(Originally published on October 31, 2024.)
Table of Contents
- Welcome đź“ś Letter
- 🧠Quotes of the Month
- Movie 🍿 Review: The Truman Show
- đź“š Storytime: The Bear, the Coyote, and the Possum
- An 🔬 Analysis of “The Bear, The Coyote, and the Possum”
- Squeezing the 🍋 Lemonade
- Weekly đź› Practice
- Join đź”— the Abstractionist Movement
1. Welcome đź“ś Letter
Dear Readers,
Welcome to the second edition of The Practice is the Win™! In this issue, we delve into Abstractionist thought, explore the evolving nature of reality, and share practical tools for navigating life’s complexities
This past month brought exciting milestones. One highlight is the release of Glitches in Reality, a book that started as an article but expanded into a 30-page exploration of processes—including the processes that define us. This book invites you on a journey to examine the hidden mechanisms shaping our experiences and to look beaneath the surface.
Equally significant was our work on a series of papers that form the foundation of a new science of causality. From Foundations to Dynamics, these papers challenge traditional cause-and-effect models by introducing concepts of causal impedance and cross-space resonance, redefining how we understand complex systems. More on this next month.
And the good news keeps coming—we’re growing! Each new subscriber is like another unique universe added to our movement. Thank you all for being part of this journey.
This edition of The Practice is the Win™ explores themes such as:
- Quotes of the Month: Drawing from Glitches in Reality, these selections highlight how paradoxes and disruptions can reveal deeper truths.
- Movie Review: A revisit of The Truman Show, using its narrative to explore real-life paradoxes and the challenge of pushing beyond mental boundaries.
- Storytime: Featuring The Bear, the Coyote, and the Possum, a fable illustrating how different perspectives shape our understanding of the same event.
- Squeezing the Lemonade Hero: Telling the story of Vail and Nimbin, whose lemonade stand becomes a metaphor for embracing growth through setbacks.
- Weekly Practice: An invitation to explore the “deep waters” of experience, encouraging us to look beyond the surface of everyday interactions and uncover richer layers of meaning.
Whether you’re new to Abstractionism or have been with us for a while, we’re excited to have you here. Together, let’s blend theory with practical application, creating a space for curiosity and thoughtful exploration. As always, keep questioning, exploring, and embracing the paradoxes that make reality so rich.
Best regards,
Luiz von Paumgartten
Founder and CEO
General Reality Media, LLC
2. 🧠Quotes of the Month
This month’s selections invite us to see life’s “glitches” as pathways to deeper insights and perspectives. These moments of paradox and disruption reveal underlying truths, nudging us to expand our ways of seeing.
“A mind that is stretched by a new experience can never go back to its old dimensions.” — Oliver Wendell Holmes Sr.
This quote reminds us that every challenge or new insight stretches our mental framework, making it impossible to return to a simpler perspective. Each expansion is an opportunity to evolve and embrace a broader understanding.
“Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better.” — Albert Einstein
Nature reveals the dynamic processes underlying our world—encouraging us to look beyond the surface and recognize the interconnectedness shaping reality. In our search for truth, nature offers clues to insights beyond our immediate perception.
“The map is not the territory.” — Alfred Korzybski
This phrase underscores that our internal models, while useful, are limited reflections of reality. Recognizing this distinction between our perceptions and reality helps us stay flexible and open, adjusting to the world as it unfolds.
“To thrive, processes must recognize when their models no longer align with the larger network. Emergence … often stems from this very recognition—when a process acknowledges the paradox and adjusts, breaking free from the loop and spiraling into deeper understanding.” Glitches in Reality, p. 16.
This final quote emphasizes adaptability in the face of contradictions. Growth and emergence occur when we recognize and adjust our models, turning misalignments into stepping stones for deeper insight.
3. Movie 🍿 Review: The Truman Show
This month, we revisit The Truman Show, a film that humorously yet poignantly explores the boundaries of reality and self-discovery. Through Truman’s journey, we find insights into the paradoxes we face in everyday life—whether in our relationships, careers, or personal growth.
The story follows Truman Burbank, a man unknowingly living in a world meticulously constructed for a reality TV show. As Truman begins noticing “glitches”—events that defy the world’s apparent logic—he starts to question the very nature of his reality. These moments of cognitive dissonance reflect the paradoxes that often keep us trapped in familiar patterns, challenging us to push beyond the boundaries of our understanding.
Glitches in Truman’s World
Truman’s life appears idyllic in the quaint town of Seahaven, where he begins each day with his signature line:
“Good morning! And in case I don’t see ya, good afternoon, good evening, and good night!”
