gochess

Elvis Costello had a very catchy song where the hook was, “Everyday, everyday, everyday I write the book.” The first few chapters were about falling in love . . . and so one skims along and wonders about the final chapters in the book.

A surgeon named Sherwin Nuland wrote an amazing book entitled HOW WE DIE: “Reflections on Life’s Final Chapter.” It is written with such clinical exactitude, and yet it is so philosophical and poetic – - while telling a compelling story about death, about how we are likely to die.

Society understandably represses the presence of Death (instead, seeks refuge in all-out consumerism), and this avoidance has negative psychological consequences.

Buddha, on the other hand, leveraged our inescapable bondage to death in a constructive effort to purge unwholesome ways of living, in favor of wholesome alternatives with socially ethical implications.

Coming to terms with the inevitable final chapters gives a sense of urgency to what we will “write” everyday in our book. * There is no luxury for a draft in progress. Clarity of plot is essential. We as writers are truly under a dead-line . . . *

If you accused me of being a fanatic about Time or Project Management, I just might admit to that, provided there were no penalties. But unfortunately, under some circumstances, there are severe penalties. Being efficient for the mere sake of efficiency can be detrimental, and could paradoxically be diagnosed as a form of procrastination.

I have subscribed to many methodologies (and acronyms: e.g. PERT; GTD, being the latest), and have seen advocates take refuge in refining their meticulous methods to indeed escape what really needs to be done. Steve Pavlina made a very interesting observation:

“Time management systems are seductive. They lure you in with the promise of greater productivity, more free time, faster income generation, and higher self-esteem. And some of those benefits may indeed be realized. However, another possibility is that your system becomes a distraction that prevents you from achieving real gains. You find yourself investing more and more time in meta-activities like getting organized, prioritizing objectives, and learning the latest productivity software. Actually doing the tasks that your system is designed to manage becomes almost an afterthought . . . perhaps even an annoyance. Instead of helping you increase productivity, your system becomes a means to disguise low productivity. This is a common problem for people who haven’t yet identified a purpose for their lives. The system provides the illusion of productivity [ . . . ] How do you know you won’t look back on your current goals a decade from now and conclude that you were on the wrong path all along? What a waste of time and of life to put so much effort into achieving goals that ultimately won’t even matter.”

So what does this mean? It’s a wake-up call. Our goal of “be more efficient when working” needs to be re-examined, with the emphasis on the purpose of the work behind the “working.” In brief, we should be more concerned about “doing the right thing than doing things right.” [ibid.]

Priority and urgency levels should not be confused with degrees of purpose in life. To test the meaningfulness of any given purpose, I ask myself how much of my love is involved. The acid test of theory perhaps boils down to: am I doing what I love? and loving what I am doing? Once the love is there, then I believe efficiency becomes a mere by-product of my complete absorption into the (Csikszentmihalyi) “Flow.”

Sometimes there is a tremendous gulf between the meaning of a word and the quality it is supposed to represent. A simple example is color: “blue.” How is the particular shade of the ocean (which one? at what time of day?) ever representable by language?

A monk once wrote about some of his teachers along his path: « On peut reconnaître la perfection humaine et spirituelle quand on la voit, mais ce n’est guère lui rendre justice que de la limiter aux mots qui viennent ordinairement à l’esprit : sagesse, connaissance, bonté, noblesse, simplicité, rigueur, honnêteté . . . »

One can perhaps recognize human and spiritual perfection when one sees it, however, ordinary words by its limitations fail to do justice in its characterizations. If you did not comprehend some of those French words, that’s good because it would be a good exercise to look them up in a dictionary, « sagesse, connaissance, bonté, noblesse, simplicité, rigueur, honnêteté », like a child learning in school.

There is vast distance between definitions and the ineffable qualities of a person. One might then ask how one becomes characterized as “X.” This quality “X” is not a permanent label affixed to us at birth. What actions need to be demonstrated to qualify as having this quality “X”?

I wondered why I was so moved by that monk’s utterance. They are the very qualities which I hope would describe myself. But yet the words themselves are so inadequate, and I feel I must break through language, and reach the other shore . . .

