Closeness, Transition and Creation

How close am I to my true self? How distant do I perceive what will eventually become intimate to me? Where do I stand concerning the unseen boundaries dictated by my personal belief system?

The intriguing notion of using “closeness” as a tool for transformation has captivated my thoughts. Unexpected ties emerge between people and systems, which seemed eternally separated. This phenomenon is evident at both individual and national scales.

In reality, numerous parallel “systems,” structures and organisational modes coexist—some of which we are acutely aware, others not so much. I inhabit one of these systems, as do you. Perhaps your “system” runs parallel to mine, either distinctly separate or with varying degrees of overlap. Yet, there might come a day when our systems intersect, binding us temporarily or over an extended duration.

1 – Closeness and Intimacy

It's pertinent to associate the idea of closeness with another notion: intimacy, in its broader, non-sexualised context. Essentially, “closeness” encompasses the intimacy sprouting from these tight-knit connections.

"Intimacy" can be conceptualised in various ways. Internally, it relates to our deepest personal experiences and fundamental character traits. Externally, it pertains to the relationships and proximities between individuals or systems. Internally, practices like yoga and meditation offer avenues to personal intimacy, facilitating self-awareness, independence and autonomy. Externally, while interactions between people or systems can vary infinitely in form and intensity, they all share a common thread: the “closeness” of the relationships forged in that instance.

2 – From the Point of Tension to the Ray of Light

Transformational closeness doesn't hinge on duration. Instead, it focuses on the profound impact of the connections formed on the entities involved. This transformative juncture, which I dub the "Point of Tension," is a pivotal moment when previously separated entities converge due to certain events. This juncture, the boundary of every system, harbours innate resistance against self-examination and the quest for unbridled freedom. This resistance embodies the various constraints and conditioning that plague individuals and cultures.

Such resistance prompts profound introspection: How do my values shape my perception of reality? How free is my will? Should my search also involve understanding the absence of what I seek? What capacity do I have for critical thought, a foundation for intellectual freedom?

Yet, this very resistance holds the potential for a metamorphosis—towards self-awareness, personal evolution, a richer life, enhanced liberty and a broader humanistic perspective. Consequently, when parallel systems converge at the Point of Tension, the ramifications can be boundless. This convergence can catalyse personal and universal metamorphoses, allowing involved individuals to champion values that spur their growth and, on a grander scale, prevent humanity's stagnation.

Such values are the bedrock for humanity's survival, bestowing purpose, fostering love, peace, happiness and beauty—the quintessential values of light. No civilisation can endure in the absence of this illuminating force.

Hence, it's transformative for individuals to view every instance of emergent closeness between systems or people as an opportunity, a beacon of hope and a fountain of renewal, all contributing to a universal force that uplifts humanity.

Our will, in its purest, most self-sustaining and liberated form, should be committed to this lofty ideal.