26. Light, knowledge, here & now, difference, consistency

In the previous two chapters, I presented sets of concepts that illustrate the so-called thinking methods. These thinking methods help me to describe auxiliary reference points of our psyche.

These sets of concepts that I presented earlier are as follows:

— the lower right corner of the Mandala of Characters:

impression, magic, skepticism, hope, alchemy, influence

— the upper left corner of the Mandala of Characters:

attention, attitude, trust, belief, focus, persuasion

In this chapter, I will continue to present thinking methods, and I will go to the auxiliary point in the lower-left corner. There we can find:
— the adaptive-defensive mechanism, which is—Perceiving,
— and so-called classical Element quality—dry.

Besides, we also have here the concept that relates to thinking methods. This concept is:
— knowledge.

While developing the Mandala of Characters, I added more concepts to the concept of “knowledge”. All in all, the set of concepts related to this place of the Mandala look as follows:

light, knowledge, here & now, difference, consistency

LIGHT

The word “light”, I decided to put due to the type of character—Dry Fire, which we can find in this place of the Mandala.

The name of the type “Dry Fire” may sound quite mysterious. So, I thought that it is worthwhile here adding some word which will give us a clue to, what might be hidden behind this name?

The Dry Fire, if we look at the Mandala of Characters, is the area of the Fire Element. In this area, we have three types of characters:

• Fire—that is in the middle of the area where we can find the Fire element.
• Hot Fire—which is above the Fire.
  Hot Fire is close to the Air Element. That is why it is so hot. It means, when the fire has contact with a lot of air, it burns faster and its temperature is higher. Therefore, this fire is hotter.
• Dry Fire, which is below Fire.
  Dry Fire belongs to the Element of Fire and is close to the Element of Earth. So, Dry Fire has a large distance to the Element of Air. If Dry Fire has less air, it burns slower and is not as hot as Hot Fire. Then Fire is smaller and milder in the place where Dry Fire is. If it is smaller and milder, then we can better use the light that gives this fire. Among other things, the fire-light gives us a better point of view. When the environment is well lit, we can more accurately perceive different things. In good light, we can better distinguish some important details.

So, I think that the word “light” we can consider as something very characteristic of the place where the type Dry Fire is located.

The word “light” tells us, for example, that the place is very bright. In this place, there is a lot of light. Metaphorically, it could be said that this is the most “enlightened” place. The word “enlightenment” refers primarily to the cult of the reason and knowledge that in the socio-cultural movement in Europe in the eighteenth century.

And if we are talking about “enlightenment” we can also mention the word “enlighten”. “Enlighten”, for example, has such meanings: to promote education, to teach, to instruct, to inform someone about something, to give insight, to give understanding, etc.

The words “enlightenment” or “enlighten” also reminding me of the Polish word “oświata”. In English, it is similar to “enlightening”, however in Polish it means also “edukacja”, that is, education.

The word “light” is also associated with “lighting”, which can mean, for example, a lighting electrical installation or wiring in our houses. Besides, “lighting” is a term for light effects in art, photography and film. “Lighting” is also a way of reasoning and presenting something.

Moreover, the word “light” appears in many phrases and idioms, such as:

I want here to emphasize one fact. It means, the lightness of light.

The word “light” also relates to someone or something, what is not heavy. What is less heavy as normal or typical. What is less than some standard or norm.

This meaning of “light” as a little weight does not appear in every language. For example, in Polish, the word “lekki” is simply opposed to the word “ciężki”, that is, “heavy”. And the word “lekki” is not similar to the “light” as something bright and shining. In Polish, we have the word “światło”. So, the word “światło” (noun—light) doesn’t look like “lekki” (adjective—light).

Then, in the English word “light” has bigger ambiguity. And I like it.

