Q4 2023: Lend Me Your Ear

I listened to a book this morning that was discussing the dynamics of cause and effect.  I couldn’t help but to think about how Sir Isaac Newton’s third law of motion was described to me in high school, “For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction.”  Beyond understanding the gravity of Physics (pun intended), I pondered its relevance to Freemasonry.  Allow me a few moments to further explore that idea. 

Multiple sources attribute, “If you only knew the magnificence of the 3, 6, and 9 then you would have the key to the universe,” to Nikola Tesla.  While I’m not sure if Tesla really said this, this statement does intrigue me.  First, I have observed that the position of 3, 6, and 9 each squarely make up a quarter step of an analog clock.  This becomes very apparent when looking at decorative clocks in some of the lodges I’ve traveled to.   If you do some digging, you might find other relationships between these numbers that are interesting.

Continuing with the Physics theme, understanding one’s time and direction of travel unlocks the ability to calculate velocity: (avg) velocity = displacement / time.  Displacement can be calculated by understanding change in position.  Change is often mathematically represented by the Greek character delta – a detail that brings a smile to my face.  As I think about how delta is represented, I remember being told once that Geometry is the first and noblest of sciences. 

I consulted a dictionary and looked up the definition of Physics.  Britannica defines it as, “… in the broadest sense, physics is concerned with all aspects of nature on both the macroscopic and submicroscopic levels.”  All things considered; I get the impression that we can learn much from nature.

Further expansion on applying these ideas leads me to reflect on the importance of intent.  If we wish to see movement or change, we must put into practice forces to set things in motion.  Immediately I think of Covey’s two realities:  the idea and the realization.  These are eerily like aspects of cause and effect.  There is much to ponder about how one transitions from the first reality to the second, or how to get from architectural design to a physical manifestation.  If you will, please lend me an attentive ear for one last thought on Physics.

Frequency can be discovered by dividing velocity by wavelength.  According to Wikipedia, resonance is a phenomenon that occurs when an object or system is subjected to an external force or vibration that matches its natural frequency.  In the human sense, to understand if something will “resonate” with someone means meeting on their level and engaging with an attentive ear.  In my opinion, this is the first real lesson of leadership.  I struggle with this too – we all desperately want to connect with others.  We want to speak first and find common ground.  Sometimes we mistakenly think the best way to achieve this is to immediately share our advice or inject our experience in hopes of being helpful.  I heard a smart man once say, “we are doomed to see the world as we are and not as it is.” 

With that, I’ll shift to another science and explain another aspect of nature:  emergence.  Cells unite into organs, organs into systems, and systems into beings.  The complex structures that the cells unite into do far more than they could on their own.  What keeps them organized and bonded?  That’s an interesting question indeed.  In the case of human endeavors, there are many thoughts on what cements us. 

I give you these ideas as potential talking points; hopefully, a start to inspire discussions.  Maybe it will cause a Brother to call another Brother or two.  I’ve done my best to put that intent into motion with these written words.  If I’m on the receiving end of a call, I’ll feel blessed to be thought of.  I will lend you my ear.

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