Musings on The Art of Possibility, part 2

Before I start talking about the new ideas that I found in this book, I should point out that there are a number of objections to this particular work. They range from the lack of applicable exercises to the fluffy tone to the fact that the concepts seem to draw heavily from the controversial work of Werner Erhard without attribution. I can see why people might object. In fact, I even agree with the objections. But for me, those objections miss the point. I found a few good ideas in the book that resonate with me. So, I'll talk about those for the next few days.

So, today is all about the word "practice". Merriam-Webster shows both verb and noun versions of this word. The verb is "to carry out, apply" or secondarily "to perform or work at repeatedly so as to become proficient". The noun has more to do with habits - "a : actual performance or application b : a repeated or customary action c : the usual way of doing something."

The Art of Possibility uses this word to frame the work that has to be done to enter the world of possibility. The premise is that I have practices now that need to be changed to make anything different. There are a number of practices that they recommend in the book. But, conceptually, this framework is pretty important, so I will try to talk about how I see it.

As a musician or doctor (both of whom use the word practice, albeit differently), there are a number of events that occur in a closed room with no witnesses. Musicians play scales or sing nonsense syllables. Doctors read papers or research new treatments. These things are not done with a particular intent to perform any action in front of even one single person. They are done to build familiarity, to prepare for the flow of action that will come at some point in the future, and to settle the practitioner into a better relationship with his/her subject. And that is why I am excited about the idea.

All of this relates, of course, to HTR Phase-2. Changing my life and changing my own mind has been a very complex task. I have spent some time in examining the dark corners of my brain and trying to pull myself outside of me to see my own frame. But, in the end, it is the little habits (practices) that seem to make the most difference to my daily life. And there will be days that those practices will not come easily, but that is OK. In the scheme of things, I've only been practicing them for a very short time. So, as I continue along my path, all I really need to do is practice the practices until I get them to where I want them. And THAT is a really cool idea!