Among others, I like it, because I can connect it in a symbolic way with the name of the type Dry Fire, which is in this place of the Mandala of Characters. I think here about it that Dry Fire we can treat as a light. That is, light which is not hot, and thanks to this it is safe and will not hurt us. Dry Fire can also be treated as shutting training without ammunition. It is giving a fire and light, but without bullets. In a sense, we need here “bite on the bullet”, or “pull ourselves together”. We need to have this attitude if we want to practice and develop. For the development, we also need to think about what to do better? If we think we can be enlightened enough to be able to do something, to achieve our goals. Then we can believe in ourselves and see the “light at the end of the tunnel”.

Dry Fire can also be light, that is, not heavy. Dry Fire simply rather is not too heavy. So, Dry Fire, on the one hand, can be enlightened. But on the other hand, he is light, not too heavy. Then we can assume that he can be spectacular, but at the same time, it can be difficult for him to make any long-lasting impact. But sometimes small and light influence can be better than big and heavy impact.

So, the phrases mentioned above that are related to the word “light” can tell us a lot about what thinking methods we can use in this place of the Mandala of Characters.

HERE and NOW

The next phrase, which I added to the Mandala of Characters is “here and now”. I decided to add this phrase because of the types of characters that are in this place of Mandala are able to live “here and now”. It means, among other things, that these types are most capable of focusing on the current moment and the place where they currently are. And this is connected with the fact that they are able to quickly evaluate and draw various conclusions from what is presently happening. Then, after a quick assessment, they can also quickly decide what will be their reaction. This reaction can be really fast when, according to them, the actual situation needs it.

Recently, the phrase “here and now” is becoming more and more popular. For example, in psychology, in philosophical systems, in various therapies, coaching, etc.

The phrase “here and now” and what is associated with it is often described in a very positive way. It is also often recommended to using and following the principle the “here and now” in life.

Personally, during my analyzing of types of characters, I came to the conclusion that the principle of “here and now”, like most things in life, has both positive and negative sides. So, it is like a tool that will be very helpful during the realization of some goals, and using it for other goals will bring minimal effect.

Besides, the principle “here and now” has a different effect on different types of characters. For some types it is beneficial, and for other types, it may not be useful. Sometimes it will even have an opposite effect on them. For example, when “here and now” will be used too much.

And there is also the fact that some types can make greater use of “here and now” than other types. The types that have the ability to make the most of this principle in life are the Dry Fire and Dry Earth.

DIFFERENCE

The association with the word “difference” appeared when I was analyzing the type of character—Dry Earth.

Where did the connection between the word “difference” and the type “Dry Earth” came from? To answer this question, let’s start with a symbolic association. If we imagine Dry Earth as dry area, the dry area often is very monotonous. Most of the landscape looks similar. For example, such an area can be desert or steppe. In these areas, a lot of time the vegetation either occurs to a small extent, or it is not very varied. For instance, often, it is mainly covered with grassy vegetation. In such terrain, to spot something special, we have to be particularly sensitive if we want to capture various differences. It means some important details or specific features. For example, for people who live in such terrain, the ability to capture significant differences may be necessary in order to survive, function and exist in such location.

For instance, essential is the ability to find something to eat or look for something to hunt. Usually, there is often less food on dry soil. So, we need to be more sensitive about what is going on around, because it can help us to find something to eat. For example, when we go somewhere in search of some vegetable food or follow the trail of an animal that we want to hunt down.

When we go somewhere to find something to eat, we also need to be appropriately prepared. The first of all, we need to take what is necessary with us, because we do not know how long the search will last? We also need rationally to think through what we are taking with us? It is because, too heavy back-pack will slow us down, and we will be more tired. Inappropriate equipment and too heavy back-pack can make the difference by which our efforts and struggles will finish without success.

Living on the dry earth requires the ability to capture various kinds of significant differences or details.

Finding differences also often require the maximum focus on the present moment and on the place where we are. Therefore, we must be focused on those mentioned above—“here and now”. Thanks to this, what is important and significant for us will not escape our attention. It is so because, if there is an opportunity to do something that we have been waiting for, it is necessary to make the right decision and do it quickly. If we miss the opportunity, then we do not know how long we will have to wait for the next chance or occasion.

