Tension

High energy manifesting, taking the form of, restlessness. The crackle of energy in the gap between “is” and “could” (or “should”). Like:

Gathered notes

The tension between poles creates energy.
- That can be helpful or a hindrance.
The space between poles is empty.
- Empty as in possibility, like a cup before it’s filled.
Notice what poles you’re using.
- Consider the risks and rewards of focusing too much on one pole.

Poles are different ways of looking at the same central truth. Different sides of a coin.

Polarities create friction when they feel like opposites, contradictions.
- Really it’s more like “Why can’t it be both?”
Poles form pairs of complementary forces. Their interaction makes motion, an energetic balance between the two.
- The tension, tautness, between them is what creates the energy.
- Sameness brings stillness, difference brings movement.
Between the poles is emptiness, creative potential, possibility.

Notice the polarities.
Notice the risks/rewards of neglecting/focusing on each pole.
Harmonise and integrate and balance the polarities.
- But watch more the wider, more important, pole.
- For example: asymmetry is more important than symmetry because it can contain symmetry.
Develop a taste for working with this disruptive energy.

Settle into an energetic balance, “between” two poles / opposites.
We habitually resist unpleasant experiences, which sustains and prolongs them.
By focusing attention on a concept we create its opposite.
The whole truth is the reconciliation and holding together of opposites.
Opposites complete, test, determine, harmonise, give sequence to one another.
Polarities create friction when they feel like opposites, contradictions.
In between any two opposites lies emptiness, creative potential.
Polarities create friction when they feel like opposites, contradictions.
Notice, harmonise, and integrate patterns in polarities.
All things change and flow, continuously becoming their opposite.
The taut string of a bow gives rise to the power to fire an arrow.
Asymmetry is more important than symmetry. It can contain symmetry.
Why can’t it be both? Some things that look like a dichotomy, aren’t.
Form is employed to make things clever. Emptiness is employed to make things useful.
Opposites co-exist, making something new and taut and harmonious.
Complementary forces, interacting to form a dynamic system.

We need to balance calmness/energy and stillness/brightness.
By accepting self-doubt, rather than trying to eliminate or repress it, we lessen its energy and interference.
Sameness smooths and calms, difference injects energy and movement.
Sameness brings peace, difference brings energy.
Resolving a conflict creatively is an exercise in growth, but/and we can develop a taste for working with this disruptive energy.
Koans are a good way to … harness the energy of inquisitiveness and activate intuition.
Free up energy by letting go perceptual and cognitive boundaries produced by fixation on limited views.

Added 2025-01-01, last updated 2025-01-02.