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Varieties of encounter susceptible to meaningful framing through wave language


Encountering Otherness as a Waveform (Part #3)

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There is a case for exploring how the experience of various "encounters" with otherness's might be better articulated through "wave language" rather than through the conventional categories typically used. There is every reason to consider that such an articulation is best understood as complementary (to be valued under certain conditions only) rather than as a preferable alternative (upheld as applicable under all circumstances). This ambiguity, or duality, is consistent with arguments developed separately (Being Neither a-Waving Nor a-Parting: cognitive implications of wave-particle duality in the light of science and spirituality, 2013). Exemplary "encounters" might then include, as an extension of the indications in the previous paper (Metaphorical waves with psychosocial implications, 2013):

Existential encounter / bond: These would include the most readily recognizable experiences sensed to be of another kind or nature -- typically a challenge for adequate explanation in conventional language, understood to be unable to carry the meaning of the experience. Examples, possibly overlapping rather than distinct, are:

  • friendship, especially when recognized to be of a deep and lasting kind.
  • love, most notably as recognized in the experience of that between the sexes, or within a family
  • team mates, especially in sport and the military, where mutual dependence may be deeply tested, possibly in the face of mortal danger
  • obligations, possibly lifelong, most notably as framed by the Japanese understanding of giri
  • muse, embodied inspiration to creativity in literature, science and the arts -- as classically exemplified by the beloved of many painters.
  • disadvantage, experienced as a direct challenge to complacency and to existential failure to respond sympathetically -- as exemplified by the encounter with beggars
  • suffering, spontaneously evoking sympathy and an unexpected level of compassion -- as exemplified by any encounter with illness, handicap or other forms of distress

Relation to a leader: A potentially subtle relation of follower to a "leader" of some kind may be recognized, as in the following:

  • relationship to the leader of an enterprise, especially with a degree of risk and danger
  • relationship to a valued facilitator, teacher, mentor, or spiritual guide
  • relationship to those figures especially characterized by their charisma, as with some admired celebrities
  • relation to spiritual leaders, whether living (as in the case of the Pope) or dead (as with saints). Of particular relevance is the evocation by evangelists of experience possibly leading to conversion -- or to trance in other rituals, such as shamanism.
Appreciation of aesthetic performance: In such cases it is the performance which may be designed to evoke an unconventional bond, as with many concert performers. Of particular interest is the case of flamenco and its subtle transformative goal of duende -- involving emotion and authenticity (Daimon, Djinn, Muse and Duende: variations on a timeless experience, 2007).

Of related interest are collective performances framed or intended as transformative, possibly for both performers and audience. This is a notable feature of the work of Peter Brook (The Conference of the Birds, 1979).

Nature: Encounters with the wild, as variously articulated ("Human Intercourse": "Intercourse with Nature" and "Intercourse with the Other", 2007). More specifically the relationship could be restricted to that with a garden, a tree, or a mountain. Of particular interest is the experience for some of a sacred place, whether a shrine, a fountain, a sacred river, a sacred rock, or a sacred mountain -- often the focus of pilgrimage (possibly for millions).

Special bonds with an animal, whether wild or domesticated (as a pet, or otherwise), also call for consideration. Wave-related interaction with "nature" may also be fundamental to appreciation of certain sports (surfing, paragliding, skiing, skating, roller-blading, etc).

Threat: Experienced as a "global" configuration of circumstances, possibly embodied in another, which elicit a form of focus and augmented vigilance:

  • Potential trickster: The engagement with a skilled salesperson or a confidence trickster -- presenting a challenge of vigilance where gullibility is encouraged.
  • Potential threats: The encounter with threatening others as in domestic violence, bullying, urban violence (muggings, etc), blood feuds, terrorism, torturers and executioners
  • Catastrophic events / Crises: Experienced as disruptive of conventional life -- and typically terrifying

Inspirational challenges: As variously offered and framed as collective enterprises -- "crusades" or jihad -- notably exemplified by the Christian Church Militant and Al-Qaida, respectively.

Supernatural entities: As with framings of (envisaged) encounters with:

Hypothetical "entities": Speculation continues regarding the unconventional nature of the cognitive engagement of humans with the "otherness" of unusual entities such as:

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