Duality

Take two identical objects, place them before you, and have them in physical contact with each other. Two paper clips, two pencils, two whatever, but they should be small. Innocence helps here, so do the exercise before you look at the follow-up questions.

Now, while looking at the “pair”, say these words mentally several times, “Two pencils” (Substitute with another name for the objects if you do not use pencils.)

Now, move them about a hand’s width apart from each other, and again mentally repeat the same phrase several times.

Separate them to two hands” width, and repeat again mentally several times.

Separate them to a shoulder’s width, and repeat again mentally several times. Do not “move back” to see them both comfortably, and instead move ONLY your eyes (not head) so that you scan from one to the other as you are mentally repeating.

Separate them about as far apart as your outstretched arms (but do not remain in contact with them with your hands), and repeat again mentally several times. Again, do not move back, and this time, move your head (mostly) so that you scan from one to the other as you are mentally repeating.

Finally, move the objects to as far apart as the room’s width, and repeat the phrase while you move your head (mostly), so that you scan from one to the other as you are mentally repeating.

If you have the motivation, move them to a “much greater” distance apart than the room’s width. Have one of the objects in your view but the other one out of sight. If this is “too much to ask” then put one of the objects out of sight (in a drawer perhaps), and this time just stare at the visible object while you mentally repeat the phrase.

Ask yourself,What is “two” for me?

What is “space” for me?

How do I use space to define values? How did the concept of “two-ness” change for me as the space between the objects increased?

How does the “volume of space” that “contains a distance” change my opinions? If I take a “quick peek” through an open doorway into an otherwise empty room and see two persons who are on opposite sides of the room, would I probably assume they are “together”? How does this “opinion” change if I imagine them the same distance apart in the middle of a desert?

When I saw the two objects together, did the concept of “a set” or “a pair” dominate the experience, and then a more abstract definition of “two” became operative as the distance increased? Did they ever stop being “two” for me?

What does the distance have to be between myself and someone before I feel we are a “couple”, “a pair”, or are “relating with each other” in the eyes of others who may view us at a party? How do I adjust such spaces as a way of communication to others about my relationship with my partner?

How close emotionally do I have to be, before my loved one and I are a “couple” in my own eyes? What do I mean by “close emotionally”? How big is the “emotional space” that I have us in? How big do I want it to be?

Are my relationships in “rooms” or “outdoors in the wide open spaces”?

How do I feel when I become one of a twosome? Do the unifying aspects that define our “set” “overcome” my individuality, or is my definition of myself expanded by the unity?

How far do I feel from my inner spirit? Are we a twosome?

For “homework,” see if my below poem has meaning for you.

Two is but an echo seenOnly something caught by mindLaughter heard from photographSound for mental ear designed

Two is but a shadow castSuch as seen inside a bookWhen a cloud though only inkGives to vale a darker look

Two is but the thinnest filmSalted trail of tear that’s driedLeft upon a mother’s cheekWhen she’s viewed her child with pride

Two is but a memoryWhen compared to what was doneOh it seems an age agoOur two hearts became as one