Skip to content

Trance Blackman Posts

A Century of “Progress”

I had a short “chat” with ChatGPT while walking through the woods on a cold, sunny winter day. GPT is fairly agreeable, as you’ll read, but we explored some thought-provoking ideas and philosophical insights that may be of interest to you, the reader, so I thought it worth sharing here in the journal. It required some minor editing for grammar and mistranslations from my voice-to-text efforts. Otherwise, this is the essence of it.

On Time: Calendars

The calendar we use is chaotic and inconsistent, yet most of us rarely question it. We rely on devices to track time, adjusting for leap years and daylight savings without a second thought. But what if this flawed system is causing confusion and disconnection from nature? Perhaps it’s time to reconsider how we measure and experience time.

Soul, Spirit, and the Purpose of Life, Part I: Introduction

Language shapes our reality, influencing thought, emotion, and perception. Yet its deliberate manipulation has sown confusion, distorted truth, and eroded understanding. Words carry meaning, and when that meaning is lost or twisted, clarity fades, leaving us open to deception. To reclaim discernment, we must restore precision to language and uncover truths buried beneath centuries of distortion. In this series, I will explore the soul, spirit, and their roles in life’s greater purpose.

Quick Fixes and the Long Game

In an age of instant gratification, we are drawn to the illusion of quick fixes, often framed by a parade of success stories — whether on stage at motivational seminars or, more commonly, scrolling through social media. These narratives promise effortless fulfillment, yet they are ultimately a gamble. True stability and resilience come not from fleeting trends but from rising above them, seeking what is authentic and enduring. This path requires an uncommon commitment to self-awareness and introspection — questioning our beliefs and thoughtfully considering our actions.

Discernment

Discernment is the ability to see clearly, understand deeply, and decide wisely. It’s more than just making choices — it’s the art of perceiving truth beneath the noise, of navigating life with clarity and purpose. In a world filled with distractions and half-truths, discernment acts as a compass, pointing us toward what is real, meaningful, and aligned with our values. But how do we cultivate such an elusive yet essential skill?