However, all is not as it seems.
His world is a controlled illusion, monitored by hidden cameras and directed by Christof, the show’s creator. Everything—from the weather to his closest relationships—is orchestrated for the entertainment of millions. As the movie unfolds, glitches in this fabricated world begin to surface. A stage light labeled “Sirius” falls from the sky, hinting at a crack in the facade, while the townspeople’s repetitive behaviors reveal a hidden script. These glitches disrupt the flow of his life, prompting Truman to question the reality he has always trusted.
Glitches as Paradoxes
The glitches Truman encounters serve as clues that his world is not as it appears. The first major event—a stage light falling from the sky—creates a paradox, revealing a conflict between the logic of his everyday life and the reality of a meticulously controlled set. As he notices more oddities, like the same people cycling through town repeatedly, Truman’s cognitive loops deepen. He revisits these moments in his mind, searching for answers.
Other strange occurrences further test his understanding. He overhears a hidden radio transmission narrating his actions, deepening his suspicion. He even encounters his father, a man long presumed dead, wandering the streets. These paradoxes expose cracks in the reality he once believed, leading him to question everything.
Parallel Realities in Seahaven
In Truman’s world, those closest to him—including his wife, Meryl, and his best friend, Marlon—are actors following a script. While Truman believes they share the same reality, they are simply playing roles. Marlon’s reassurances, such as “The last thing I would ever do is lie to you,” are scripted, adding layers to the illusion.
This dynamic creates two contrasting realities: Truman lives in an authentic world (to him), while the actors perform in a constructed narrative. The deeper paradox lies in his realization that the world he thought was shared is, in fact, his alone.
Emotional Paradoxes in Relationships
Truman’s marriage to Meryl is a prime example of relationships built on illusion. Her frequent product placements during conversations reveal the artificial nature of their connection. How can a marriage be real when one person is simply playing a role? This realization propels Truman to seek something genuine, beyond the confines of Seahaven.
Breaking Free
Truman’s journey reaches its peak when he decides to escape Seahaven, facing his lifelong fear of water and sailing toward the horizon. His boat crashes into the dome’s wall, revealing the limits of his world. Christof tries to convince him to stay, saying:
“There is no more truth out there than in the world I created for you.”
Truman, now aware of the paradoxes holding him back, delivers his iconic line one last time: “In case I don’t see ya, good afternoon, good evening, and good night!” With that, he steps through the exit and into the unknown, leaving the illusion behind.
Commentary
The Truman Show uses clear, almost cartoonish paradoxes to reveal the artificiality of Truman’s world, making the gaps in his reality obvious to the viewer. In real life, though, our paradoxes are rarely this clear. Instead, they appear as subtle emotional conflicts, recurring frustrations, or unspoken self-doubts—issues that reflect a clash of seemingly irreconcilable beliefs or expectations. These tensions are harder to detect than a falling stage light or scripted town loops, yet they point to the same fundamental question: does our perception of reality align with what truly lies beyond?
The main difference between Truman’s world and ours, however, is that we play both roles—both Truman and Christof. While Truman’s world was imposed upon him, we are both the creators and the subjects of our own Seahaven. We shape our beliefs and mental boundaries, often unaware of how deeply they influence our lives. But unlike Truman, we have the power to recognize and reshape these boundaries, transforming our inner logic and breaking free from the mental loops we create.
In the end, escaping Seahaven is about emancipation, as Bob Marley put it: “Emancipate yourselves from mental slavery; none but ourselves can free our minds.” By identifying and working through the subtle paradoxes within, we begin to experience true freedom. Like Truman, we can choose to look beyond the walls we’ve constructed, embracing the unknown and discovering a reality beyond the limits of our own mental boundaries.
4. đź“š Storytime: The Bear, the Coyote, and the Possum
Our story this month, The Bear, the Coyote, and the Possum, presents a fable where each character interprets the same event through a different lens. These unique perspectives show how our “Biological Blindfolds” shape what we see, feel, and ultimately, understand.
It was the kind of crisp autumn evening when the forest seemed to hum with secrets. The moon hung low, casting silver light across the clearing where a possum, a coyote, and a bear found themselves together in an unexpected scene.
The Possum’s Heroic Stand
The possum stood, still as a statue, under the shadow of a grand oak. Across the clearing, the coyote prowled, sleek and silent, its eyes gleaming in the dim light. But the possum was no ordinary possum—at least, that’s how it saw itself. In its mind, this was its moment. A moment to stand firm against the oncoming danger, a moment to be brave.
