Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the law,
Some argue survival IS adaptation.
I see this was posted a few years ago, so I’m sorry if this doesn’t have the same relevance; but just in case &/or for others,
I’v felt this same plea many times. Or at least, your words bring up recurring feelings I relate to. Not only have I always felt a sense of being at-odds with my environment; I’v moved quite a few times, wondering how to adapt. So I can’t help but share.
Currently in Oregon, US, I live in a valley higher(ish) in elevation, against forested mountains. The towns have populated and grown into each-other so is pretty urbanized, not “out-there.” And this is the first time I chose to move solely based on circumstance. Iv always had (relative) difficulty with finances; chasing breaking-even.
Adaptation is an alchemical process I personally liken to gardening. My spiritual practices–next to this physical correspondence I can engage with in the same world I am questioning–is how I have coped, now & in the past. They give immediately, material to observe & work with; adaptation becomes the side-effect. Did the whale really “try” to lose its limbs and push its nostrils above its skull? We can definitely say the cetacean tried to swim & never stopped.
There are great anchors and vistas through the path when perseverance heads the course–
–and as many have attested; Pearls of Wisdom (James Eshelman) has some particular nuggets of sheer gold that never cease to surprise. Meditations, practices, rituals, the breakdown of human-nature in relation to ritualistic value. These spiritual practices ground & sharpen my senses & concentration, my imagination & passion; and these are all we really have to interact & effect our universe about us & within us.
A famous principle of Permaculture:
“The Problem is the Solution.”
I.e. I have legs for land & no mammal can swim far, but the most food freely swims in the ocean; to freely swimming, I become the largest, undisturbed mammal ever to live.
Generally I only see a magickal act, or expression of my will, as an intentional action which produces a beneficial result–usually near or right in line with my intent.
And so the adaptations necessary come to light next to the unintentional (“unmagickal” if-you-like) actions.
Adaptations that supply security and fulfillment are definite expressions of my will. Habits and experiments are lessons to be learned from.
Love is the law, love under will.
L L
L L
