Far … a Long, Long Way to Run

“Far … a Long, Long Way to Run”

“The seven-tone scale is the formula of a cosmic law which was worked out by ancient schools and applied to music. A study of the structure of the seven-tone musical scale [do-re-mi-fa-so-la-ti-do] gives a very good foundation for understanding the cosmic law of octaves. The distance between one “do” and the next is an octave. It is divided into seven unequal parts because the frequency of vibrations does not increase uniformly. The differences in the notes or the differences in the pitch of the notes are called intervals. A greater difference is found between the intervals of mi-fa and si-do. When octaves are spoken of in a ‘cosmic’ or a ‘mechanical’ sense, only those intervals between mi-fa and si-do are called intervals.

Ascending octave: when the first interval comes mi-fa additional energy is needed to bridge the interval and continue ascending. Then again between si-do it needs a much stronger energy to proceed to the next “do” of double the frequency.” — P.D. Ouspensky

To share my understanding on bridging intervals as described by P.D. Ouspensky I use the lyrics of the “Do-Re-Mi” song in the Sound of Music. (Esotericism is sometimes hidden in plain sight.)

“(Do) Doe, a deer, a female deer” … I recently received a call from my son, who asked a sincere question about his future education: “If I go back to college, how can I be sure that I will be motivated and successful on completing a course of study and finishing my degree program?” He has returned to college a few times already and each time he restarted, he began with motivation and enthusiasm. Yet for several reasons he was not able to overcome the various obstacles and did not finish. “Do” starts the octave.

“(Re) Ray, a drop of golden sun” … To be aware of an inability to complete goals and finish octaves is already a heightened awareness of my human condition and a step toward understanding myself. I felt uniquely equipped to give him advice on this matter because I did not complete my college degree until I was 37 years old. Frequently, I attributed my so-called failures to something outside myself rather than seeing intervals as a natural component in the Law of Octaves. To stay the course in any octave, I need to assert more effort at the moment I observe that I am in an interval.

“(Mi) Me, a name I call myself” … How do I know when I am in an interval? Typically, the many “I’s” will try to convince me that I did not really want to pursue that topic anyway, or I did not need a college degree, or the “I” renewed the effort in the wrong way or chose the wrong degree program. These examples of the “I’s” generated at the mi-fa interval come quickly in the notes of an octave. Will my son also recognize the interval?

“(Fa) Far, a long, long way to run” … Because this process of intervals is predictable, I can be ready to reaffirm my original plan and bring more effort when the mi-fa interval occurs as the “I’s” begin to derail me. Of course, if I have not yet verified the many “I’s” and seen their masquerade, then this tool is unavailable to me at the crucial time when intervals occur. Preparation is half the battle.

“(So) Sew, a needle pulling thread” … The energy that I receive by being present and watching the many “I’s,” rather than being deviated by them, is enough to reconnect with my aim, make a renewed effort and keep ascending. To bring this song analogy full circle, if I break a thread when sewing (mi-fa), I rethread the needle rather than stop sewing. Bridging the interval – restoring my aim and making an extra effort – gives me energy to continue.

“(La) La, a note to follow so” … At this point, I might feel like the octave is progressing without much effort. Quite frankly, I cannot say that I distinctly feel myself passing through “la” but I have a vague feeling that I am back on track and coming to the finish line.

“(Ti) Tea, a drink with jam and bread” … When I arrive at the ti-do (or si-do) interval, it feels as though I am finished, that I have completed the octave. If I do not bring even more awareness and presence to this moment, I may never really know or admit that the octave was not entirely completed. I might feel inclined to rest and turn away from those last few efforts of “clean up” – of “finishing with flying colors.” I can only hope that my son sees the intervals and perseveres.

“That will bring us back to do” … To bring me to the next octave – to a higher level – I need to recognize and be in a state of heightened awareness to see the final efforts which are necessary to bridge this si-do interval. Again, knowing about the many “I’s” and not believing them is crucial.

“We shall not cease from exploration

And the end of all our exploring

Will be to arrive where we started

And know the place for the first time.”

— T.S. Eliot

Divine Inspiration of Music, Nicolas Regnier