Under the Weather, as it were

Nostrabobus is under the weather – somewhere.

In light of this fact, he felt it necessary to write, walk – but has yet to play catch with someone – or roll a ball in their direction!

On the bright side: He’s lost 7 pounds in three days.

On the dark side: He’s lost 7 pounds in three days.

What does this have to do with communication?

Let’s see if we can turn this around . . . In an effort to stave off the rigors of E coli he did all that he could do to communicate with his body. He weathered two days of fever with other symptoms. He drank what ever he could to maintain body fluids – and it still wasn’t enough. He immediately went to the doctor’s office where pretty nurses poked and prodded and danced with him.

The point is – we are human – half animal/half spirit. A powerful being. It was very tempting during those first few hours and nights to blame his situation on things none physical – schooling, the wife, the dog that barks incessantly outside. He avoided making decisions that would cost him in the future. Cut a class, get rid of the wife, . . . well – you get the picture. Instead, he focused on the body – the true source of the problem and tried to figure it all out.

Communication Models - Peach Cans and Wax Strings

One of the earliest communication models was refined by Claude Shannon. This model was not created for the understanding of human relationships but for tele-communications. Those large klunky black devices created in another century. It basically consisted of trying to qualify and quantify what it would take to send a message from one point to another. A to B.

A - - - > B  This is the conveyance of message.

I pick up the peach can with a wax string knotted through a hole in the middle of the still attached end, the string vibrates sound waves and likewise vibrates on the other end of string that is likewise attached to another can. The vibrations carry the length of the string from Can A to Can B.

Simple enough.

The only thing that is being transferred at this point is message. This is okay for machines, but not so good for humans. Humans do not just convey messages – they convey meaning. It is my assumption that the conveyance of meaning is the primary goal for communication. Humans may want to hide meaning, alter meaning, and manipulate meaning – but meaning is still the primary goal. Back to the cans and the early model.

If there is going to be meaning, communication must work in two directions.

A - - -> B + A < - - - B = Response

Adding response now begins to resemble human communication. Putting this into a mechanical device to service the needs of humans was, of course, Shannon’s goal. Now I can send you a message and you can respond – which satisfies my basic need to convey meaning to you. Communication works on this level.

If all one wanted to do was convey a message, then all they’d have to do is grab an empty grocery cart and start sending messages to the pigeons, fire hydrants, and cute white lines on the asphalt. But the goal of humans reaches beyond merely sending – we want to send meaning, not just message. There’s more to this model, such as noise, but I’ll save that for another time.

Fussy Models

One of the goals of science is to create a model by which predictions can be made. Plato was fond of models and often referred to them as form and matter. Loosly paraphrased, It was his argument that forms existed outside of matter - that there was an ethereal equivalent to what was taking place here on Earth in the 'real' existence. Aristotle argued the point: he more or less felt that there was no form without reality.

Hence, the question of the ages: Funtion or Form; Substance or Art; Elvis or the Beatles.

Nostrabobus naturally feels the reality is somewhere in the middle. What good is a bottle opener that looks like a sccubus if you can't open the bottle?

What this clearly shows is that there are probably two ways of looking at something - and here's the catch - they are both right.

Plato was enlightened and Aristotle was an over achiever - nothing wrong with either sentiment. Plato could never have produced an Alexander the Great, whilst - of course - Aristotle could.

The first class of upper division communication course had a survey of no less than 26 communication theories. About half of them dealt with specific circumstances - how to predict the outcome of group management, spousal relationships, and so forth. And though these things are important for the management of one's life - it does not get to the mechanics or the heart of why something happens - only that it does. These latter, response models are mostly about function - what works and what doesn't. The balance had more to do with mechanics of communication - why does something work, not how. To me mechanis are by far the greater of the two to study. Mechanics and Form and Models have, in the short run, some advantages over Function. Keep in mind, Function works well when you want to get something done now, but it's uses are limited to a specific event and doesn't always take into account unintended consequences.

A familial example: Slapping Junior on the hand may get him to stop doing something right this instant (an example of function) but it also draws attention to the something that he's going to look at in the future. Mommy may not care at this moment about the future - but that could very well be a mistake. Mostly because on a communication level, not everything is being taken into account - it's only a part of teh communication model being expressed here. Taking the time out later to explain why Junior should not put a fork into the socket would better complete the cycle - it takes into account more of the communication model.

