All of us, in (and “as”) a succession of moments, in a series or sequence, react. In a very wise entity, however, these reactions are not always habitual, are not always the only activity taking place. In most people, conditioned into habits, what they actuate is always caused by some prior (usually some group of) antecedent factors. They may think and fully feel that they are dignified and elegant and in total control (for what they allegedly “choose”); however, they usually are a reacting part of a calculated, complex matrix devised by a larger society. Many then get stuck in mundane, dull routines and then often try to find various escapes to temporarily pull boredom out for a while. These escapes then create further reactions, many of which do not fundamentally benefit the earth nor those upon it.
What can go beyond this is real integrity, real wholeness, and soundness. To perceive integrally is to perceive beyond the fragments. Thought, being symbolic and partial, is inherently limited and fragmentary. However, most are habitually composed of (and habitually dependent on) thought and thinking. These habitual thoughts go much further (in their extent) than most realize. Thought often separates one group from another, oneself from so-called others at a distance, and the so-called central controller from what is seen (from an alleged distance) as his or her fear.
In a divisive, mad, chaotic world, can the mind exist as more than mere fragmented reaction? There is a quietness, a vast humility, beyond the shadows of spurious control and manipulation. That quietness is not the mere result of any kind of reaction, nor the product of any kind of intention or contrivance. You cannot make yourself be quiet (as so many try to do); the so-called “maker” of the quietness is a protrusion of thought; the concocted reaction from a protrusion of thought can never be genuine quietness. There must be a motiveless (effortless) perceiving without mere habitual rigamarole.
Cloudless Sulphur Butterfly Photo by Thomas Peace c. 2017
Tom's Nature-up-close Photography and Mindfulness Blog 
There is much clarity in the article, Tom, thinking or being beyond the fragmentariness, or above it, of course (but without considering that one is above it, or above anything for that matter). Though I think “clearness” may be a better word, like the quietness and the warmness of a tranquil meaningful place of… not just reacting, or not even acting, from within “the habitual rigmarole,” but perhaps only richly being, somehow from a quiet deepness within. And the green wonder is a beauty, simple perfection. 🙂
Thank you, Nicole! We are glad that you are seriously pondering over this. Most people do not ever consider this, which is a real shame. Remaining in (and “as”) fragmentation leads to real chaos (as we see in the world now).
The butterfly was photographed in our yard. It is wonderful when they come to you! 🙂
Tom. Your site enlarged on my screen even after I rebooted to try to make sure it is not at my end. Everything is so big, it does not fit on the page and you have to use the slider to read all of the blog. Just an FYI.
Tom, belay that last e-mail. Everything is back to normal.
A computer glitch, most likely! These technology devices are sometimes fickle! 🙂
Love the photo, Tom. Quietness in wildness is my antidote to ‘habitual rigmarole’.
Yes, that is good, Lindy. Let it flower much more… like during sleep at night and all day long. 🙂
i’m touched by
these thoughts
& images 🙂
Good to hear, David! 🙂
I apologize; i read your recent posting but didn’t put a like on it as it refers much to classic Buddism which, these days, is so much like modern Christianity… that is: likely so very distorted from the original source. In Christianity, for example, it is likely (as many top biblical scholars maintain) that the zen-like Gospel of Thomas was closer to the original source. Even that Gospel was distorted by the time the Coptic version came out… probably by at least 1/3 or so. The Greek version is closer to the original source but that version was found in an ancient dump heap; only a few fragments of the complete sayings were found (as the Greek text). They were found in a dump heap because they were banned by people who distorted things over time (for reasons pertaining to power and control); the people who cherished the G. of T. were terminated.
So many continue to translate and cling to the distortions and secondhand scraps, revering them.
smilecalm is open to all
without discrimination, Tom.
i accept this unwelcoming
to your blog. 🙂
Good! But when the headhunters visit your blog, don’t lower your collar line! 🙂
“That quietness is not the mere result of any kind of reaction, nor the product of any kind of intention or contrivance.” So very elusive.
It seems elusive, Sylvia. However, if one clearly sees the danger of merely living in fragmentary reactions, calculating concepts, second-hand parameters, and habits… then it is not so elusive. Watch, without learned separative distance, how the mind habitually reacts throughout the day. That very watching, if it is deeply inquisitive and passionate, will allow a non-reactive quietness to beautifully flower. It doesn’t have to be a very long quietness; here, time is not a factor. 🙂
Violet and green, perfect combination for my eyes! So beautiful, great capture Tom! 🙂
Thanks much, Marcela! 🙂
We are trained from our earliest awareness to follow-the-leader, chasing chimeras.
It has taken a (relative-to-human-lifespan) long time to unlearn these fabricated and flawed lessons.
One must ignore most of what humankind has tried to dye us with.
Like reading a book, we must start from nothing and begin to see, and derive reality for ourselves.
“Seek not after answers,” a wise dog once taught me, “but after the joy of wonder.”
Seek peace,
Paz
Yes, and we can unlearn in a fraction of a second with pristine awareness.
The joy of wonder and not mere answers… yes, Paz! 🙂