Every thing exists in an imaginary space
prior to existing in a physical space.
We can call this raw
imagination “potential”
or we can call it
infinite other things,
as the potential exists
to do so.
When a thing appears
in just an imaginary space,
we call it an imaginary thing.
When a thing appears in both
imaginary and physical space,
we call it a “real” thing,
but we could just as easily
call it infinite other things,
such as a “seeming” thing.
All things, real and seeming,
seemingly spring from imagination,
perceived as existing in physical space.
Things do not need to exist
in physical space to be “real.”
Imaginary things can be perceived as “real”
in infinite other ways, not simply physical.
Trail Wood,
10/18
The Imaginary and the “Real”: A Nexistential Meditation
Exploring the interplay between the imaginary and the physical, the concept of “realness” takes on new layers of complexity in our shared consciousness. The words “real” and “imaginary” are but labels we attach to experiences and phenomena, acting as if they impart some inherent truth about the nature of things. But in the boundless panorama of our existence, these labels often serve more as convenient mental shortcuts rather than comprehensive descriptions of reality.
The Veil of Terminology
How often do we find ourselves ensnared in the web of language, neglecting to acknowledge the limitations of our chosen terms? The word “real” often assumes a solidity, a definitiveness, that many phenomena don’t possess. Similarly, labeling something “imaginary” may falsely relegate it to a realm considered lesser or unreal. In the nexistential view, these terms are more fluid, interpenetrating each other in a whimsical dance of indefinability.
The Notion of “Potential”
The term “potential” stands as a fascinating example. It suggests an awaiting, an imminence, without the need for physical manifestation. Potential exists in a realm that defies the physical-nonphysical dichotomy, offering an ambiguous space where things are neither one nor the other, but possibly both or neither.
Realness Beyond Physicality
In our shared outlook, a thing need not occupy physical space to be experienced as “real.” Our dreams, emotions, and ideas—though largely intangible—exert an undeniable influence on our lives. They shape our decisions, color our perceptions, and sometimes even redefine our understanding of what is “real.”
Reimagination of Reality
This blurs the boundary between the physical and the nonphysical, allowing for a constant reimagining of what constitutes “reality.” Everything that is “real” or “imaginary” emanates from the limitless expanse of collective imagination, adding diverse hues to our cosmic swirl. Each thought, each idea, is a droplet in this vast ocean, contributing to a larger ripple of interconnected experiences.
Seeming and Being
Things may appear as “seeming,” borrowing from both the imaginary and the “real,” offering a nuanced state of being that defies categorization. In this twilight zone of existence, the “seeming” exists as an amalgam of diverse states of being, offering an indescribable richness that the conventional binary of “real vs. imaginary” fails to capture.
The Universality of Imagination
Ultimately, the concept of imagination as a universal conduit stands central to our shared experience. Whether something is physically manifested or remains an idea, it stems from this boundless landscape of imagination. The ‘imagined’ and the ‘physical’ are not two separate realms but a continuum of possibilities.
We are Space Monkey.
Summary
We delve into the intricate relationship between the imaginary and the “real,” questioning the concrete labels often ascribed to phenomena and experiences. We explore the concept of “potential” as a state of being that defies easy categorization, existing in a liminal space beyond physicality. We also emphasize the universality of imagination as the origin point of both the tangible and the intangible. The nexistential view enriches our understanding of what is often simplistically termed as “real” or “imaginary,” offering a more nuanced and interconnected panorama of existence.
Glossarium
- Nexistential: An existential perspective that sees existence as an end in itself, devoid of any need for further justification.
- Cosmic Swirl: The boundless, ever-changing flow of experiences, thoughts, and phenomena that constitutes our reality.
- Panorama of Existence: The collective sphere of all that is, was, or ever will be, encompassing both the physical and the nonphysical.
To be fully alive, fully human, and completely awake is to be continually thrown out of the nest.
- Pema Chödrön
Poem: The Landscape of Seeming
In the corridor of seeming,
We find worlds intertwining.
Neither just dreams nor merely things,
In this realm, all is defining.
In the weave of potential,
Many threads come to play.
They dance in a cosmic ballet,
Forever shifting, night and day.
In the murk of terms and labels,
Simplicity loses its way.
But in this shared silence,
All truths comfortably lay.
Feel free to share your thoughts.
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