“No one will take me down today,” thought the possum. It felt the weight of its ancestors on its shoulders, like warriors standing by its side. This wasn’t just a stand; it was a fight, a noble defense against a powerful adversary.
The coyote edged closer, but the possum didn’t flinch. It was sure of its heroic resolve. The night was still, save for the occasional rustle of leaves, and the possum remained in place—stoic, silent, brave.
The Bear’s Confusion
Watching from the trees was a large, thoughtful bear, sipping from a mug of tea. The bear had expected a spectacle—perhaps a chase, maybe even a scuffle. After all, there was a coyote, and coyotes hunt, don’t they?
But nothing happened. The possum stayed perfectly still, and the coyote didn’t pounce.
“What is going on?” the bear wondered, scratching its head. “Isn’t the possum supposed to run?” The bear took another sip of tea, puzzled by the stillness of it all. No chase, no excitement. The forest seemed oddly quiet.
“Was I missing something?” thought the bear, its brow furrowed. It had seen enough forest encounters to know that something wasn’t adding up.
The Coyote’s Conclusion
The coyote crept closer, its nose twitching as it sniffed the air. The possum was still, unnervingly so. Was it alive or dead? thought the coyote. It sniffed once, then again. Something didn’t seem right, but it didn’t seem entirely wrong either.
After a moment of consideration, the coyote tilted its head and sniffed once more. “Close enough,” it thought. In the coyote’s mind, the possum was dead enough to not bother with. Without a second glance, the coyote turned and padded quietly back into the woods.
The Bear’s Wondering
The possum remained, unaware of how close it had come to being dinner. In its mind, it had won. It had stood firm against the mighty coyote and triumphed. There was no need for applause or celebration—the quiet of the night was enough of a reward.
Meanwhile, the bear sat back down, its tea now lukewarm. “Why didn’t the coyote finish the hunt?” it mused. “I expected a chase, a fight, something…”
The bear took another sip, still unable to reconcile what it had just seen. There had been no drama, no dramatic conclusion. Just stillness. The bear would have to think about this for some time.
“I’ll figure this out someday,” thought the bear, setting its mug down and gazing up at the stars.
A Thanksgiving Feast
Later that evening, the three animals found themselves gathered around a crackling fire, sharing a Thanksgiving meal. A simple feast of roasted chestnuts, pumpkin pie, and freshly baked rolls was spread across the table, and the fire cast a warm glow across their faces.
The animals began to talk, their words floating into the night air like smoke from the fire.
“Quite the night,” said the bear, sipping its tea. “I thought something big was going to happen, but it turned out to be more…subtle.”
“Subtle?” the coyote replied, narrowing its eyes. “It seemed pretty straightforward to me. I thought it was over before it even began.”
The possum, chewing on a piece of pie, nodded solemnly. “Yes, it was all about standing your ground. Being brave.”
The coyote raised an eyebrow. “Brave? I thought it was more like… well, never mind.”
The bear chuckled. “I expected some excitement—maybe a chase or a struggle. But I guess not everything ends in a scuffle.”
The possum smiled. “Sometimes, staying still is the greatest action of all.”
The conversation drifted on, their words weaving together as if they all agreed, though each animal clearly had a different view of what had happened. The stars sparkled above, as if listening in.
Just then, the coyote’s nose twitched. It leaned forward, sniffing in the possum’s direction. Something clicked in the coyote’s mind.
“Wait a minute…” the coyote said, its eyes narrowing. “You’re still alive?”
The possum blinked, as if the question were silly. “Of course.”
The coyote’s tail twitched, and it muttered under its breath. “I knew it smelled off…” The realization settled in, and the coyote, now annoyed, threw a roll into the fire, its eyes glaring at the possum.
The bear, watching the interaction, smiled quietly to itself and took another sip of tea.
“Happy Thanksgiving to all,” said the bear, raising its mug. The others nodded, though the coyote’s eyes still glinted with frustration.
The fire crackled, and the night rolled on, the air filled with the unspoken tension of a mystery only half-resolved.
/The End.
5. An 🔬 Analysis of “The Bear, The Coyote, and the Possum”
To understand how perception influences reality, let’s analyze The Bear, the Coyote, and the Possum using ideas from Glitches in Reality and The Abstractionist’s Papers. We’ll see how each character’s experience is filtered through its own “Biological Blindfold,” creating a unique understanding of the same event.
In the story, each animal in the story operated with a limited view of reality, shaped by its internal model. This Biological Blindfold prevented them from perceiving the full causal processes taking place.
