ALIA Learning – Cutting Through Complexity (4)

Posted on Monday, October 29th, 2012

After we have Entered a situation cleanly, Explored via the four ways of knowing, and Acted in the right moment, we move to Completing. As we complete an action and follow through, we are deepening the effectiveness of our action. Next steps become apparent after you disturb the system (by acting).

 

Completing

Completing

 

The experience of “Completing” includes our personal reactions (internal feedback), external attacks, and invitations to dance. Our personal or internal reaction is often to lose our center, to feel doubt, to think we could have done something different. We might feel remorse. Instead, can we simply remain curious about how we did? External attacks might include questions such as “Who the hell are you”? There might be offers from radical poisoners. Someone might offer a deal. These attacks raise the question of how do we see (recognize) our enemies? The environment will try to seduce, attack, distract, or buy us. These attacks, however, are not negative. They allow us to root out deeper levels of resistance or opposition. “They” respond and thus provide information. This is helpful. We can help problems surface so we can deal with them.

Michael Chender offered a quote about boldness and magic (sometimes attributed to Goethe): “Begin it now. Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it.” This is exciting, but also slightly naive. Yes, be bold, and know that the attacks will still come. This couplet from Goethe suggests the beginning of the dance; our enemies dissolve, and we dance with new friends.

The practices associated with Completing are two. First, immediately after acting, relax. Listen to your mind and stay relaxed. Can you find the humor in the situation? Second, hold your seat and notice the attacks. This is a time for learning. New parts of the system are becoming visible. “Holding one’s seat” means that you stay with your intention. Hear the feedback, and hold your intention without being manipulated. Hear the feedback without reacting to it. Holding your seat is the “cutting through”, as the attacks dissipate.