Proximics - the Study of Space

Proximics is the study of space. Personal space and social space. Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs is probably the best representation of this concept. Though he uses a pyramid to express the progression of human needs, there could be other ways to do so. When I draw one up, I’ll present it here.

fundamentally, the hierarchy of needs acknowledges motivational responses of human beings based on – well, needs. There are typically five stages (according to Maslow): Physical needs, Safety needs, Social needs, Esteem needs, and Self Actualization. Wiki this for details if you want. The point is . . . whether he is exactly correct on this assumption of what motivates, the principle is sound.

Personally, I doubt that one supplants the other – though there is certainly a good argument that one might take urgency over another. We need to eat . . . but on the heels of being satisfied (physical needs) one can see how there would be time to consider other needs, and so forth. So, though Maslow’s needs might need revision or rethinking (and many communication books don’t include this theory) the concept is fairly well known (he delivered his paper in 1943) and is worth paying attention to.

What this has to do with proximics is this: within each of our perceived needs are social (and I believe mental) distances that are naturally created to satisfy those needs.

A simple example of the realization of this principle would be something like: you wouldn’t go to a realtor if you need a loaf of bread. Fairly simple on that level. Fine tuning the concept gets difficult the muddier our needs get – or do they? Confusions arise when we make the assumption that people can help us meet our needs and that all people are capable of meeting those needs. Not all people are capable of meeting all our needs – not possible. Familial needs are met (obviously) through the family, but mentors take similar, yet different roles.

Whether these roles are universal or cultural or individual is fairly flexible – but there’s certianly enough evidence to suggest that no matter the expression these needs take place, they are there.

Ultimately, it helps to understand the principle that certain individuals and environments facilitate the acquisition of needs better than others. A common example could be the President of the United States. He has a ring of advisors – closely trusted, then not so much, then outward towards the public itself and often times the media which helps to facilitate other needs. In this way a corporation or nation can be considered to  have its hierarchy as well – or bubble like influences.

Three Things to Feel Better

Communication with the body is essential for our existence.

Why?

Because we are body!

In the age of enlightenment and spiritual awareness and scientific grandness and all the other things that further our minds and spirits and souls It seems to Nostrabobus that much of the physcial world gets lost.

Health is an aspect of our humanity that begins to fall under the category of things to do; scientific realizations to accomplish (think muscle mass); and some item to click off on a 'to do' list. Health, however, is what we are. Our bodies are directed by our souls to such an extent that the true character of our bodies can get muddy. What happens is there is a tendency to think of our bodies as objects, tools, vessels. But this is only half of the story - why? Because a body is 50% of what we are! We are human beings! This is how I see the picture, right or wrong - but I believe it is closer to the truth than what most people conisder.

It's a simple construct: Human Being (body) + Soul.

To this end: understanding what the body is about - there are three things that the Paradigm Scribe will do to get communication going with his body. And I know he listens to his body - some of the time.


Walk. A deliberate effort in getting from one point to another for no other purpose that walking.

Write. Hand write. Slowly and deliberately write. Your name is probably enough.

Toss. Anything. A Ball, beanbag, sack of noodles - toss them to a friend who will toss them back.

These three things when done deliberately and specifically at or towards onesself and the universe at large are often time enough to get the body communicating. On a technical level: there is intrapersonal, interpersonal, and environmental communication going on with these three activities. It is the lack of communication that inhibits and restricts one's freedom and sense of self. These three simple exercises can be the beginning of promoting a smile of understanding. I've seen it work wonders, these three simple things.

Do them - no matter how silly they may seem - they will pay off. I won't say you'll get enlightened like Eat, Pray, Love - but you never know.

More Body Language - The Phenomena of Graphology

The hand acts as a stylus of the body and hand writing (and even hand movment in general) can be viewed as barometric. As tools for the body, hands assist our existence in many ways. It is possible to tell whether a person is healthy or not by viewing their handwriting's curves, angles, placement, compostition, use of space and so on.

