Monday, June 12, 2017

Synergy is Weaving the Fabric of the Universe

Synergy is not a term that is in common use among the general public.  In many ways this is amazing because it is the underlying principle of our existence.  Synergy simply means working together and refers to the results of two or more elements joining together to produce an outcome that is greater than what would have resulted from the sum of their individual actions.  In general, the synergistic results are dependent upon the degree of harmony that exists between the elements.




This is evident throughout the cosmos.  Quarks join together to form protons and neutrons in the nuclei of atoms and serve as the building blocks of all matter.  Atoms unite to form organic molecules and life emerges.  Synergy is at work in the midst of algae colonies as they differentiate various functions.  Cells gather together and form complex organisms. 
This principle is not limited to non-sentient entities.  When humans function in a synergistic manner, they produce results that far exceed their individual potential.  The greatest barrier to us living at this level on a consistent basis is the complexity of our consciousness.  Because we are capable of recognizing our individuality, too often our personal interests prevent us from fully participating in relationships that are mutually beneficial.




There is a certain beauty manifested by the synergy of competitive rowing teams.  Countless hours are spent developing the harmonious rhythm of a unified stroke.  To the observer, these sleek vessels glide effortlessly through the water with a proficiency that is absolutely awe inspiring.  The challenges of transforming eight individuals into a single entity that thinks, breathes, and moves as one is masterfully conveyed in the book The Boys in The Boat written by Daniel James Brown.
When we take time to consider it, the role of synergy becomes evident all around us.  Symphonic orchestras, choral performances, ballet, and other art forms draw audiences into the harmony of the productions.  The unified focus of the individuals seems to blend into a single field of consciousness that can be experienced by everyone.
As we consider our cosmic origin and the role that synergy plays in our human experience, we are challenged to reflect on the implications for the full array of our social connections.  This new perspective is subtle yet extraordinarily profound.  When we view relationships holistically, it becomes evident that we are more than individuals merely associating with one another.  On the contrary, we are unique elements continually establishing, maintaining, and transforming higher forms of human consciousness.  Like eyes or ears, arms or legs, we each contribute to the quality and function of every relationship.
The only thing new about this perspective is being consciously aware of our social roles.  Intuitively we already experience this connectivity in deeply committed relationships.  Our physiological responses during our interactions and separations are actually measurable through a variety of scans and blood tests.
Altruism is the clearest evidence that at some level we already have an awareness of this human interconnection.  We are capable of performing amazing acts of compassion and generosity.  In the face of disaster complete strangers literally risk their own lives for one another.  Though personally unaffected, individuals frequently contribute finances, goods and services to victims of tragedies in distant locations. 
Why do we do this?  Wouldn’t it be better to simply let them die, preserve our own lives and keep the resources for ourselves?  No.  Deep within us we understand that we are all part of a greater Self and that helping others is critically necessary to our collective survival.
Scientist vigorously debate the origin, purpose and mechanism of this characteristic among humans and other species.  Unfortunately, it is difficult to understand altruism from a rigid adherence to a reductionist view of individuation.  Personally, I believe this ubiquitous phenomenon is quite simply a natural manifestation of an instinctive awareness of the holistic interconnection that exists among a wide range of lifeforms. 
We should not find this surprising.  As discussed previously, the universe is engaged in a process that continually attracts entities together to produce higher levels of complexity.  The fact that we are not physically joined together means nothing.  Atoms and molecules form strong functional bonds with vast physical distances between them. It is quite conceivable that living organisms are capable of establishing equivalent connections through the entanglement of consciousness?
When we use expressions such as “soul mates” and “our better half”, aren’t we acknowledging that we are part of a greater self?  When we suffer permanent loss through divorce, betrayal, or death, we speak of having our hearts ripped out or having a hole in our soul.  Is this anguish any less genuine than what we would suffer with the amputation of a physical limb?
Because we are not physically joined when we establish relationships, our tendency is to overlook the significance of the intellectual, emotional, psychological, and spiritual bonds that are formed.  However, the stability of those bonds can determine the health or dysfunction, the joy or pain, the life or death of every social union.  Furthermore, through modern technology these bonds have the distinct capability of being maintained over great distances and do not require that the various members be in immediate physical proximity.  Consequently, human synergistic potential is phenomenal.
As we become aware of this reality, this unified potential becomes limitless.  Individually, our greatest challenge is to discover our unique characteristics and direct them throughout our social network.  Collectively, through mindful collaboration, we have the power to transform and vitalize nearly every aspect of our social interaction.




How should we define synergistic relationships?  Undoubtedly each social union takes on its own unique dynamics.  Nonetheless, there are certain characteristics that should be present in all of those that are truly synergistic.

