What Is Fundamental?
Exploring Consciousness, Connection, and Self-Understanding
I’ve been wanting to write a newsletter for a while as a way to consolidate my thoughts and plant seeds for others. On a regular basis, I find myself going down rabbit holes—whether in personal development, technology, spirituality, food, the mysteries of existence, or nature. If something I write makes you pause and think, “Huh, that’s interesting,” send me a note about what came up for you.
I only write about things I’d joyfully discuss at length. While most of what you’ll read here is written by me, I also loop in LLMs to help develop and articulate my thoughts. But to be clear—everything I share comes from my heart.
What Is Fundamental?
For a long time, I strongly believed in materialism—the idea that matter is the fundamental building block of reality, and consciousness arises from it.
Recently I came across the term energy-based ontology, which suggests that energy and vibrations are the foundation, with matter emerging from energy patterns. This seems the easiest for many people in my circles to accept as it’s in line with quantum physics and doesn’t require acknowledgment of consciousness in everything. This also allows us to acknowledge vibes, but still continue the massive extraction and destruction of our ecosystems.
Once level further is panpsychism, which proposes that consciousness is fundamental—that a proto-awareness exists in all matter. This is where my beliefs currently reside and I find it compelling that we are able to connect with this proto-awareness to influence our physical lives. I also have personal practices that are deepening my relationship in this realm.
And then, there’s idealism, which argues that consciousness is the foundation of reality, and matter is an illusion.
I’m curious—where do you exist on this spectrum? How does your perspective influence the way you relate to the mystery of life, and would you operate differently if you believed something else?
Modalities for Self-Understanding
Lately, I’ve been exploring Human Design—a framework that intertwines astrology, the I Ching, the chakra system, and other methodologies of self-awareness. While I sometimes struggle to articulate exactly how it works, I sense there’s a truth in it.
What I find compelling is that Human Design offers broad strokes on how we listen to ourselves and take aligned action, as well as more nuanced insights into our conscious and unconscious tendencies.
I regularly experience a tension between skepticism (“Is this just spiritual mumbo-jumbo?”) and fascination (“This is an incredible tool for self-reflection”). The paradox seems to arise most when I fear others will question, “How can you believe in something without a physical basis?”
Still, I’ve been diving deep into my chart and discussing it with others. If you’re curious, you can generate your own chart. If you upload it to ChatGPT, it can give you a solid breakdown of the basics—and if you’d like, send it my way. I’d be happy to chat about you!
One insight that has resonated deeply for me is that I am a Projector—a type whose strategy is to wait for invitations. Reflecting on my life, I’ve noticed that many of my most fulfilling opportunities—jobs, trips, coaching engagements, and collaborations—have unfolded when I’ve been invited into them. This doesn’t mean that Projectors can’t initiate, but rather that there’s an ease and flow when an invitation is extended. My work is in being willing and discerning in which invitations to accept.
If you’ve explored Human Design, what has stood out to you?
Participation & Connection
We often talk about the importance of “getting in sync” with a team, a community, or even in conversation. But how often do we take physical action to bring that into goal into physical reality?
Moving together—walking in rhythm, drumming in unison, breathing collectively—creates a tangible sense of connection. Can you imagine if political leaders spent 5 minutes drumming in time before a discussion?
Recently, in a songwriting class with George Woods at The Monterey Song School, I learned that when we talk, we naturally sync up. There’s a rhythm to our dialogue—if you tap your foot during a conversation, you’ll likely notice that you and the other person are moving in time with each other.
I find this amazing, Talking is a song we don’t realize we’re singing.
What are the ways you like to get in sync with people? Are there particular questions, activities, or ways of being that help you feel deeply connected?
I’d love to hear your thoughts—what resonated, what challenged you, what made you go, “Huh, interesting”? Leave a comment or send me a message.