I am looking forward to Seth Lloyd’s forthcoming book (March 2006), Programming the Universe: A Quantum Computer Scientist Takes on the Cosmos.

Here’s an excerpt: “[T]he universe can be thought of as a performing a quantum computation. Because the behavior of elementary particles can be mapped directly onto the behavior of qubits interacting via logic operations, a simulation of the universe on a quantum computer is indistinguishable from the universe itself. The conventional view is that the universe is nothing but elementary particles. That is true, but it is equally true that the universe is nothing but bits – - or rather, nothing but qubits. Mindful that if it walks like a duck and quacks like a duck then it’s a duck, from this point on we’ll adopt the position that since the universe registers and processes information like a quantum computer and is observationally indistinguishable from a quantum computer, then it is a quantum computer.”

For those seeking technical background, I would highly recommend papers by David Deutsch (freely available at arXiv.org).

Discussing the book, THE DA VINCI CODE, my Persian friend tells me of his interest in Gnosticism. Later that night, I read the following:

‘The names of worldly things are utterly deceptive, for they turn the heart from what is real to what is unreal. Whoever hears the word “god” thinks not of what is real but rather of what is unreal. So also with the words: “father, son, holy spirit,” “life,” “light,” “resurrection,” “church,” and all the rest, people do not think of what is real but of what is unreal, though the words refer to what is real. The words that are heard belong to this world. Do not be deceived. If words belonged to the eternal realm, they would never be pronounced in this world, nor would they designate worldly things.’ -Gospel of Philip, Nag Hammadi Codex II, Tractate 3, page 54.

Is this a good example of synchronicity (in the Jungian sense)? Events in life are signs, and if you closely pay attention, they are akin to signs on the freeway giving directions. I am in the driver’s seat, an open convertible, heat-on full blast in the winter, and the white clouds on this radiant day are so beautiful.

Abraham Maslow claimed that humans have one sovereign drive, that of self-actualization – - an internal drive to become the best possible person. Whenever one is not self-actualizing, the result is discontentment, the polar opposite of happiness . To become self-actualized, Maslow said we need two things, action and inner exploration.

Let’s skip his analysis of self-actualizing characteristics (see his book TOWARDS THE PSYCHOLOGY OF BEING), and go straight to his action list:

- Experience things fully, vividly, selflessly.

- Life is an ongoing process of choosing between safety and risk. Take risks a dozen times a day to grow.

- Shut out the external clues as to what you should think, feel, and say. Let your own experience dicate what you truly feel.

- When in doubt, be honest. If you look into yourself and are honest, you will also take responsibility.

- Work to excel at the things you want to do, no matter how insignificant they seem to be.

- Get rid of illusions and false notions. Learn what you excel at, and what are not your potentialities.

- Discover where you are going, and your mission. Identify your personal excuses, and then find the courage to give them up.

Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, psychologist and author of ’’FLOW: The Classic Work On How To Achieve Happiness’’, wrote an article for The Times (London, 19 September 2005) entitled The secrets of happiness . The entire article is worth reading, but here’s the primary secret in brief:

“The only solution to achieve enduring happiness, therefore, is to keep finding new opportunities to refine one’s skills: do one’s job better or faster, or expand the tasks that comprise it; find a new set of challenges more appropriate to your stage of life. Paradoxically, the feeling of happiness is only realised after the event. To acknowledge it at the time would only serve as distraction.”

This ties in with the Happiness (Manifesto) project here at 43things and at the 43folders wiki – nota bene: being more efficient is a cornerstone of Lifehacks (see that wiki for more info).

The story goes . . . in the beginning was the Word. Okay then, so what about the ending?

This probably sums up the question of a Seeker in a religious context, or even a scientific one. A child begs you to continue telling the story until the ending. Others as adults retreat from the WORLD seeking some sort of answer.

George Steiner, in his book LANGUAGE AND SILENCE (1979, p. 31), addressed the retreat from the WORD:

“The highest, purest reach of the contemplative act is that which has learned to leave language behind it. The ineffable lies beyond the frontiers of the word. It is only by breaking through the walls of language that visionary observance can enter the world of total and immediate understanding. Where such understanding is attained, the truth need no longer suffer the impurities and fragmentation that speech necessarily entails.”

