Each of the following symbols represent a way to interact with our world, a tenet to remind us to use it properly, and an element to artistically elaborate.
Many of us develop a tendency to use one or two more than the others. The opposite directions tend to be more difficult for us and require more practice.
These Human Tenets are guidelines to get the most out of each method of interacting with the world.
Observe then Question
Take nothing for granted; everything that is true in this world has an understandable explanation for why it is true. It is your duty to continuously question the world around you until you are satisfied with the answer.
The symbol for this tenet represents both an eye looking back and an arrow pointing forward. The central idea for this tenet is “look back to move forward.” This is also the overall practice of science; scientists use past observations to make predictions about the future and determine trends.
This tenet reminds us of our natural curiosity about our observations of the world. The most common question asked by children is “why?” Our sense of wonder is with us from the day we are born. We can use communication tools and research to satisfy our curiosity and come up with even more questions that you hadn’t thought to ask.
Water
Water can be passive and move around things in its way but it is persistent enough to form great canyons. Water will “get to the bottom of it.”
This way of interacting with the world means to inquire and investigate the things in front of you as well as within you. Indirectly, the water can reveal things that may have been covered for a long time.
Open and Listen
You are born as a blank slate, ready to receive information about how to survive and thrive in the world around you. Unfortunately, your brain does not have enough time to fully develop before you are born. Luckily, people think you’re pretty cute for at least a few years and they will want to take care of you and help you learn and grow. Lessons about you and your world will come quickly; it’s your job to absorb as much information as you can.
It’s actually a good thing our brains are not fully developed when we enter the world; our ability to interact with the world will teach us more than we could ever learn in the safety of your mother’s womb. The best way to grow is by listening, which doesn’t only refer to what you hear.
The symbol for this tenet represents outstretched arms. When you stand up from being asleep or simply sitting, your first instinct is to stretch your muscles. This is a form of you listening to your body. When you quiet your mind in the form of meditation, you will find that your body will talk with you quite frequently. It will tell you what it needs to thrive and will even send you messages to help make the best decisions for your overall well-being.
This tenet reminds us of opening ourselves to the world. When we are open, it gives other people “breathing room” so that they can feel at ease. We have the choice to hold on or release the energy that we take in from others. Openness allows energy to flow in and out.
Air
Air is open and free flowing, but can become chaotic and cause things to fly away. However, air can become stale if not able to flow.
This way of interacting with the world means to listen openly. It is important to be open to new ideas but do not let yourself get swept away by believing everything you hear.
Do, then Empathize
You are not alone in this world; there are others who were here before you and there will be many who arrive after you. While you exist in this world, you have the ability to manipulate your surroundings and influence people close to you. However, to create the best possible future for yourself and those around you, you’ll need to practice empathy.
To properly empathize, you must completely disregard everything you know to be you and view the world through someone else’s perspective. This can be difficult at first since you have no way to understand how your upbringing influenced you differently than others. With practice you’ll get better.
The symbol for this tenet represents a speaking mouth. When you speak, you share your thoughts; with empathy, you can choose the best words to help others understand your intentions. You can use your voice, or your actions or works of art, to connect with other people to make a change in your world.
This tenet reminds us of action and doing. When we do anything, including sit perfectly still, it has an affect on this world. We are responsible for the consequences of our actions. However, we can never fully undo what we have done so we must focus on our next actions rather than our previous ones.
Fire
Fire is always changing. It can easily die or grow too large when not properly tended.
This way of interacting with the world means to make changes. It is important to remember that all changes have consequences so we empathize with others to see how they can be affected by what we do.
Be and Trust
Trust is the hardest tenet to follow because it is a continual practice. They say “trust takes a long time to build and a moment to destroy.” To trust is a decision you make on a daily, and sometimes a moment by moment, basis. Trust can overpower fear and allow you to see the world with a more open perspective.
The symbol for this tenet represents home, perhaps a tent or a mountain. The home is quiet yet welcoming; it is consistent and accepting. To trust is to accept something as truth. Acceptance is the final stage of undergoing change and is difficult to reach. However, once it is reached, you can never return to your beliefs before the change.
This tenet reminds us of patience and the state of being. To be is to accept the world around you, as well as yourself within that world. The most frustrating part of earning your patience is that it always takes time when you must use it. However, if you can master this tenet, peace will always be within reach.
Earth
Earth is still and steady. It forces everything to move around it.
The mountain does not apologize for casting a shadow.
This way of interacting with the world means to simply be and exist in this world. Patience is a skill that gets easier with practice, but still takes time every time you use it.
Dynamic Creatures
You are not a static creature; you will constantly change during your brief time here. To stay the same person throughout your life is to avoid growth. Without growth, there is no progress. With no progress, what is the purpose of existing?
You are free to choose how you will live your life; the tenets are merely guidelines. Each tenet becomes easier to follow the more you practice it. Try to keep your energy balanced in how you interact with this world. Although some may feel more natural to you than others, in order to be the best person you can be, you must learn to interact with the world in all ways.
Think of the tenets as a cycle; once you practice one tenet, move to the next one. If you cannot ask a question without listening, then why ask? If you cannot listen without being willing to make a change with what you learned, then why learn? If you cannot trust in the changes your actions create, then why make the change? If you do not question your world, then why exist here in this world?
- Earth is always changing, don’t get stuck on your beliefs and become stubborn.
You can change as slowly as you need. - Fire can grow on its own, don’t get too hot and become explosive.
You are responsible for the flames you ignite. - Air can move quickly, don’t lose connection with the ground and become chaotic.
You can choose your own beliefs. - Water can pierce, don’t be cold and become detached.
You are always observing yourself.
You may find that practicing one direction gives clarity for another: questioning helps you to make greater change; listening helps you to trust more. You have a choice in every moment how you want use your energy to interact with this world. As in all things, balance is the key.
You are a human.