- The Possum: The possum’s internal model interprets its actions (or lack thereof) as an act of bravery. Fully aware of the biological processes at play—such as freezing and odor secretion—it sees these responses as natural allies in its stand. In the possum’s view, these instinctual reactions only reinforce its heroic stance in the face of danger. Since there is no conflict between its internal model and its experience, the possum faces no paradox to resolve.
- The Coyote: The coyote’s internal model led it to conclude that the possum was dead based on its sensory input. Initially, the coyote resolved its situation with certainty—interpreting the possum’s stillness as death, and walking away with confidence. However, during the Thanksgiving feast, when the coyote realized that the possum was alive, it encountered a double paradox:
Expectation vs. Reality: The coyote expected the possum to be dead, but the revelation that the possum was alive upended this expectation.
Self-Doubt: The coyote had previously felt confident that it made the right call in leaving the possum, but this realization now challenged its self-assurance, leading to frustration and embarrassment. The coyote’s paradox was not just one of perception, but also a deeper questioning of its judgment.
- The Bear: The bear’s Biological Blindfold was that of a third-party observer—more detached, but still prone to the limits of interpretation. The bear expected some dramatic action (a chase, a fight), but observed only stillness. This created a contradiction between its expectations and observations. However, the bear’s paradox was less intense than the coyote’s. The bear might simply walk away from the situation, satisfied with a mild curiosity, or dismiss the event entirely, making its contradiction less emotionally charged. In this case, the bear’s experience doesn’t fully develop into a paradox, as it lacks the emotional investment the coyote has.
Paradoxes and Incoherence
Paradoxes arise only within the Interpretative Domain—in the mind of the observer—where expectations and observations come into conflict.
- The Coyote’s Paradox: The coyote’s paradox stems from two layers of conflict. First, there’s the clash between its expectation that the possum was dead and the observation that the possum was, in fact, alive. Second, the coyote’s confidence in its initial judgment conflicts with the realization that it was wrong, leading to frustration and embarrassment. This deeper, internal conflict intensifies the initial clash, forcing the coyote to confront its failure to interpret reality accurately.
- The Bear’s Contradiction: While the bear also experiences a form of incoherence—its expectation of a chase didn’t match what it observed—this contradiction doesn’t develop into a full paradox. The bear’s detachment from the outcome means it doesn’t feel emotionally troubled by the discrepancy. The contradiction remains a curiosity, but doesn’t demand the bear to engage in the same self-reflection as the coyote.
Emergence and Growth
To each animal, Paradoxes offer opportunities for growth and emergence, but only if they demand a resolution:
- The Possum: Since the possum didn’t experience a paradox, there was no need for change. Its internal model matched its interpretation–to the possum, everything is at it should be.
- The Coyote: The coyote’s paradox, however, creates a strong potential for emergence. Feeling embarrassed and frustrated, the coyote is now driven to reexamine its internal model, questioning how it misread the situation so completely. Resolving this paradox will require the coyote to reflect on how it adjusts its model to better align with reality.
- The Bear: The bear’s contradiction offers only mild potential for growth. Since the bear is not emotionally invested in the outcome, it may never revisit the event. If the bear chooses to reflect on the contradiction, it might adjust its internal model, but this reflection is optional rather than necessary for the bear’s satisfaction.
Conclusion
In the story, we see how different interpretations of the same event can lead to vastly different emotional and intellectual outcomes. The possum remains unchanged, the bear may dismiss the contradiction, but the coyote is left with a troubling paradox that calls for resolution. This exploration highlights how our Biological Blindfolds limit our access to the Causation Domain and how the conflict between expectations and observations can either prompt growth or be dismissed, depending on whether it becomes a paradox.
6. Squeezing the 🍋 Lemonade
Ever wonder why some people can turn setbacks into stepping stones while others get stuck? Our story of Vail and Nimbin explores how our responses to life’s “glitches”—the moments when expectations and reality clash—shape our journey. Through their lemonade stand experience, Vail and Nimbin reveal the power of seeing these moments as growth opportunities.
To explore this idea, let’s revisit two friends, Vail and Nimbin, who opened a lemonade stand together. Their journey reveals how our different responses to glitches—the moments when expectations and reality don’t align—can lead to vastly different outcomes.
Vail approached the lemonade stand as a quick, guaranteed success. He imagined high sales, happy customers, and a straightforward path. The recipe was already perfected in his mind, and any setback felt like an unexpected storm cloud. So, when a customer criticized the lemonade as “too sour,” Vail felt it as a personal blow—a threat to his vision. The comment echoed in his mind, creating a loop of frustration. “Why wasn’t it working?” he wondered. “Isn’t the lemonade good enough?”
