Understand The Universe’s Creative Advance Into Novelty

You Are Pulled To Newness

Here, novelty is defined as the new forms and capabilities that somehow emerge in the universe. This advance into novelty refers to both consciousness in the interior realm of existence (from primitive sensations in plants or animals to advanced concepts in humans, for example) and form in the exterior realm (from atoms to molecules, to cells, to organisms, to ecosystems, for example).

Everything in the universe is “pulled” to transcend through a mysterious force called “telos”—the power that leads everything to its ultimate end or object. Through this telos-driven transcendence all higher levels contain the essentials of the lower levels plus something extra.

Darwin’s theory of natural selection explains how the novelty is selected to endure (random positive changes create offspring with advantages and, therefore, the novelty is carried on to future generations) but Darwin’s theory does not explain how novelty emerges in the first place. Somehow, where Spirit is favorable, matter emerges; where matter is favorable, life emerges; where life is favorable, mind emerges; where mind is favorable, the Soul can be contacted; where the Soul is contacted, the recognition of Spirit emerges. Each level transcends and includes its predecessors.

Applying the principle of “As above, so below” the main point here is that one needs to apply the way whole species have evolved to the way you need to grow in depth; that is, to your current level of spiritual development transcend to the next higher level by keeping all levels that are supporting you now, adding the new level of depth, integrating into your being all levels, and witnessing, not how you have changed, for that would mean that you threw out your multi-level foundation, but how you have added a new level to your existing levels. It is not important to know the nature of these levels of development at this time. These levels will be described in the next Heartwood Path course. For now, just understand that life is not static, that positive newness comes to life, and that the Heartwood Path and its guides will help you bring important new levels of spiritual development to your life.

To The Emergence Of Newness…

HumaNatureConnect Activity

Save And Facilitate Your Uniqueness

If this is not a day when you prefer to spend time in nature without an agenda, do the following activity:

Advancing Into Novelty

For this activity, consider the expansiveness of the limitless universe, how the earth—finite and small—is a part of the universe, and how you—whose problems are trivial when compared to the totality of problems on earth—sprang from the earth. Despite your relative smallness, ponder how the same forces that guide and shape the universe and the earth also affect you. Ponder the novelty of the earth floating in space. Think about what makes you a unique gift to the world. Write down any related impressions, including the nature of your uniqueness, in your journal.

Nocturnal Pilgrimage

Learn About Being and Relating

Talk to your Dream Figures once again, asking them what newness needs to emerge in your thoughts and in the outer world. Notice how you feel about the response you receive.

Having learned what newness needs to come into your life, continue down the Heartwood Path by moving to the next waypoint: “Bonds.” There, you will discover the bond that unifies everything and how you are both a being and a process of relating.

When you encounter nature-oriented Dream Characters in your dreams, they can offer profound insights into both the nature of being and the process of relating. Here’s what you might learn about each:

Being a Being:

Existence and Presence: Dreaming of trees can teach you about the importance of being grounded and present. Trees exist firmly rooted in one place, emphasizing stability and the importance of standing tall through life’s challenges. Learn to appreciate the present moment and find strength in being grounded.

Adaptability and Flow: A river in your dreams might symbolize the need to go with the flow and adapt to changes. Rivers are constantly moving and adapting to their surroundings. Embrace change and understand that being is also about adapting and flowing with life’s circumstances.

Renewal and Growth: Dreaming of flowers blooming can symbolize growth, renewal, and the beauty of unfolding naturally over time. Recognize the cycles of growth and renewal within yourself, and allow your natural development to unfold without rush.

Being a Process of Relating:

Interconnectedness and Community: Encountering a beehive in your dream can highlight the importance of community and working together. Bees thrive through collaboration and interconnected efforts. Understand the value of relationships and community, and recognize your role within the larger network of beings.

Communication and Harmony: Hearing birds sing in your dreams can symbolize the importance of communication and finding harmony with others. Learn to communicate effectively and harmonize with those around you, finding your unique voice within the symphony of life.

Symbiosis and Mutual Support: Dreaming of a coral reef can show you the importance of symbiotic relationships, where different organisms live in mutual support. Recognize how you can support others and be supported in return, understanding that relationships are about mutual benefit and cooperation.

Aligning Being and Relating:

Balance and Reciprocity: A dream about a thriving forest ecosystem can teach you about the balance between being an individual and being part of a larger whole. Each element of the forest has its place and role, contributing to the health of the ecosystem.Strive for a balance between your individuality and your role within your community, understanding that both are essential for harmony and health.

Growth Through Interaction: Seeing vines growing and intertwining can symbolize how your growth is influenced by and influences others. Embrace the idea that personal growth is intertwined with your relationships, and that interaction with others can help you reach new heights.

Cycles and Relationships: Dreaming of the changing phases of the moon can highlight the cyclical nature of relationships and personal growth. Understand that both being and relating are processes with natural cycles, and that each phase has its own importance and lessons.

By interpreting these nature-oriented dream characters, you can gain deeper insights into how to be more present, adaptive, and connected, and how to nurture healthy, reciprocal relationships. These lessons can help you integrate your being with the process of relating, fostering personal growth and harmonious interactions with others.

Don Pierce, Santa Barbara, California.