New ways of seeing: Pattern thinking

I’ve just read ‘Sand talk’ by Tyson Yunkaporta, an indigenous fella with a complex and troubled background who has found his voice. He articulately relates the pattern thinking – a difficult task. How do we understand the overall shape of the connections between things? How do we look beyond the things and focus on the connections between the? Then go further to see the patterns they make? There is a pattern to the universe and everything in it, and there are knowledge systems and traditions that follow this pattern to maintain balance. But recent traditions have emerged that break down creation systems like a virus. 

And … People today focus on the points of connection the nodes of interest like stars in the sky but the real understanding comes in the spaces in between, in the relational forces that connect and move the points.

It all starts with being attentive, listening, waiting, noticing what is happening and doing this over and over again. Connectedness balances the excesses of individualism. 

Whilst talking he makes things as he goes and that is something I’ve been fascinated with of late. The power of creative actions AND dialog. He also relates conversations with many elders from across the land, for example he spent time with Noongar elder Noel Nannup and describes his influence on young men to see beyond.

In between this talk he talks about artificial intelligence, greek philosophy, and a broad array of social topics demonstrating his deep thinking. 

A word he uses to explain to assert boundaries and connections is ‘lookout’ – all the reasonable obligations and activities within networks. What is my ‘lookout’? This ties in with the totemic system and holistic reasoning grown from a lived cultural framework embedded in the landscape. I liked how he broadened the totem framework from having an association with just one or two animals/plants but also to elements like lightning, whirlwinds, waterlilies etc. I’ve been reflecting on my connection to the wind and what that might actually mean for my life. 

In his own language there is no word for culture but the closed phrase translates to something like ‘Be like your place’ which embeds the notion within the landscape. 

A framework he discusses in depth are the different ways of thinking: story-mind, kinship -mind, dreaming-mind, ancestor- mind and pattern-mind. He uses fingers to elaborate further: imagine your little finger as a child, the centre of family and the ones who make relationships happen hence representing kinship mind. The ring finger is a mother, so the two, mother and child, are the pivotal relationship of any stable society, the mother telling stories to her child – hence story-mind, the narrative is the device to transmit knowledge and memory. The middle finger is a man, belonging to the woman beside him, representing dreaming-mind, the use of metaphors = images, songs, dances, words and objects. The pointer finger is the man’s brother’s child, the man teaching the child using the dreaming-mind by drawing images in the sand, all the while the woman is telling stories. The nephew/niece is working with ancestor mind, tapping into the intuitive knowledge achieved through cultural activities, carving, weaving, painting, dancing. 

Now the thumb can wiggle across the landscape of the hand connecting spirituality to the man, woman and children. This represents pattern-mind which is the skill of seeing the whole system and not just the parts. If you can see the whole system, you can see the relationships. The thumb can teach  each finger, or combinations of fingers and forming a fist the thumb and connect to all fingers. 

Some other great lines: 

Making yourself an expert in another culture is not always appreciated by the members of that culture. 

 If you don’t move with the land the land will move you 

I can extend this approach into my professional life as meteorology is all about patterns in the atmosphere and the challenge to observe the whole system to understand how a tropical cyclone evolves to be able to forecast what it will do next. 

I also find photography and painting are great methods to be able to observe the natural world and below are two examples of this. 

So in Active Hope terms, I’m using this in the seeing with new eyes framework. To sit within the natural landscape and observe and to see the patterns of connectedness in all things. Not such an easy thing to do. 

Links to Tyson talking about Sand Talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wsMMisFiABM

RN ABC https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J8dmqDd756w

Photo: after the rain in Robertson Park.

My most recent painting of a banksia in Bold Park. 

Oceans: Out of sight but should not be out of mind

SDG Goal 14: Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources  https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/oceans/

I was reminded of our destruction in the oceans last week when watching seaspiracy on Netflix that chronicled the many adverse impacts from overfishing:

• ·         Bycatch: long-line trawling    is indiscriminate and also takes many seabirds
• ·         Plastics from nets: hard to know true stats as differing figures but 20-46% of plastics in the oceans come from ships and there is no regulation of this rather all the anti-plastic actions are land focussed.          
• ·         Bottom trawling: destruction of seagrasses, kelp, reefs and surface species,
• ·         Endangered species: many species are now at endangered levels
• ·         Unregulated fishing (illegal): who is patrolling our open oceans; Sea Shepherd does this as an NGO but are branded eco-terrorists as a result;
• ·         Human slavery and lawlessness: fisherman on large fishing vessels are low paid or even indentured labourers and anyone who tries to escape can be killed without recourse (no one investigates someone dying at sea!).