1.       Unity is the highest priority:  No issue, personal interest, opinion or desire is more important than maintaining the solidarity of the relationship.
2.       Differences are resolved openly, honestly and with mutual respect:  Every living organism has feedback loops that continually adjust metabolic activities to restore and maintain homeostatic balance.  In a similar fashion, dialogue, compromise, cooperation and mutuality serve as the foundational principles that maintain the harmony within synergistic relationships.      
3.       Altruism is pervasive:  Everyone recognizes that they are part of a greater whole.  Therefore, the needs of others are regularly attended to with the same care one might exercised towards oneself.
4.       Success is everyone’s responsibility:  All members are equally committed to maintaining a harmonious internal relationship and insuring the effective achievement of the groups objectives and activities.
These are certainly not new precepts.  Religion, philosophy and the humanities have conveyed these admonitions throughout the ages.  What is new is the realization that these traditional sources were not merely offering esoteric niceties.  Instead, they have been expressing an intuitive awareness that evolution has designed us with a cosmic nature intended to fulfill the universal principle of synergy.




What is required is a fundamental shift in our attitude towards our social unions.  As a component within a matrix of collective entities, the question for each individual regarding every association is simply this, “How can I benefit this relationship?”  As that question begins to replace “How can I benefit from this relationship?” we will gradually witness a widespread transformation of our society.
Over the next few centuries, it is very likely that many of the current cultural differences that contribute to global conflict will fade as a result of international homogenization.  Certainly, technology and the related proliferation of information are leading the way towards that eventuality.  Equally significant will be the gradual decline in adherence to orthodox religious dogmas and a continued increase of interracial births.
If we are genuinely subject to cosmic progression, harmonious social cooperation will eventually become a significant collective aspiration.  The human record is full of examples of egalitarian cultures.  This is clear evidence that intuitively we know that our social relationships should be based on mutuality.  Ultimately, we will begin to actualize that which we are destined to manifest.


Thursday, June 1, 2017

Embracing Our Cosmic Nature

The unfathomable diversity evident in the material universe is due to the creative factors of attraction, organization and complexification.  As expressions of this universe, humans too have creative forces at work that are capable of directing us towards a level of social cohesion far above what is currently manifest among us.  They are displayed on the right side of the illustration below, attraction, social bonds and altruism.






Evolution has actually hardwired our attractive forces into the limbic region of our brain.  In his book, Spiritual Evolution, Dr. George E. Vaillant shares the results of decades of clinical research that demonstrate that the characteristics we associate with spirituality are of a genetic origin.  These include; love, joy, faith, hope, compassion, forgiveness, gratitude and a sense of awe.




If we take time to contemplate the implications of this reality, it becomes evident that the universe has designed us with a natural spiritual nature.  Vaillant points out that just as we differ from one another in stature, these spiritual characteristics also appear in individuals in varying degrees.  Nonetheless, taking time to cultivate these qualities can actually influence the development of certain regions of the brain and increase the prevalence of each of these positive emotions.  This is certainly the role religion, education and the humanities have played in human development over the millennia.




These characteristics lie at the heart of all constructive social relationships.  As we associate with one another, emotional and psychological bonds are formed that contribute to effective cultural development.  Of course, these bonds vary in degree from mere associations such as school and work to lifelong commitments of family and devoted friendships.
The ultimate expression of our social unions is seen in acts of altruism.  Caring for the concerns of others generally takes to forms.  There is an attitude of kindness that manifests in lifelong acts of service to others.  Whether it is a parent tending to the needs of their family, a nurse providing comfort to a patient, a teacher enabling his students to be lifelong learners, or someone holding a door open for an elderly couple, these all demonstrate a concern that reaches beyond our personal interests.
There is also an altruistic response that occurs in the midst of crisis.  Amazingly, it does not require any prior association but frequently takes place among complete strangers.  How often do we hear of people being pulled from burning buildings, mangled cars, or raging flood waters by those they have never met before?  What prompts individuals to leave a place of safety and risk their lives for others? 
I believe that all forms of altruism are attributable to an intuitive awareness that we are an integral part of a greater whole.  The natural spirituality that evolution has programmed into our genes is merely an extension of the ongoing complexification occurring in the universe.  Ideally, we are intended to unify in an interconnection that is mutually supportive.
 If this is true, why are we experiencing such extreme global turmoil?  Evolution is a slow process of trial and error as it blindly sorts through increasingly effectual configurations.  We must keep in mind that humanity is a very new species on our planet.  We are gradually stumbling towards a more unified global relationship and are currently engaged in a transitional period between outdated world views and a more rational understanding of who and what we are.
Arguably religion has been responsible for some of the most horrific human atrocities ever committed.  Nevertheless, the core message of every major religious teaching has expressed our natural spirituality, sought to establish social norms, encourage personal character development and provide a sense of community.  As yet, no comparable social institution has emerged to articulate contemporary universal knowledge, values and solidarity.  Consequently, we are witnessing widespread individualism, materialism, and militant religious factions vying for world domination.
Thankfully, in the midst of this stormy global climate, we see tremendous acts of kindness and courage.  The internet is full of websites promoting peace, positive values, respect and mutual support.  Many within the humanities are generating creative artistic images ideally suited for a collaborative and nurturing future.    Clearly our collective cosmic nature is alive and well working diligently to bring about necessary changes for a favorable human destiny. 

Our individual challenge is to find ways to contribute to this effort.  It is essential that we cultivate our natural spirituality through meditation, contemplation, communing with nature, seeking inspirational reading material, movies and music, or whatever may be personally uplifting. Then, actively seek opportunities to engage in random acts of kindness. Always remember, even the smallest candle can dispel the darkness that surrounds it.