Bear's Blog

I’m fascinated by the show “The Man in the High Castle”. It explores themes of power and control through the characters' struggles with their circumstances. As they navigate a world shaped by totalitarian regimes, the ending emphasizes that individuals influence history through a series of small daily choices. The cumulative tension between personal agency and the overwhelming control of oppressive systems is highlighted. How do we create different timelines among a multitude of options?

We are living in a time of great change. All our underlying assumptions about the way things are (or how they should be) are irrelevant. Established concepts about 3-D reality, time, cause and effect are proving unhelpful right now. We are used to projecting along a linear timeline, and taking action leading to that probable and desired outcome.

In reality, what happens after that? It’s out of our control; a process with lots of unknown variables takes over. Control in its most basic form is an attempt to create safety. We need a game, rules, constructions and consensus to operate as individuals and societies. If we can’t predict or influence what happens, it's disturbing, disorienting.

We are witnessing the complete and utter destruction of reality as we know it. We can’t even imagine what’s next; unexpected events and consequences are the new norm. It’s shocking, but surprises can be good. We’re doubting what we know, who we are, and what we should be doing - but doubt opens the door to the unknown, to magic.

We all experience the elastic properties of time and have come to understand time is not a line! In “The Man in the High Castle” people start jumping timelines. These alternative realities lead them to question who they really are. Our sense of self is being challenged too. Do we need to present or prove ourselves to others in a particular way? The central character demonstrates conviction, guided by integrity and beliefs no matter the danger or what’s required of her. The means may or may not justify the ends, because the ends are unknowable. The only way forward is to stay true to who we are.   

What do Ayahuasca, Zen koans and alternative timelines have in common? Jolting us out of complacency, they point to a multitude of possibilities, interpretations, and visions that are all part of one thing. It's an experience of the whole through a prism. Time is omni-directional; timelines are not separate, but many simultaneous realities. How each moment is experienced and reacted to opens up another set of potentials. 

The most effective intentions embody a desire, but not the “how” of achieving it. Universal intelligence, combined with the intentions and choices of many, create the ultimate manifestations. Big and small actions by each of us will compound into a brave new version of reality.

Peace, love and healing -

Bear

“The Man in the High Castle”, based on the book by Phillip K. Dick and produced by Ridley Scott (and others), is currently available on Netflix.