Saturday, 17 September 2011
On being knocked down...
During the last week the tail end of Hurricane Katia came blowing through town. When it had passed our two meter tall as-yet-to-flower sunflower had been bent in half. This was a mildly traumatic event in that this plant had come to signify our renewed optimism in life. So for it to be snapped in half seemed an ill omen. On a sunny morning after the trauma, I went into the garden and snapped the top end off, took it into the house, made a clean new cut to the stalk and placed it in a full vase of water. The first two days were not good the head was drooped and dying. Visitors to my home sucked air through their teeth in the manner of mechanics etc when looking over a lost cause. Then, this morning the unopened flower head had grown and was lifting its' face to the sun! This is my uplifting omen. Where there is life, there is hope, it just needs patience and care.
Thursday, 8 September 2011
After the dust has settled.
Well it has been a few weeks since I've finished Critical Path by Buckminster Fuller.
And I have needed those weeks to process the many insights I have received through the book.
The central idea in Fuller's book and his life is that Nature as an extension of the Godhead will support us in our Livingry if we are working for the greater good of all Humanity. Of course the question is how do we judge the validity of our efforts?
Bucky outlines his methodology clearly:
The effort must be for the good of all or not at all.
The effort must be approached with complete disregard for the making of money or accrual of personal prestige.
The success of any effort will be measured by the degree in which Nature supports you.
So far so straight forward. So what does it mean? Put simply, if you are following the first two points then Nature will provide you with work, unexpected financial support, gifts in kind, un-looked for help and assistance, with whatever you need to continue your efforts.
In one chapter Fuller talks about aid arriving always from unexpected sources and just in time. He also talks about the importance of being in tune with Nature's support of one's efforts. When support does not arrive then one must look at where one has gone wrong. What incorrect decision has has been taken? What change of motivation has taken place?
Yes, this is a rigorous way to live one's life and ultimately a fulfilling one.
And I have needed those weeks to process the many insights I have received through the book.
The central idea in Fuller's book and his life is that Nature as an extension of the Godhead will support us in our Livingry if we are working for the greater good of all Humanity. Of course the question is how do we judge the validity of our efforts?
Bucky outlines his methodology clearly:
The effort must be for the good of all or not at all.
The effort must be approached with complete disregard for the making of money or accrual of personal prestige.
The success of any effort will be measured by the degree in which Nature supports you.
So far so straight forward. So what does it mean? Put simply, if you are following the first two points then Nature will provide you with work, unexpected financial support, gifts in kind, un-looked for help and assistance, with whatever you need to continue your efforts.
In one chapter Fuller talks about aid arriving always from unexpected sources and just in time. He also talks about the importance of being in tune with Nature's support of one's efforts. When support does not arrive then one must look at where one has gone wrong. What incorrect decision has has been taken? What change of motivation has taken place?
Yes, this is a rigorous way to live one's life and ultimately a fulfilling one.
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