The Arc of The Switch
Jann Burner
October 08, 2006
That vast Overmind of human consciousness which we metaphorically refer to as the Internet is nothing more that a matrix of zero's and ones in binary code. The most mundane as well as the most profound visions of mankind can be distilled down to a string of zero's and ones. Using this metaphor one can go even further and say that, if the mundane as well as the profound can be contained in a simple string of numerals, then ultimate potential could be said to possibly reside in the pivot point of the switch between "off" and "on".
Might there be a cosmic sweet spot that lies somewhere just before the switch falls to either zero or one? Like the pivot point of a child's teeter-totter which moves across the arc to either up or down, zero or one, on or off. In that pivot point might possibly reside all of human potential. The secret will be to learn the subtle process of focusing "in" (not on) the time-less moment. When the switch is "off" we are robotic animals moving about in our habitual zones of pattern. When the switch is "on" we are vital creative, mindful and full of positive feelings. We've been focusing for centuries on how to exist in the world of the "ON" switch and how to move humanity to that condition and now, with the cybernization of civilization through computers, the Internet and designer drugs, we have done that. Now the new unexplored territory will not be further into "intellect" but into that Nano-second slit in time, that small slot in the window when the switch is moving from off to ON, but is in neither position. Neither pulling things in, nor pushing them away, but simply letting them be, with intention. The Japanese have a term for it. They call it Saba. To occupy this pivot point is to truly occupy The Now.
This could very well be the timeless moment referred to by mystics throughout time. It means nothing if all the switches are left on, likewise it means nothing if all switches are left off. But when some switches are on and some are off in specific patterns then there is created what might be called a spiritual shadow. What we seem to be learning is how to define and illustrate that spiritual shadow. What can we do to make the edges crisper and the intention clearer and more emphatic?
Both off/on states are as blinders. They allow the human horse to move through the burning barn of the brain without being distracted. But now that we are out of the burning barn, we don't need the blinders. There is a middle position on this switch. It is not merely an off/on pole switch, it is a three way toggle and the middle position, which is neither off nor on, is the opening to...Mind and Spirit. This is where everything happens. We, as a species, have been so caught up in fear, doubt and drama that we've continually flipped past the "Mind" switch. A few stumble on it, certain thinkers and creative Imagineers, but they usually dismiss it as mere inspiration or insight. I think when both the robotic animal and the creative intellect are in balance the "switch" naturally drifts towards the center position and Mind suddenly happens. It is like the picture on the Sistine Chapel ceiling where God is reaching out with extended hand to man, who is reaching up at the same time. There is a space between one and the other, between their actual touching. Between the intention and the reality of that closure lays infinity.
Might there be a cosmic sweet spot that lies somewhere just before the switch falls to either zero or one? Like the pivot point of a child's teeter-totter which moves across the arc to either up or down, zero or one, on or off. In that pivot point might possibly reside all of human potential. The secret will be to learn the subtle process of focusing "in" (not on) the time-less moment. When the switch is "off" we are robotic animals moving about in our habitual zones of pattern. When the switch is "on" we are vital creative, mindful and full of positive feelings. We've been focusing for centuries on how to exist in the world of the "ON" switch and how to move humanity to that condition and now, with the cybernization of civilization through computers, the Internet and designer drugs, we have done that. Now the new unexplored territory will not be further into "intellect" but into that Nano-second slit in time, that small slot in the window when the switch is moving from off to ON, but is in neither position. Neither pulling things in, nor pushing them away, but simply letting them be, with intention. The Japanese have a term for it. They call it Saba. To occupy this pivot point is to truly occupy The Now.
This could very well be the timeless moment referred to by mystics throughout time. It means nothing if all the switches are left on, likewise it means nothing if all switches are left off. But when some switches are on and some are off in specific patterns then there is created what might be called a spiritual shadow. What we seem to be learning is how to define and illustrate that spiritual shadow. What can we do to make the edges crisper and the intention clearer and more emphatic?
Both off/on states are as blinders. They allow the human horse to move through the burning barn of the brain without being distracted. But now that we are out of the burning barn, we don't need the blinders. There is a middle position on this switch. It is not merely an off/on pole switch, it is a three way toggle and the middle position, which is neither off nor on, is the opening to...Mind and Spirit. This is where everything happens. We, as a species, have been so caught up in fear, doubt and drama that we've continually flipped past the "Mind" switch. A few stumble on it, certain thinkers and creative Imagineers, but they usually dismiss it as mere inspiration or insight. I think when both the robotic animal and the creative intellect are in balance the "switch" naturally drifts towards the center position and Mind suddenly happens. It is like the picture on the Sistine Chapel ceiling where God is reaching out with extended hand to man, who is reaching up at the same time. There is a space between one and the other, between their actual touching. Between the intention and the reality of that closure lays infinity.