Randy

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Username:: solitaire
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News & Issues > Life Lessons of Chaos

Life Lessons of Chaos

I'm reading an interesting book entitled "Seven Life Lessons of Chaos". You may remember the "chaos theory", originally used to understand the movements that create thunderstorms, raging rivers, and hurricanes. You know, a butterfly's wings flapping in China affects something in the U.S.....

This book deals with how chaos is evolving from a scientific theory into a cultural metaphor.

In 1955, Rosa Parks refused to move from her front row bus seat, an act of defiance that sparked the Civil Rights Movement. This simple action had far reaching implications, certainly not realized by Ms. Parks or society at that time.

I watched another example of this "chaos" domino effect on 60 Minutes last night. This young Tunisian fruit vendor was so upset that his scales were taken from him by a government official, that he set himself on fire in protest. That set off a chain reaction of public outrage, so much, that the government was overthrown. Then came Egypt, now Libya and others.

You see, one small "insignificant" act can trigger incredible results. It happens all the time, in every possible situation. The predicament of all life is uncertainty. Chaotic systems, such as nature, society, even individual lives, lie beyond all our attempts to predict, manipulate, and control them.

Instead, we should embrace chaos in daily life! I love this! The book says:
1. Be creative
2. Use butterfly power (how to let chaos grow local efforts into global results--Middle East, Wisconsin, etc.)
3. Go with the flow (use chaos to work collectively with others.)
4. Explore
5. See the art of the world (how to appreciate the beauty of life's chaos)
6. Live within time (utilizing time's hidden depth)
7. Rejoin the whole (connectedness)

Like it or not, "life IS chaos"! And that's a very exciting thing. Or so the book says. I'm not so sure about that! Still, an inspiring book (published in 1999).

posted on Feb 21, 2011 6:13 AM ()

Comments:

I hate change and things that take me out of my comfort zone perhaps because I was very sheltered and protected as a child. I saw the story on 60 MINUTES and was just astounded by the ripple effect created by the actions of one person. I just hope when the chaos dies down, the world will be a better place for all of us.

comment by gapeach on Feb 22, 2011 6:41 PM ()

I don't much like change, either. But I like variety and spice. So that requires some changes. It's the stress factor that comes with change. Not good for the ol' BP. I did "fill up" just before gas prices soared 25 cents/gal yest.!

reply by solitaire on Feb 23, 2011 5:30 AM ()

I always wonder which "god" is doing things. Poor Odin, Amun, Jupiter and many others. Nobody worships them anymore. They are all probably sitting around a table at their country club talking about their good old days.

comment by jondude on Feb 22, 2011 6:32 AM ()

Aren't they alive and well, causing havoc in New Zealand, blizzards, riots, etc.? Or is that "the devil"? Believers ignore/suppress all "negatives".

reply by solitaire on Feb 23, 2011 5:27 AM ()

You remark about the Odd Couple puzzles me. Tony Randall played the Felix character. Walter Matthau was Oscar, the slob. So, like Oscar, you want to be more casual about life, yes? I loved that movie.

comment by tealstar on Feb 22, 2011 6:31 AM ()

Yep, I mixed them up. Poor memory.

reply by solitaire on Feb 23, 2011 5:21 AM ()

I like this Randy and all the comments. As for chaos...well that was when I got involved in Social Security and doctors in Jan.when I turned 65. Still in shock, when that's over perhaps I'll regain my strength to see the value in it all.
I prefer to embrace change.

comment by anacoana on Feb 21, 2011 2:32 PM ()

I think chaos causes change, and that's not all bad. Accept the challenge it brings and embrace it! And look at the big picture--that's the main thing. I got that idea from the book.

reply by solitaire on Feb 22, 2011 5:45 AM ()

I saw that 60 Minutes episode too. There IS order in chaos! Our nation underwent a social revolution 40 years ago. Now, it is their turn (Mid East). In the meantime, lawmakers in the US are attempting to turn back the clocks and undo many of these changes. We have not seen such concerted efforts to legislate morality as is presently happening in Washington. Now, that is truly chaos!

comment by dragonflyby on Feb 21, 2011 10:32 AM ()

When I was reading the book, I saw myself, my community, my country, my world, my universe. It all made sense! I'm telling you, this book has had a profound affect on me. Weird, huh?

reply by solitaire on Feb 22, 2011 5:42 AM ()

Like it!!

comment by marta on Feb 21, 2011 10:27 AM ()

When I was reading the book, I felt a sort of tingling sensation within me--a feeling of exhilaration. This is new stuff for me. I need it at this time in my life. Perhaps it's the adventure in me. I tell myself: just do it! (Whatever "it" is.)

reply by solitaire on Feb 22, 2011 5:39 AM ()

That's what is wrong with my life--too regulated--people are always surprised at how efficient I am (Mmmm--I wonder why?) Maybe I need to change?!?

comment by greatmartin on Feb 21, 2011 8:27 AM ()

Remember "The Odd Couple"? I need to be less like Tony Randall and more like Felix. You, too? Let go a little. Allow some chaos into your life! It's never too late.

reply by solitaire on Feb 22, 2011 5:34 AM ()

no comment.Loss for words on this subject.
As long they leave us alone.Yes,we do have many changes.For the best and the worst.At this time like they say about Chaos is the glue of the Univerise.

comment by fredo on Feb 21, 2011 7:45 AM ()

No comment necessary. It's a difficult subject to grasp.

reply by solitaire on Feb 22, 2011 5:31 AM ()

Chaos. It is part of a baseball fan's life. LOL

comment by jondude on Feb 21, 2011 7:43 AM ()

I want to know how to utilize time's hidden depths. Chapter and verse please. Elsewise, I have often marveled at the coincidences and small acts that inspire major changes.

comment by tealstar on Feb 21, 2011 7:18 AM ()

Most of us are "time-driven". We do everything by the clock, not biological or sun time, but human devised. Work (9 to 5), eat, TV, sleep (11 to 7). I'm guilty as hell. Coincidentally, my watch strap broke yesterday. I decided that was a good reason to abandon my watch. Now, if only I could resist looking at the clocks around the house! One point mentioned in the book is how time is different at times, depending on one's activities--fast time, slow time, timeless. Make sense?

reply by solitaire on Feb 22, 2011 5:30 AM ()

I have always loved change as long as it if for the better. Our world
is in chaos at present and because of tv coverage we get a birds eye
view. I am afraid that Islamic extremists may seize power in the middle
east but applaud the people for rebelling.

comment by elderjane on Feb 21, 2011 6:36 AM ()

Que cera, cera. That's one of the interesting things about chaos: whatever will be, will be.

reply by solitaire on Feb 22, 2011 5:20 AM ()

"Chaos is the glue of the Universe."

comment by jondude on Feb 21, 2011 6:15 AM ()

And yet, "believers" say earth is in perfect harmony, thanks to something they call "God". Rose-colored glasses.

reply by solitaire on Feb 22, 2011 5:18 AM ()

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Life Lessons of Chaos