There are many graphologists out there who can read a signature or writing sample and interpret a person's disposition. Nostrabobus has had a limited amount of success in graphology - enough to know it is no fluke. There is little mystery to it - the rules are basic and fairly straight forward. It the kind of thing that validates the concept that human beings are one of a kind.

Can a signature tell a lie? Certainly. But the odds are that the author of that signature is lying can be disscovered. We may not know, exactly, what the lie is, but that the person is probably protecting some information for whatever purpose. I may not want you to know I'm a multi-millionaire (!) so I'll hide the obvious clues. So, we may not be able to tell what the lie is - but knowing that a lie is present gives information - something to work with that was previously unknown.

Nostrabobus has another reason for being interested in graphology. One can assess one's own health, given enough clues, and perhaps (just perhaps!) analyize one's own signature and realize, for example, that they are constipated, restrictive, or too loose with one's opinions, etc. By analyzing one's own signature there can be simple enough clues that can point the way to a better, improved, (dare I say happier?) life.

A small improvement - of any type - is still an improvement. Sometimes just recognizing one is stressed out is enough to get one to calm down. Many are the times when the Paradigm Scribe has offered his work for me to examine. When I point out that he's stressed, he can then take a deep breath and a step back from the world to not take it so seriously.

But here's another trick: Good writing can assist in paying attention to the problem. If one's writing indicates that that individual is cramped emotionally, then taking the time to write well (think grade school practices) could very well be the beginning towards becoming 'uncramped.' Sounds silly? perhaps. But why wouldn't paying attention to one's writing (if, indeed, the hand is a stylus) be the beginning of paying attention to one's body. It would give clues (consciously or subconscously) that the body can pay attention to and the mind can pay attention to with the end result being - action towards better health.

A simple possibility: I see that I'm feeling cramped or closed in because my writing is tight and not evenly paced (one such analysis). Odds are the organs are likewise cramped and tight. I choose to write carefully - paying attention to my loops, etc - and after awhile I go for a glass of water. The water is a physical response to the need the body is wanting to address.

the body doesn't lie - it's letting the author know (at the very least) that a glass of water would be very beneficial.

there is much to say and much not being said and many assumptions that are not discussed here, but these elements are good indicators about what the body is doing. Body language talks; graphology also talks.

Keeping the Body Language Clean

When reading one’s own body language, it’s important to not be too self absorbed – after all – others will read that!

The important thing to keep in mind is that not only will you read the language of others, but they will likewise read yours. This is no big deal as long as you are honest as the day is long – and that’s a good policy – but the truth is, we are so complicated we don’t always recognize when we are not being honest – with ourselves!

Before this begins to sound like I’m looking at a mirror with a mirror behind me and there are thousands of images that look like me – god forbid! – keep in mind – these ruminations are natural and – well – probably not that important.

One of the things the books on meditation will suggest is that whatever thoughts happen to run through your head – let them run! Don’t dwell on them, don’t entertain them as the last word on your existence, and don’t assume they are the truth.  More than likely, they are nothing more than the logical culmination of reasonable expressions. Meaning: only an idiot would not consider these thoughts as coming from somewhere outside the mind. \

The old adage: To thine own self be true – applies here.

This is no small trick. It can take decades, if not eons, to be true to oneself! Don’t beat yourself up over it – any improvement over a previous self-misconception – is an improvement! This can be known as the ‘let it go, Louis!’ factor.

I firmly believe that our “bullshit” factor (the things we hold on to that is irrational) is the result of ‘rational’ decisions made at one time or another in our lives. If it paid off then, it will pay off now. There’s nothing wrong with choosing to survive yesterday – but the same decision today may not be the right one. This is the one time our bodies might betray us – but it’s not from lack of thinking – its from lack of understanding – what helped us yesterday may not help us today.

Body Language - a beginning

There a two ways to read body language: yours and another’s.

Pretty simple when you think about it.

Don’t think too hard on it.

The language of the body includes an assessment of one’s health. This is as natural as the wind blowing. It’s tempting to say that women are more in tune with their bodies than men are. But I do not subscribe to this belief. It is at this level of human communication where the sexes are the same. However. I would agree that women are more inclined to have experiences which draw attention to their biology. Some things cannot be escaped.

