Hi Peter,
No, of course I don’t mind you ‘chiming in’. The more the merrier.
You raise some interesting points, especially the idea that one’s fears are associated with one’s beliefs. Many of my beliefs come from pure observations, disregarding whether I like, dislike, agree or disagree with them; but fear is a powerful motivator, so you may well be right. I’m a great believer (there’s that word again ;-)) that in order to understand one’s self, one must understand one’s motivations, which would include fears. I agree, not believing is not an option. Hell, if you didn’t believe that when stepping off the curb you’d arrive safely at the other side of the road, you’d probably never leave the house, or do anything, for that matter.
…… john

Dear Peter:

The canvas metaphor which you presented in your original post in this thread (almost 6 months ago, June 20) and returned to yesterday (“Back to the canvas metaphor…“) is one that I studied, got excited about..  and then forgot about it. I want to resurrect it and make a practical use of it in my life today.

As I understand it, and according to my research today, the metaphor extends to life and existence, suggesting that every moment holds infinite potential and is connected to the eternal present. Yesterday, you expressed that the metaphor illustrates the cumulative nature of choices and actions. Each choice influences the next, leading to a developed style that limits creativity, limiting the infinite potential in every moment. The idea is to keep the canvas “blank” to avoid accumulation and remain truly free.

Just as the canvas remains blank and holds infinite potential, beliefs can confine us by defining boundaries and limiting our perception of potential. True freedom lies in embracing the blank canvas of existence, free from accumulated beliefs and fears.

The blank canvas metaphor is quite similar to the concept of “beginner’s mind.“, “Shoshin“, in Zen Buddhism. The blank canvas symbolizes a fresh start, unburdened by previous strokes or accumulated actions. The beginner’s mind refers to approaching life with an open, eager, and uncluttered perspective, as if seeing things for the first time. It involves being free from preconceived notions and open to all possibilities.

The idea that the canvas remains blank, even as it gets painted, suggests living in the present moment and realizing that each moment holds limitless potential. Practicing a beginner’s mind means embracing the present moment without the baggage of past experiences or judgments, allowing one to fully engage with the here and now.

Avoiding the accumulation of brush strokes to maintain the canvas’s blank state is akin to not letting past actions or memories define or limit one’s current experience. Similarly, the beginner’s mind encourages letting go of accumulated knowledge and experiences to see things afresh, thereby avoiding the constraints that come from past conditioning.

Both the blank canvas metaphor and the beginner’s mind encourage a state of openness, potential, and living in the present without being constrained by past experiences or preconceived notions. They both advocate for a fresh, unrestricted approach to life and creativity.

Thank you Peter for sharing these insightful reflections. They provide much food for thought and inspire a deeper contemplation, on my part.

And now … Blank.

anita

Hi Helcat,
I did live my childhood dream; but it wasn’t easy. Many people told me that, because there were so few opportunities in this field, and because my grades were so abysmal, I would never land a position as an analytical chemist; but never underestimate the power of perseverance, a trait which has allowed me to accomplish many things that those with much more talent and ability did not; usually because talent/ability results in a lack of perseverance; when things come easily there’s no incentive to accomplish. However, as you may have guessed from what you wrote, I WAS inspired by my high school chemistry teacher, whom I tracked down to thank, many years later, only to discover that he had died the year before . Not good!
Yes, a woman would realize this, that lack of imagination is an impediment to making good decisions. A couple of years ago, I heard a radio show, where the host was interviewing a scientist (geneticist I believe) who had done research re the genetic make up of women. He was spurred to do this, when he realized that his wife often came up with more imaginative ways of dealing with problems, than he. What he discovered was that women have a gene which, he claimed, accounted for this increased ability. My own experience, wrt to the women I know, is that they are very resourceful at finding ways to achieve their objectives.  After hearing this broadcast, I expected to see a frenzy of media activity, resulting from this program; and was puzzled when I never heard another thing about it. If anyone is interested, I’d be happy to provide the copy I made of the broadcast; but I don’t know if the forum can arrange such a service.
Oh yes there’s a huge variation in Buddhist practices. The two majour streams (Theravadin and Mahayana) vary in their basic approaches. Theravada believe that one’s objective is to correct oneself; whereas Mahayana believe in a more proactive approach with society; and within those two steams there is considerable variation in emphasis on what’s most important. I belong to a Mahayana sect, but lean toward the Theravadin approach. They both have their strengths.
…. john

Dear Peter:

Thank you for your thoughtful message. I appreciate the depth of your reflections on the Eternal and the Hero’s journey. Your insights about the Eternal being a state of being not bound by time or any other measurable factor is comforting.

Joseph Campbell’s question, “How will you respond to life as it Is?” is indeed a central theme of the Hero’s journey. It’s true that much of the quest involves discovering that our perception of life are limited and limiting. The challenge is to confront life as it truly is.

I agree with your realization that saying “Yes” to life means seeing it clearly, not just going through the motions, and fully accepting it. It’s about an active engagement with reality, with the ever-present that’s there for us to create with intention.

The quote by Alan Watts suggests that our thoughts and emotions are not entirely our own because they are influenced by language, societal norms and conditioning, which we did not create ourselves. I want to think about this further: when I realize that some of my emotions are influenced by external factors, I might stop blaming himself for feeling a certain way, being that society, including conditioning in childhood, is greatly responsible for some of my feelings.

By understanding that my thoughts and emotions are shaped by external influences, to a large extent, I can step back and view them more objectively. This can help me differentiate between what truly resonates with me and what is imposed by external factors. This perspective encourages the exploration of my true self, free from societal imposition. It encourages the understanding of my authentic desires and emotions, as well as my chosen values.

Understanding that others are also influenced by societal norms and language can foster empathy. For example, if someone criticizes me, instead of feeling disconnected or defensive, I can recognize that the other person’s perspective is also shaped by their experiences and societal influences. This understanding can foster more compassionate and empathetic interactions.

You connected the blank canvas metaphor, which suggests starting with a fresh, open mind, free from preconceived notions, to the idea that our thoughts and emotions are influenced by society. By recognizing this, you’re aiming to approach your perception of reality with a beginner’s mind, free from the influences of language and societal norms.. I wish to read more from you on this, Peter, and how this is changing your experience of life.

Thank you for sharing your thoughts. It’s enriching to engage in such deep and meaningful conversations.

anita