At any point in time, we are either Creating, Consuming, or Experiencing. These three primary states, or meta-states as I call them, are fundamental to our day to day existence. The balance of these meta-states is vital to our overall mental and emotional well being, and hence imbalance, or too much time and weight being spent on one aspect over another can develop all sorts of subsequent issues.
I'll explain the meta-states in detail, and then dig into how they interact with each other.
Much of the later posts will refer to these three States of Being, and hence it benefits us to fundamentally understand them now and get a sense of my worldview.
Creating
The act of creating has broad and far reaching definitions. It can be related to the obvious and expected development of artwork, or writing as in the case of this blog. It could be in developing ideas, taking notes, sketching and refining concepts in a raw state. It could be constructing, building, or crafting. It could also be applied to business, whether in operational structure, logistics or policy development. Developing a relationship through conversation is also creating, as is sexual intimacy and bonding with others on a deeper level. It is not necessary to be creative to create. After all, cooking a meal based on a recipe is creating based on someone else's creativity, but fulfills the definition regardless.
We often feel inspired when we create. Seeing an idea develop and manifest into something more fruitful or tangible can provide us with a sense of purpose. Expressing ourselves with production is a very human trait. Ironically, creating for no purpose at all is the most rewarding on a deep and spiritual level. Think of a child that plays with no real goal or outcome as a prime example.
Yet if we create and create and create, and never take a step back, we can feel trapped. The imbalance of being in a constant mindset of building, adding, evolving and never allowing something to be complete or finished can generate perpetual dissatisfaction. We impose our needs on it, and whatever we have created has to become more, and doesn't allow a sense of appreciation for progress from what "was not" to what "now is".
Consuming
The act of consuming is more than just eating or purchasing. Its a necessary part of our lives and can be defined as much more than it's name implies. We consume music for our senses, books for our intelligence, nutrition for our sustenance and enjoyment, and the beauty of the world around us for the awe that nature provides. Consuming, external of capitalistic ideals of being a "consumer", as a meta-state allows us to to develop and grow, physically, intellectually, spiritually and emotionally.
We must balance what we consume and how, tying them into the world view and outlooks of our goals. It would make little sense for someone who has no desire to learn about wine to consume hundred page books, attend seminars and debate academia on the subject, outside of physically consuming a glass now and again for its other benefits. It would be wasted effort better spent on other endeavours that would provide more return and value to their chosen profession, social circles or hobbies.
Excessive consumption can likewise be a detriment if the other two meta-states of Creating and Experiencing are ignored or undervalued. Gluttony can overtake a person who consumes too much food, leading to health issues and poor habits. A recluse who consumes information and media noise from television with no output or decision making provides nothing and shares little with the world. A hoarder who consumes items and keeps them with no applicable use or function also falls into an unhealthy state of being. They have created a downward spiral of taking and giving nothing back.
Excessive consumption can likewise be a detriment if the other two meta-states of Creating and Experiencing are ignored or undervalued. Gluttony can overtake a person who consumes too much food, leading to health issues and poor habits. A recluse who consumes information and media noise from television with no output or decision making provides nothing and shares little with the world. A hoarder who consumes items and keeps them with no applicable use or function also falls into an unhealthy state of being. They have created a downward spiral of taking and giving nothing back.
Experiencing
The third meta-state is Experiencing. This is the state where we feel and think and move within the inputs around us and within us. Running is an experience that we feel as the blood pumps our legs and lungs and propels us forward. Dancing, which can also create, is an experience that we allow to overtake us. When we listen or converse, we experience the people and smells and sounds around us. We are in tune with our surroundings and exist in the moment. Meditation is also an experience, wherein nothing occurs and we just are, experiencing the stillness of being and asking for nothing beyond that moment.
To truly experience, we must be present. It does little to be lost in stressful thinking of emails to be answered, phone calls to be made and dishes to be washed while standing on the coastline as the waves lap against the shore and the Pacific Ocean breeze flows over us with its ancient winds. To experience the touch of a loved one, the sounds of children laughing in the distance of warm summer's day are all available to us. Even the pain of sorrow and loss is required for a healthy state of being, and aversion to the less blissful moments of life often perpetuates them. Experiencing is very much an emotional state of being, but can also be logical and pragmatic.