Instead of evaluating the feedback, Vail found himself instantly reacting to it. The comment reinforced his worst fears, drawing him into a mental loop that grew more frustrating with each reminder. His ideal didn’t match reality, and each new comment felt like another crack in the glass of his expectations. This gap between what he wanted and what was happening formed what we might call a glitch—a place where his assumptions kept him stuck, revisiting his expectations without moving forward. As frustration deepened, Vail became trapped in this glitch, struggling to reconcile his vision with reality but not finding a way forward.
Unlike Vail, who found himself frustrated by the unexpected, Nimbin was ready to meet each challenge with an open mind. His response was a reflection of his view on growth—steady, adaptable, and intentional. Nimbin had anticipated that feedback could vary and was prepared to approach it thoughtfully. This readiness gave him a sense of control, allowing him to treat feedback as a potential guide rather than a disruption. Each comment became an opportunity for refinement, not a demand for change.
When the same customer said the lemonade was too sour, Nimbin didn’t react on the spot. Instead, he had already considered this possibility. He tasted it, allowing the tartness to settle as he thought about what the feedback truly meant. “Maybe a little more sugar, a bit less lemon,” he decided, making a small adjustment with intent.
Nimbin saw each critique not as a command but as an opportunity for growth. His focus was on understanding and improvement, which helped him engage with feedback without losing his own vision. Each adjustment was a steady step toward improvement, allowing him to progress in a grounded, sustainable way. To Nimbin, growth wasn’t about getting it perfect from the start; it was about making thoughtful changes that added up over time.
As the day ended, Vail voiced his frustration. “How do you not get tired of changing everything?” he asked Nimbin. “Doesn’t it feel like we’re just not getting it right?”
Nimbin smiled, stirring his glass as he considered Vail’s question. “Maybe we’re not supposed to get it right, Vail. Maybe we’re supposed to get better. Each piece of feedback is like a clue. It’s not about failing; it’s about finding our way.”
For Vail, this was a moment of reflection. His frustration wasn’t truly about the lemonade—it was his attachment to the vision of how the lemonade stand was supposed to be. The glitch, the frustrating loop he found himself in, wasn’t a flaw; it was a signal that his approach needed a shift. In this moment, Vail saw that his frustration wasn’t about failure but about learning, about releasing his expectations and embracing the journey of improvement.
Recognizing Glitches in Real Life
The story of Vail and Nimbin is more than a lesson in business strategy; it shows us how responses to setbacks can either keep us stuck or help us grow. Nimbin’s path was steady and intentional, while Vail’s glitch, his mental loop, invited him to step back and reconsider. In our own lives, these moments of friction can reveal pathways to new growth if we’re open to seeing them. Here are some steps we can take:
- Spot Frustration Loops: When we encounter recurring frustrations that seem to keep us stuck, it’s often a sign that our expectations may not align with reality. Recognizing these patterns can help us identify potential glitches.
- Evaluate with Curiosity: Instead of reacting emotionally, we can pause and ask ourselves what’s really happening. Just as Nimbin tasted his own lemonade, we can assess feedback or obstacles from a fresh perspective, helping us separate our response from the facts.
- Transform Frustrations into Insights: If we see challenges as clues rather than obstacles, each setback becomes a guide toward growth, shifting us from a reactive mindset to one of exploration.
- Shift from Fixing to Understanding: Not every glitch needs a quick fix. Sometimes, simply understanding a frustration offers a new perspective that leads to growth, guiding us out of a loop and into insight.
Like Vail, we may not always see the value in a glitch right away. But these moments can become powerful teachers, revealing gaps between our expectations and reality, and inviting us to turn frustration into insight—and ultimately, into growth.
Every setback is a chance for us to see things differently. Think of a recent frustration we’ve faced—could it be showing us a new direction? Our responses to setbacks shape not only our outcomes but also our growth. Let’s start seeing setbacks not as blocks in the road, but as signs pointing us toward growth. If we can reframe frustration as part of the journey, our greatest roadblocks can become the fuel for our next steps forward.
7. Weekly đź› Practice
This week, we’ll explore how a shifts in perspective can transform our daily experiences. Inspired by Nimbin’s story of a simple change in his morning routine, this month’s exercises encourage us to approach challenges with intention and an “outside-in” perspective, uncovering richer layers in our interactions and routines.
In life, everything we do becomes part of a practice. From our daily routines to our ways of handling unexpected challenges, we are continually rehearsing how we interact with the world. Often, this practice is unconscious—we move through familiar patterns without realizing how they shape our lives. Yet, it is these accumulated practices, these ingrained habits, that define our experiences and influence the paths we take.
