I have pondered a lot of this many times. Some days I think Zapfe was right and our consciousness was an evolutionary mistake that is in the process of correcting itself ( via our impending destruction by mother nature,) other days I think consciousness is the origin point of everything and we are just little nodes of self awareness in a sea of conscience experience that operates via rules we still barely understand. Lately I am choosing to believe the latter because the nihilism it induces to think all of human civilization was just a tragic accident makes it hard to get out of bed in the morning. The zen buddhists at least have a narrative that gives me hope that our species can still improve over time. I have seen and felt the unity of everything on psychedelics as well. If that was simply a hallucination, I would rather live my life honoring the peace of that experience than losing faith in literally everything. What is undeniable is my perspective on the world has a radical impact on the actual way that I experience it, so I try really hard to keep my perspective positive because I already know how much it sucks to be a pessimist and I don't hate myself enough to ever harm my reality like that again.
Some believe (and I'm inclined to agree) that humans with our unique brand of consciousness exist so that creation, God, the blue light, whatever we name that larger thing can witness itself and evolve. I trust all is unfolding according to a higher order--one beyond my comprehension. Beautiful piece, as usual. Thank you for sharing your own evolution.
I read a phrase today in another Substack essay that I'd never heard before. Existential restlessness. It sounds like you've got that in abundance, Scott. I know I do.
I also try to avoid stepping on flowers when I'm in the backcountry. But I've noticed that I don't worry so much about stepping on grass. Is it because I've personified flowers? Or because I see them as more fragile? Perhaps it's simply because I know their relationships with the pollinators, and I don't know the relationships of the grasses as well. Or perhaps it's just that I value beauty...
This is an amazing process. I love going to any forest area to contemplate myself and where I fit. But, my very favorite was always the mountains. I felt so small and yet so perfect in the plan. Take only pictures, leave only footprints. 💚 thank you
I could feel this place through your photographs and words. It's been a long time since I've been in mountains like that. So much to ponder. Thank you for sharing your experience with us.
I have pondered a lot of this many times. Some days I think Zapfe was right and our consciousness was an evolutionary mistake that is in the process of correcting itself ( via our impending destruction by mother nature,) other days I think consciousness is the origin point of everything and we are just little nodes of self awareness in a sea of conscience experience that operates via rules we still barely understand. Lately I am choosing to believe the latter because the nihilism it induces to think all of human civilization was just a tragic accident makes it hard to get out of bed in the morning. The zen buddhists at least have a narrative that gives me hope that our species can still improve over time. I have seen and felt the unity of everything on psychedelics as well. If that was simply a hallucination, I would rather live my life honoring the peace of that experience than losing faith in literally everything. What is undeniable is my perspective on the world has a radical impact on the actual way that I experience it, so I try really hard to keep my perspective positive because I already know how much it sucks to be a pessimist and I don't hate myself enough to ever harm my reality like that again.
Thanks for taking me along with you on your trek through the mountains :-)
Thank you for reading🥰
Some believe (and I'm inclined to agree) that humans with our unique brand of consciousness exist so that creation, God, the blue light, whatever we name that larger thing can witness itself and evolve. I trust all is unfolding according to a higher order--one beyond my comprehension. Beautiful piece, as usual. Thank you for sharing your own evolution.
Thanks for being here and sharing your perspective.
I read a phrase today in another Substack essay that I'd never heard before. Existential restlessness. It sounds like you've got that in abundance, Scott. I know I do.
I also try to avoid stepping on flowers when I'm in the backcountry. But I've noticed that I don't worry so much about stepping on grass. Is it because I've personified flowers? Or because I see them as more fragile? Perhaps it's simply because I know their relationships with the pollinators, and I don't know the relationships of the grasses as well. Or perhaps it's just that I value beauty...
Thanks for this, I enjoyed it.
Thank you for sharing your perspective. Lots to ponder...
And glad you enjoyed the piece.
This is an amazing process. I love going to any forest area to contemplate myself and where I fit. But, my very favorite was always the mountains. I felt so small and yet so perfect in the plan. Take only pictures, leave only footprints. 💚 thank you
I could feel this place through your photographs and words. It's been a long time since I've been in mountains like that. So much to ponder. Thank you for sharing your experience with us.
This is an amazing piece. Makes me wonder things I've never wondered. Thanks.
Thank you - glad you enjoyed it.