The Pattern Which Connects

I have been re-reading the amazing work of Gregory Bateson and once again fell trance-like into his conversation on the question:

Is there a biological species of entropy?

The questions concern the division between the world of the living and the world of the non-living. As Bateson says, these are the two worlds that Jung calls creatura (the living) and the pleroma (non-living). What is the difference between the two? In pleroma forces and impacts provide sufficient basis of explanation, but in creatura nothing can be understood until differences and distinctions are established.

I kind of feel that where we are with our work in Pop Up Foundation is concerned with the latter through Naturally Smart, A Dance in Time and Thoughtful Coffee, each in their own way explore pattern, connection, and nurture meaning and insight.

We have learnt that it is the pattern which connects, the pattern which makes the sense of seemingly random things, and yet we do very little of our learning by establishing these patterns, instead we emphasise the impact, the measure of the force of a change or an action. In much of our time on earth as beings among other beings we ignore the patterns, the relationships, and we do so at our peril.

As Bateson so wonderfully says:

‘What pattern connects the crab to the lobster and the orchid to the primrose and all four of them to me?’

To teach of pattern, to examine pattern, and to establish pattern as conscious aspect of learning is of deep importance. At first glance it may appear empty, difficult to see what is present, but it is the stuff of nature, a fundamental, we need to learn how to teach it to ourselves.

So ask yourself:

What is the pattern which connects all the living creatures?
There is a study, for life, of life, for ever.

Bateson, G. (2002) Mind and Nature: A necessary Unity. Hampton Press. NJ