On Patterns... and how they shape us
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Hello Friends, This week, I’m thinking of patterns, whether they are random or intentional. Humans, it is said, are pattern seeking creatures. Noticing patterns is part of how we learn. We also assign meaning to certain patterns, though not others. I wonder why that is? We humans are also meaning making creatures. Unless we are nihilists, we like things to have meaning, sometimes even assigning meaning where there may not be one. And that’s okay. Patterns and meaning add structure to our lives. They can help us feel safer, or pique our curiosity. These pixelated marks you are reading right now form meaningful patterns, too. Patterns are part of how we communicate. Whether it is a flight of birds in the sky, sticks scattered on a forest floor, or symbols set in paint, or notes strung together in a pleasing way, patterns help us connect with each other and the world. Just think: if it weren’t for all of these patterns, there would be no art or music or architecture. We wouldn’t inhale the peacefulness of ripples on water, caused by wind or motion. Patterns also teach us. They teach us what to watch or listen for. They teach us whether there are predators around, or friends. Recognizing patterns can also help us assess the present and predict the future. Can we read too much into certain patterns? Sure. But sometimes, we ignore patterns to our detriment. For example, if only the oil companies had acted on their knowledge of the patterns leading us directly to our current climate crisis, how different might the world be now? What sort of patterns do you leave in the world around you? What patterns do you make alone, or with your friends? What patterns are you paying attention to, and which do you ignore? Best wishes - Thorn Those of you who have generously been paid subscribers to this weekly newsletter: I sent out an email a few days ago, letting you know I was stopping your card charges because Stripe had issues transferring from one provider to another. Unfortunately, there was an issue with one of the links included! If you would like to re-up your subscription donation, along with this weekly free missive, and our monthly creativity sprints on Zoom, I’m offering 20% off to my online store each month as thanks. You can sign up here: Paid Subscription |
T. Thorn Coyle
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