Here is an example of language pointing outside of itself. Anyways, I received several emails asking for an explanation of my N-th thing, “break through language.” Due to my loss of words, let me delegate that task to the above.

The Internet serves at least two survival instincts: the gathering of information, and the expansion of social networks. Interestingly for some individuals, such habits may go in overdrive, resulting in excess time being spent online.

One might argue that excess occurs when the real world is neglected in favor of the virtual. Whenever there is disconnect from the real world there is a case study for psychopathology.

It is worth noting that the primary means of interacting with the Internet is language. The virtual world is principally created by language. And the thoughts constructed by language govern our emotional feelings.

A return to the real world (under any definition) would require not only a break from the Internet (a special case, easy to discern), but more generally from language.

I boiled down my 2006 resolutions to only one (well, for the sake of simplicity, and the ease of keeping track ;-). Live happily, without Guilt.

One’s harshest critic is oneself. Other critics can be flipped off (an acquired skill), but if one keeps them in mind they are the most unpleasant company. Disinviting what is occupying the mind is a formidable task.

The Zen solution is to first completely empty oneself, and then to add essential nutrients as needed. In America, I believe, the saying is “take what you need, and leave the rest.”

The problem is that we may believe that the inner critic is necessary. Okay, that’s probably rooted in our nervous system . . . worries and double-checks enhance our evolutionary chance of survival, to a certain extent, but this biological programming may overextend itself into our inner lives.

The best programming is automatic. That is the nature of our instincts. What I have realized is that some manual override is required to keep our system happy .

Some examples: as we enjoy a certain activity there is the guilt of procrastination . As I write, the inner editor looking over my shoulder makes dubious corrections, blocking creativity. In tennis, the body and mind are segregated when the flow of playing is interrupted by the inner coach bent on winning.

So when a thought of guilt arises, I will first greet it: “Hello, Guilt.” Guilt is the name of the inner critic. She loves to babble . “Okay, Guilt, slow down, and break it all down to what is constructive.” Listen quietly, and then thank Guilt for her (misaligned) intent to help. “Let me call you when I need you. Good-bye.”

Certain mental processes must be placed on a “Do-not-call” list. This must a firm and resolute decision: more time and energy to be happy . Cheers for a great new year!

The BBC started an experiment which is most relevant to our goal, “be Happy.” Its techniques have become known globally as the Happiness Manifesto (click for full details). This also raised the issue of so-called Lifehacks, and its applications.

A Google search on this experiment produces about 593,000 hits , well over half a million hits! So it seems very influential. Now even more amazing is that our 43things team , which is replicating the experiment, is SECOND in ranking (only below the BBC itself).

So whatever joy our team is producing around the world . . . Congratulations! But maybe the essential point is that Happiness is spreading even more widely during this beautiful Holiday Season truly as a “present.”

Reviewed an old to-do list of mine this evening . . . and found the U.S. government’s viewpoint on Dietary Guidelines developed by the USDA this year. The new pyramid scheme, includes personalized plan and tracker , plus tips . (But no recipes for chili with finger tips . . . ;-) . . . ok, alright, here are some veggie tips .

(Is documentation or personal resolve more important? Blueberry cream pie or carrot sticks—remember, this is Thanksgiving weekend! Both, but with moderation. How much of enjoyment is biological programming . . . ummmmm.)

Somehow we suspect that the meaning of life is connected with the elusive thing we call “happiness.” The BBC experiment, described in my last post, reminded me of the wisest and funniest comedy group in the UK, Monty Python. Their film entitled “THE MEANING OF LIFE” concludes, after some very delirious contortions:

“Well, it’s nothing very special. . . Try and be nice to people, avoid eating fat, read a good book every now and then, get some walking in. . . “

[ Addendum ::: well, well, . . . you can keep your liver, and your thin mint wafer, because here’s that GALAXY SONG from the ‘Meaning of Life’ album, MCA Records 6121, in free downloadable MP3 and Real formats with granted permission, and complete lyrics.

