So, what is this evolutionary way of thinking? It is called, thinking teleologically. To begin, teleology can be defined as: Intended outcomes create their own mechanisms through quantum leaps in creativity. In other words, intentions open the gateway to infinite possibility, especially when they are clear and focused. Evolution is punctuated by these, (quantum leaps) in both our personal evolution (mental/emotional) and it can be seen in different species across the globe. There is always a precise balance between entropy and decay. If there were more decay, everything would die. If there were too much entropy, there would be uncontrolled growth. Cancer is one thing that reflects that in our society. Death and birth are two sides of the same coin of life. As things wither and die in our lives, there are new things being born to take their place. As we fulfill one area of life, another desire/need/want takes its place. An example of teleology comes from biology and can be likened to our own conscious intention. This specific example is when a caterpillar turns into a butterfly. When in the caterpillar stage, the caterpillar begins to consume more than its metabolic needs. When we, or an animal does this, there is decay. Within the caterpillar are what scientists have discovered to be, imaginal cells. These imaginal cells use the decaying matter as nutritional soup. These imaginal cells, as they form, also begin to form networks of connectivity. When they reach a critical mass of connectivity within the cocoon, the dormant gene wakes up and turns it into a butterfly. Our focused and clear intention acts the same way in manifesting within our lives. It can reshape and transform our lives when we are clear, present and focused with it.
With this butterfly, it is a whole new creature. It is not a caterpillar with wings; it is a whole new creature. It has a new heart, and intestines, et. al. This is the sole intention of the caterpillar whether it is conscious or not. We however, can consciously choose our intention from moment to moment. For us, the tricky part can be trusting the hidden intelligence and divine order underneath it all. For the butterfly, this intelligence is demonstrable in its very actions upon becoming a butterfly. It can fly from Massachusetts to Mexico and back to the very same branch from whence it came.
There is a hidden intelligence in our lives just like this. For example, if you were to get a flat tire on the way to work, what would that look like? Would you get angry and kick the tire, swear, or curse the heavens? Or would you ask yourself, how is this situation assisting me towards my purpose? The difference in these two questions is teleological thinking. One is an emotional reaction, the other a response. Responding is connotative of a choice, or thinking before acting. If you do get angry, you could also choose to give thanks for the situation allowing you to express your anger. Often what happens when we get angry though, is that we close ourselves off to opportunity because we become identified with our emotion. When we become identified with the emotion, there is not much room for us to receive what is possible.
Intention has infinite organizing power. It organizes an infinity of space/time events in order to orchestrate its outcome. When we react, we close the doors to this potential and the myriad outcomes that are possible. When we think teleologically and respond we leave ourselves open to receiving instruction, opportunity and potential from the universe. If how we think and feel is a choice, thinking teleologically is a choice to see everything as on the way, rather than in the way. We can choose to see events and situations in our lives as instructive, rather than obstructive. Some questions that may be good to ask would be:
1) How is this incident/situation/relationship/illness helping you to fulfill your purpose?
2) What is this showing/teaching you about yourself?
3) If you are not okay with what is happening, what is this situation showing you that you need to come into balance with?
4) What is it that you need to learn to love? (about yourself, or others)
Once you see how the world around you is helping fulfill the world within you, you will begin to master your life. Where you are not empowered in your life, you will be and feel overpowered and overwhelmed. This can lead to anxiety or depression. This is why thinking teleologically is so important to your own personal evolution. If the quality of your questions determines the quality of your life, then asking questions that bring balance to the mind open the heart and help you to feel grateful for your life again. The universe seeks, and is always reflecting balance and equilibrium. It is our job to “see” it and realize it, because it is only in our mind that there is more + or – in the universe. Everywhere else in the entire cosmos, there is perfect balance, so start asking yourself those questions that bring balance to your mind today.