When we solely seek experience and sensation we fall into hedonism and selfishness. We seek only pleasure, however we define it, and fail to see the damage that our own desires can have on others around us. The results can be disastrous, and even global in reach as we discard the greater for our own personal satisfaction.
Each state of being can interact with the other two in whole or in part. For example, if we were to choreograph a dance, we are both creating and experiencing at the same time.
If we were to take notes on a lecture of philosophy, we would be consuming and creating. When we enjoy the company of friends over dinner with wine and music, we consume in the form of food and beverage, as well we ingest conversation and ideas, we create the meal and the setting with decor, and we experience the ambiance and joy of togetherness and shared time.
The more balance one can generate from transitioning from one State of Being to another leads to more richer and meaningful activities. We become more, offer more and even take more of all that is offered from the world around us. Deep and focused work on one meta-state is also welcome, as this is where deeper understanding of a domain can be realized. The artist who loses themselves in a painting as they create, or a sensory deprivation float tank meditation that allows a singular experience of being, are all powerful and impactful ways to explore those aspects of one's life.
Determining goals, ambitions and values that align with an individual's life plan is related to and holistically intertwined with the States of Being, and the meta-states do not assume ethical or moral action. We all exist in these three meta-states, and they do not preclude bad intention or malicious action.
I would challenge you to take a look at your day. Assess the time you spend on Creating, Consuming and Experiencing. Are you in balance? What area is lacking and how many of your daily activities are short on the interaction and relationship between the three states? Track your week, and then start planning your schedule and calendar with a balance of the three states. See what works for you, and with a more conscious and conscientious approach to your life habits, see if any benefits unfold over the coming months. Let me know how it goes.
Ed
To truly experience, we must be present. It does little to be lost in stressful thinking of emails to be answered, phone calls to be made and dishes to be washed while standing on the coastline as the waves lap against the shore and the Pacific Ocean breeze flows over us with its ancient winds. To experience the touch of a loved one, the sounds of children laughing in the distance of warm summer's day are all available to us. Even the pain of sorrow and loss is required for a healthy state of being, and aversion to the less blissful moments of life often perpetuates them. Experiencing is very much an emotional state of being, but can also be logical and pragmatic.
When we solely seek experience and sensation we fall into hedonism and selfishness. We seek only pleasure, however we define it, and fail to see the damage that our own desires can have on others around us. The results can be disastrous, and even global in reach as we discard the greater for our own personal satisfaction.
The Interaction of Meta-States
Each state of being can interact with the other two in whole or in part. For example, if we were to choreograph a dance, we are both creating and experiencing at the same time.If we were to take notes on a lecture of philosophy, we would be consuming and creating. When we enjoy the company of friends over dinner with wine and music, we consume in the form of food and beverage, as well we ingest conversation and ideas, we create the meal and the setting with decor, and we experience the ambiance and joy of togetherness and shared time.
The more balance one can generate from transitioning from one State of Being to another leads to more richer and meaningful activities. We become more, offer more and even take more of all that is offered from the world around us. Deep and focused work on one meta-state is also welcome, as this is where deeper understanding of a domain can be realized. The artist who loses themselves in a painting as they create, or a sensory deprivation float tank meditation that allows a singular experience of being, are all powerful and impactful ways to explore those aspects of one's life.Determining goals, ambitions and values that align with an individual's life plan is related to and holistically intertwined with the States of Being, and the meta-states do not assume ethical or moral action. We all exist in these three meta-states, and they do not preclude bad intention or malicious action.
I would challenge you to take a look at your day. Assess the time you spend on Creating, Consuming and Experiencing. Are you in balance? What area is lacking and how many of your daily activities are short on the interaction and relationship between the three states? Track your week, and then start planning your schedule and calendar with a balance of the three states. See what works for you, and with a more conscious and conscientious approach to your life habits, see if any benefits unfold over the coming months. Let me know how it goes.
Ed
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