The Authentic Dimension

We do not live in a two dimensional world. In fact, there may be several dimensions beyond the three dimensions that are easily conceivable to the average mind. But sticking with the two dimensional reality concept and the three dimensional reality concept, even the possibility of a fourth, I wish to discuss how life is so much more than what we can see and perceive visually. The eye can easily see depth. We know that there are three dimensions. We know that we move around in space, and that objects are more than a flat sheet of paper. Still, whether we are on our iPhones, or looking at a magazine in the Doctor’s office, we are seduced by appearances, and live very much in a two dimensional world. AI can even make our wastes smaller, and our skin flawless. We want this. And in the three dimensional world, we crave order and beauty in our environments. Home decor, landscaping, and general cleanliness, seem to give our lives added meaning. We want the latest styles in our wardrobe, and we want a new and shiny car in our driveway. So much of this is about appearances, and in theory this is very two dimensional. Our entire existence can be consumed by the pursuit of these two dimensional achievements. We may even sculpt our bodies by going to the gym or vigorously dieting.

Many know there is more to life than how much we own, or what we look like visually. We seek out therapy, spiritual groups, and we nurture our close relations with family and friends. It is good to move towards this way of living. I want to try and break up with a culture that encourages me to obsess about physical appearances. Don’t get me wrong, I want clear skin, nice hair, a body that is attractive, and a clean home. All of these things make me happy and they matter. But when does it all become unbalanced? When are we sacrificing our spiritual lives, and our authentic selves, for how things appear? I personally want to move into another dimension entirely. I want to stop clicking on videos of pop artists who are sexually portraying themselves to a misogynistic world. I want to value myself, and women, for more than their appearance. True, many of these artists are talented singers, songwriters, and musicians. But it seems the world only becomes captivated, or rather, the industry only allows these artists to be successful by showing off their bodies as part of their contract for fame. Okay, there are a few exceptions. Patty Smith, Janis Joplin, and Ani Difranco are talented female musicians that seem to mostly be famous for their talent, not by sexualizing their bodies. The point is, I want for myself to focus on meaning rather than appearance. To do this, I need to quit supporting industries like the diet industry, the pop industry, and Hollywood. To do this, all I need to do is stop clicking on it all.

As I’m eating my cereal, I think to myself; I am enjoying this, the crunching, the flavor, the satisfying carbs entering my bloodstream. None of that is about appearances. When I am walking down the road, blood pumping through my veins filling me with endorphins, I walk along and I feel better. The day may be beautiful, but experiencing the smells and the sights goes beyond a two or three dimensional scene. I am in it, I am having emotions, memories, and feelings. Healing my mental health and learning to master emotional sobriety is not happening as I scroll through my feed on Instagram or FaceBook. Rather, it is happening as I connect with others in recovery. This, again, is happening on a frequency that I cannot see visually. There are forces in the universe and inside my personhood, that are bringing my life meaning. Nature itself, in all its physical beauty, is partly magical and transformational because it has a presence, because it is alive. It is more than just a painting of a tree or sunset. Life being alive is the point. I want to and crave to have experience. Over and over, I try to learn that nothing is perfect. I should not be trying to achieve perfect. Getting away from a two dimensional world that revolves around appearances, helps me accept myself and love myself for not being perfect. It is all okay. I am okay. Now, I can focus on how I feel and who I am authentically.