Biophysics and Oriental Medicine

I think the thinking patterns and perception that forms the foundation of Oriental Medicine could really serve those in the field of biophysics. This thinking can be and is applied to both the largest and smallest particles, concepts of energy and movement and matters of life, death and beyond. One of its strengths is that it can be applied to anything in the universe and is not dependent on what something IS, rather what it is like; specifically, how it behaves. We can not necessarily and with definitely explain what wind IS but we can describe how it behaves and interacts with other elements and beings. Because emphasis is placed more on how things behaves and less on what they are fundamentally, I think it is a more versatile school of thought, with more possibility for evolution of understanding. As "the West" embarks on more complex endeavors to control life and health, there is more danger of toying with things not fully understood and perhaps creating severe problems. Molecular biology, genetics engineering, nanotechnology, all could benefit from taking (several!) steps back and viewing the whole picture, outside the boundaries of modern scientific thinking.

the living system me

Theories of the masterful and complex behavior and diversity of human cells attests to the living system that is me. That each cell eats, releases 'wastes' and reproduces and that each cell is attracted to and repelled by certain conditions demonstrates me as a living system. The living system that is me has cells and substances that unite to create tissues and organs and thoughts, emotions, ideas, dreams and songs. The various parts of the living system of me rely on each to all do their part to keep the whole thing going. Some of these cells may never have direct interaction with others but nonetheless their vitality and existence depend on each other.
Still, the living system of me is only part of a larger living system, which is a part of a larger living system and so on and so on...so, depends on what part of the system you stop to take a keep at. For semantics sake I get that living systems can be separate but on a grander scale, I don't think there is any separation.

Synthesizing East and West

I think East and West are naturally coming to a synthesis in much the same way that 'spirit' is returning to Chinese medicine. There is a popular statement that the Communists "took the spirit" out of Chinese medicine. But I would argue that this is impossible because there is no separation between mind and body. Whether or not a practitioner discusses or refers to spirituality, when they lay their fingers on the pulse they are feeling the spirit, the insertion of any needle treats the WHOLE being including the spirit. Nowadays we are discussing treatment of spirit but the medicine has been treating it all along. I think the same is true of eastern and western philosophy and sciences. As our understanding of each deepens, so does the awareness of the connectedness of 'East' and 'West'.

From a world view "East" and "West" appear as distinct cultures and points of view. But imagine you are viewing the Earth from a distant galaxy. From a inter-galactic point of view, the similarities might stand out more...little beings attempting to understand and explain the workings of a vast Universe and their place in it......

both aspects of the same

Monday in E prime

My son and I have a friend visiting. Our friend lives in North Carolina and sounded excited about his visit to California. Since he has been here he has been investigating local gardens and permaculture sites. He appears very happy when surrounded by plants of all kinds. Both he and Zeke look bright and cheerful when they around each other and erupt in all sorts of noise and play together. Two days ago my friend and I argued about my frying pan. He seemed to get upset and take something I said as a personal attack. He walked out of our house in what appeared to be frustration. Later, we apologized, talked and laughed about our frying pan fight. Then we went for a hike. Zeke appeared tired and bored part way up a very steep hill but when we got to the top he acted more energized by joking and laughing. It looked as though he enjoyed himself as he filmed the beautiful view and gave what sounded like a cheerful commentary. I think, in the end, everyone had a good day!