Over the years I’ve watched ocean docos and subscribe to Parley for the Oceans https://www.parley.tv/ but I must admit the state of the oceans has been relegated down the list of my concerns. Despite living on the coast and loving swimming the dire state of the ocean has been in the out of sight out of mind category and moreso in our media and conversations.

People including myself have been increasingly saying that we will take advantage of technology to preserve our world. Sure electric cars, renewables, bioplastics will undoubtedly help our path ahead but I know that is not the real issue. We have enough technology now but we don’t have the conscience and vision. We live in a small village and everyone can contribute but the window is very short. It is not tomorrow but it is now that we must act.

So am motivated to review the latest info and take some action. Interesting to challenge friends who think eating fish is a positive and what that might mean and to investigate the source of our seafood. Australian industry is certainly much more regulated than elsewhere and certainly recreational fishing isn’t really the big issue but the state of the international fishing industry seems outrageous on so many levels. It is also interesting to see the role of seaweed and kelp in being a source of protein and how we can sustainably grow and harvest this as an alternate crop to feed the world and reduce ocean acidification.

Branding such as MSC (Marine Stewardship Council) used by Coles (https://www.coles.com.au/about-coles/supporting-aussie-producers/farm-to-store/seafood) and others is an interesting one – Seaspiracy is critical as they draw their funding from the companies who pay a fee to use their brand so there is an obvious conflict of interest and how much regulation goes on seems difficult to get an accurate picture on.

The Federal Govt announced $100M investment in oceans though the focus is upon our coastal waters and not on international fishing issues:  https://www.pm.gov.au/media/australia-announces-100-million-initiative-protect-our-oceans#:~:text=Minister%20for%20the%20Environment%2C%20Sussan,as%20deliver%20significant%20environmental%20outcomes

Interesting docos on Netflix: A Plastic Ocean; Seaspiracy (Netflix); Racing extinction and the Academy Award winner that amazed me on realising how fascinating octopus can be My Octopus Teacher

Some other good resources include:

WWF https://www.wwf.org.au/what-we-do/oceans/overfishing#gs.z4gi7o

Plastics in the ocean: https://sloactive.com/plastic-pollution/

Ocean generation (UK): https://www.oceangeneration.org/

 

So in Active Hope terms,

I’m grateful for the life within the oceans – the beauty, the way it sustains life outside oceans and to keep our atmosphere clean and functional and for the people who work towards ocean regeneration. 

Honour the pain – I acknowledge the destruction we have wreaked in the ocean – the mass extinctions, the overfishing, the acidification process, the warming, the pollution and humanity’s general disregard for ocean life.

A new way of seeing: Paul Watson (Sea Shepherd legend) says ‘If the oceans die, we die’. I need to avoid the out of sight out of mind view and elevate the importance of the oceans in our thinking.

Going forth I’m motivated to have conversations and investigate ways of taking action. To be informed and spending time by the ocean.

COVID as historical turning point

 As the end of year approaches I’m reflecting on what 2020 might mean for the world into the future. It is often difficult to make sense when in the midst of a crisis and to understand what might happen as a result. Wade Davis speaks of how COVID-19 signals the end of the American era in this Rolling Stone article: https://www.rollingstone.com/politics/political-commentary/covid-19-end-of-american-era-wade-davis-1038206/

He points to historical turning points that signalled the end of eras and beginnings of new things to come. The black plague of the 14^th century culminated in revolts that ended the feudal system.

The COVID pandemic will be remembered as such a moment in history, a seminal event whose significance will unfold only in the wake of the crisis. It will mark this era much as the 1914 assassination of Archduke Ferdinand, the stock market crash of 1929, and the 1933 ascent of Adolf Hitler.

Turning points are opportunities but also present uncertainties and fears for what might be lost. Destabilisation to world order doesn’t tend to go too well, at least in the short term. It is easy to be left behind during transitions and even the threat of loss is another contributor to anxiety. It was sobering to hear of increases in domestic violence and general mental health problems. Yet COVID has demonstrated what can happen if there is will and there are many reasons for hope, beyond the headlines.   