Consider Nimbin, a student whose mornings are a chaotic ritual of forgotten items—homework left behind, lunchboxes misplaced, gym clothes overlooked. Each day, he finds himself caught in a cycle that seems impossible to break. His teacher scolds him, his classmates mock him, and his parents grow increasingly frustrated. On the surface, it might seem as though Nimbin is simply forgetful, yet in reality, he is bound by a pattern that has become second nature.
One evening, Nimbin finds himself watching Home Alone with his parents. The scene unfolds as the McCallister family wakes up late after a power outage, and pandemonium ensues as they scramble to pack and rush to the airport, only to realize too late, “We slept in!” As they watch the chaos, one of Nimbin’s parents comments, “If only they’d packed the night before, they wouldn’t be rushing like that. They wouldn’t have forgotten Kevin!”
The moment lingers in Nimbin’s mind. He recognizes a parallel between the frantic family on screen and his own rushed mornings. Inspired by this realization, Nimbin decides to make a small change. He takes an old alarm clock from his room and sets it to chime each evening, reminding him to pack his backpack before bed. It’s the same five minutes he used to spend rushing in the morning—only now, he spends those minutes the night before, when he has the time and space to think clearly.
This seemingly trivial adjustment—a mere shift in the timing of a routine—begins to transform Nimbin’s days. The next morning, he walks into school with everything he needs, feeling prepared and composed. As the weeks pass, this new habit shifts how he sees himself and how others see him. His teacher’s frustrations give way to encouragement, his classmates’ teasing turns to curiosity, and Nimbin himself feels a sense of control he had long been missing. A simple change—a task moved from morning to night—initiates a chain reaction of positive outcomes, turning a minor adjustment into a meaningful transformation.
If a small shift in a daily routine can alter the course of a life, imagine what might be possible with a more profound change!
What if we could approach the complex situations of life with the same kind of deliberate adjustment, but on a much larger scale? Picture entering a challenging conversation, a critical decision, or a new experience with a clear understanding of its underlying dynamics—a mental framework that helps you see beyond the surface. This is the essence of cultivating an intentional perspective.
To understand this perspective more fully, it helps to distinguish between two ways of seeing the world: the inside-out and outside-in perspectives.
Inside-Out and Outside-In Perspectives
The inside-out perspective is how we naturally experience most moments in life. It starts with our internal thoughts, emotions, and perceptions and extends outward. It’s the view that shapes our reality based on how we feel in the moment, often leading us to react instinctively to whatever unfolds. For example, if we feel frustration during a conversation, the inside-out perspective focuses on that frustration, interpreting the interaction primarily through our own lens.
In contrast, the outside-in perspective allows us to step back from these immediate interpretations. It’s like observing ourselves and the situation from a more detached vantage point, seeing how different elements interact with each other. This perspective doesn’t always come as naturally, of course; it requires us to deliberately step outside our immediate reactions to view the broader dynamics at play.
Adopting an outside-in perspective is similar to applying the benefits of hindsight before an event even happens. It’s about preparing ourselves in advance by imagining the possible dynamics and layers of an experience. It allows us to anticipate how certain aspects of a situation might interact and affect one another, making it possible to approach the experience with greater awareness and balance.
Using the outside-in perspective, we equip ourselves with the insight to recognize patterns and adapt with flexibility, much like Nimbin did when he changed his routine to improve his mornings. With this perspective, we can model experiences ahead of time, allowing us to navigate life’s complexities with greater clarity and purpose.
Why This Matters
This month’s exercises aim to develop this outside-in perspective through the familiar context of a game, like a board or video game. By thinking through the dynamics of playing a game with a friend or partner before we even start, we practice applying this perspective in a way that allows us to see beyond our immediate reactions. We prepare ourselves to notice how different elements of the game and the connection between players might influence each other, making it easier to stay present in the moment when the time comes to play.
This preparation is crucial because, while an inside-out perspective is often reactive and driven by immediate feelings, an outside-in approach allows us to enter situations with a clearer sense of what dynamics might arise. It’s a way of using reflective thinking to anticipate how different layers might interact, so that we can navigate them with greater awareness during the experience itself.
By developing this outside-in perspective ahead of time, we’re not trying to control or preempt events from happening. Instead, we are equipping ourselves with a way to navigate the complexity of interactions more smoothly, recognizing how the different aspects of experience may influence one another. This helps us stay centered even when things unfold differently than expected.
