Some say we are in a spiritual warfare, while others would respond that this claim is quite dramatic. One thing is true, broadly speaking: the following living ontologies are in tension—the timeless and the timely.
Those who primarily operate within a timeless ontology—the “timeless”—live feeling as if time does not exist. Of course, they may see it as a useful fiction, but they have no embodied sense of time. It is an illusion, ultimately not real.
Those who primarily operate within a timely ontology—the “timelies” or “time-lies”—live with the feeling that time truly exists. They mistakenly believe they can feel time; in reality, what they experience is ambient anxiety, each tick-tock bringing them closer to death.
The time-lies are dominating the world. They drive our legacy institutions, have power, and are either desperately trying to slow time down or speed it up. The time-lies are aware that death is always a second away and are doing whatever they can to have a few seconds more because, with only more time, they could finally feel alive.
The timeless are inherently closer to the truth because they know this is a lie. Time is a “noble lie” that has become ignoble because the time-lies are royally messing things up, running around like headless chickens, foolishly trying to control what is uncontrollable. The timeless secret is that one can always step outside of time, allowing one's body to feel fully alive.
However, this realization is daunting because, within the timeless ontology, we confront a profound truth: we truly know nothing. This state of unknowing opens a door to true knowledge, a form of knowing that cannot be controlled—only dulled by the lies of time.
The timeless have grown weary of these lies and are ready to fully own their power. By doing so, they will help establish wise order, finally allowing this ontological tension to be released.
The second printing of “The Dark Forest Anthology” is now available on Metalabel.
and I have a piece in the anthology, providing a poetic reimagining of The Stoa. You can watch a recent roundtable with the collective below:Also, if you'd like to explore a dark forest and immerse yourself in timeless vibes, feel free to join us for Collective Journaling weekdays at 8:00 AM Eastern. Details are described below, and RSVP is available behind the paywall.
What is Collective Journalling? This communal practice happens via Zoom and is 90 mins, with check-ins in the chat at the beginning and an opportunity to connect with fellow journallers in breakout rooms at the end. You do not have to stay the whole time. If you are in an antisocial mood, you do not have to interact with anyone, yet you can still enjoy the coffee shop-esque communal vibe. The session concludes with an optional sharing of a passage in the chat. Most of the time is spent in silence together, individually inquiring about what matters most. A lovely group of people has formed around this practice.
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