It’s so hard to spot a problem that does not have a ton of descriptors around it. It’s disheartening, because that very lack of language suggests that maybe this is only my problem, and no one else struggles in this hard-to-describe way, and therefore probably I’m just: (stupid, weak, incompetent, ignorant, slow to understand…circle whichever favourite derogatory term you like to apply to yourself in these situations).
However, if I’ve learned nothing else from the last tumultuous 20 or so years on planet Earth, it is that we can push forward and invent terms, move the language, create complexity in our speaking to match the complexity of our experience. This is such a human occupation! And so very, very helpful.
Well, I’m not inventing terms here. I’m just trying to scour my brain to find metaphors that track, or terms which can be re-used in a particular way that doesn’t change what they mean, but does illuminate this difficult idea I have percolating.
And yes, there is some language, but like the difference between me using the word “blue” to describe the sky, and an artist’s array of possible descriptors of that very same sky, I’d like more. More nuance, more synonyms, more collections of associated concepts, more exploding diagrams of related ideas. If you look up the synonyms for “intuition,” you know what you get? Nothing. Related words that are quite different. Instinct, insight (close, but not really close) and feel. Interoception, which is very much what I’m talking about, but still not the whole concept, still doesn’t make it to most dictionaries, although AI does have an awareness of the word (if not the ability to use this very human sensory system!).
Anyway, I’m talking here about the roles we are very comfortable playing in the outer world, where complexity requires governance to maintain order and function and cleanliness and a sense of aesthetics. I really do think that, partially due to lack of language, but also contributing to this lack of language, we struggle to apply those same skills internally. To the complex team, home, voices within.
Okay, that’s enough of a summary. Download and listen if you want. And please feel free to contribute any ideas that come to mind!! I’d love to hear your thoughts on this one.
Oh, and Merry Christmas! Here’s a snowy fence to contemplate as you also think about onions and Homeland Security. :)
Have a wonderful Friday.