I have witnessed many women who have little clue as to what their bodies are telling them. I have likewise witnessed a woman claim to know within a 12 hour period that the baby girl child she was hoping to conceive – had conceived. We know when we are healthy.

There is much to discover in the exploration of body language so I’ll try to keep this submission as simple as possible. The human body is designed to exist under certain conditions, but it is adaptable. When it is not healthy it seeks to save itself. I believe this is one reason why losing weight can be such a bummer. The body, on one hand, doesn’t lie: when out of balance, it becomes difficult to breath, walking can be a burden . . . the list goes on and on. What’s the body telling you? You’re over weight!

Since the body wants to take care of itself, it begins to take care of itself where it’s at. Not where it should be. But that doesn’t change the fact that the body is seeking to save itself – it just saves itself where it finds itself. It doesn’t know the past nor the future, just where it is right now. It protects itself from whatever poison it has been consuming. Smog, an imbalanced diet, alcohol, tobacco, etc.

Just to be clear: this is not an indictment on any one’s habit, lust, or love. These are simple truths and I want to present them as such. I know the Paradigm Scribe, for example, has been 80 pounds overweight at times, has smoked too many cigars for his own good, and occasionally drinks too much – his body told me.

A simple rule for understanding one’s own health: The body is not meant to be tied up in knots. Have a seat. Do the legs cross? Do the toes curl? How about the arms? Are they cross or covering the face? In short, how is the posture? The overall posture of one’s own body can give clues to health – both physical and mental.

Along these lines I believe it is possible to begin gaining health, if one is not  healthy, by practicing to sit. I think a chair is best at first. Feet on the floor, hands on the knees, and muscles relaxed. One would be surprised to discover a certain level of happiness can be gained by this simple exercise. Realizations of the body will make themselves known. If you listen.

A Saturday Short

It’s important to recognize this impulse to lie – for whatever the reason might be – not to have power over another individual and thus get the opportunity to point the bony finger at them.

Remember: when you point one finger towards another, there are three fingers pointing back at you and (usually) one pointing towards the heavens.

The benefit of this information is a reality check. It’s a base impulse that allows an individual to protect themselves – whether the need is real, imagined, or fabricated.

Just to be clear: this does not preclude the need for integrity, honesty, or any other element of the social contract – it simply allows for a proper perspective that can bring us closer to truth.

 

Why Lie?

Everyone lies. This is not a new phenomena and is not likely to go away – ever.

Paraphrasing here a bit: Within the first six minutes of a conversation – 80% of humanity will tell a lie. There are indications that lying is hardwired into the brain, the body – or something – and that we cannot avoid it when there is contact with others. This could very well be the natural expression of being defensive. Think chameleons who change color with the pine tree, or the sand ray on the bottom of the ocean floor, or the pigeon in the city that blends with the asphalt.

This is not to say their bodies are lying – they are not. Their bodies are being consciously used to lie – a big difference.

When the body lies (apparently) I believe it indicates a conscious decision to defend itself. The threat does not necessarily have to be life threatening, per se, but it does need to be present. Never mind that some people always feel threatened! (and thus are always on the defensive).

When the body lies (without our consciously willing it to do so) I believe it indicates a previous time where a conscious decision was made to behave a certain way. This is where ‘flinching’ comes in, where prejudice come in, and stereotyping. But not, necessarily in that order. If anything, it’s the reverse order:

human beings stereotype, then prejudice, then flinch.

Lying is a part of the human make up. Sometimes lies protect the self: I’m dangerous, leave me alone; I’m not dangerous, you can go away – and all manner of permutations (depending on the situation) from there. The goal of this particular reasoning of thought is to understand that lying is not (necessarily) an evil thing, but a part of what makes us who we are.

Lying is a reflective echo of our body’s ability (or inability) to process information – more on this in the future – and its need to make sense of the world around us. So – when you catch or suspect someone in a lie, don’t be surprised and don’t necessarily start pointing the finger (unless the lie is blatantly obvious). Understand that lies are a part of our universal make up as human beings – it cannot be avoided! but it can be managed. Both our understanding of it in others and why we, ourselves, are also liars.

