Wednesday, January 2, 2013

The quality of being both, at the same time

duality [djuːˈælɪtɪ]
n pl -ties
1. the state or quality of being two or in two parts; dichotomy
2. (Physics / General Physics) Physics the principle that a wave-particle duality exists in microphysics in which wave theory and corpuscular theory are complementary. The propagation of electromagnetic radiation is analysed using wave theory but its interaction with matter is described in terms of photons. The condition of particles such as electrons, neutrons, and atoms is described in terms of de Broglie waves
3. (Mathematics) Geometry the interchangeability of the roles of the point and the plane in statements and theorems in projective geometry
 
Items 2 and 3 are beyond - let's say for now - my ability to process.  Item 1 seems to be the plinth from which my life rises.  When I wonder at my fatigue, I need to remember how much energy it takes to maintain balance.

It is too soon to know much beyond the fact that duality not only exists but has hired the caterers, picked the music and arranged the lighting.  I show up and hope I can find my place card.

This is not a new theme.  It has been shouting at me in its outdoor voice, growing more and more insistent, inescapable, for at least six months.  I hope the condition becomes less dizzying over time.  I more than half suspect this is the natural order of things.  It gets so little press because - then what?  

As my friend Patricia once said, "Hang on to your sunsuit straps."  We are in unknown territory.
 

4 comments:

Erin in Morro Bay said...

Sunsuits?! Does anyone wear them any more? My mom thought they were cute and always made several of them for me each summer when I was young. I hated them - cowboys don't wear sunsuits!
Erin

beth coyote said...

I'm hanging on to my sunsuit straps for the next ride into 2013.

Duality-yep, light and shadow, ying/yang. We can't have one without the other.

~Beth

Marylinn Kelly said...

Erin - I like to draw kids in sunsuits. Cannot swear whether or not I ever wore them. But no, no cowboy would wear a sunsuit, ever. My beast was a blue plastic raincoat. Happy New Year. Vast good wishes. xo

Marylinn Kelly said...

Beth - Day three and it is already a ride. Yoicks. Let's hope the buttons are sewn on tight. When we were young(er), did they ever tell us about duality or did we just have to figure it out? Happy New Year. xo