Ask Lewis: What Is Beyond Thought?
Thinking outside of the box that is outside of the box
This story is an introduction to a philosophical system based on my work as a practical philosopher, personal development mentor, student of human potential, and meditation teacher. The various posts here are based on my seminar and workshop transcripts which were created over a half-century of study, teaching, and exploration.
Much of this practical philosophy was created through the collaboration of an extraordinary group of educators, professional problem solvers, game theorists, and practical philosophers who all share a passion for ideas. Known collectively as Our Work, this system of ideas was organized under my guidance, but it is in no way, mine alone.
This philosophy is dedicated to all those who have worked with me over the last fifty years in the focused exploration, and evaluation of a diverse range of ideas related to human potential, personal growth, effectiveness, efficiency, productivity, self-awareness, happiness, wisdom, contentment, and living the meaningful life.
You will notice that as you read through the many postings you will come across certain words and terms that may be unfamiliar to you. I will explain them as best as I can, and you can of course Wiki or Google it. Terms, such as pattern language, Regenerating Thought Processes, Black Swan Effect, self-assessment, and the Butterfly effect are terms you will soon become familiar with and which are essential to Our Work.
One of the challenges I have dealt with in creating Our Work and in the work itself is that some basic concepts may have been over-explained while others are merely touched on.
The solution, though certainly not perfect, may be the knowledge that something that truly grabs your attention can be explored further through the internet, specifically on Wikipedia, which flawed as it may be, offers ample footnotes and resources for most entries.
The linking of the many diverse ideas that define this practical philosophy, and Our Work is a difficult one, especially when it’s being expanded and explored through so many media outlets, the social network, and close to 40 books.
When a juggler tosses balls, the path of each ball, from the throw to the catch must be just right. The crossing of the balls in the air can create flow and draw the juggler, and those that observe the juggling into an ecstatic, altered state of consciousness. However, if one ball is fumbled the entire process shifts, and if a performance, that performance may suffer. I feel as if I am a juggler of ideas, evidence, facts, and experience and each of these is very much like a ball for a juggler. I have as much as possible researched data points, again and again to avoid factual errors — dropping the ball.
There are 5 key elements to this practical philosophy. Though they are interrelated, each offers unique value for an individual interested in personal growth.
- The Wisdom Path: This is a loose-knit network of physical and online communities. In these communities, an individual motivated by an internal, “spiritual hunger” or a “passion for ideas” can find support, mentors, and a community of like-minded people to help them on their personal journey. The Wisdom Path is not defined by any specific dogma, sacred text, rite, ritual, ceremony, or rigid philosophy.
- Our Work: This is the application of the classic spiritual teachings as organized by my peers, associates, and students for over half a century. Our Work includes the Wisdom Practice, a self-created approach to personal growth guided by the Seven Pillars of Wisdom.
- The Seven Pillars of Wisdom: The key elements, and practices of those seeking to apply the PPLH into their daily lives.
1. Meditation, contemplation
2. Introspection
3. Exploring your cognitive biases, and logical fallacies
4. Doing what needs to be done
5. Living through love while serving others
6. Game-based thinking
7. Singing, dancing, laughing, communicating clearly, and being silent
- Hard-wired: There are some elements in human nature that are driven by internal forces, and that are distinct from intellect or conscious thought. These internal forces are driven by, and are a reflection for the most part of, genetic and biological factors and what is generally described in the PPLH as natural law.
In the formation of this practical philosophy, we have induced that there are certain core elements of human experience and behavior that are genetically hard-wired within us. These include the need to:
· have faith in something,
· compete,
· create community,
· find a place for ourselves with some hierarchy experience.
- Curiosity in the search for meaning: This drives us to explore a wide range of subjects fundamental to a happy life including applied game theory, shamanism, intuition, the creative process, innovation, intuitive thinking, personal growth, human potential, holism, synergy, spirituality, Transmodernism, Essential Zen, Mystic Taoism, and problem-solving.
The Takeaway
As you can readily see, this practical philosophy is not limited to theology, religion, traditional philosophy, or the study of spiritual matters but also addresses issues related to the formal sciences. Every aspect of what I am presenting here integrates a wide range of disciplines including creative, innovative, intuitive, critical, and synergetic thinking.
Ultimately, my purpose is to assist an individual to explore, and if possible, answer the important questions and by doing so prosper in every aspect of life.
Other of my stories in a similar vein:
Before you go…
I am Lewis Harrison, an Award Winning author of over twenty books on personal growth and strategic thinking. For over a decade I was the producer and host of the show “What’s Up” on NPR affiliated WIOX FM in New York.
Now, aside from writing on Medium, and connecting personally with my readers, I teach seminars and speak on personal development, and life strategies throughout the world.
To learn more about my thread — Ask Lewis — please read this short piece below…