Body Language – An Exploration

Continuing the discussion of the body being incapable of lying, there are a number of things to consider. One of the base assumptions should be that the body is incapable of being anything else than a body. It wants to take care of itself – to be a body. As such, it knows what it wants. This is one reason why reading body language can be a fine art.

I do not profess to own this art, only to know that it exists to such a high degree, corporations and individuals capable of exercising this art possess a great power. What is more amazing is that this art has become something of a mystery. But perhaps it hasn’t always been so. I’m willing to believe that reading body language is innate in all of us.

If someone who approaches us seems to be kind (lying) with their words there might be an uneasy feeling associated with the individual. The awkward situation can sometimes be revealed through their body language – a hundred (most likely much more) signals may indicate that this person is not nice, not kind. This can be conveyed through footing, knee direction, hip placement, body posturing, hand position, amongst the more direct. Someone who does not know these things consciously is still capable of registering these things subconsciously – why? Because both communicators belong to the same animal experiences.

Of course, there are other elements that come into play. But all things being equal, the person who is being lied to will – on some level – recognize that he/she is being lied to. Why? That’s up to debate. But one thing can be certain. They are being lied to.

 

 

The Body Doesn’t Lie–Interpretation

So much could be said about this phrase: The body doesn’t lie. Indeed, a whole blog could be written about this statement alone. But I’ve got to start somewhere, so I’ll try to bring it home.

I know someone (the Paradigm Scribe) who has taken on more than he can chew. How does one manage a full-time Master’s degree, putting out applications for work, submitting essays for publication, writing the unimaginable sum of two thousand words a day, keep the wolves at bay, and still keep a happy home? One could just as easily ask: How do you eat an elephant?

One Bite At A Time

Which brings us to the Scribe’s personal problem. He complains that he’s taken on too much, that the courses he’s on are causing stress. And now he feels that he’s on track for an emotional break down. Fine and good. Let him stew in his own juices for awhile while we examine his environmental situation.

The physical temperatures around his home have hovered near 100 degrees for over three weeks. In the last two months solid, he has taken a 2,300 mile trip complete with breakdowns, missed schedules, a grueling 18 days of work, both creative and physical, that have demanded no more than five hours of sleep a night, has been forced to learn new skills, has a loved one who was in surgery – and as if this weren’t bad enough, has forgotten to take his medication at least eight times during those two months. He has also neglected to walk and run as has been his habit for nearly four months.

Then he feels like he’s having a nervous breakdown and – and here’s the catch! – he blames it on his schedule or classes or heat or – just about everything else but what it truly is: he is physically taxing his body and not let it go.

Interpretation:

All this is well and good – and normal behavior – but, getting to the point, he runs the risk of interpreting his physical situation and translating it into an emotional one when it doesn’t really exist.

This is a tricky concept to convey, so I’ll reiterate. The danger is not that he’s ruining his body – though that is a possibility – the real danger is that he is going to interpret his physical deterioration with his attitude about his studies, his career, his job, his life, his marriage, and so on.

His physical deterioration was being interpreted/translated/transposed as a mental one. We often times feel bad (don’t kick the dog) and make the assumption that it’s related to our attitudes.

The Body Doesn’t Lie.

But often times interpreting what’s going on physically effects our reasoning capacity – We want to blame something so we can fix it. What to do? Understanding this nature within us: to attribute physical conditions with our personal attitudes, is often enough to take a step back and take care of the true matter at hand – our health. The Paradigm Scribe simply needs to get back on a healthy regimen, get his normal rest, eat his healthy best, take his meds (if that’s what he’s supposed to do), walk and get back to physical shape. If the other things are still overwhelming, then he should attack those problems the way one would eat an elephant – one bite at a time.

The Beauty of Space

Often times, what we think of as beauty, is the ethereal arrangement of space. When there is clutter, as the Paradigm Scribe is wrestling with, it is the lack of space which pushes into our psyche that crowds the mind and fills our thoughts with too many images. One of the most remarkable horror movies of all time is the Texas Chainsaw Massacre. In it is a scene where there is a great deal of space – not only the Texan blue sky, which in itself can be remarkable, but, set on a low horizon, is a broad (covers the bottom of the screen) golden brown hill. It is quiet and there is no soundtrack (more white space). From the left side of the screen (as I recall it – and I could be wrong, but the sentiment is right) are three teenagers pushing a vehicle from left to right. Nobody says nothing. No chainsaw has made an appearance yet. But the image is startling. There is simply too much time to think. You know this is a horror movie. You know they are (most likely) going to die. One is drawn into the scene despite themselves. Stunning.

