It Ripple Film)

Changing the World (Films For Action)

Artist’s Vision (Timeless Perspective)