Faculty 2: Atmatype
The Observologist
Atmatype Anthem: I feel I exist.
DewBee Tales: The Core Story
"Direct observation of the luminous essence of nature is for me indispensable." - Robert Delaunay
The Observologist is the main character in Faculty 2 and represents our human existence as experienced from the inside out. Moment by moment, an omniscient narrator holds the lens and consciously or unconsciously adjust focus depending on levels of curiosity, comfort and concentration. In Buddhism this is called our capacity for “eternal watchfulness”.
Much like an inner stenographer, journalist or photographer, the Observologist actively captures the play by play of an unfolding series of events. The quality of this codification process, however, is greatly impacted by our level of mindfulness. Ultimately, it is the role of the Observologist to engage with the notion of being alive in the here and now.
If being fully present poses real or perceived danger, the Observologist signals an evacuation or a retreat. Although seemingly different strategies, both options involve forsaking emotion and recoiling (fear) from the pain of being in the body. For example, many trauma victims have injuries to their Observologist-- who saw too much and decided to either hyper expand or hyper contract to avoid feeling the experience.
Regardless of strategy, the Observologist is the full spectrum spectator of our experiences –the one who people watches, “rubbernecks” and absorbs the whole scene even when the eyes are shut closed. A more action-oriented version of what Eastern Spiritualists call the “witness conscious” and a less diagnostic version of what Western Psychology calls “Self-Monitoring”, The Observologist thrives on relaxed alertness, multi-dimensional check points and being in the zone.
Animal
"I know up on the top you are seeing great sights, but down at the bottom we, too should have rights." - Dr. Seuss
Thoreau’s sentiment: “Heaven is under our feet as well as over our heads” is a perfect anthem to symbolize the Turtle, who by many cultures is thought to unite heaven and earth.
Life can be loud and abrasive and it’s natural to want to hide away under a shell. When the Observologist gets stuck in hibernation, however, it’s easy to lose sight of the full picture. The Turtle represents the Observologist’s need to slow down, rest, get grounded, tap into a full body experience and re-enter the human race, again and again.
Some times all we need to observe is the majesty of the next breathe to know everything is okay. Our own inspiration, however, may be hard to find – in which case, lay the soft belly upon the land and listen to the sounds of the earth. Be like the turtle --gather at the water’s edge to absorb the light of the sun. Wait patiently, basking in warmth, until it feels safe to come out of hiding.
Numerology
“The deepest of level of communication is not communication, but communion. It is wordless ... beyond speech ... beyond concept.” - Thomas Merton
The number 2 is symbolic of partnerships (both unifying and oppositional) and represents the role of The Observologist as the Witness of the Self. The number 2 represents the potential of mutuality as the bridge between worlds. Just like Yin needs Yang and the Sun needs the Moon, Faculty 1 & 2 are as inexorably linked as the sperm and the egg.
Our duty as human beings is to expand beyond our personal power in collaboration with another. Without the Observologist to hold space, there’s no proof that the story ever existed. These 2 characters need each other to function as a whole creation. But like any pair, this communion can become off balance, codependent and even destructive. Relationships are advanced spiritual work. When two gets torn into two—it is no longer greater than one.
Numerological Pairings:
Faculty 2: The Observologist, I feel I exist
Faculty 11: The Agent, I can easily see where my strengths and vulnerabilities reside
Faculty 20: The Coach, I am receptive to trustworthy guidance and deeply honor decision-making
Color
“I told myself that some families we get without asking, while others we choose. And I chose those two. I think that’s what you’d call a silver lining.” ― Jenny Valentine, Broken Soup
Silver is one of the three base metals in alchemy and a symbol of supple strength. Often associated with femininity, eloquence and the moon, Silver is said to mirror the soul and inspire intuition. Capable of melding with the environment and known for durability, Silver is well suited for behind the scenes reconnaissance.
Aroma
“Nothing wilts faster than laurels that have been rested upon” – Percy Shelley
There are many stories about the magical and luminescent qualities of the Laurel tree to purify and awaken awareness. The Observologist can easily be described as a Laureate (as if crowned with a Laurel-wreath as a sign of special merit) for all the behind the scenes work involved in the practice of mindfulness.