(Do sing along! It should bring you cheer and happiness {ok, perhaps you would settle for a big universal perspective which diminishes your insignificant miseries . . . })]

On a previous post, I quoted Viktor Frankl, the psychiatrist who said, “Happiness cannot be pursued; it must ensue.” On this post, I will append to that, “through deeds.”

So let’s be specific about such deeds. A lot of 43things, indirectly or directly, deal with this issue. People ultimately want to minimize suffering, and enhance their own lives, as well as the lives of others. So that’s the general idea, but without personal commitment to deeds, nothing will change.

What this implies is practice, hopefully daily practice. The BBC in the UK started an experiment in a challenged area 22 miles west of London. Six experts (read their happiness tips), from various fields such as psychology and economics, will work to improve the happiness of people in the Berkshire town of Slough.

On 15 November 2005, fifty volunteers were given the HAPPINESS MANIFESTO , which they must act upon as part of their daily lives. Subsequently, a team at 43things was established to follow along with this experiment. Please join us, and invite others as well.

Simply reading the Manifesto is not going to very helpful. An understanding must translate into a willingness to experiment, and hopefully something will develop daily in deeds, by way of joyful and focused actions.

Here’s a nicely capsulized PDF file to print out . Put it in a prominent place to inspire you to become a happier person. Cheers!

__[ For the record . . . ]

1. Get physical. Exercise for half an hour three times a week.
2. Count your blessings. At the end of each day, reflect on at least five things you’re grateful for.
3. Talk time. Have an hour-long uninterrupted conversation with your partner or closest friend each week.
4. Plant something. Even if it’s a window box or pot plant. Keep it alive!
5. Cut your TV viewing by half.
6. Smile at and/or say hello to a stranger. At least once each day.
7. Phone a friend. Make contact with at least one friend or relation you have not been in contact for a while and arrange to meet up.
8. Have a good laugh at least once a day.
9. Every day make sure you give yourself a treat. Take time to really enjoy this.
10. Daily kindness. Do an extra good turn for someone each day.
    

__[ Addendum . . . ]

A wiki has been established to summarize the findings from the perspective of Lifehacks (defined as: solutions to an everyday problem or frustration in the manner programmers have resolved their technical bugs)— in brief, techniques which have been experimentally validated . Since it is a wiki, you can personally share your own experience for the advancement of this technology.

A great benefit from eating more fruits and vegetables is that proper weight is easier to maintain.

So what is one’s proper weight? I always heard of BMI, a.k.a. Body Mass Index, but thought that it was yet another fad number. (It certainly is not a fat number, that is, it is not a measure of body fat.) So what’s proper? Is it how we feel about ourselves, for example, more energy as we get lighter?

Perhaps a good objective way of deciding is to see how our weight effects the longevity of our lives in terms of years. Here’s a relevant study: Fontaine KR, Redden DT, Wang C, Westfall AO, Allison DB; Years of life lost due to obesity; Journal of the American Medical Association; 2003 Jan 8; 289(2):187-93.

That finds that the optimal BMI associated with the greatest longevity is approximately 23-25 for whites and 23-30 for blacks. The research made it strikingly clear that a BMI any greater would significantly shorten lifespan.

Ok, so we have a numerical range as a goal, but we still need to understand what this BMI stuff is all about. Think of peanut butter, lots, enough to weigh exactly as yourself. Now on a square piece of toast, each side equal to your height, imagine spreading the peanut butter evenly over the toast. Now cut out a smaller square piece of toast, 1 meter on each side, and scrap off the peanut butter. Its weight in kilograms is your BMI. Voilà !

In brief, BMI is just simply your mass per unit area. That’s it—no gimmicks. Well, except if you must deal with American weights and measures. . . clunky conversions are necessary. . . unless you have this handy Google hack, the BMI calculator.

Adjust the parameters in the dialog box to fit your body specs. Then adjust the portions of your meals (less processed foods , more fruits and vegetables) to stay fit.