Such features as the ability to focus on “here and now”, and to capture significant differences, have, to a large extent, the character type—Dry Earth. This type has some natural abilities in this area.

I have just said have these types of abilities can be useful in areas where there is dry earth. In that case, it would be worthwhile to say how these abilities can manifest in a typical life? At his moment, we are primarily interested in the ability to focus on differences. This ability, for example, can manifest in the following ways:

• Capturing someone’s mistakes and shortcomings.
  For example, during competing with someone, success depends on spotting someone’s mistakes, shortcomings, gaps, unprotected places and passages, etc.
• Finding somebody’s mistake, which we can “pick on”.
  Finding someone’s mistakes or something that is missing at the given moment. Finding something to pick on somebody can give us an advantage over him. So, finding differences or deficiencies in someone may allow us to take control over him, or at least let us manipulate him.
• Being unusual and distinguish.
  Being extraordinary, unusual, rare, special, unique, etc., often require the ability to highlight or emphasize some important differences that distinguish us from others.
• Being characteristic and distinctive.
  If we want to be distinctive and characteristic, we need to emphasize something that differentiates us from others. If at first glance, nothing is favoring us, we must find or discover some distinguish differences.
• Discovering something new by finding something that is standing out.
  The discovery of something often depends on finding the difference or detail that no one has ever noticed before.
• Being tasteful through taking care of differences.
  Often good taste is associated with the ability to capture significant differences that affect the overall effect. Finding also whether something is better or worse often depends on some small differences between something one and something the other. These differences are often associated with capturing what is: exceptional and unique; which is unique and one of a kind; which has a sophisticated and unique style. While a sophisticated and unique style is associated with good taste.
• Surviving in a given situation depending on spotting differences.
  In many movies, we often have this motif. That is, the main character in the film is able to notice a detail that his opponent did not spot. Or the main character is able to notice a week point of the opponent, before his opponent spot week point in the main character. Thanks to this, they can use it and get out of oppression. Besides, capturing some difference in the surrounding environment can help to predict and protect against approaching danger. For example, noticing something that is not right; what is suspicious; what is different than usual; which does not match the environment and the situation; seeing something in someone’s behavior what is suspicious; etc. For example, in many movies, we can see that such skills help to predict and discover what is planning to do a criminal or enemy. Or what crime already he is doing in secret. An example, of movie hero who uses spotting various details and differences which help to survive and cope with difficult situations, is for instance: actor Bruce Willis playing John McClane in the series of movies “Die Hard”, or Eddie Murphy playing “Axel Foley in the series “Beverly Hills Cop”.
• Capture differences that are helpful in various jobs and occupations.
  In normal life, noticing differences and details can also be very helpful. It can help deal with various life situations and problems. This skill is also useful in many jobs, occupations, and professions. For example, in work with people, thanks to this we can catch different nuances and details by which you can help other people or serve them in the right way. While this, we can transform into successes in a given job or profession.
  This ability might as well be used to catch these details and nuances by which we can effectively harm someone. Furthermore, it can be used to stop somebody from doing something or to take over other’s ideas and methods to outrun them in doing something.
• Honoring appreciation.
  We distinguish someone when we want to appreciate someone. That is, we recognize that someone is better than others, or we see that someone has an advantage in something over others. For example, we distinguish by giving someone: prizes, good grades, marks, feedback, etc. So, in total, we make the difference between one person and the others. Or we divide people into different groups, types, categories, levels, etc.
• Difference as something positive or negative.
  Often the differences and details make a real difference. That is, they distinguish something in a positive way. We say, for example, that something is refined (or nuanced, polished) in every detail.
  It is also possible to distinguish something negatively. That is when a very significant difference or detail has not been refined enough. And because of that, it can be differentiated negatively. And next, it can have a negative influence on the following events. Then, we can say, for example, that “the devil is in the details”. Emphasizing differences is often used in advertisements. It is made by suggesting that a given product will make and will create such a positive difference which will distinguish us from the crowd. Or will provide us with unique benefits and big successes.
• Mistake as a difference.
  The mistake is the thing that is cutting us of something. For example, it subtracts something from us, that is, some points or percentage, it lowers our self-assessment, etc. An excessive number of errors can make it very difficult or impossible for us passing an exam or test. Also, in life, we can get various penalties. For instance, financial penalties, through which we lose our money.
  Generally speaking, often we have to deal with subtracting, and subtraction in the mathematical sense is a difference.

