The Error of Expectations
Cycles are what we expect, Change is
what we get.
Distortion of expected cycles
by constant change
is the error of expectations
this is awareness.
Awareness is communication between an individual being and itself at
different times. A being sends itself a message through time by recording the status of
events at regular intervals. The message recorded at time A is checked at time B. If the
message is no longer true, the being is surprised and surprise - the error of expectations
- is awareness.
Consider your own awareness of something you see. The cells who line
up to be the retinas of your eyes have cellular organs with sensory proteins that flip
from one state to another when they detect changes in light
intensity or color. The retina cell records the current light level and color. |
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When a shadow passes over one of the cells, the change
in light intensity from the previous state triggers a chemical reaction in the cell's
photosensitive organ. The whole cell detects the change in state, gets excited and
fires an electrochemical pulse along its longest tentacle (the axon), alerting thousands
of neurons in the visual centers of the brain. The chemical detector resets to the new
light intensity and does not fire until the light intensity varies again.
The cellular detection system won't fire if there is no change in light
intensity or (in the case of cone cells) the wavelength (color) of light. In this sense,
the system "expects" conditions to continue as they are. It stays quiet until
this expectation fails. |
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All sensory systems are based on detecting changes in expected
cycles.
We don't have to go beyond our own awareness to
demonstrate the importance of the error of expectation. Any loud noise, or sudden
movement, any surprise will get our attention right quick. But there are many changes that
happen too quickly for us to detect and many others that happen too slowly for us to
observe directly. We - like all living beings - exist at our own special interval of awareness. The interval of awareness is the
interval between the communications of a being with itself. It is the "refresh
rate" and is based on the time it takes for sensory molecules and nerve transmissions
to recharge and fire again.
Awareness emerges from
the unexpected surprises created by changes in our relative position, and interactions
with other beings. |
The word awareness derives from a-
(Anglo-Saxon up from or out
of as in a-wake) and wer
(turning, found also in wary,
or worm). The word a-wareness creates
the image of a condition that arises by turning
from one direction to another. Reorienting as expectations collide
with reality. Cycles exist relative to
the focal point of a closed system, and only from an internal perspective.
The thread of awareness is a continual
series of surprises and adjustments as open systems change the remembered
conditions of closed systems.
Ajustments for survival are communications within the
open systems. Awareness sends messages to other beings that perceive within the same
interval of awareness.
Communications between a being and itself at a later
time is awareness. Communications between different beings is consciousness.
Awareness gives rise to the observer and a basic desire to continue existing.
If all this seems too abstract, join
me on the reef and I'll show you what I mean.
For some insight
into the concept of tracking, hyperlink
over to Plum,
in New Caledonia.
Mind is what awareness
does to change with change and thus survive.
