The interplay between art and ‚real life‘ is a metaphor for the relationship with “the whole of what makes us who we are”.
While Ben Haggard is known as a teacher of innovative thinking, this conversation makes sorties into the world of art revealing Ben also as a painter. In fact, he sits in front of one of his abstract works while – quite symbolically – a self-portrait looms in the back-ground like a silent observer.
Ben says that art is not about imitation but about engaging in that process by which nature manifests the universe. He might as well say this about the central message of his teaching.
A wonderful insight into a sphere full of awe is granted when Ben describes the phase of experiencing life before the unfolding process is “put into thingness”:
“… an altered state where I’m trying to stay at that moment, before I’ve named anything, before my intellectual mind has engaged.”
However, the teaching Ben is sought for all over the world deals with the unfolding of manifestation on this side of that threshold and René challenges the dichotomy between the otherworldly artist and the intellectual teacher. He suggests that none of Ben’s narrative is new but merely smartly crafted concepts in a specific language. It is here where the viewer receives the explanation why ‘interplay’ is the topic of their discussion. Ben does not see the apparently opposing forces as contradicting each other. Rather they are in a synergistic interplay with each other from whence evolution unfolds.
At a casual glance one might think this RTalk is over-intellectual fare. But watching this episode soon is like unwrapping a present which reveals an unexpected colourful marvel of warmth and optimism. And yet, it is not without reality-check when Ben says:
“We have been gifted – or we have evolved – consciousness … not only to help ourselves evolve but to be able to participate in the overall process of evolution.”
Biography
Ben specializes in a holistic, systems-based approach to understanding and building upon the complex human, natural and economic relationships that create and sustain the vitality and viability of a place.
Ben has provided a range of professional expertise to a wide spectrum of projects across North America, helping to develop models of thinking that integrate ecological and living-systems approaches with large-scale development. He has worked with developers and design teams, governmental agencies, city planning departments, educational institutions, non-profit organizations, and others to apply the Regenesis approach to a broad range of community development issues and contexts.
Ben is a skilled writer, facilitator, and strategic thinker. His current work focuses on developing processes that coalesce diverse stakeholders around unifying, higher-order aims. Recent projects have included a new sustainable community planned for the outskirts of Capetown, South Africa and a regional sustainability planning project in the Finger Lakes region of New York. He also acts as a faculty member for The Regenerative Practitioner series.
Websites
Ben Haggard Studios: benhaggardstudios.com
References
09:26 Ben Haggard speed painting at Site Santa Fe: youtu.be/rLu-WHfbxRQ
