I have often times been in a conversation with someone and we may be talking about the workings of things and they might ask ….”Do you believe in evolution or intelligent design?” Usually, not always, when I am asked this question, or something similar, the questioner wants to know where I stand as to what I “believe” explains the Cause of the Universe. We may have entered into some spiritual discussion about God, meaning or purpose. In most cases, the questioner assumes that these are the two choices for original “Cause.” Almost always, they have made their choice and it is Evolution. I think they use the word “believe” because they think belief is necessary. I also think that they are, unconsciously, going on the offense by using the word belief. They assume that for someone to choose intelligent design, faith is required. “Belief” is a close cousin to Faith. On its face, the question is not a valid question. Today, with what we know, there is no need for the word believe in the question. We know that things evolve. We also know there is intelligent design weaved throughout everything in our world and the universe.
“Everything that arises is bound to pass away.” Buddha. What happens in between the arising and passing away is the evolution of that which arises. Evolution is not a place to rest your hat on for original cause. However, it is the warp and woof of existence. It is not something to be believed in. It is something to become aware of, understood and applied. There are many evolutionary theories and maps. It is Darwin’s theory of evolution that is referred to in the question. But there are so many more maps of evolution/development/growth. Darwin’s theory does not monopolize evolution. The evolution of any line of existing and being, physical and non physical, can be observed as it arises and passes away. I have written about this process extensively in my blog posts. I choose to utilize a 5 step map that cycles from step to step sequentially and loops back from step 5 to step 1 creating a rising cyclical cylinder, vortex, vessel.
Step 1. This step is about identifying what “it is” we are looking at. When dealing with people with diabetes, I lead with the word confront. What are we confronting? It includes the primary objective and goal. In the growth cycle, this step is called confusion. We confront the confusion and commit to its resolution. From a “game” perspective it is the object of the game; score the most points, capture your opponent’s pieces, etc. It is the seed level in any evolutionary process.
Step 2. This step is called exploration in the growth cycle. When dealing with diabetics I call it understanding. It is the functions or ingredients needed to make the pie. It is a brainstorming step. We are identifying all the components we need to play the game. It is good to prioritize them in order of value or importance.
Step 3. Step three is the creative step. It is about putting together the systems and procedures. We put all the ingredients together in the most optimal portions and order. When working with diabetics I call this step integration. In step 2 we became aware of and understood the functionality of all the things we need to account for. Now we put it together in a system. In the growth cycle this step is called Incubation.
Step 4. When working with diabetics I call this step Mastery. It is the implementation step. We “work” our system. In the growth cycle this is called Illumination. From a game perspective, we are practicing and we are playing. We know what we are wanting to accomplish. We have all the ingredients needed to play the game. We have designed a game plan. Now we engage.
Step 5. This is the results or outcome step. Through our efforts in following the process we will have achieved an outcome. We validate our outcomes and are now ready to cycle back to step 1 as a new confusion begins to set in. But we have evolved through the process. In the growth cycle this step is called celebration. When working with diabetics I call this step liberation.
“Total accountability and total feedback constitute the minimum and only requirements for a perpetual motion system.” Buckminster Fuller, Critical Path. Life is built on intelligently designed perpetual motion systems. Evolution is the gift given to us so we may explore the design and experience its intelligence.