It is clear skin that attracts, broad strokes that intrigue, clean air which refreshes. It’s not about being minimalist – though there is certainly value there – it’s more about being healthy. Perhaps it is the suggestion that these complex things known as bodies crave the opposite of what they are: simplicity.

The Space Between

One of the difficulties of space is that most people do much to get rid of it. A simple drive on the California freeways (okay, almost anywhere) is probably proof enough of this statement. There are those who are threatened by space and do all that they can to fill it up. A picture of my office/bedroom should suffice. I have books, nearly ten cases of them filled up – and I could use another. Granted, I only keep books I want, usually as references and some for pleasure. Some of this clutter is enforced: I must keep records for seven years for various aspects of our nation’s reference proof. There goes two filing cabinets. Most of them are kept out of fear that I’ll never see them again.

White space – the space between lines around margins and inside texts is an invaluable tool to the advertiser and marketer (of which I have some experience with). Consider the success of Google. I would argue (though I won’t here) that their success is largely based on their use of white space on their search engine.

White space is also what gives many comedians (the comic pause) and dramaticists (the dramatic pause) their strength. Andy Kaufman got this – and as a result, it made his career. When he, a simple phonograph, a 45 record graced the Tonight Show’s stage – there was nothing but space around him. That image alone was enough to bring a laugh. But space continued to rule the routine as he stood proud, played the record and posed as though he were going to lip-sync what was soon to be heard: the Mighty Mouse theme song. But Mighty Mouse, as it turns out, had only one line throughout the song that was used only a few times: Here I am to save the day! Kaufman’s contribution was white space brilliance. And very funny.

Groucho Marx (one of my personal heroes) likewise used white space by raising his eyebrows to great effect.

And, of course, The Beatles White Album did the same.

Why do these work so well (when not over done?). Because now the audience gets an opportunity to think. This is why film engages in a way that television cannot (the space between the frames). I’ve not taken the time to wonder at digital projection in the theatre but from what I’ve heard of IMAX digitization, I’d say it’s a minor fail. This is not to say that television doesn’t work, it just doesn’t engage; instead, television directs and impulses rather than activates and motivates.

Personal white space involves listening and receiving. It gives us more information to work with that goes beyond our experiences – we are able to synthesize more clearly and make better decisions regarding our relationships and environment. Personal white space – the space between – allows for a broader perspective.

Ambiguity, Meditation, and the Hand Held Poker Game

In stretching the benefits of ambiguity, or at the very least, the appreciation of it, I’m reminded of the practice of Sitting. Sitting is primarily a zen practice in which one . . . sits. The references are numerous: sit and you will benefit. Depending on who you go to there are different levels of sitting. sitting while mulling over a health concern; sitting while ruminating over a family issue; or a work related problem. What occurs during the sitting (typically) is the opportunity to take a problem apart. Break it down. Make it work. Understand it. Most people cannot do that: Sit. But I’m not talking about most people – I’m just talking about the process – with no expectation or request that this should be done. I think my attitude is pretty clear on it. At any rate, what develops is a laundry list of solutions ranging from Inspiration to Psychotic – and this is good. Ambiguity can arise from these sitting observations. I believe sleep can reach these levels – as we get those moments at 2 a.m.: Now I remember that actor’s name – it was Robert Redford who played Death in the Twilight Zone!

There is Sitting or Zazen or Empty Meditation (as I sometimes think of it) that is more expansive than the rumination of a problem. The trick here is to:

1) Sit

2) Be (think of nothing)

3) As long as possible

Now there are many books which describe the process, but for me the main thing is keep the body relaxed, let the blood flow, and let the inner organs do their work. At first Sitting and Thinking of nothing – just Be - is near impossible to accomplish. Fine. But what happens after a certain amount of success is phenomenal. One discovers (at some point) that the mind or spirit or mind-spirit begins to do on its own what the rumination process was creating: an answer to our concerns.