Besides, to the above examples of the difference, the difference describes the following phrases or idioms:

CONSISTENCY

Being consistent in life connects with a methodical effort to achieve the desired goal. And during this methodical effort, we prefer to stick to the same principles.

The above methodical (or consistent) effort can bring us both:

• the result or outcome which is undesired, unpleasant and disappoints us,
• and the result or outcome, which satisfies us, which fulfills our aspiration, needs, dreams, goals, etc.

Of course, we prefer the second outcome of our consistency, that is, when we are achieving what we need or dream about. But sometimes our consistency can bring us something opposite to this what we expected.

Why is like that?

In general, metaphorically speaking, consistency is like a tool. Sometimes it is very useful and handy, and sometimes it is not effective.

Also, in my opinion, “consistency” is connected with the phrase “here and now”.

It is so because:

• “Here and now” helps us pursue our goals. Thanks to a greater focus on “here and now” we concentrate more on the present moment. And on this what we are doing.
• On the other hand, focusing on “here and now” can bring us some problems. It means:
  — Focusing too much on “here and now” can cause various consequences of our actions. These consequences can be expected or unexpected; pleasant or unpleasant; welcomed or unwelcomed; easy to deal with or can be tough to resolve and overwhelmed; etc.
  Also focusing on “here and now” deprives us of a wider perspective, and therefore we can be stubborn. By stubbornness, we can hold on to our position, habit, course of action, way of thinking, etc. As a result, such persistent holding on something can bring us various unexpected consequences.

So, it turns out that the focus on “here and now”:
— on the one hand, it often deprives us of looking at what we are doing from a wider perspective,
— on the other hand, however, focusing on “here and now” helps us focus more on the present moment. Thus, when we focus on “here and now” it does not distract us thinking about something from a wider perspective.

All in all, thanks for focusing on the present moment, it is easier to be more consistent in what we do. However, the lack of wider perspective can also bring us various consequences. It means:
— On the one hand, consistency and determination can bring us many benefits or can help us achieve our plans, goals, needs, etc.
— On the other hand, too consistent and determined actions may harm us. Actually, not only us but also others with whom our actions are connected. All in all, our consistent efforts may put us and others to various unpleasant consequences.

Interestingly, focusing on “here and now” often also helps us avoid problems. For example, thanks to our strong commitment to what is “here and now”, we can focus more on what is happening on present moment. And when we are more focused on present moment, we can more effectively bypass the possible consequences of our actions.

As a summary of the above considerations on the concept of “consistency”, I will use a symbolic reference.

In the Mandala of Characters, the concept of “consistency,” we can find in the place where is type—Dry Earth. In a symbolic sense, the Dry Earth is solid, compact, dense, hard, unify, etc. I think these features of Dry Earth fit the concept of “consistency”.

KNOWLEDGE

“Knowledge” is associated with the use of the phrase “here and now”. It is because, so to speak, it is good to have appropriate and ready to use the knowledge on various topics. Then, we can use such knowledge immediately, without undue delay and with the least possible involvement. It means, with as little involvement as possible: resources; work and energy, effort, time, etc. Therefore, the knowledge has this attribute that we can use it right now, that is, when it arises a beneficial or profitable opportunity for us.

So, “knowledge” is like a tool. Thanks to this tool, we can do something “here and now” very quickly.

And above I presented the descriptions of the concepts related to the thinking methods, which we are following at the reference point that on the Mandala of Characters we can find in the lower-left corner. Thus, in total, the set of these concepts is as follows:

light, knowledge, here & now, difference, consistency

Let us put the above set of concepts on the diagram of auxiliary reference points of our psyche.

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