Live long, and prosper well.

Here’s something to remember: “More shelf life for them, less life for you.”

Let’s decode that. Corporations which sell food must necessarily maximize their profits. The longer a product can stay on the shelves the greater the chance it will be sold. Hence it is in their best interest to prolong shelf life as much as possible. The problem is that their method is adverse to your best interest.

The various additives for processed foods (for example, TRANS FAT ) are chemically very close to inorganic plastics. This is why those food products can have long shelf lives (like plastic toys) without rotting. Do they have nutritional value? Of course not. In fact, such additives cause the demise of our precious health.

Our bodies are not made to ingest plastics. Sure, it satisfies our hunger, and makes us feel full. But all that simply leads us to OBESITY—second most effective killer nationwide after cigarettes (another lethal addiction distributed by corporations).

Profit maximization is also achieved through repeat sales of the product. Thus if the additives are addictive, the corporations are even happier. SUGAR is another example of an addictive additive—which is prevalent among processed foods (and many drinks!).

Unfortunately, your body which instinctively craves junk food cannot understand corporate strategies. However, your mind can pull you away from being exploited by processed foods, and guide you towards optimal health.

This is why I have selected the goal, “Eat more fruits and vegetables.”

All goals must presuppose values. And the measures of success should be very specific.

I love these:

• To listen to stars and birds, to babes and sages, with an open heart;
• To appreciate beauty;
• To seek elegance rather than luxury;
• To live content with small means;
• To study hard, think quietly, talk gently, act frankly;
• To win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children;
• To earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends;
• To bear all cheerfully, do all bravely, never in a hurry;
• To find the best in others;
• To give of oneself without the slightest thought of return;
• To leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a rescued soul, a garden patch, or a redeemed social condition;
• To play with enthusiasm and sing with exaltation;
• To laugh often and much;
• To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived.
  
  • This is to have succeeded…
    
    • to have filled my niche and accomplished all my tasks;
    • leaving this world better than I found it.

(The above is a re-ordering and generalization of quotations often attributed to Ralph Waldo Emerson. See http://wiki.43folders.com/index.php/User:Gochess/quotes
for specific history of alleged authors.)

“Happiness cannot be pursued; it must ensue.” -Viktor E. Frankl.

That’s how the professor of neurology and psychiatry has succinctly summed up my last post on happiness. He goes on to say: “A human being is not one in pursuit of happiness but rather in search of a reason to become happy, last but not least, through actualizing the potential meaning inherent and dormant in a given situation.”

The source is his book, Man’s Search for Meaning (postscript added in 1984, entitled, The Case for Tragic Optimism) —one of the most amazing and insightful books in psychology.

The theoretical structure of his work is grounded in his own experience: survivor of the Auschwitz concentration camp. To truly understand happiness, one must come to terms with its background: suffering, inevitable in any human life.

1. through deeds.
2. through love.
3. by growing beyond oneself.

I highly recommend the book for further details.

In a way, this is a excellent way to exercise gratitude. When life looks grim, it also serves
as a healthy reminder—an antidote for the
spirit.

Can such a list of pleasures be improved? Here
are some interesting factors to consider…

• exciting and physical VERSUS sedate and tranquil;

• novel VERSUS mundane familiar experiences;

• social VERSUS solitary activities;

• meaningful pursuits VERSUS trivial
  entertainments.

« Quel plaisir ! »

Dedicated to Antonin Artaud (1896-1948): * « briser
la langue » *

My goal is stated in French because its special
meaning elaborated in Artaud’s writing.

My best translation would be “break through
language.” Language seemingly aids our
understanding of the world, but the downside is
that the “world” becomes shaped by it. When we
truly pursue understanding and wisdom, the
biggest obstacle turns out be language itself.

No doubt we need language to be socially
integrated (that is to say, remain free of mental
institutions), but we need to recognize its
limitations. Stop here for second, and listen.
Are you aware of that constant inner chatter
going through your mind? (Silent pause)

Brison là ! —(Enough said!) It’s time to go
beyond language, to break on through to the other
side. (Enjoy the silence.)