Welcome to this edition of Liminal Walker Musings!
If you are a new subscriber, a special WELCOME! Today I am diving into the various perspectives of simplicity and complexity. Ironically, trying not to make this overly simplistic while also not getting caught in the complexities. Writing is a journey… enjoy and love to you all!
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Liminality of Simplicity and Complexity
There is beauty in the tension created when simplicity and complexity dance together. A “pas de deux” of switching back and forth where one leads and the other follows. Both complementing each other in amazing ways, where something new and amazing is generated when they touch. A bringing together as a genesis of vision and inspiration.
Our culture leans heavy into complexity. Multi-step implementations and processes over straightforward solutions. Scientific and scholarly journals written in hyper-technical pedantic style as opposed to being direct and to the point. Advertising geared towards jargon, making their products sound more authoritative to impress consumers rather honestly informing them. We are inclined to see complexity as innovation and expertise, while simplicity is bland and uneducated.
Is too much complexity wrong? Not at all. But when it’s mixed in with judgments, ulterior motives and deception, then there is a problem. Complexity woven together with simplicity births creativity and genius. What is being called for is balance and...
Everything is both simpler than we can imagine,
and more complicated that we can conceive.
Goethe
Power of Complexity
While at university, I loved pouring over the theorems of calculus. I was fascinated by a world I could not see with my naked eye in microbiology. Then relished in the intricate and convoluted metabolic pathways of life while diving into biochemistry.
Complexity invites us to go beyond the first glance with its initial impressions. It is difficult to truly know the depth of a redwood tree, a worker ant, a bird that has taken flight or the amazing life of a single person with only one look. Even with a thousand glimpses, life is still changing and continually unfolding.
Everywhere there are complex structures, look at our weather and ecosystems. Our brains, neural networks, emotions and behaviors. Considering our social structures, we see this in our societies, economies and politics. The shadow side is getting too caught up in the multi-layers that we forget the importance of simple solutions and the necessity of love, kindness and compassion.
This requires us to examine our own opinions and deductions. The veil of separation, hierarchy and division. A willingness to pause. Take a breath. To remove the filters we see through and move in for a closer look. The wonders of life come out to play when we examine the finer points with a reverent air. Everything is uniquely exquisite, unlike anything else on this planet.
The infinite variety of detail and the multiplicity of forms
is a pleasing one; in complexity are the fringes of beauty,
and in variety are generosity and exuberance.
Annie Dillard
Power of Simplicity
Simplicity is key when we long for contentment with what is currently transpiring. For me that means not overfilling my calendar which only perpetuates overdoing. Inviting me to slow down and take a breather. Being gentle and kind with myself amid life’s movements.
We are not here only to take care of business! To constantly innovate, implement, strive and keep busy. Simplicity is found in the pauses, margins and spaces of our lives. Calling us to inhabit the expanse of this moment, allowing the complexities to unravel into a sweet simplicity.
There is a shadow side when we over simplify. Which is more a function of not seeing the nuances in a situation. Coming to conclusions without having all the information. It creates a deductive either-or thinking. Right or wrong divisions which negate the middle ground. The remedy is curiosity and having an open mind.
True simplicity teaches us the cultivation of surrender. How to loosen the tight grip through untangling the complexities so we can focus on what really matters. Tasting and savoring what is currently unfolding by living more mindfully. Opening our hearts to the enjoyment of simple things. Like a laugh, the beauty of a flower, the sound of flowing water. We appreciate simply living by simply being!
The art of art, the glory of expression and the sunshine of the light of letters,
is simplicity.
Walt Whitman
When Simplicity and Complexity Come Together
There are couple ways these two work together. One is balance where they exist on a spectrum. Equilibrium is found by meeting in the middle, where the two merge. The other way is by fully committing and going to one extreme. At some point the linear bends, curving in on itself joining the ends together.
Balance
Complexity becomes confusion and simplicity becomes boredom when they are in opposition. The sweet spot is where they live as interdependent aspects of each other. Again, the dance, for this is not a stagnant meeting. I appreciate that within the intricacy is the unassuming quality of humbleness. Allowing for sophistication without getting stuck in the details. Narrowing in while remembering the big picture.
Take snow for example. The simplicity of fresh pristine snow, how the light dances upon it. Yet drilling down to one snowflake we see the complexity of its crystalline design. Its pleasing geometry of equal angles and mirrored images. What absolute artistry!
When eating food, it can either be prepared with many ingredients, having a variety of tastes and flavors. Or it can be basic like one piece of delectable fruit. Both can be wonderful. Think about it, complex meals can be simply delicious!
Curving
Going to the far side of complexity typically happens in the fields of science, business, art and philosophy. A committed engagement where mastery becomes possible when that specialization can be simply expressed without losing its original cohesion or essence.
The far side of simplicity is where we find the mystics, shamans and artists. Here too, a dedicated discipline is required. Where great complexity can be understood without any education, training or exposure by simply devoting oneself to practices like deep meditation or mystical journeying.
Both are creative breakthroughs, a state of genius!
It is in simple moments that I am touched
by the delicate fingertips of Grace.
Caressed within these threshold spaces between
what has transpired and what is yet to come.
An ocean rolling out and surging in again,
as I am continually breathed into existence.
The ebbing, returning to the primordial goo.
The flow as an ongoing birthing.
I stand before this depth, an abyss without a bottom,
a funnel of inky uncertainty.
If I jump, will I exit the other side?
Will I be caught in a swirling eddy of twists and turns?
Or thrown back out onto this edge?
Either way the deep calls, a response is required.
From a single consideration many possibilities arise,
each one having its own trajectory.
Yet all collapses into a simple decision
by the pointing finger on Her hand.
Questions for you…
Do you lean more towards complexity or simplicity?
What is one thing that you’ve given yourself to, uncovering the finer details?
How do you slow down and appreciate the pretentiousness of life?
Would love to know your thoughts and feelings. Let’s have a conversation…
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"Complexity becomes confusion and simplicity becomes boredom when they are in opposition. The sweet spot is where they live as interdependent aspects of each other. Again, the dance, for this is not a stagnant meeting. I appreciate that within the intricacy is the unassuming quality of humbleness. Allowing for sophistication without getting stuck in the details. Narrowing in while remembering the big picture." @Julie Schmidt on one level, this is an exquisitely beautiful investigation of equanimity. Love, love, love
What a gorgeous exploration, my first digestion post-breakfast and it will stay with me all day. I have learned to lean into simplicity over the last decade, a necessary surrender as my body adjusts to and integrates a diagnosis. It seems to be a universal movement for people living with chronic illness, where the ego and her complex agendas must be shed or deprioritized so a quieter conversation with our bodies, community and environment can flourish.