So how does this fit in terms of Active Hope terms, I’m grateful for the enormous opportunities I have and leaders and prophets on the journey to look to in shaping a world that I believe in.  

Honour the pain – I see so many who feel they don’t have choices for so many different reasons. Cost, time, health, stress and being different from the norm.

The new way of seeing: ‘gazing with soft eyes’ with appreciating and understanding the indigenous connection to land and her creatures. Not to control but to connect. To relate directly to the winds, birds, moon etc not just observe.

Going forth To be comfortable going slowly and purposely.

Photo: Matagarup Bridge. I got to see this a lot more this year as I took regular morning or evening rides around the river. Its symbol is a proud beacon for Perth's potential future for reconciliation.

Abstracts

In my twenties when art started to engage me, I was drawn to the art of Wassily Kandinsky especially his colourful musical compositions. What was it about these that permeated through the 20^th century that grabbed me so? Something magical about the colours and yet simple about the doodling markings. He achieved his aim of transferring music to canvas –another challenge to my sensibilities that our senses can be interwoven like so – to hear the painting as in tasting colour! Whether there is meaning is another thing but to transmit joy was enough for me.

Then there is the array of indigenous art that normally carries significance with each mark and shape and colour. What was it about the work of Rover Thomas or Judy Watson that reaches so deep?  I think only someone like Fred Williams and his late Pilbara series comes even close to indigenous art’s grab for my attention.

Abstract art may have meaning and then again may not. Why should some appeal to my senses but others not at all?

So I’ve always thought that painting abstracts was the ultimate yet doing it is pretty intimidating. Especially for one who seeks approval = what if people don’t like it? Even the best (IMHO) abstract art has a limited appeal. Even Pollock’s magnificent Blue Poles had many detractors.

So I’ve dabbled with mixed success but it was normally only extending some form of realism or objects into weird and wonderful colours and shapes.

So today I did my first real abstract art workshop with Perth artist Rob Forlani whose work randomly popped up on facebook one time and I’ve followed him for the past year. I was excited to see an advertised workshop so there I went. His first instruction to me – paint left handed, start with a few colours that appeal and those magical biblical words ‘do not be afraid’ also translated to the modern vernacular ‘dgaf’. His encouragement and guidance to tap into underlying emotions and feelings, to handle ‘tension and release’, balance colour and shape, negative space and the focus, and to see what unfolds. I had nothing on my mind, had no image to be guided by, and wasn’t feeling much in the way of emotions so I was told to be informed by the colours and shapes that emerged.  

I can see the structure and lack of control, is a parallel to forms of meditation. An invitation to tap into the contemplative mind. It is a quantum leap to paint without a care whatsoever of what the finished product would be. I hear the words of Rover Thomas – “I want to paint”

I am pondering the connection to the active hope spiral.

So in Active Hope terms, I’m grateful for the opportunity to have this experience.

Honour the pain – I don’t think I have the answer to this just yet but I’ve witnessed in the workshop how suffering can pour through as well so in the process there is room to be in the space to honour the pain.

Certainly the new way of seeing is the most powerful. Not to structure, not to control, not to be concerned about what happens, not to be judgementatal. I’m a long way short of these! I was also conscious in our small group of the diversity and amazing ‘creative skills’ for want of a better term.

Going forth I’m wondering how this might be shaped – the invitation to employ these approaches in my next paintings no doubt, to be not afraid, not worry about the end product and care not for what other people might think.

Photos: my two pieces from the workshop. For now they are untitled 1 and 2!

Conversations with the other side

I have a relative who has views on life so opposite to me that I get nervous at the thought of being around them for any length of time as I fear being tipped over the edge. Over the years, actually decades, I’ve learned the art of how to meet on safe neutral ground – talking about kids, dogs and dare I say it the weather. I wonder how a University educated person who has access to all the information that I have can form such different opinions about just about everything, though they probably have grounds to think the same thing. 

Yet it irks me that why I can’t have that conversation about … climate change, human rights, economic fairness, the role renewable energy for our future, politics, etc. I know my aversion to conflict especially in family settings where we gather for significant birthdays, weddings and funerals are recipes for just ‘don’t go there’. But when I hear a clanger of an opinion my pulse races and I tense up not knowing how to deal with my urge to challenge and shout. 

