Patterns Within Patterns

From the macro, the very big, to the micro, the very small, patterns inundate every aspect of reality. The clustering of neurons in the brain is similar to the clustering of galaxies in the universe. Everything has a pattern and most of the time it is a communal pattern. The pattern of flocking birds is similar to the pattern of swarming locusts. The spread of rust is similar to the spread of bacteria. Within every pattern, there exist even more patterns which are evident throughout all life and all art. In regards to life, Deoxyribonucleic Acid, DNA is a well known pattern, comprised of nucleic acids which are arranged within a double helix. Yet within the double helix, there exist another pattern. The way the nucleic acids are configured in the double helix is a pattern within a pattern. Art imitates life… so it is not surprising that patterns within patterns can also be seen in art. Musical notes are arranged into patterns, chords, which are combined to make even more complex patterns, music. Chess pieces are guided according to simple patterns. Yet when combined constructively, these simple patterns form more complex patterns which helps the player to achieve victory. The recognition of patterns within patterns begins and ends with the mind. It’s the mind that becomes aware of patterns and it’s the body that reacts to patterns.

Pattern recognition is so basic that it seems like an instinctual ability, which it maybe, but the perfection of pattern recognition takes practice. From an early age, we are expose to patterns… the pattern of a mother’s heartbeat or facial features. Constant exposure to patterns increase our ability to recognize patterns. The recognition of patterns help us to quantify and react to our environment. Every time we recognize and categorize a thing, a person, a movement, or an event it is done so by arranging similar patterns into classes. These classes become an even more complex pattern. With constant repetition, an individual can recognize that the complexities within patterns are just a sum of simple patterns. The knowledge of the process of pattern recognition gives an individual a greater potential to react and adapt to a wider range of patterns. Recognition of patterns is the ebb of thought while pattern manipulation is the flow of actions.

Pattern manipulation is the changing of a pattern or an arrangement of patterns according to one’s will. Pattern manipulation requires a knowledge of the patterns. That knowledge is achieved through exposure. The farmer, expose to the seasons, manipulates the land (environment) to produce agriculture, food. The fighter, expose to new techniques, manipulates the ring (fighting area) to create an outcome of his or hers choosing. The slightest manipulation of your opponent’s pattern, as with a jab, can cause an overwhelming change in your opponent’s overall movement, his or hers fight plan. If you become aware that your opponent’s punches are preceded by a dipping of their shoulders, then you have the ability to manipulate their pattern, telegraph their punch. If it is brought to your attention that your chin lifts while throwing a straight punch, then it’s your responsibility to (consciously) correct that pattern, that movement. That type of pattern is a liability to you and an asset to your opponent. If you are memorizing a new technique, a new form, or a new pattern, then do so knowing that mindful actions produce a more favorable effects than lackadaisical actions. Twenty minutes of attentive training is more beneficial than an hour of lazy training. Pattern manipulation is achieved when pattern recognition becomes a reflex action and that is achieved through mindful repetition.

It is difficult not to see patterns within other patterns… that’s our perception within a dualistic reality. Focus on simple patterns for the simplest patterns are the most apparent. Be mindful when performing basic movements. In essence, a movement is a series of forms. Forms are a series of shapes and shapes are a series of patterns. Understand that you and your opponent form a system comprised of complex patterns which are rooted in much simpler patterns. If you manipulated a simple pattern within the system, then you can manipulate the entire system (directly or indirectly). Draw your opponent into a sphere of your own design. Within this sphere, you can guide your opponent to perform a predictable movement… a predictable pattern.

-William Giles