Now that we understand the importance of adopting an outside-in perspective, we turn to the practice of making a larger shift: approaching our interactions with a sense of intention and depth. Throughout the next few weeks, we will explore this idea through a simple yet profound practice—playing a game. This exercise is not about winning or losing, but about discovering how different layers of experience can shape the quality of time spent together.
Week 1: Building the Model
Focus: Understanding the different aspects of a foreseeable experience and creating a mental model to guide us.
Exploration: First, let’s take a moment to think about the game we’ll play and the nature of the interaction it creates. We can imagine the entire experience as having two layers. The first layer is where the game happens—its rules, strategies, the competitive drive that comes from wanting to win, and the outcomes. We’ll call this the Game Layer.
The second layer, the Human Layer, holds the “rules of human engagement.” It encompasses everything relational and dynamic that unfolds between us and our friend as we play—the laughter, shared stories, unspoken understandings, and the moments that create a meaningful connection.
Each layer can influence the other; our connection can shape how we approach the game, just as the competitive dynamics can influence the tone of our interaction. Together, these layers form a rich, multidimensional experience, blending the structure of the game with the subtleties of human connection.
Before we begin playing, let’s use the first week to create a model of how these layers might influence one another, using our developing outside-in perspective to explore the space ahead of time. Here are some questions and considerations to guide this process:
- Cross-Layer Influences: Think about how events in one layer might lead to changes in the other. For example, a well-played strategic move might build respect or admiration, while a frustrating loss could create tension or disappointment. If laughter and conversation flow freely, it might ease competitiveness, making the game feel more like a shared experience. On the other hand, tension in the relationship could make the game feel more competitive or high-stakes than usual.
- Different Dynamics: Notice that the Game Layer and the Human Layer do not always align perfectly. A strategic move that feels satisfying in the game might create tension in the connection, or a moment of connection might shift our attention away from the game itself. This difference between layers is part of the complexity of human interactions, and recognizing it helps us navigate the space more thoughtfully.
As we investigate our model, it’s essential to remember that each model will be unique, representing a personal understanding of how these layers work together. There isn’t a “right” model—rather, the value lies in simply having one: an intentional framework that captures our approach to navigating the experience. Developing these models comes with practice; each experience deepens our understanding and shapes our perspective, influencing future experiences and fostering a continuous cycle of emergence. Our understanding of how our model functions and where adjustments may be needed should remain ongoing and adaptive.
By the end of Week 1, we’ve crafted an initial model that guides us in balancing both layers. This model is the foundation for exploring focus in the weeks ahead, enhancing our ability to shift perspectives and stay attuned to both competitive and relational elements.
Week 2: Playing to Win
Focus: Immersing ourselves in the structure and strategy of the game, using our model and outside-in perspective as a guide.
Exploration: With our mental model in mind, let’s play the game with a friend, focusing on the Game Layer. Before we begin, we’ll set an intention: “In this session, we will focus on the game’s structure, its strategies, and the drive to win.” We’ll allow ourselves to be fully absorbed in each move, each turn, and the tension of competition to observe how our focus on strategy and winning shapes the experience.
As we practice this perspective, we may notice that shifting our attention toward the Game Layer alters the interaction. By mentally preparing ahead of time, we can observe how this focus affects our responses without being swept away by them. This is a chance to explore what it feels like when the Game Layer is the center of our attention.
Predictable Roadblocks:
- Overidentification with Winning: It’s easy for the desire to win to overshadow the experience, leading to frustration or defensiveness if outcomes don’t go our way. Let’s notice if we find ourselves reacting strongly to setbacks or to the prospect of losing. With an outside-in perspective, we can recognize these responses as natural and observe them without judgment.
- Discomfort with Strategic Focus: For some of us, it might feel uncomfortable or even disingenuous to focus solely on the game’s mechanics, especially if we are used to prioritizing connection. Allowing ourselves to sit with this discomfort is part of the exploration.
Week 2 is an opportunity to explore how focusing on the game’s structure can shape our experience when it becomes our primary focus. By using our mental model as a guide, we gain a clearer sense of how this focus interacts with the Human Layer, enhancing our understanding of even subtle effects.
Week 3: Playing to Connect
Focus: Letting the game fade into the background to focus on the time shared with our friend, guided by our outside-in perspective.
Exploration: Play the same game again with our friend, but this time shift our attention to the Human Layer. Set an intention: “This session is about enjoying the time we share together, listening to each other, and deepening our connection.” As we play, we’ll let go of the desire to win or strategize, allowing the game to serve as a backdrop for our conversation and connection.
