Introduction
"Heidegger’s concept of “Lichtung” (Clearing) refers to the “clearing” or “open space” in the midst of a forest."
"Selva Oscura is the dark forest of the postmodern world"
In this Essay, I want to share my personal journey of overcoming the challenges of creative chaos and the importance of taking action. I will use the metaphor of the "Selva Oscura," or the dark forest, to describe the postmodern world that we live in, and the concept of the Clearing, or the Lichtung, to describe the state of clarity and peace that I have found by embracing chaos and transforming myself and my environment. I will also explain the main concepts and terms that I will use throughout this project, such as Chaos, Labyrinth, Creativity, Holzwege (Pathless Paths) and LICHTUNG (Clearing).
Struggling with Chaos - Lost in the Labyrinth
The Selva Oscura is a metaphor for the dark and uncertain aspects of life, as well as the creative process. It is inspired by Dante’s Divine Comedy, where the poet finds himself in a dark forest at the beginning of his journey through the afterlife. The Selva Oscura consists of two parts, which are very closely interconnected: the macrocosmos of the postmodern external reality, with its global climate, geopolitical, economic crises and uncertainties, and the microcosmos of the personal internal reality of the creative individual. The Selva Oscura is a dystopic and terrifying landscape, where there are no secure paths and no waypoints, no waymarks, milestones, or beacons. All paths end in chaos, failure, and loss. Is there a way out?
To cope with this challenge, I’ve learned to embrace a pathless approach - a unique journey without predefined routes or boundaries. This paradigm of “The Pathless Path” allows me to create my own order, my own pathway, and my own way through the chaotic maze of this dystopic landscape. It is a flexible and adaptable approach, that relies on my intuition and curiosity, rather than on fixed plans or maps - a unique journey without predefined routes or boundaries.
This paradigm of “The Pathless Path” can be applied to both short projects and long-term life trajectories. For example, when I worked on a photographic and filmic project that explored the city of BERLIN, I decided to explore the city without a map or a plan, and let myself be guided by my intuition and curiosity. I discovered new places, new perspectives, and new possibilities that I would have missed otherwise.
A holistic realization of the Pathless Approach is my whole creative life trajectory, which has been shaped by various experiences, influences, and choices that I have made along the way. I have not followed a predetermined or conventional path, but rather created my own path by following my passions, interests, and values. I have learned from different cultures, disciplines, and people, and integrated them into my own worldview and identity. I have also faced many challenges, uncertainties, and risks, but I have used them as opportunities for growth, learning, and transformation. By adopting the Pathless Approach, I have been able to express myself, create, and share my vision with others in a unique and authentic way.
Confronting the Fear of Despair - Escaping the Trap of Hopelessness
"Struggling to impose order, invent a creative pathway, and find direction through the chaotic maze of this dystopic landscape is a daunting task, almost impossible."
The postmodern dystopic social and geopolitical territory is a source of constant fear of failure, loss, and death. Despair could easily become the dominant mood. “What I must never do is stagnate, give up, or feel like I’m sinking - the feeling of meaninglessness and hopelessness.” To overcome this fear, the solution is clear - TAKE ACTION! Creativity is not just about having ideas; it’s about making things happen, transforming, and changing. It’s the commitment to start something, no matter how simple or complex, such as making a cup of coffee, going for a walk, or doing a photo-video wander.
Taking action is not just moving; it’s intentionally transforming. Every action, whether it’s changing a situation, rearranging elements, or creating something new, has an intention behind it that sparks meaningful change. For example, when I was stuck and frustrated with my writing project, I changed my environment and went to a different place, where I found new inspiration and motivation. I also rearranged the structure and the content of my project, and created a new outline that helped me to organize my thoughts and arguments better.
Intentional Transformation - How to Change Your Forest and Yourself
As a result, by exploring the Selva Oscura, embracing chaos, and conquering the fear of despair, the pathless approach combined with intentional action becomes the guide. This journey is not just a quest for creativity; it’s a transformative adventure towards a more meaningful and fulfilled life. By changing my forest, I also change myself. I become more resilient, more adaptable, and more open to new experiences and opportunities.
I also develop my own sense of identity and authenticity, which Heidegger calls Eigentlichkeit. According to Heidegger, Eigentlichkeit means being true to one’s own potential and possibilities, rather than conforming to the expectations and norms of others or society. Eigentlichkeit is not a fixed or static state, but rather a dynamic and ongoing process of becoming oneself. By adopting the pathless approach, I can discover and realize my own potential and possibilities, and express them in my own unique way.
Conclusion: The Clearing (LICHTUNG) as a Guide
Heidegger’s concept of “Lichtung” refers to the “clearing” or “open space” in the midst of a forest. It is a term often used in his philosophy to describe a space where Being reveals itself. Heidegger explored this idea in his work, particularly in relation to understanding the nature of being and truth. He also used the metaphor of the Holzwege, or the wood paths, to describe the search for the meaning of being. The Holzwege are not straight or clear paths, but rather winding and obscure ones, that lead to different clearings, where different aspects of being can be encountered and understood.
The Clearing is a metaphor for the state of clarity and peace that comes from overcoming the challenges of the Selva Oscura and finding one’s own path. It is also a reference to the philosophical concept of the Holzwege, which Martin Heidegger used as a metaphor for the search for the meaning of being. The Clearing is not a fixed or final destination, but rather a dynamic and evolving process, that requires constant exploration and experimentation. The Clearing is where I can express myself, create, and share my vision with others. The Clearing is also where I can connect with my friends, who Heidegger calls die Eigenen. According to Heidegger, die Eigenen are those who share a common understanding and vision of being, and who support and inspire each other in their own journeys. Die Eigenen are not just acquaintances or companions, but rather authentic and genuine friends, who respect and appreciate each other’s uniqueness and individuality.
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