I believe you're onto something with the frame of, in essence, aligning oneself with a destination which then defines the path; the goal then acts as a guide, which can orient each step of one's journey simply by asking the question 'Is this action in alignment with the goal, or is it not?'
Taking the temporal theme further, the path also being the goal ... one is after all always in the present, the future never actually comes ... By aligning oneself with the goal, one in essence reaches it immediately, so long as one keeps to the path. It's a continuous balancing act, but by keeping oneself orientated one maintains one's balance.
I'd be interested though to read a part 4. This essay lays a very good theoretical basis. But what I think is missing are concrete examples. You show how by example how feminine competitive styles can turn toxic ... but what does tonic competition look like? How are subtly, safety, and equality made tonic? I feel this could be fruitfully developed.
And then, the question of synthesis - what does it look like when the masculine and feminine virtues are in harmony with one another, mutually reinforcing via creative tension rather than mutually interfering in destructive acrimony?
Thank you so much for this feedback. I contended with whether I should provide concrete examples of the components of tonic competition but felt perhaps some of this was already nested within the toxic examples I provided. All along I've had my concerns about being redundant and I didn't want to bring too much from part one or two into part three. As it is, I think each essay could stand to lose some fat. But if you think that'd be interesting, that's good enough for me! I'll see about writing that up...
Regarding your point on synthesis, I had the same general thought. How do tonic men and women interact with one another? In moments of disharmony, how do they recalibrate? Thanks again for the thorough and thoughtful response.
Yes, I like this journey. In essence, neither the past nor the future exist. Although the past does leave traces of real people who really lived, from which traces we may glean a learning, the future does not. Regardless, neither past nor future offer us the power of action. All of our power of action, our agency, lies in the present. Every time we succumb to the temptation to *imaginatively* dwell in past or future, we take ourselves away from our place of power, which is always Here Now. Yet the temptation to do so, is clear, because our place of power is also our place of responsibility.
That was a beautiful journey.
I believe you're onto something with the frame of, in essence, aligning oneself with a destination which then defines the path; the goal then acts as a guide, which can orient each step of one's journey simply by asking the question 'Is this action in alignment with the goal, or is it not?'
Taking the temporal theme further, the path also being the goal ... one is after all always in the present, the future never actually comes ... By aligning oneself with the goal, one in essence reaches it immediately, so long as one keeps to the path. It's a continuous balancing act, but by keeping oneself orientated one maintains one's balance.
I'd be interested though to read a part 4. This essay lays a very good theoretical basis. But what I think is missing are concrete examples. You show how by example how feminine competitive styles can turn toxic ... but what does tonic competition look like? How are subtly, safety, and equality made tonic? I feel this could be fruitfully developed.
And then, the question of synthesis - what does it look like when the masculine and feminine virtues are in harmony with one another, mutually reinforcing via creative tension rather than mutually interfering in destructive acrimony?
Thank you so much for this feedback. I contended with whether I should provide concrete examples of the components of tonic competition but felt perhaps some of this was already nested within the toxic examples I provided. All along I've had my concerns about being redundant and I didn't want to bring too much from part one or two into part three. As it is, I think each essay could stand to lose some fat. But if you think that'd be interesting, that's good enough for me! I'll see about writing that up...
Regarding your point on synthesis, I had the same general thought. How do tonic men and women interact with one another? In moments of disharmony, how do they recalibrate? Thanks again for the thorough and thoughtful response.
I think “Tonic Femininity” needs a careful look but man…this is just too loony for me to go through without some mushrooms. And maybe even then.
Care to be more specific?
I wouldn't recommend this on shrooms. I would recommend a walk and maybe then The Pick of Destiny on shrooms.
Yes, I like this journey. In essence, neither the past nor the future exist. Although the past does leave traces of real people who really lived, from which traces we may glean a learning, the future does not. Regardless, neither past nor future offer us the power of action. All of our power of action, our agency, lies in the present. Every time we succumb to the temptation to *imaginatively* dwell in past or future, we take ourselves away from our place of power, which is always Here Now. Yet the temptation to do so, is clear, because our place of power is also our place of responsibility.