Expect nothing; Accept everything

To see how our minds work in this regard, get a hand held electronic poker game (Blackjack would work, too). They usually come in funky red sparkly plastic for some reason. Play the game. What happens? The mind – wanting to win points (and how many times do we see people who play this game think of the numbers as money?) begins to anticipate wins and losses – usually in the form of new cards.

Example: I get  [A A J 10 A] for my hand. My goal is to get four aces, so I “dump” the ‘J’ and the ‘10’ in the hopes that I’ll get another ‘A’.

Before I even press the new “deal” button for two new cards, my mind has calculated a number of scenarios: I could get another ‘J’ and ‘10’ or two low cards or another ‘A.’ See what happens? Within a tenth of a second the player now has available to her a dozen or so scenarios as to what will come up.

Often times we’ll hear players say: I knew I wasn’t going to win!

True. But – there were just as many other options available to draw from. We could’ve just as easily heard her say, “I knew an Ace was going to come up! I’m so lucky!”

The mind works that way.

It also can be reflective of our own personal nature, attitudes, experiences, etc. All of these things play into it, of course. And there are those who are gifted/natured/capable of playing without expectation – but there is still within all of us this nature to grab from a list of internal expectations which assist in our interpretation of messages that come to us.

A A A 2 A

Ambiguity–I Think

Before I start rummaging through my notes to see what there is to share it’s important to remember that some ambiguity in life is necessary for a productive existence. By ambiguity I mean being open to options. We life in a world of ambiguity – in a world where something my have ‘two or more possible meanings.’ And if something does not have two or more possible meaning – heck, we even have a language that has words that sound like other words. Are Two Pains see through?

The value of ambiguity is in interpretations. Interpretation is the firm decision that is made after a set of data has been agreed upon to exist in fact. My hand is on fire. Possible interpretation: I could die! I will die! I am dead! Ambiguous interpretation: This fire is dangerous to my hand, if not to me. Naturally, these are extremes of one possible scenario with middling interpretations from shear mind-numbing panic to lucid problem solving responses. Unless one wants his hands to burn, then the most expedient interpretation is to put the fire out – not, oh my gawd, I’m burning, or I’m dying, or what’s happening to me.

Ambiguity allows for greater choices to be made. More options present themselves to the interpreter. Experience can, and does, narrow the field of responses, but therein lies some of the problem. If we only respond to experiences a certain way we close off other opportunities to respond to something or someone with a limited field of choices. Relationships can bog down in this way. If I “just know” my significant other is going to say “no” to having cheese and macaroni tonight (and I just gots to have my mac and cheese! so I’m gonna ask anyway) then my originating question will probably be asked from a defensive position. I have preinterpreted a response from a non-ambiguous position. My Other will either sense my negative expectation and respond in kind or make any other assumption that is likely to lead to more ambiguity in the relationship than is wanted.

As a friend of mine once said: Clear as mud, right?

Nostrabobus Opens Up

Who is Nostrabobus? I am a communicator. The only one? Hardly. I see many things from the past clearly, and some not so clearly. My desire is to explore the fundamental elements of communication with the universe regarding my understanding of the science of communication. This takes shape in many forms: personal, intrapersonal, physical, group, social, media – and so forth.

At first, I intend to share my experiences with communications – some of its precepts (through copious notes) – and some of the riddles. I want to create a dialogue that encourages, challenges, and enlightens. It is my goal to find joy in the process of living through the outlet of communication. Living can be tough. I’ve had my share of toughness and others have had it worse.

Yet, as long as we live, we communicate. And what about after that? Well, I have some thoughts on that, too. My degree is in communication and I want to explore those concepts more deeply as well. This is not a religious discussion (though I’m not opposed to such, I would not dwell on religion disproportionately). I do hope for spiritual discussion, as I feel that the science of communication largely ignores the spiritual in favor for the physical. This is a mistake. I personally believe there is evidence to suggest that the spirit effects our communication cycles and by understanding this we can understand our own selves much better. I believe our bodies are affected by our spirit.

These are some of the basis for rumination and discussion and I will explore communication on these levels.

enjoy.

Nostrabobus is Alive and Well

This blog is meant to explore all things in the field of communication. And fun.