Then again what would be the purpose knowing that their views are so well entrenched, as mine are? Sometimes it is just to make the gathering realise that their opinion when proffered is not the only one in the room. An unchallenged declaration hangs in the air and can be influential especially when spoken with conviction and certainty as his always are. Then again I think the family should realise where I stand by now. My family spans the political spectrum with me on one end and him on the other! Though I sometimes question my ability to debate under pressure and find that tension difficult.

I realise there has been much written about this subject but taking from an abstract thought to real life is difficult esp for a 9 on the enneagram!  Some climate change research suggests not to engage with those with fixed views on the opposite side. Then I hear Richard Rohr in my head going on about the folly of dualistic right wrong thinking and the need for the contemplative mind which is where my active hope is pushing me right now. I hear the question is it that important for my ego to want to have the debate just to prove myself to my family? 

So in Active Hope terms, I’m grateful for diversity of opinion. Even though it doesn’t always appeal to my sensibility!

I honour the pain of those whose voices aren’t heard, who are shouted down.

My challenge of a new way of seeing is not to be the one shouting or even wanting to shout over others but to adopt the contemplative mind and embrace the diversity of thought and to be listening instead of judging. 

Going forth I know I need to be speaking up but I want that voice to to be non-violent and respectful. To seek to make connections rather than to win the debate. To have the wisdom of knowing when to speak up and how to do it with respect, honesty and with humility.

Photo: recognising we have more in common than our differences 

Standing with not standing alone

From a young age our society promotes independence. Learning to ‘stand on your own two feet’ and ‘going it alone’ are measures of success. Yet inevitably at some point it is not enough to be standing on one’s own. We are naturally dependent.

I was moved to hear Dean Parkin talk about his experience in helping shape the Uluru Statement of the Heart in 2017 (see: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xB-31jD4XcA ). He began his TED talk with something like: you might see me standing here alone on the stage but I am not alone – standing behind me and with me are my elders and ancestors giving me strength to be able to be here. How good is that I though yet how different is our Euro-perspective?

 

A tall eucalypt can stand like a solitary figure. Yet what we don’t see are its roots exchanging nutrients and information with surrounding plants and not just with trees from the same species. This new way of seeing trees has been revelatory and we are still yet to learn so much about the interdependence of the natural world. My hope is that this scientific insight will permeate our education systems to alter our course of superiority and greed at the expense of the ecological framework we are embedded in. See this for some quick inspiration: https://www.ted.com/talks/camille_defrenne_and_suzanne_simard_the_secret_language_of_trees?language=en

While the above two paradigms may feel foreign to us, it resonates with my Christianity, the idea that we are deeply connected with the ‘spirits’ in whatever language you want to call it. The notion of prayer or meditation to be still and know that I am not alone is quite fundamental yet we westerners still are pushed in our own direction. Barbara Brown Taylor wrote on this 20 years ago: https://cac.org/an-infinite-web-2020-06-25/?utm_source=cm&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=dm&utm_content=summary

So in Active Hope terms, I’m grateful for those who support me and stand with me, even those who have passed on whose spirit lives on guiding me even when I’m not aware of it. I’m grateful that the universe is willing me to succeed to be who I’m meant to be.

I honour the pain of those who don’t feel this support, who feel alienated, who struggle.

Our challenge is to open our awareness to this new way of seeing: to intrinsically know and feel we stand with and journey with the immensity of this great support network. This may be at the expense of my ego thinking I can do it all. It also challenges all the consumption decisions I make. 

Going forth I want to be part of this great web to stand with and not against. To bring peace and solidarity. To connect with the ecology on a much deeper level. 

Photos: standing with in different ways. 

This banksia’s not done with yet

You might see a lonely figure in death but there is another story here

Yes I am leafless and broken, cracked and burnt with branches scattered below

Yes I am leaving but I’m not done with yet.

Defiant I remain standing – and I still have something to give -

I offer a, a roosting spot for the great cocky, the crow and magpie and many others;

I am a refuge my hollows can be your home, my bark a surface for the crawlies, the cracks their shelter, my fallen braches composting for soil of the future;

My design remains an inspiration for the artistic to stop and marvel;

My seeds of yesterdays a lasting gift to the next generations.

I’m bereft but at peace,

I know pain and suffering, of fires and floods, lightning strikes and disease.

Yes I have stories to tell, as I’ve stood witness through the years,

I’m passing on the wisdom of the old ancestors to the new comers that rise around me

Holding the ground, waiting for them to take over and stretch skyward.