This is another opportunity to apply our outside-in perspective to observe how shifting attention to the Human Layer influences the experience. While focusing on connection, we’ll also note how changes in one layer, like shared laughter or a moment of tension, influence the Game Layer. Practicing this perspective helps us become more aware of how one layer can shape the other.
Predictable Roadblocks:
- Struggle to Release Competitiveness: Even with an intention to focus on connection, the competitive nature of the game may still draw our attention. This is normal, especially if competitiveness is a strong habit. Recognizing these tendencies from an outside-in view allows us to notice them without losing our focus.
- Vulnerability in Connection: Focusing on the relational aspect can feel vulnerable, especially if we are more accustomed to keeping a certain emotional distance. It may be challenging to stay open without retreating into the familiar comfort of the game’s structure. The outside-in perspective can help us see this discomfort as part of a larger dynamic, allowing us to explore it with openness.
Week 3 is about discovering how the Human Layer can transform a seemingly simple game into a richer, more meaningful encounter. By staying aware of both layers, we begin to see how each layer’s events influence one another, guided by our preparation.
Week 4: Balancing Play and Connection
Focus: Bringing together the insights from previous weeks, creating a balance between the Game and Human Layers.
Exploration: Play the game one final time (or not!), but this time seek to hold both layers in mind—engaging with the game’s structure while remaining attuned to the moments of connection. Set an intention: “We will embrace the challenge of the game while staying open to the shared experience of playing together.” Let’s enjoy the strategies and tension of the game, but remain receptive to the deeper interactions that arise.
The practice this week is about integrating the outside-in perspective, allowing us to shift between layers with intentional awareness. As we balance the layers, we’ll notice moments when each layer naturally takes precedence, allowing us to observe the ways they shape one another. This integration is the culmination of using our model to approach the experience as a whole.
Predictable Roadblocks:
- Difficulty Maintaining Balance: We may find it challenging to keep a steady balance between focusing on the game’s structure and remaining present with the connection. It is common to feel pulled toward one layer over the other. Observing this tendency with an outside-in view helps us return to the balance more easily.
- Fear of Missing Out: We might worry that focusing on one aspect means neglecting the other, fearing that we’re not fully engaging in either. This exercise invites us to let go of that concern and see what unfolds when we trust the process, using the outside-in perspective to guide us through the experience.
Week 4 invites us to explore the integration of both layers, recognizing how each contributes to a fuller, more intentional experience. It is a chance to see how preparation and presence can transform even the simplest activities into opportunities for growth and connection.
Commentary
This month’s exercises invite us to move beyond the autopilot of unmodeled experiences, where our default, inside-out perspectives often go unattended and reactive. By adopting an intentional, outside-in perspective, we bring new depth and clarity to how we engage with the world. As situations naturally arise, we create space to respond mindfully, much like Nimbin’s shift to a more intentional packing routine.
These practices remind us that while our attention may shift between layers, both are always at play, each influencing and reshaping the other. Modeling this space reveals the dynamics continuously unfolding beneath the surface, helping us navigate with greater insight. We also recognize that our focus remains in our control, while others’ perceptions and responses remain outside it. By attending to our own perspective, we build resilience, finding balance even amid dissonance.
As we integrate these weekly practices, we begin to experience a greater sense of control over our responses, less dependent on external circumstances. This intentional approach goes beyond managing each event; it equips us to engage with life’s complexities with a steady and open mind, ready for whatever unfolds.
8. Join đź”— the Abstractionist Movement
As we close this edition, we’re gearing up for something special next month—a deep dive into causality. With the upcoming Advanced Causality paper, December’s issue will take us further into the new science of causality, challenging traditional cause-and-effect thinking and exploring fresh perspectives on how complex systems interact.
This journey is all about breaking new ground, and we’d love for you to be part of it. Here’s how to get involved:
- Contribute: Have an insight, an article idea, or an experiment related to causality or abstractionism? We’re always looking for unique voices to add to our exploration.
- Engage and Reflect: Join the conversation! Your reflections and questions fuel the discussions that shape our shared understanding.
- Spread the Word: If you enjoyed this edition, share it with others. The more minds we bring together, the deeper we can go.
Looking forward, we’ll continue expanding the boundaries of Abstractionism and causality. In December, we’ll examine how causation intertwines with interpretation through induction, unlocking new insights into the unseen dynamics around us. Together, we’re building a movement that embraces complexity and transforms challenges into growth.
Stay curious, stay connected, and let’s keep exploring the path of Abstractionism—one breakthrough at a time.
🚧 The End 🚧
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The Abstractionist’s Papers 