YEAR OF INQUIRY | MONTH 2 THE MONTH OF Παρόν

How does our beingness meet life?

Last month I began my Year of Inquiry with Τὸ Ὦν. A year of exploring a living meaning of our beingness. That the quality of being that is present before identity, before achievement and before we explain ourselves away in this world. And I arrived at Who is the one who is asking this question? Actually I arrived at many more questions but this was a memory of past readings from authors who spoke of mysticism and consciousness. This paths months exploration I feel ahs helped my to understand this question more deeply and I can sense a sense of distance between me and me observing me. The distance is small – almost like there are two of us experiencing the world at times. And only at times.

And the exploration for this second month I invite the Greek word Παρόν (present) which for me, is an invitation to explore how our beingness continually meets the life that is unfolding around us. My every days are filled with meetings, many unscheduled, with commitments to clients, with art projects and the creation of writing for a new book. And time passes and as I write Im not even sure that time does pass.

The Greeks also spoke of Chronos and Kairos. Chronos gives rhythm to our lives through calendars, seasons, responsibilities and the practical commitments that allow us to care for one another and participate in the world. Kairos speaks of another quality of time, one in which an experience gathers depth and fullness. A conversation continues unfolding within us, a painting gradually reveals what it has been asking, or the changing light at the end of the day carries a richness that extends beyond its duration.

As I move be with Παρόν , I wonder whether these two qualities of time continually accompany one another. The rhythm of Chronos creates countless opportunities for Kairos to reveal itself. Presence is not separate from ordinary life. It is discovered through the way we meet what is already here.

This has become my inquiry for the month: How do we meet what is already present? See more of this month's inquiry on Instagram & Linkedin @nouladiamantopoulos

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ABOUT A YEAR OF INQUIRY

Over the coming year, I will be spending time with twelve Greek inspired inquiries and the questions they invite. Some of these words are ancient. Others have travelled through philosophy, poetry, mythology, and everyday life. Each carries a way of seeing, a way of relating, and a way of accompanying us in our exploration of what it means to be human.

Rather than moving quickly from one idea to the next, I will be living with one inquiry each month. Listening to it. Exploring its history. And following the questions it awakens. What is this Inquiry About? What is Healing?

The inquiry will follow me in my work, my relationships, my conversations, and my own unfolding. Follow me (here and on Instagram) through this year long journey and be part of the Inquiry too @nouladiamantopoulos.