2

When people see some things as beautiful,
other things become ugly.
When people see some things as good,
other things become bad.
Being and non-being create each other.
Difficult and easy support each other.
Long and short define each other.
High and low depend on each other.
Before and after follow each other.

Therefore the Master
acts without doing anything
and teaches without saying anything.
Things arise and she lets them come;
things disappear and she lets them go.
She has but doesn’t possess,
acts but doesn’t expect.

When her work is done, she forgets it.
That is why it lasts forever.

Tao te Ching by Lao Tsu, trans. by Stephen Mitchell

We resumed the gathering of Amateur Philosophers yesterday. This is a group of six to twelve who meet twice per month to enjoy developing a good conversation based upon ideas which are offered in an essay about a philosophical topic. The shared experience around our table differs from academic philosophy. Enjoyment is the objective. No papers need be composed and evaluated or grades given. No mandated reading within the constraints of time. No tuition either. The only requirement is to be present, to show up. Possibility begins when you and I show up.

Upon reflection perhaps this alone is the “ground zero” of being, of existence – as we imagine “it” to ourselves. To be present, to show up, means that you have the opportunity to assume a character in “the production”. Sometimes it seems proper to say little, or even nothing. Time to observe the flow of idea-exchange around the table, taking stock of speaker or listener body language is sufficient. Our comportment, posture conveys a great deal does it not? You know that it does. To be a observer, to silently observe is participation, to have stage presence in “what happens,” — is to effect the outcome of the discussion session. When you and I show up, we matter…

Each individual around the table brings one or more “specialties” to the “party”.  I mean each of our personalities has been shaped by an aspect or aspect(s) of life that we have loved. David often speaks meaningfully of newsroom journalism and of American colonial history. Cathy’s experience of nursing, and hospital/clinc management surfaces from time to time. Joe is passionate about the methods of science. Several are musicians of long standing. I could go on.

And I, my passion(s) come to bear as a general contractor of ideas. What can we fabricate for ourselves, a 21st century habitat, humane for all of the human family? What are we to do, to care for our earth home like Monet cared for his garden? And what can we do to sequester the shadow-side of our natures, expressed in Trumps, and Putins, and Erdogans and Netanyahus…  

Surely we, like everyone else will have our run in this stage production we call life. A final curtain will fall and we will step back. I hope we can forget the work we have done. Because if the work has been done well, the work will endure, – will last in the heart/minds of others.

That is how it works.